Istanbul Departure/Unique Eastern Express and Nakhchivan Tour/5 Nights 6 Days

DAY 1:

We meet you, our valued guests joining our tour, at 05:00 at Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme High-Speed Train Station. At 05:30, we take our seats on our High-Speed Train departing for Ankara and begin our enjoyable journey, which will last approximately 4.5 hours.

After arriving at Ankara Old Train Station at 10:30, we meet our guide and begin an unforgettable Eastern journey. We board the Southern Kurtalan Express and settle into our pullman, couchette or sleeping car compartments, depending on the travel class 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 through the steppes of Kırıkkale, the mountains of Kayseri and the historic lands of Sivas.

Lunch: Extra (can be purchased in the train restaurant).

Dinner: Extra (can be purchased in the train restaurant).

Accommodation: In your purchased pullman, couchette or sleeping car.

DAY 2:

We greet the day with the peaceful melody of the train and the warm colors of the rising sun.

Accompanied by endless Anatolian landscapes and an unforgettable journey full of photo opportunities on our train, we arrive in Diyarbakır.

We meet our vehicle and professional guide waiting at the station, then head to our restaurant to discover Diyarbakır's legendary cuisine. After tasting the city's famous Diyarbakır liver kebab and recharging our energy, we begin our discovery tour in the captivating atmosphere of this ancient city.

Our first stop is the Great Mosque of Diyarbakır, accepted as the 5th Haram-i Sharif of the Islamic world and a center of worship for thousands of years. The Mesudiye and Zinciriye Madrasas, located within the same courtyard, carry the deep traces of history.

In this city that has inspired poets and writers, we make a short journey into the past by visiting the Ahmet Arif House and the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum.

Afterwards, we give you free time at Hasan Pasha Khan and the Goldsmiths' Bazaar. Passing through narrow streets filled with the aroma of liver, we visit 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, a symbol of abundance in Mesopotamia, and the Ten-Eyed Bridge, which features in the legend of Suzan Suzi. Here we photograph the breathtaking views and enjoy pleasant moments dancing halay.

At the end of the day, we check in at our hotel in Tatvan and are welcomed with the warm hospitality of the East.

Note: Train departure times and possible delays depend on TCDD's operational processes. Due to delays caused by TCDD, changes deemed necessary by our guide may be made to the tour program.

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 in Bitlis – Tatvan.

Hotel arrival time: Approximately 20:30.

DAY 3:

After buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off for Ahlat. Ahlat, one of the important centers of Anatolian art, is of great significance in terms of cultural heritage thanks to 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 size and style. Adorned with motifs unmatched anywhere in the world, these stones are unique records of 800 years of Turkish art and cultural history. In addition, with structures such as the Emir Bayındır Tomb, the Twin Tombs and the Ulu Tomb, Ahlat is an unforgettable stop for history and art lovers.

Then we travel to Gevaş. Here we board a private boat and sail 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 adventure.

After returning by boat, we take a lunch break. Then we visit the Van Urartu Museum and enjoy a panoramic view of the 2,800-year-old historical Van Castle. After exploring the castle, you can visit the Van House Museum right next to it and get to know the region's traditional way of life more closely.

Later in the day, we head toward the Van (Tushpa) region and visit workshops where you can see examples of Urartian silverworking and shop. Then at the Van Cat House, we have the chance to meet and pet the region's famous purebred Van cats.

At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Van and complete this historic and cultural day 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 in Van.

Hotel arrival time: 20:00.

Note: Outside of winter dates, if weather and road conditions permit, the Mount Nemrut Crater Lake Tour will be carried out for guests who wish to join. (The Mount Nemrut road is usually closed between 01 November and 01 April.)

As part of the Mount Nemrut Crater Lake Tour, which will be carried out if weather and road conditions allow, we board our minibuses in Tatvan and head to Mount Nemrut Crater Lake, one of the largest crater lakes in Turkey. Along the way, if the weather is favorable, we have the chance 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 sight of Mount Nemrut Crater Lake.

Inside the crater, we explore the Great Crater Lake, the Small Lake, the Ilıkgöl, volcanic rock formations and lava remnants, witnessing the unique natural beauty of the region up close.

Important Note: The Mount Nemrut Crater Lake Tour will be carried out depending on the suitability of the weather, roads 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:

After buffet breakfast at our hotel, we head to the first stop of the day, Muradiye Waterfall. At this waterfall, which holds an important place among Van's natural beauties, we take a pleasant break surrounded by nature and take beautiful photographs.

After visiting the waterfall, we change our route toward the Tendürek Mountains. On our journey accompanied by impressive volcanic formations and vast mountain views, we cross the Tendürek Pass and continue toward Doğubayazıt.

When we arrive in Doğubayazıt, we are welcomed by İshakpaşa Palace, one of the region's iconic structures. As we tour the courtyards and sections of this palace, one of the most important architectural works of the Ottoman period, we closely see the Milk Fountain, the Courtroom, the Dungeons, the Harem and the Selamlık sections. After touring the palace, noted for its historical fabric and its position facing Mount Ararat, we stop in Doğubayazıt to get our lunch.

