Touristic Eastern Express Tour Departing from Ankara (Travel by Train – Return by Plane)
Tour Detail
Places to Visit: Erzincan – Erzurum – Sarıkamış – Kars
Tour Program
Ankara Departure Unique Eastern Express Tour | 5 Nights 6 Days
DAY 1:
Ankara - Eastern Express Journey – An Unforgettable Start to Diyarbakır with the Güney Kurtalan Express
After meeting our valued guests at Ankara Train Station at 10:30, we begin an unforgettable journey to the East. We board the Güney Kurtalan Express and settle into your pullman, couchette or sleeping car compartments, depending on the travel type you purchased.
This enchanting journey of approximately 23 hours, departing at 11:20, will take you through the heart of Anatolia to Diyarbakır.
To the rhythm of the rails, you will witness the unique landscapes of Anatolia as we pass over the steppes of Kırıkkale, the mountains of Kayseri, and the history-scented lands of Sivas.
Stop and Arrival Times:
Ankara Station: 11:20 – Departure
Kırıkkale: 13:17
Kayseri: 18:58
Sivas: 22:53
Lunch: Extra (Available at the train restaurant.)
Dinner: Extra (Available at the train restaurant.)
Accommodation: In the pullman, couchette or sleeping car you purchased.
DAY 2:
Diyarbakır – Tatvan Tour | A Day Full of Culture, History and Flavor in the Heart of the East
We greet the day with the peaceful melody of the train and the warm colors of the rising sun. After an unforgettable journey full of photo moments through endless Anatolian landscapes, we arrive in Diyarbakır.
At the station, we meet our vehicle and professional guide, then head to our restaurant to discover the legendary cuisine of Diyarbakır. After energizing ourselves with the city's famous Diyarbakır liver kebab, we begin our sightseeing tour in the enchanting atmosphere of this ancient city.
Our first stop is the Great Mosque of Diyarbakır, regarded as the 5th Holy Sanctuary of the Islamic world and a center of worship for thousands of years. Within the same courtyard are the Mesudiye and Zinciriye Madrasas, which carry the deep traces of history.
In this city that has inspired poets and writers, we take a short journey into the past by visiting the Ahmet Arif House and the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum.
Afterwards, we have free time at Hasan Paşa Khan and the Goldsmiths' Bazaar. Walking through the narrow streets filled with the aroma of liver, we stop at the Sülüklü Han, and then see the Four-Legged Minaret, unlike any other in Anatolia.
One of the most special moments of the day is the Hevsel Gardens, the symbol of abundance in Mesopotamia, and the Ten-Eyed Bridge, which became the subject of the legend of Suzan and Suzi. Here we take photos of the breathtaking views and enjoy delightful moments with traditional folk dances.
At the end of the day, we check into our hotel in Tatvan and are welcomed with the warm hospitality of the East.
Breakfast: Extra (Those who wish may use the train restaurant.)
Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: The famous Diyarbakır Liver Kebab)
Dinner: Set menu at the hotel (Included in the tour.)
Accommodation: 4* Kardelen Hotel or 4* Taşar Royal Hotel
Hotel Arrival Time: Approximately 20:30
Note: Train schedules and possible delays depend on the operational processes of TCDD. Due to delays caused by TCDD, changes deemed necessary by our guide may be made to the tour program.
DAY 3:
Tatvan – Bitlis – Van Tour | A Day Full of History with Akdamar Island, Van Castle and Van Cats
After the buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off to Ahlat. Ahlat, one of the important centers of Anatolian art, is of great importance in terms of cultural heritage with the master architects and woodworkers it has raised. The Seljuk Cemetery stands out as the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery in the world; each tombstone is almost a monument in terms of its dimensions and style. These stones, decorated with motifs found nowhere else in the world, are unique records of 800 years of Turkish art and cultural history. Ahlat is also an unforgettable stop for history and art lovers with structures such as the Emir Bayındır Mausoleum, the Twin Mausoleums and the Ulu Mausoleum.
Then we continue to Gevaş. Here we board a private boat and travel to Akdamar Island. During this 45-minute voyage accompanied by the magnificent view of Lake Van, we visit the Akdamar Church on the island and experience a historical and cultural journey.
