Eastern Express Train Tour of Kars and Erzurum
Are you ready to watch the vast, snow-covered steppes, frozen rivers, and rugged mountains of Anatolia unfold like a film reel from a window? The “Eastern Express Tour to Kars and Erzurum,” prepared with the privilege of Marsis Tourism, is not just a trip, but a winter fairytale where nostalgia and nature intertwine. This unique adventure, beginning with our train gliding along with its rattling sounds, is crowned by the captivating atmosphere of Kars and Erzurum, two of the most ancient historical cities of Eastern Anatolia.
On this special route, you will share in the melancholy of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ani Ruins, take a dreamlike sleigh ride on the completely frozen Çıldır Lake, and touch history at the Seljuk-era Double Minaret Madrasa in Erzurum. After a nostalgic journey on the Eastern Express, Marsis Tourism will provide all your transportation in the region with its own luxury vehicles and experienced guides, ensuring a warm and comfortable experience that will warm your heart in the freezing cold of the Caucasus and the East.
This is the quintessential winter fairy tale! The Eastern Express is truly a bucket-list experience for many travelers.
Here is the English translation of your 5-day itinerary, with only the Day markers in bold:
Day 1: Boarding the Eastern Express in Ankara and the Beginning of a Fairytale: Meeting our guide at the Ankara Train Station and settling into our Eastern Express (or Touristic Eastern Express) cabins. A full day of nostalgic train travel stretching from Central Anatolia to Eastern Anatolia, filled with magnificent winter landscapes and endless photo opportunities. Overnight stay on the train.
Day 2: Journey to the Peaks of Anatolia and Arrival in Kars: Watching the crimson-colored canyons and snow-covered villages throughout our train journey, arriving in “Gazi” Kars in the evening. Transfer to our hotel via Marsis Turizm vehicles waiting at the train station. Hotel check-in and relaxation.
Day 3: Ani Ruins in the Shadow of History and Lake Cildir: After breakfast, departure for the ancient city of Ani (Ani Archaeological Site) on the banks of the Arpaçay River, which forms the border with Armenia. Exploration of the Great Cathedral, Menuchehr Mosque, and the city walls. Next, a transition to the famous Lake Cildir, which freezes completely during winter. Optional horse-drawn sleigh rides on the ice or watching the traditional yellow fish (carp) ice-fishing. Return to Kars center in the evening; a walk through the Baltic-architecture streets, a panoramic view of Kars Castle, and a visit to the Church of the Twelve Apostles.
Day 4: Sarikamis, Land of Martyrs, and Transition to Erzurum: Departing Kars in the morning for Sarikamis, nestled within pine forests. Viewing the Sarikamis Martyrs’ Memorial and the historic Catherine’s Mansion (from the exterior). Next, setting off toward Erzurum, the land of the “Dadas.” Upon arrival in Erzurum, visits to the Twin Minaret Madrasa—a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture—the Grand Mosque, Yakutiye Madrasa, and the Three Tombs (Uc Kumbetler). Free time for Oltu stone (black amber) shopping at the historic Tashan (Rustem Pasha Caravanserai). Check-in at our hotel in Erzurum.
Day 5: Palandoken Summit and Farewell: Following breakfast at the hotel, departure for the Palandoken Ski Center, one of Turkey’s most popular winter sports destinations. Free time on the snow-white slopes, with options to take the cable car to the summit or enjoy a hot salep break at the cafes. In the afternoon, transfer to Erzurum Airport for the return flight and the end of our tour.
| ✅ Included | ❌ Excluded |
| Ankara-Kars Eastern Express train ticket | Return flight ticket from Erzurum |
| All regional transportation in Kars and Erzurum via Marsis Turizm luxury vehicles | All lunches and meals on the train |
| 1 Night accommodation on the train, 3 Nights in hotels | Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (Museum pass recommended) |
| Daily breakfasts at the hotels | First-day breakfast and all personal expenses |
| Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services | Single occupancy supplement (Single room fee) |
| Compulsory travel insurance | Lake Cildir horse-drawn sleigh tour (Extra) |
| On-board hot/cold refreshments | Kars Caucasian Night and Goose Meat dinner menu (Extra) |
- Quota: Tours generally require a minimum participation of 20–25 people. If the minimum number is not reached, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour by providing notice 2–3 days in advance.
- Weather Conditions: The guide reserves the right to modify the sequence of the program due to weather, road conditions, or force majeure, provided that all scheduled locations are still visited.
- Accommodation: In triple rooms, the third bed is typically provided as a fold-out or rollaway extra bed.
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made up to 30 days before the departure date usually qualify for a full refund; however, specific deductions may apply for cancellations made within the final week.