An unforgettable tour at the historic Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery and Nemrut Caldera.
Neighboring the unique blue of Lake Van, in Bitlis where history and nature embrace in the shadow of an extinct volcano, a two-day discovery route awaits you to trace the Seljuk civilization. Offering a wide spectrum from monumental tombstones, the peak of stonemasonry, to the mysterious views of volcanic crater lakes, this special tour is tailor-made for those wanting to embark on a deep cultural journey and find peace in pristine nature. Especially for nature lovers wanting to escape the scorching summer heat and refresh in the cool air of Eastern Anatolia, and curious travelers interested in Medieval Turkish-Islamic history, this route promises an unforgettable travel opportunity.
We start the first day of our historical adventure touring Ahlat Müzesi, illuminating the region's past, where valuable artifacts are exhibited. Immediately after, we witness the art of our ancestors by walking on the silent paths of the world-famous Ahlat Selçuklu Mezarlığı, functioning as an open-air museum with thousands of monumental tombstones, and take a spiritual break among the ruins of the historical Ahlat Ulu Camii. To throw off the fatigue of the day, we turn our route upwards, finding peace on the calm shores of the natural wonder Nemrut Gölü, located at the peak of an extinct volcano and fascinating onlookers with its blue waters.
On the final day of this culture-nature tour, we take a cool nature walk in the volcanic valleys of Nemrut Kalderası, considered one of the largest in the world. We then observe the natural life of İron Sazlığı, an important wetland hosting countless bird species, witnessing nature's flawless cycle at the peaceful Kaynak Başlangıcı point where water sources are born. At the end of the tour, returning to the historical fabric, we visit the historical İhlasiye Medresesi, a beautiful example of classical Seljuk architecture notable for its elegant decorations, concluding this Bitlis journey with great admiration.