Has anyone gone to Ani, Lake Van, and Mardin in Eastern Turkey this year as part of a tour? Did you find travelling by road in daylight safe? Were any of your schedules altered due to political risk factors?

I will be travelling extensively from August 21 to September 16th in Turkey including 2 weeks in Eastern Turkey, 4 days in Istanbul and 6 days on a gullet on the coast.

This is my first trip to the Middle East (but not to developing countries) so I would appreciate any advice and suggestions of websites to pursue further information.

Thanks, Patti Wilson