A Fairytale Journey with the Eastern Express – Private Wagons Just for You
Snow-covered mountains, historic stone buildings, frozen lakes, and legendary landscapes… Sometimes a holiday is more than just a holiday; it’s a story you’ll tell for a lifetime.
On this tour, you will experience the magical atmosphere of Kars with the comfort of the Eastern Express’s private sleeper wagons, walk in the white blanket of Sarıkamış, enjoy a sleigh ride on the frozen Çıldır Lake, and trace history at Ani Ruins. On New Year’s Eve, you will welcome the new year aboard the nostalgic Eastern Express, watching Anatolia’s winter scenery roll past your window while the rhythm of the rails accompanies an unforgettable night.
TOUR PROGRAM
Day 1: MARMARIS – IZMIR TRANSFER, IZMIR–KARS FLIGHT, THE WHITE FAIRYTALE BEGINS IN SARIKAMIŞ
We meet our valued guests at 04:00 AM at Eşref Girginç Park in Marmaris to begin our journey to catch the 09:40 SunExpress flight XQ9114 Izmir–Kars. After check-in at Izmir Airport, we board our flight and land in Kars after about 2.5 hours.
Our first stop is the Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Monument, where we honor the soldiers who fell during the tragic Sarıkamış Campaign of 1914.
Next, we view the Katerina Hunting Lodge, an outstanding example of Baltic architecture, standing tall without a single nail, looking like a postcard scene in the snow.
We then continue to Sarıkamış Ski Resort, surrounded by pine forests. Guests may ski, take the chairlift to the summit for breathtaking views, or simply enjoy a walk, photography, or a hot drink. After a delightful time at the ski center, we head to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Kars – Atapark Boutique Hotel
Note: In case of weather or other conditions preventing access to the ski resort, the visit may be rescheduled or replaced with an alternative program at the guide’s discretion.
Day 2: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME IN ANI & A WINTER DREAM AT ÇILDIR LAKE
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for an unforgettable day blending history and nature.
First, we explore the Ani Ruins, also known as the “City of 1001 Churches.” Once rivaling Constantinople and Baghdad in wealth, Ani hosted Armenians, Muslims, and Pagans for centuries. Highlights include: the Church of Gagik, the Great Cathedral, fresco-rich Tigran Honents Church, Seljuk Palace and baths, and the first mosque built by Turks in Anatolia, the Ebu’l Menucehr Mosque.
We then continue to Çıldır Lake, a mesmerizing frozen lake reaching up to 80 cm thick in winter. Guests may watch ice fishing or enjoy an unforgettable ride on traditional horse-drawn sleighs across the ice.
For lunch, we taste the lake’s famous grilled pike at a local lakeside restaurant.
After completing our fairytale-like visits, we return to Kars in the evening and, with our guests who wish, join us for a delightful "Kars Night" program, enlivened by minstrel competitions and folk dances (extra charge). On this special evening, you'll witness the captivating rhythm of Caucasian and Circassian dances and, accompanied by local music, truly feel the spirit of Kars. (KARS ACCOMMODATION) ATAPARK BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Note: The Kars Night program depends on availability and group participation.
Day 3: HISTORIC STREETS OF KARS & A FAIRYTALE RAIL JOURNEY
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin our Kars city tour.
We visit the Kars Castle, the Church of the Twelve Apostles, and the impressive Alexander Nevski Church (today Fethiye Mosque). As we stroll through the city’s planned streets from the Russian occupation era, we admire the Baltic-style architecture including the Government House and Finance Office.
Next, we visit the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum and the Caucasian Front War History Museum. Before heading to the train, we enjoy free time for shopping local specialties like Kars cheese, honey, and other delicacies.
At 21:05, we board the Eastern Express (Touristic version). Settling into our private sleeper cabins, we prepare to welcome the New Year on the rails. As the snowy Anatolian landscapes glide past, we celebrate New Year’s Eve with conversations, drinks, and joy in the warm nostalgic atmosphere of the train.
Overnight onboard Eastern Express
Day 4: FROM SNOWY LANDS TO HISTORIC STOPS – THE EASTERN EXPRESS ADVENTURE
We greet the first morning of 2026 with breathtaking winter views from the train windows.
The Touristic Eastern Express offers unique long stopovers along the Kars–Ankara route:
After exploring, we return to the train and continue our journey through Anatolia’s enchanting landscapes.
Overnight onboard Eastern Express
Note: Extra tours require sufficient participation and are organized during the tour.
Day 5: ARRIVAL IN ANKARA & RETURN TO MARMARIS
In the early morning, our train arrives at Ankara Station. With our luggage full of local delicacies and our minds full of memories, we board our private vehicle for the return trip to Marmaris. After breaks en route, we arrive in Marmaris in the evening, bidding farewell to our fellow travelers with hopes of meeting again on another adventure.
Early booking prices valid until September 5, 2025. Reservation is confirmed with a deposit payment of 11,950 TL, which secures your flight and train tickets.
**Verilen fiyatlar 05 Eylül 2025 tarihine kadar geçerli olan erken rezervasyon dönemi fiyatlarıdır. 10950,00 TL kaparo ödemesi ile ön rezervasyon yaptırarak, uçak ve tren bileti rezervasyonlarınızı kesinleştirmiş olursunuz.
Days : 5 | Nights : 4
