Departure:

At 08:10, we take our flight from Istanbul to Erzurum.

Day 1: Erzurum Congress Building – Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Memorial – Kars

Upon arrival at Erzurum Airport, we meet our vehicle and start our tour. Our first stop is the 23 July Congress Building, where the Erzurum Congress was held on July 23, 1919. Next, we travel to Sarıkamış, where we visit the Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Memorial at the foot of Allahüekber Mountains, where 90,000 soldiers tragically lost their lives due to harsh winter conditions. We then continue towards Kars, check into our hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Ani Ruins – Devil’s Canyon – Lake Çıldır

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Ani Ruins, which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. We explore significant historical sites such as The Church of the Apostles, The Great Cathedral, Tigran Honents (The Painted Church), Seljuk Castle and Palace, and Ebu’l Menucehr Mosque, which is the first mosque built in Anatolia by the Seljuks.

Next, we head towards Lake Çıldır, passing through Devil’s Canyon and Devil’s Castle, which is perched on a hill within the canyon, and Lake Aktaş. At 2,000 meters above sea level, Lake Çıldır offers the unique experience of walking on its frozen surface and enjoying a sleigh ride, depending on weather conditions. After an exciting day, we return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Kars – Caucasian Night – Touristic Eastern Express

Following breakfast, we embark on a panoramic city tour of Kars with our guide. The tour includes Kars Castle, Beylerbeyi Palace, The Church of the Twelve Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), The Ottoman Bridge and Bathhouse, and notable Russian-era stone buildings, such as the Defterdarlık Building, Health Directorate, and Municipality.

After sightseeing, you’ll have free time to shop for local Kars products in traditional shops and inns. In the evening, we attend a Caucasian Night event, where we enjoy regional music, traditional dance performances, and a delicious local dinner. Afterward, we proceed to the Kars Train Station, where we board the Touristic Eastern Express train, departing at 22:20.

Day 4: Touristic Eastern Express – Erzincan – Sivas

Our journey continues in the comfortable sleeper cabins of the Touristic Eastern Express, offering breathtaking views of Anatolia’s stunning landscapes and historical settlements. The train makes long stops at Erzincan, Sivas Divriği, and Bostankaya, allowing passengers to explore the region and enjoy local delicacies. We continue our overnight journey on the train.

Day 5: Ankara – High-Speed Train to Istanbul

Our Touristic Eastern Express adventure ends at Ankara Train Station at 06:57. From there, we board the High-Speed Train at 09:35 for our return journey to Istanbul, arriving at 14:15. We bid farewell to our guests, marking the end of our tour.