Come and travel with me as I explore fascinating archaeological sites in the Van Province of Türkiye in 2026. Join me for a Ten Day Exploration on my ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE TOUR. It will be an exclusive opportunity for a select group of people to experience a magnificent part of the world whose ancient archaeological sites and mysterious carvings fill the pages of my latest book THE EDEN ENIGMA.
The Van Provinceis the focus of ancient narratives from the wider region and from around the globe. All point to Lake Van, the Taurus Mountains to the south, and the iconic Mount Ararat to the east, as being pivotal in the story of humanity.
Paul With Av Abdulla Akbaba the Mayor of the Bitlis District, home to Kef Kalesi in 2025
We will meet in Istanbul, exploring the city’s iconic sites, walking streets walked by Roman and Byzantine Emperors and Ottoman Sultans. Together we will explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Emperor Theodosisus’ Hippodrome and Obelisk, and enjoy a scenic cruise on the Bosphorous, sailing the waters which separate Europse and Asia.
From Istanbul, we fly to the Van Province where we will explore the enigmatic archaeological ruins at Ayanis, Kef Kalesi, Çavuştepe and the Meher Gate, most of which are still being freshly excavated. We will dialogue with the local Archaeologists who curate these unique and incredible sites.
The ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE TOUR will include guided tours, expert presentations, scenic boat rides, museum visits, invigorating hikes to mountain temples and megalithic ruins, and the opportunity to dialogue with me about my latest research.
The Caldera of Mount Nemrut – a vital player in the region’s history
Paul with Mehmet Kusman “The Last Urartian,” curator of the inscriptions at Cavustepe
Enigmatic carved motifs and cuneiform inscriptions carved into basalt in the Iron Age provide a window onto a world of cultural memory which is thousands of years old. This world of narratives in cuneiform and symbolic motifs carved into the ancient basalt lead us into the depths of the story of humanity, not only in Van, but around the world.
Paul with Professor Mehmet Isikli, the Senior Archaeologist responsible for Ayanis (2025)
ITINERARY INCLUDES
2 Nights in Istanbul + 5 Nights in Van, 1 Night in Tatvan and 1 Night in Diyarbakir
- The Hippodrome
- The Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Private Cruise on the Bosphorous
- Cavustepe Citadel
- Private Boat to Akdamar Island,
- Ayanis Citadel
- Meher Gate
- Bazaar Urartu
- Van City Museum,
- Ishak Pasha Palace
- Mount Ararat and the “Noah’s Ark” site.
- Ahlat Selcuk old city
- Adilcevaz
- Kef Kalesi
- Kef Bas relief museum .
- The caldera of the Mount Nemrut volcano
- TheTen-Eyed Bridge across the Tigris
- Diyarbakir – an archaeological site which goes back thousands of years, with the longest fortified wall in the world after the Great Wall of China!
(Price includes breakfast and lunch every day, some evning meals, all accommodation and internal flights. International flights and travel insurance not included.)
Paul with eminent archaeologist Omer Tanyurek in 2025
Click Here to Book Your Place on the Tour
Tour Reviews
I came to Turkiye expecting to visit a few ancient sites and learn some more about ancient humanity. What I received was so much more. My entire worldview shifted. Hearing Paul Wallis speak with such grounded wisdom and open-minded curiosity was a breath of fresh air. He brings a rare balance of scholarship and spirituality that invites exploration rather than dogma. Travelling with [a group of] like-minded, curious individuals from around the globe created a sense of community that is hard to describe. The friendships formed on this journey, I suspect, will last a lifetime. By the end of day one, I already knew the trip was worth every cent. By the end I realised it had forever changed me. Rachael S
A year ago I didn’t know Paul Wallis existed…then one random YouTube video suggestion, featuring Paul narrating on “humanity’s beginnings,” changed everything. Compelled to watch Paul’s catalogue of videos, a daily ritual…I was over the moon seeing this advert for an archaeological tour of Van, East Turkey.. If like me your spirituality is grounded in family religion but shaped by seeking TRUTH from the past, you will LOVE this adventure. I was excited enough to go on my own, but to share the sites...and rare finds with a group of like-minded strangers from around the world, felt like Heaven on Earth! Whether you’re spiritual or not, this holiday will invigorate you, move you, and leave you with a burning desire for more in life. An unforgettable experience with a simply BEAUTIFUL group of humans, who will be in my heart forever. Fiez
Profound Tour! The sites were extremely activating, and are spaces to remember who and what we truly are. The people on the tour became a second family and it felt like a true coming together of souls. The accommodations were the best available. Our tour guide Saba was a guiding light. We adored him! Touring with Paul in Turkey was the best experience! Can't wait for the next life changing experience. Silvia
Paul & Sabahattin – host and guide for the Ancient Knowledge Tour of Van
Excellent experience. Groundbreaking disoveries and…cutting edge research on megalithic sites and scriptural references to our ancient past. The journey was well-organised, safe and offered an intimate exchange with an educated and adventurous group. Theresa N
OMG what a wonderful adventure! A unique, thoughtful and science-based perspective [on] archaeological history that is simply mind-expanding. The accommodation was excellent, transportation deluxe, and the schedule was thoughtful with consistent attention to travelling details – and the food!! We were shown unique and intimate locations and were culturally immersed in Turkish cuisine and culture. Connie L
Paul and Dr Robert Shcoch, together at Kef Kalesi in 2025
A fantastic trip. The tour was well organised and the seclected sites and locations were all excellent. The group was very enthusiastic and well-informed which made for a great feeling of camaraderie. Great conversations on the bus and at meal times too! Many of us were deeply moved on the trip. An unforgettable experience! Terry M
A wonderful experience for thos with curious minds and spirits. A great opportunity to explore the Van region of Turkiye – arguably the beginning of civilization as we know it. A great place to forge bonds with people from all around the world, sharing the same intellectual journey. I cannot recommend it enough. Mark D
Getting access into new, archaeologically important sites and fun side-activities, made this trip very special. I truly enjoyed everyone I met on this trip. Heartfelt Mahalo! Kathleen S
Paul with the legendary Turkish underwater photographer Tahsin Ceylan in 2025
More than I imagined. Full of interesting places to visit, and was not rushed. A great way to see traditional Turkiye and its people. Super accommodations, good food and a great tour guide who went out of his way to make everyone happy. Great service and very well organised. Very interesting and informative. I would highly recommend. Amazing way to make new friends. Jane Natalie G
I had a wonderful time. The group of folks was absolutely remarkable. The transportation, tours and accommodations were organised, clean and comfortable..Paul was readily avaialable and a consistent flow of information and knowledge. Saba, the local host, was friendly, helpful and professional and had a great sense of humour. The ancient ruins wer ewell worth the trip. Working with the local [archaeologists] added a degree of participation in their constant work. Food was warm, comforting and plentiful, as well as exotic in some of the new tastes and presentations. I highly recommend this tour. It was spectacular. Lauree
An amazing way to learn about Ancient Civilization. Well organised. Amazing location. It was a genuine and unique tour. I highly recommend. Marlis
Presenting to an international group of scholars and researchers at Ayanis in 2025
Dr Robert Schoch, Robert Edward Grant, Arturo de Ponce Leon and Martin Yeung
Paul Anthony Wallis 