After lunch, we continue our journey toward Iğdır with the view of Mount Ararat. We take a photo break at a suitable spot where we can see Turkey's highest peak, Mount Ararat, in the best way.

When we reach Iğdır, we visit the Monument and Museum of the Turkish Martyrs Murdered by Armenians, which sheds light on the recent history of the region. Then we view the Iğdır Genocide Monument panoramically and take a short photo break there.

Continuing our tour, we turn toward the Dilucu Border Gate. When we reach Dilucu, one of the easternmost border gates of Turkey, we complete our passport or ID checks and begin the border crossing procedures. We carry out our transit between the two customs points by shuttle vehicles.

After completing our customs procedures on the Nakhchivan side, we board the vehicle waiting for us and head toward the center of Nakhchivan. During our approximately 1-hour journey, we see the Memorial Panels bearing the names and photographs of our martyrs, keeping their memory alive.

After arriving in central Nakhchivan, we begin our tour with the Heydar Aliyev Museum. Following the information we receive from our guide about the region and the museum, we photograph the Mömine Hatun Tomb and the Khan Palace Museum, important works surviving from the Seljuk period.

After seeing the HES on the Aras River and the lake view around it, we head to the Haydar Mosque (Green Mosque). After touring here, we move to Clock Square, one of Nakhchivan's striking squares, and return to our vehicle after a photo break.

Continuing our city tour, after the War Museum, which we will see panoramically, we reach the Bayraklı Hill Museum, located on a commanding position over Nakhchivan. After the photo break at this spot, which is accompanied by a giant Azerbaijani flag, we give free time at the Çarşı Bazaar for guests who want to shop.

After our free time, we head to our hotel in Nakhchivan and complete our day.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel (included in the tour).

Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Abdigör Köfte).

Dinner: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Nakhchivan Kebab).

Accommodation: 4★ hotel in Nakhchivan.

Hotel arrival time: 21:00.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CROSSING INTO NAKHCHIVAN

Citizens of the Republic of Turkey can cross into Nakhchivan with a new-type Turkish ID Card containing a photo and T.C. identity number, or with a passport.

• Crossing with old-type identity booklets is not possible.

• Driving licenses and institutional IDs are not accepted at border crossings.

• All guests, including babies and children, must have a photo on their ID.

• For guests under 18 who are not traveling with both parents, a notarized consent document is required.

• The exit fee for leaving the country is paid by the guest at the current official rate.

ATTENTION: Before setting off, be sure to bring your new-type, photo-bearing Turkish ID Card or passport. Time changes in the program may occur due to crowding at border gates and official procedures.

DAY 5:

In the morning, after the buffet breakfast at our hotel in Nakhchivan, we board our vehicles and head toward the Dilucu Border Gate. Before leaving Nakhchivan, we give a short free time for guests who wish to shop at the Free Shop.

After our shopping break, we complete our customs procedures and enter Turkey. After boarding our own tour vehicle, we travel toward Iğdır through the unique geography where the Iranian and Armenian borders come close together. Along the way, we follow the region's distinctive landscapes and reach Iğdır.

After Iğdır, we turn our route toward Tuzluca. In Tuzluca, named after the region's rich salt deposits, we visit the Tuzluca Cave, which covers an area of about 35 decares. After touring this cave, notable for its natural salt formations and impressive structure, we continue our journey toward Kars.

Along the way, we pass the foothills of Yağlıca Mountain at 2,961 meters and follow the Digor and Dağpınar route. Advancing accompanied by the high-altitude geography and vast steppe landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, we reach the Kars region, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history.

For Ani Ruins, one of the most important stops of our Kars tour, we turn our route toward the east of the city. Ani, which was once the capital of the Armenian Bagratid Kingdom, was conquered by Sultan Alparslan in 1064 and became one of the most important centers in Anatolian history.

In Ani, which carries together the traces of different civilizations throughout history and is also known as the "City of 1001 Churches," we explore the magnificent historical structures rising in the middle of the endless steppe.

During our Ani visit, we see the Illustrated Church built by Tigran Honents in 1215, and the Great Cathedral, whose construction began during the reign of Bagratid King Smbat II and was completed by Queen Katranide in 1001.

Another important stop on our tour is the Menuchehr Mosque, built in 1072 by Ebu'l Menuchehr Bey. Accepted as the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia, this important work reveals Ani's historical fabric, which holds together the traces of different cultures and civilizations.

After our Ani visit, we head to the center of Kars. Upon arriving in Kars, we visit the Caucasus Front Military History Museum, which sheds light on the city's defensive history. Built in 1803 under Sultan Selim III under the name "Yeni Tabya," this structure played an important role in defending Kars against Russian attacks.