After returning by boat, we take a lunch break. Then we visit the Van Urartu Museum and observe the 2800-year-old historical Van Castle panoramically. After exploring the castle, you may visit the Van House Museum located right next to it and get to know the traditional lifestyle of the region more closely.
Later in the day, heading towards the Van (Tuşpa) region, we visit workshops where you can see examples of Urartian silverworking art and shop. Then at the Van Cat House, we have the chance to meet and pet the famous purebred Van Cats of the region.
At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Van and complete this day rich in history and culture by resting in the unique atmosphere of the East.
Breakfast: Buffet (Included in the tour)
Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Keledoş or Van kebabs)
Dinner: Set menu at the hotel (Included in the tour)
Accommodation: 4* Royal Milano Hotel or 4* Mir Emir Hotel
Hotel Arrival Time: 20:00
Note: Outside of winter dates, if weather and road conditions are suitable, the Mount Nemrut Crater Lake Tour will be conducted with guests who wish to join. (The Mount Nemrut road is generally closed between November 1 and April 1.)
Within the scope of the Mount Nemrut Crater Lake Tour, to be conducted if weather and road conditions allow, we board our minibuses from Tatvan and head to the Mount Nemrut Crater Lake, one of the largest crater lakes in Turkey. Along the way, if weather conditions permit, we have the opportunity to see Mount Süphan, one of the region's important natural beauties.
When we reach the summit of Mount Nemrut, we are greeted on one side by the boundless view of Lake Van and on the other by the breathtaking image of the Mount Nemrut Crater Lake.
Exploring the Large Crater Lake, the Small Lake, the Warm Lake, volcanic rock formations and lava remains within the crater, we witness up close the unique natural beauty of the region.
Important Note: The Mount Nemrut Crater Lake Tour will be conducted depending on the suitability of weather, road and existing conditions in the region. Our agency cannot be held responsible if the tour cannot be carried out due to adverse weather or road conditions.
DAY 4:
Van – Ağrı Doğubayazıt – Iğdır – Kars | History, Nature and Unique Landscapes
After the buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards the Muradiye Waterfall. Here, with a photo stop, we immortalize the enchanting beauty of nature.
Then, crossing the Tendürek Mountains, we observe the largest volcanic formations of the region. As we advance among solidified lavas and volcanic terrain, you will feel as if you are on top of the world.
After crossing the Tendürek Mountains, we reach Doğubayazıt. Here we visit the İshakpaşa Palace, completed in 99 years and one of the most striking architectural works of Eastern Anatolia. Then, we have time for shopping and free time at the Smugglers' Bazaar.
After shopping and a meal break, we continue towards Iğdır. Along the way, we make a photo stop at a point where you can see Mount Ararat, the highest mountain in Turkey, from its most beautiful angle.
In Iğdır, as a historical stop, we visit the Monument and Museum of the Turkish Martyrs Massacred by Armenians. Then we go to Tuzluca, explore the Salt Cave, and continue towards Kars.
Upon arriving in Kars, we check into our hotel and then complete the day with unforgettable memories by joining the famous Caucasian entertainment night for those guests who wish.
Breakfast: Buffet (Included in the tour)
Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Abdigor Köfte)
Dinner: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Piti Hangel)
Accommodation: 4* The Kars Park Hotel or 4* Büyük Kale Hotel
Hotel Arrival Time: 18:30
DAY 5:
Kars Tour | Ani Ruins, Çıldır Lake and a Historical City Tour of Kars
After the buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off to the Ani Ruins, known as the "City of 1001 Churches", which served as the capital of the Armenian Kingdom and is the entry point of the historic Silk Road into Anatolia. As the walking tour of approximately 1–2 hours will take place in wide, open areas, we recommend being prepared for cold weather.
The tour begins with entry through the city walls and the Lion Gate. In order, we visit the St. Prkich Church, the Small Bath, the Great Cathedral (Fethiye Mosque), the Silk Road Bridge, the Ebu'l Menuçehr Mosque, the Church of the Virgin Girls, the Monastery of the Nuns, the Inner Citadel, the Poladoğlu Church, the Bostanlar Stream Caves, the Seljuk Palace, the Seljuk Caravanserai, the Great Bath, the Temple of Fire (Ateşgede) and the Georgian Church, completing our Ani Ruins tour.
