Best Van Tours & Things to Do | Turkey Tours

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Quick Answer: A trip to Van , Turkey, a historic city in Eastern Anatolia, typically costs between $150 - $400 USD per day for a quality experience, including tours and accommodation. The ideal duration to explore Van and its surroundings is 3 to 5 days , with the best time to visit being late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather. What Is Van, Turkey, and Why Is It Called the 'Pearl of the East'? Van is a captivating city and province in Eastern Turkey , nestled on the shores of the country's largest lake, Lake Van . It's a land where dramatic volcanic landscapes meet the shimmering, alkaline waters of a vast inland sea, earning it the poetic title "Pearl of the East." But Van is more than just natural beauty; it is a profound historical cradle, once the mighty capital of the Iron Age Urartian Kingdom known as Tushpa . This region has been a crossroads of empires for millennia, bearing the marks of Urartians, Armenians, Persians, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Visiting Van is not just a trip; it's an immersion into a deep, layered history and a vibrant Kurdish and Turkish culture that feels worlds away from the bustling hubs of western Turkey . At My Turkey Adventure, we believe Van offers one of the most authentic and rewarding travel experiences in the entire country, a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the soul of Anatolia. This comprehensive Turkey Travel Guide entry will show you exactly why. What Are the Must-See Attractions and Things to Do in Van? Van, Turkey , is brimming with historical sites and natural wonders that tell the story of its rich past. From ancient fortresses to sacred islands, here is a detailed itinerary of essential experiences. 1. Explore the Majestic Van Fortress (Van Kalesi) Dominating the skyline of modern Van, the Van Fortress is a colossal citadel built by the Urartian king Sarduri I in the 9th century