After visiting the museum, we begin our Kars City Tour. Our first stop is the Hasan Harakani Tomb, one of Kars's important spiritual landmarks. Then we see the Kümbet Mosque, built between 932 and 937 under Bagratid King Abbas and still used today as a mosque.

Continuing our city tour, we see the historic Stone Bridge, built in 1579 by Lala Mustafa Pasha on the order of Sultan Murad III. Then we view panoramically the Kars Castle, one of the city's iconic structures.

After our city tour, during which we discover the historical atmosphere of Kars, we go to a local cheese shop where you can buy the region's distinctive local products. Here you can find and shop for many regional products, especially Kars's famous Gravyer cheese, kaşar cheese, honey, ketesi, kavurma, pure butter and Kağızman molasses.

After our shopping break, we check in at our hotel in Kars and settle into our rooms. In the evening, those who wish to join us attend the Caucasus Night, where we can get to know Kars's cultural fabric up close. We spend a pleasant evening accompanied by regional music, Caucasian dances and local entertainment.

After the night, during which we experience the culture and traditions of Kars up close, we return to our hotel and complete our day.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel (included in the tour).

Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Goose Meat & Piti).

Dinner: Extra (to be purchased at the restaurant where the Caucasus night is held).

Accommodation: 4★ The Kars Park Hotel or 4★ Büyük Kale Hotel in Kars.

Hotel arrival time: 18:30.

DAY 6:

After buffet breakfast at our hotel, we head to Lake Çıldır, our final stop in Kars. In winter, when the lake's surface is completely covered with ice, we have the chance to experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride, one of the region's most enjoyable winter activities. During the free time we give, you can photograph the lake's impressive scenery, walk on its ice-covered surface, and those who wish may take a pleasant ride across the lake on horse-drawn sleighs.

After our visit to Lake Çıldır, we set off for Sarıkamış. At one of the important stops on our journey, the Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains Martyrs Monument, we pay tribute to our heroic soldiers who lost their lives for the homeland with respect, mercy and gratitude.

After visiting the monument, we move to the center of Sarıkamış. We see panoramically the Katerina Kiosk, located in the Sarıçam forests and notable for its distinctive architecture. Completing our tour accompanied by the natural beauty and forest-lined views of Sarıkamış, we continue our journey toward Erzurum.

On the road to Erzurum, we witness the high-altitude and impressive geography of Eastern Anatolia. Along our route, we see panoramically the region where the Kargapazarı Mountains meet the Aras River, the historic Çobandede Bridge that has survived from the 13th century, and the Pasinler Castle, one of the region's important historical structures.

After arriving in Erzurum, we take a lunch break to taste cağ kebab, one of the city's most famous local delicacies. After experiencing this distinctive flavor of Erzurum cuisine, we begin the Erzurum City Tour to discover the city's historical and cultural fabric.

As part of our city tour;

Erzurum Grand Mosque

Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler)

Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese)

Erzurum Houses Museum

Erzurum Castle and Caferi Mosque

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Yakutiye Madrasa

Rüstem Pasha Bedesten (Taşhan)

Erzurum Congress Building

we visit these important sites that shed light on Erzurum's history, architecture and cultural heritage.

After our Erzurum city tour, we change our route toward the Palandöken Ski Resort, one of Turkey's most important winter tourism centers. During our stop at the heights of Erzurum, guests who wish can take the cable car to high points to view Erzurum from above and take photos accompanied by the unique city view. Guests who prefer a calmer break can enjoy tea, coffee or hot salep while taking in the view.

After the pleasant time we spend in Palandöken, we head to Erzurum Airport, the last stop of our tour.

We have reached the end of our tour, during which we explored the different cities of the East, witnessed historical heritage, experienced the enchanting winter atmosphere, and traveled accompanied by unforgettable landscapes. While waiting for our flight at the airport, we look through the photos taken during the days we have left behind and complete this journey, full of beautiful memories, as a lovely memory in our minds.

After our plane lands, we come to the end of this beautiful journey, from the unique geography of the East and its historic cities, to unforgettable landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Thank you for choosing us and accompanying us on this unique discovery.

Until the next new routes, new stories and your next holiday discovery with Tatilciniz Turizm!

Breakfast: Buffet (included in the tour).

Lunch: Extra (Guide's recommendation: Cağ Kebab).

Dinner: Free time in Erzurum or on the plane (not included in the tour).

Accommodation: No accommodation tonight.

Tour end time: Arrival at Erzurum Airport.

Important Notes:

Visits to Lake Çıldır and the Palandöken Ski Resort will take place between 01 December and 25 March, in order to best experience the region's natural beauty and winter activities.

The Palandöken Ski Resort visit may, though rarely, be removed from the program or shortened due to flight times, road and weather conditions. Especially in adverse weather such as heavy snowfall, blizzards, icing, and conditions that may affect transport safety, the safety of our guests is given priority.

If our flight time is suitable and weather/road conditions allow, the Palandöken program will be carried out as planned. If a mandatory change is made to the program, the tour flow will be arranged in the most suitable way by our guide.