Tour Highlights

• ✈️ Round-trip Turkish Airlines flights included

• 🚆 Legendary Kars–Erzurum Eastern Express train journey

• 🏰 Explore Kars city center, castle area & historic streets

• 🎶 Minstrel contests & local culture night in Kars

• ❄️ Ice fishing & horse sleigh experience on frozen Lake Çıldır

• 🏛️ Visit Ani Ruins (UNESCO Tentative List)

• 🏰 Dramatic views of Devils’ Castle, guarding ancient Silk Road routes

• ⛷️ Sarıkamış: ski resort or winter forest walk

• 🏛️ Erzurum city tour: Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye, Ulu Mosque

• 🏠 Atatürk House Museum

• 🍲 Taste authentic Eastern Anatolian cuisine

• Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

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  DAY 1 | Istanbul – Kars | Kars City Tour

  Morning flight from Istanbul to Kars with Turkish Airlines (TK2714, 09:35 departure). Arrival at 12:15, meet your guide and transfer to the city center.

  Kars City Tour

  Discover one of Turkey’s most atmospheric cities, known for its Russian-era architecture and multicultural heritage.

  Highlights include:

  • Kars Castle and panoramic viewpoints

  • Church of the Twelve Apostles (Armenian–Georgian heritage)

  • Evliya Çelebi Mosque

  • Fethiye Mosque

  • Kars Archaeological Museum

  • Kars Front War History Museum, one of Turkey’s most impressive interactive museums

  After the tour, check in to your hotel.
  Dinner at selected local restaurants where you can enjoy regional specialties.

  🛏️ Overnight: Kars
  Hotel 1924, Ahıska Palas Hotel or similar

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  DAY 2 | Ani Ruins – Lake Çıldır – Devils’ Castle

  After breakfast, depart for a full-day exploration of Eastern Anatolia’s winter wonders.

  Ani Ruins

  Visit the legendary Ani Archaeological Site, once known as the “City of 1,001 Churches” and currently on the UNESCO Tentative List. Explore its cathedrals, mosques, and city walls set against dramatic snow-covered landscapes.

  Lake Çıldır

  Experience one of the most iconic winter activities in Turkey:

  • Ice fishing on the frozen lake

  • Traditional horse sleigh ride across the ice

  Devils’ Castle

  End the day with breathtaking views of Devils’ Castle, a dramatic fortress ruin overlooking ancient Silk Road routes.

  Return to Kars.

  🛏️ Overnight: Kars

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  DAY 3 | Sarıkamış – Katerina Mansion | Ski or Forest Walk

  Travel to Sarıkamış, famous for its crystal snow quality.

  Highlights:

  • Visit the historic Katerina Mansion

  • Free time to choose between:

    • ⛷️ Skiing at Sarıkamış Ski Resort

    • 🌲 Winter forest walk among snow-covered pine trees

  Return to Kars in the afternoon.

  🛏️ Overnight: Kars

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  DAY 4 | Eastern Express Journey – Erzurum City Tour – Return

  Early departure for the unforgettable Kars–Erzurum Eastern Express journey. Enjoy snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers, and mountain scenery along Turkey’s most iconic train route.

  Erzurum City Tour

  Upon arrival, explore:

  • Çifte Minareli Medrese

  • Yakutiye Medrese

  • Ulu Mosque

  • Atatürk House Museum

  Transfer to Erzurum Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

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  What’s Included

  ✔ Istanbul – Kars & Erzurum – Istanbul round-trip flights (Turkish Airlines)
  ✔ Kars–Erzurum Eastern Express train ticket
  ✔ Professional English-speaking guide
  ✔ 3 nights accommodation
  ✔ 3 breakfasts
  ✔ All excursions & sightseeing
  ✔ Airport & intercity transfers
  ✔ Museum & historical site entrance fees
  ✔ TURSAB compulsory insurance

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  Why Choose This Tour?

  ✅ Eastern Express experience without logistical hassle
  ✅ Winter landscapes at their most beautiful
  ✅ Unique activities not available in other seasons
  ✅ Culture, history & nature in one compact itinerary
  ✅ Limited winter departures – high demand

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  Limited Seats – Book Early

  Eastern Express winter journeys sell out fast every season.
  Reserve your place now and experience Eastern Anatolia at its most magical.