Unveiling Eastern Turkey's hidden secrets

Get off-the-beaten-track in Turkey. Early September is the ideal time to discover the fascinating history, archaeological treasures and ancient ruins of 13 successive civilisations – the land whose origins date back more than 10,000 years.

Travel the Unknown (traveltheunknown.com) invites you to go back in time and relive the unforgettable adventures of Eastern Turkey –discover ancient civilisations, religions, traditional village life and stunning natural beauty. The 12-day Eastern Turkey Explorer tour departs on 4 September 2010.

The tour also coincides with the last few days of Ramadan – the Islamic holy month of religious fasting and festivities. Experience the sunset feast of Iftar and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations and understand more about the Kurdish culture of the East.

Other highlights of this trip:

- Take in sunset at Mount Nemrut overlooking awesome statues of giants and animal heads;
- Visit the archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe, dating back 11,500 years (the oldest man-made site of worship in the world);
- Climb the walls of Diyarbakir, second in size only to the China’s Great Wall;
- Visit the former Armenian capital of Ani and discover its incredible history;
- Visit the incredible Ishak Pasa Palace, perched on a hill-top overlooking Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain;
- Experience a boat ride through a stunning gorge passing Rumkale fort;
- Lunch in beehive mud huts;
- Boat ride across the azure waters of Lake Van, surrounded by the snowy peaks of Akdamar Kilisesi.

The price of £2,195 pp includes internal flights, accommodation, ground transport, restricted area permits, most meals, guides, drivers, activities, entrance fees to sites and carbon-offsetting fee.

(The shorter, 8 days Eastern Turkey Snapshot tour departs on 2 October 2010, £1400pp).

For more information and bookings, visit: traveltheunknown.com