48 hours
in Bitlis
First day
After having a local Turkish breakfast, start with a panoramic tour of the city. A Bitlis tour should include the Castle of Bitlis where the memories of Alexander the Great still live, and Bitlis Museum, İhlasiye Madrasa, Şerifbey (Scenery) Hill, El Aman Caravanserai, as well as some historical mosques, tombs and bridges. Try local dishes, particularly büryan for lunch. In the afternoon, you can travel to Tatvan, a beautiful district of Bitlis, spoiled by mother nature. Taking a rest at the side of Lake Van, have a warm cup of tea and admire the beautiful pristine seaside. Back in the city centre, enjoy a Bitlis kibbeh and followed by an arafane night.
Second day
Opt for a breakfast including local delicacies such as fresh butter, karakovan honey and tulum cheese. After the breakfast, head off to Nemrut Volcano and Crater Lake. After lunch on site, you may take a lakeside drive or a boat to Ahlat to visit famous Ahlat Tombstones which are on the Tentative UNESCO World Heritage List. Then proceed to the City Ruins that bear the traces of the Urartians, the Museum of Ahlat to see the artifacts dating back to the Urartians and prehistoric periods. You can continue your trip with a tour in Adilcevaz, visit historical buildings and spare some time for shopping. There, taste the disctrict’s specialty: walnuts and make sure to get an Adilcevaz and Ahlat Cane to bring back with you.