Afterwards, we head to the Çıldır Lake, famous for its horse-drawn sleds since it freezes in winter months. Here, with free time, we have the chance to photograph the lake's unique views and enjoy the region's winter activities.
After lunch, the Kars city tour begins. Accompanied by our guide, we have the opportunity to see historical works with Baltic architecture such as the Kars Castle, Fethiye Mosque (Alexander Nevsky Cathedral), Evliya Mosque, Kümbet Mosque (Church of the 12 Apostles), Yusuf Pasha Mosque, Stone Bridge, Namık Kemal House (House of Lovers), Mansion of Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha, Treasury Office, Governor's Mansion, Former Police Headquarters, Boutique Hotel (Kars Hotel), Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Doctor's House (Cheltikov Hotel), Former Anatolian High School and the Tuncer Gülensoy House.
At the end of the tour, we take a shopping break for Kars' famous kashar cheese and regional delicacies. Then we return to our hotel to complete the day and rest in the enchanting atmosphere of the East.
Breakfast: Buffet (Included in the tour)
Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Kaz Menu)
Dinner: Buffet menu at the hotel (Included in the tour)
Accommodation: 4* The Kars Park Hotel or 4* Büyük Kale Hotel
Hotel Arrival Time: 18:30
DAY 6:
Kars – Sarıkamış – Erzurum | History, Nature and the Palandöken Adventure
After the buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off to the Bloody Redoubt (Caucasus Front Military History) Museum, our last stop in Kars. We visit this historical museum, known as the "Bloody Redoubt" after the Russians killed 600 soldiers in the redoubt in a single night in 1828.
Then we reach the Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains Martyrs Monument, where more than 90,000 losses were suffered, including 60,000 martyrs and 20,000 missing, and we respectfully commemorate our martyrs.
Our tour continues with a panoramic view of the Katerina Pavilion in the center of Sarıkamış, built in harmony with nature and notable for its unique architecture. Then we head towards Erzurum. Along the way, we view the Kargapazarı Mountains and the point where the Aras River converges, the Çobandede Bridge built in the 13th century, and the Pasinler Castle, the easternmost fortress of Byzantium.
When we arrive in Erzurum, we taste the famous cağ kebab during our lunch break. Then we begin exploring the historical and cultural fabric of the city:
- Erzurum Grand Mosque
- Three Mausoleums
- Twin Minaret Madrasa
- Erzurum Houses Museum
- Erzurum Castle and Caferi Mosque
- Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Yakutiye Madrasa
- Atatürk House (Accommodation place during the Erzurum Congress)
- Rüstem Pasha Bedesten (Taşhan)
- Erzurum Congress Building
Following the tour, we go to the Palandöken Ski Center, one of Turkey's leading winter tourism centers. Guests who wish may ride the cable car to the summit and photograph all of Erzurum spread out beneath them; those who prefer may relax with tea, coffee or salep.
After the Palandöken tour, we see off our valued guests at Erzurum Airport.
While waiting for your return flight, as you browse the photos accumulated in your gallery, you will notice how the traces of this special tour have turned into a smile on your face...
Breakfast: Buffet (Included in the tour)
Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Cağ Kebab)
Accommodation: No accommodation tonight.
Dinner: Free in Erzurum or on the plane (Not included in the tour)
Important Notes:
The visit to the Palandöken Ski Center will be carried out between December 1 – March 25 in order to best experience the natural beauty and winter activities of the region during the winter season.
The visit to the Palandöken Ski Center may, although rarely, be removed from the program or shortened due to flight times, road and weather conditions. Especially in adverse weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, blizzards, icing and conditions that may affect transport safety, the safety of our guests is given priority.
