Erzurum city walls and historic watchtower under blue sky on a private guided walking tour in Turkey
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Vintage Erzurum Ottoman-style sitting room with rugs, carved sofa and antiques on a private guided city tour
Historic Erzurum stone mansion in winter, stop on an all-inclusive private guided walking tour
Erzurum Castle walls and snowy park, highlight of an all-inclusive private guided city walking tour
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Snowy Erzurum city walking tour at Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Turkey, with minaret and winter scene
Listing ID : 51596

Activity

Duration5 Hours
Group SizePrivate
Starts AtTwin Minaret Madrasa, Erzurum
LanguagesEnglish, Kurdish, Russian, Turkish
Private Guided City Tour

All-Inclusive Private Guided Walking Tour of Erzurum City

Discover centuries of Seljuk, Ottoman, and Roman history across one of eastern Turkey's most storied cities.


This private guided walking tour of Erzurum takes you through the city's most significant landmarks, from its iconic twin-minareted madrasa to a restored Silk Road caravanserai, all within a relaxed five-hour itinerary designed for every pace.

Erzurum sits at roughly 1,900 metres above sea level in northeastern Anatolia, making it one of Turkey's highest and coldest cities. Its location at the crossroads of ancient trade and military routes has left behind an extraordinary concentration of medieval monuments packed into a walkable city centre.

The tour is structured as a natural circuit, moving from the early Saltukid tombs through Seljuk religious architecture and into the Ottoman domestic world, before finishing at a caravanserai that once sheltered merchants travelling the Silk Road. Lunch featuring regional specialities is included at a downtown venue along the route.

Tour Highlights

Walk through the Twin Minaret Madrasa, the largest open-courtyard madrasa in Anatolia, built by the Seljuks in 1253.

Step inside a 300-year-old Ottoman home that has been preserved as a private museum, hosted by its welcoming owner.

Climb the clock tower inside Erzurum Castle for a panoramic view over the city and the surrounding plateau.

Enjoy traditional Turkish tea inside the Erzurum Houses, Ottoman residences converted into a museum and restaurant.

Browse the restored Ottoman caravanserai on the Silk Road route, now home to silver merchants and local black-stone craftspeople.

Visit the Three Tombs, including the octagonal tomb of Emir Saltuk, founder of Saltukid rule in Erzurum in the late 11th century.

Admire the Grand Mosque of Erzurum, a 1179 Seljuk structure noted for its carved pillars, arches, and rare dovetail wooden dome roof.

Tour Itinerary

1
Three Tombs

Begin at one of Erzurum's most recognisable monuments. The largest of the three is an eight-sided tomb attributed to Emir Saltuk, who established Saltukid rule here in the late 11th century, while the two smaller twelve-sided tombs remain anonymous.

2
300-Year-Old Ottoman Home

Tour a privately owned Ottoman residence that has been transformed into a small museum. The property gives an intimate look at domestic life in Erzurum over the past three centuries.

3
Grand Mosque and Twin Minaret Madrasa

Visit the Grand Mosque, constructed in 1179 during the Seljuk period, noted for its distinctive dovetail wooden dome. Continue to the adjacent Twin Minaret Madrasa, an architectural landmark of 1253 and the largest open-courtyard madrasa in the whole of Anatolia.

4
Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower

Explore the inner walls of the old city and the fifth-century castle, originally constructed during the Eastern Roman Empire. Ascend the clock tower for a commanding view across the city rooftops and the high plateau beyond.

5
Erzurum Houses and Local Lunch

Settle into the Erzurum Houses for Turkish tea and a locally sourced lunch. These converted Ottoman residences now function as a cultural museum and restaurant, preserving the spatial layout and decor of traditional Erzurum family life.

6
Silk Road Caravanserai

Conclude the tour at a restored Ottoman-era caravanserai that once served merchants travelling the Silk Road. The building now houses silver and jewellery traders, and is a noted source for the region's distinctive black Oltu stone prayer beads.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private licensed tour guide for the full 5-hour tour
  • Lunch featuring local Erzurum specialities
  • Turkish tea at the Erzurum Houses
  • All entrance fees to included sites
  • Fully private experience — no shared groups

Not Included

  • Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • Additional beverages beyond included tea
  • Gratuity for the guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off transfers

Important Information

This tour is rated Easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear is strongly recommended, as Erzurum winters are cold and streets can be icy.
Duration
5 hours. The pace is leisurely and suitable for those on a ski holiday looking for a cultural day out.
Meeting Point
The tour begins at the Twin Minaret Madrasa, the symbolic centre of Erzurum and easily accessible from Palandoken ski resort.
What to Bring
Wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy flat shoes. A light daypack for personal items is recommended.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the full cancellation and refund policy applicable to your reservation.
Accessibility
The route involves walking on cobblestones and some inclines around the castle area. Participants with limited mobility should contact the operator before booking.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. The easy pace and cultural content make it appropriate for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Reserve Your Private Tour

Explore Erzurum's medieval heritage on a fully private, all-inclusive walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide — an ideal complement to any visit to Palandoken.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable to combine with a Palandoken ski trip?
Yes. The tour is specifically designed as a cultural add-on to a ski vacation at Palandoken. The meeting point at the Twin Minaret Madrasa is accessible from the resort, and the five-hour duration fits easily into a non-ski day.
Is lunch really included?
Yes. A full lunch featuring local Erzurum cuisine is included in the tour price, along with Turkish tea at the Erzurum Houses stop.
What is the Twin Minaret Madrasa?
The Twin Minaret Madrasa is a Seljuk-era theological school built in 1253. It is considered the symbol of Erzurum and is the largest madrasa with an open inner courtyard in Anatolia.
What is Oltu black stone and where can I find it?
Oltu stone is a jet-black semi-precious material mined near Erzurum and traditionally used to craft prayer beads, rings, and ornaments. It can be purchased from merchants inside the restored Silk Road caravanserai visited on this tour.
How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour is rated Easy. Most of the route is flat, though there is a moderate incline approaching Erzurum Castle. Comfortable walking shoes suited to cold or potentially icy conditions are advised.
Will I have a guide throughout the entire tour?
Yes. A private licensed guide accompanies you for the full five hours, providing context at every site and coordinating lunch and tea stops along the route.
ErzurumPrivate TourWalking TourSeljuk ArchitectureOttoman HistorySilk RoadPalandokenTwin Minaret MadrasaEastern TurkeyCultural TourTurkey TravelGuided Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: erzurum-private-walking-tour

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

5 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Kurdish (Kurmanji) - Speaking Guide

Russian - Speaking Guide

Turkish - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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