Discover the treasures of Turkey

A group of Chinese and Turkish archaeologists are claiming to have found remnants of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, its legendary resting place in eastern Turkey.

Wooden specimens from a structure have been recovered, which carbon dating has proved to be 4800 years old, around the same time the ark is said to have been afloat.

Whether or not the claims are proven to be true, eastern Turkey is home to many other ancient wonders and Cox & Kings’ new tour of the region visits many other known historic and archaeological sites, including the Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubeyazit, offering views of Mount Ararat.

Also visited on the tour is the ruined city of Ani, once a rival city to Cairo and Constantinople with a population of over 100,000 and the 10th century Armenian Church in Akdamer on the island of Lake Van, close to the Iranian border, which has ornate biblical carvings on its exterior.

New for 2010, the Treasures of Eastern Turkey is a 7 day / 6 night escorted group tour that can also be taken as a private journey or as part of a tailor-made itinerary. Prices are from £1,115 per person based on 2 people sharing and include all flights, accommodation on a half-board basis and guided excursions.

Other biblical mountains which feature in Cox & Kings’ programmes include Mount Sinai in Egypt and Mount Nebo in Jordan.

For more information and bookings, visit coxandkings.co.uk.