Ankara Departure Unique Eastern Express Tour | 5 Nights 6 Days
DAY 2:
Diyarbakır – Tatvan Tour | A Day Full of Culture, History and Flavor in the Heart of the East
DAY 3:
Tatvan – Bitlis – Van Tour | A Day Full of History with Akdamar Island, Van Castle and Van Cats
DAY 4
Van – Ağrı Doğubayazıt – Iğdır – Kars | History, Nature And Unique Landscapes
DAY 5
Kars Tour | Ani Ruins, Lake Çıldır and Historic Kars City Tour
DAY 6:
Kars – Sarıkamış – Erzurum | History, Nature And Palandöken Adventure
Departure Points
- Ankara Train Station
What's Included
All of the following services are included in the price as part of our Tourist Eastern Express tour package:
- Sleeper-car Tourist Eastern Express train journey between Ankara and Kars
- Direct flight ticket between Erzurum and Ankara
- 2 nights of bed and breakfast accommodation at a hotel
- 1 night of sleeper-car accommodation on the Tourist Eastern Express
- All excursions and city tours specified in the itinerary
- Intercity transportation and transfer services within the region
- Erzincan Girlevik Waterfall tour
- Erzurum city tour during the train stop
- National park entrance fees
- Professional guiding services
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Open-buffet breakfasts at the hotels
Thanks to these services, you can enjoy a comfortable, safe and enjoyable Eastern Express experience without any extra expenses.
Not Included
Services not included in the tour price and available for an additional fee:
- Personal expenses
- Meals on the train
- Museum entrance fees
- All lunches
- All dinners
- Çıldır Lake horse-drawn sleigh tour (activity available for an additional fee)
- Sarıkamış Ski Resort chairlift usage fee (activity available for an additional fee)
General Information
- OUR TOUR DEPARTURES ARE ON THE SPECIFIED DATES.
- Seat number promises and guarantees cannot be given during the tour. Please do not insist.
- Our vehicles depart from the designated departure points for each tour at the specified times; please be present at the departure point at least 5 minutes before the departure time. Our vehicles depart at the departure time. Guests who are late and cannot join the tour cannot make any claim for rights. Before the tour date, the phone number of the tour staff will be sent as a text message to the phone number you provided during reservation. Please make sure the contact number you provided is correct. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with you.
- In cases where children under 18 years of age, who are not considered adults, do not join the tour with one or both of their parents, the consent documents required for joining the tour must be carried by the persons during the trip.
- The Guide has the right to make changes regarding timing and program flow, as deemed necessary, due to weather conditions and adverse road conditions, provided the entire program is carried out. Hotels listed in the program may be changed provided they are equal in standard and location.
- Our tour is a package consisting of guiding, transportation, accommodation and sightseeing and cannot be considered separately. Unused transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and similar rights are not refunded.
- Tatilciniz Turizm is not responsible for tours that cannot be conducted before or during the tour due to adverse weather.
- If sufficient participation cannot be achieved, the tour may be postponed to a different date or cancelled. In such a case, we are obliged to inform our guests personally 1 (one) day in advance. The minimum number of participants is 25 people.
- Tatilciniz Turizm is absolutely not responsible for places listed in our tour program that cannot be visited due to force majeure (weather, roads, crowding at visited sites, etc.) or because our guests did not comply with the timings given by our guide.
- Return times of tours may vary depending on traffic density; no exact or definite return time is given.
- For overnight tours, child discounts may be applied when accompanied by two adults.
- Foreign guests who are not citizens of the Republic of Turkey do not pay any additional fee on this tour. Museum cards are not issued since the museum card application is a special application for citizens of the Republic of Turkey. The most recently published circular invalidates the previous circular.
- Tour extra sales prices may vary depending on the exchange rate and date.
- OUR VEHICLES:
- The vehicles we use may vary depending on the number of people and road conditions.
- Up to 16 people; Volkswagen Crafter & Mercedes Sprinter
- Up to 27 people; Otokar Sultan Maxi & Isuzu Novo Lux
- Up to 35 people; Otokar Sultan Mega
- Up to 46 people; Mercedes Travego - Tourismo & Man Fortuna & Neoplan Tourliner / Cityliner
- By making a reservation, you CONSENT that we have the right to use the videos and photos taken during the tour and inside the vehicle
- on our social media accounts.