Enchanting Kars & Eastern Express Journey – with private wagons just for you

Snow-covered mountains, historic stone buildings, frozen lakes, and legendary landscapes… Sometimes a holiday is not just a holiday; it’s a story you will tell for a lifetime.

On this tour, you will experience the magical atmosphere of Kars aboard the comfortable sleeper wagons of the Eastern Express, walk on the white blanket of Sarıkamış, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides on Lake Çıldır, and trace history at the Ani Ruins. A winter dream filled with postcard-like views awaits you on this unforgettable journey. You will not only explore but also collect memories that will stay in your heart forever.

TOUR PROGRAM

DAY 1: MARMARIS–IZMIR TRANSFER, IZMIR–KARS FLIGHT, THE WHITE FAIRYTALE OF SARIKAMIŞ BEGINS

We meet our valued guests at 04:00 a.m. at Eşref Girginç Park on Monday, December 22, and set off to catch the 09:40 SunExpress flight XQ9114 from Izmir to Kars. After completing our check-in procedures at Izmir Airport, we board our flight. Approximately two and a half hours later, we arrive at Kars Airport, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us on our first visits.

Our first stop is the Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Monument, where we feel both sorrow and pride as we listen to the touching story of the 1914 Sarıkamış Operation from our guide and pay our respects to the silent heroes lying beneath the snow.

Next, we admire from outside the Katerina Hunting Lodge, a rare example of Baltic architecture. Built without nails, this historic mansion still stands tall, appearing like a postcard amid the snow.

We then continue to the Sarıkamış Ski Resort, surrounded by pine forests. Guests may choose to ski, take the chairlift up to enjoy the breathtaking views, walk on the snow, take photos, or simply relax with a hot drink while taking in the scenery. After these delightful moments at the ski resort, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be in Kars.

Accommodation: Atapark Boutique Hotel (Kars)

Note: Access to the ski resort may be affected by weather conditions. In such cases, the program may be modified by the guide. The agency cannot be held responsible if the visit cannot take place due to such circumstances

DAY 2: TIME TRAVEL IN ANI & A WINTER FAIRYTALE AT LAKE ÇILDIR

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin an unforgettable day where history and nature blend in harmony.

Our first stop is the Ani Ruins, known as the “City of 1001 Churches.” Spread over a larger area than Ephesus, this unique ancient city hosted different civilizations for seven centuries. Once wealthy and powerful enough to rival Constantinople and Baghdad in trade, Ani carries the traces of Armenian, Muslim, and Pagan cultures. Highlights include the Church of Gagik, the majestic Cathedral, the frescoes of Tigran Honents Church, the Seljuk Palace and baths, and Ebu’l Menucehr Mosque, the first mosque built by Turks in Anatolia.

From history, we move into a winter wonderland: Lake Çıldır. Located 1,959 meters above sea level, the lake freezes up to 80 cm thick during winter, transforming into a dazzling white desert. Guests may watch local fishermen cutting through the ice to catch fish, or take a dreamy horse-drawn sleigh ride across the frozen lake.

For lunch, we will stop at one of the famous restaurants by the lake, where you will have the chance to taste the renowned Çıldır Lake carp.

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 restaurant availability and the number of participants. The tour guide will organize it, and the day may vary.

DAY 3: FROM HISTORIC STREETS OF KARS TO A FAIRYTALE ON RAILS

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin our city tour of Kars.

Our first stops are Kars Castle and the Church of the Twelve Apostles. We then visit Alexander Nevsky Church (today’s Fethiye Mosque). As we stroll along the streets planned during the Russian occupation, we admire the Governor’s Mansion and the Finance Office, fine examples of Baltic architecture.

We then enjoy free time in the city center for lunch, with the option to taste local specialties. Afterward, we visit the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum and the Caucasus Front War History Museum.

Later in the day, you’ll have the chance to shop for Kars cheese, honey, and other regional delicacies, as well as purchase snacks for the upcoming train journey.

In the evening, the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrives. At 21:05, we board the Eastern Express. After settling into our sleeper compartments, we embark on a magical night journey, watching snow-covered Anatolian landscapes pass by our windows to the rhythm of the rails.

Accommodation: Eastern Express (sleeper train)

DAY 4: FROM THE LAND OF SNOW TO HISTORIC STOPS – EASTERN EXPRESS ADVENTURE

We start the day with the first light of dawn shining through the train windows, offering spectacular views as the Eastern Express gently glides through Anatolia’s winter postcards.

One of the unique features of this journey is the long stopovers along the Kars–Ankara route. Today we will stop at:

• İliç (Erzincan) – famous for the Dark Canyon
• Divriği – with its fairytale-like historic mansions
• Bostankaya (Sivas) – near the cultural treasures of Sivas

Each stop will allow for approximately 3 hours of free time. Guests may join optional guided tours or explore on their own.

Optional Tours:

• İliç – Dark Canyon Tour: Visit the world’s second-largest canyon (12 km long). Depending on weather, enjoy a boat trip or walk along the famous Stone Road. Short free time in Kemaliye’s historic streets. (Extra)
• Divriği Tour: Explore Ottoman-era mansions and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Divriği Great Mosque with our guide. Free time in Huma Hatun Street to try local delicacies. (Extra)
• Bostankaya – Sivas Tour: A short drive to Sivas with free time to sample the city’s specialties. Optional walking tour to Çifte Minareli Medrese, Buruciye Medrese, Şifaiye Medrese, and Kale Mosque.

At the end of the day, we return to our train for another peaceful night rocked by the rhythm of the rails.

Accommodation: Eastern Express (sleeper train)

Note: Optional tours require sufficient participation. Group size and vehicle arrangements may affect prices. Final details will be shared by the guide during the tour.

DAY 5: ARRIVAL IN ANKARA & RETURN TO MARMARIS

After a magical night on the Eastern Express, our train arrives at Ankara Station early in the morning. Though it is time to say goodbye, we carry home both delicious local flavors and unforgettable memories.

We then board our vehicle for the journey back to Marmaris. During the drive, we will have meal and rest stops. In the evening, we arrive in Marmaris and bid farewell to our valued guests at the designated drop-off points, saying: “Until we meet again on another adventure.”

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & GENERAL CONDITIONS

• Tours with the Eastern Express are limited to a maximum of 20 participants due to train capacity. No child discounts apply.
• Seating arrangements in tour buses are assigned by seat number after payment. If you have special seating preferences, please notify us. (This applies to both outbound and return trips.)
• For single travelers, train compartments are for 2 people. A single traveler’s booking is not finalized until matched with another single traveler. Matching will be discussed and agreed upon by both parties before the tour. If no other single traveler is available, the agency holds no responsibility.
• Accommodation for single travelers: In hotels → single room. On the train → shared 2-person compartment.
• Airport and hotel transfers: No assigned seating in transfer vehicles; guests may sit freely.
• The guide reserves the right to adjust the program or routes due to weather, road, or similar conditions, while ensuring all visits are carried out.
• The agency cannot be held responsible if a visit is not possible due to physical conditions (road closure, natural disasters, weather, etc.).
• Koral Tourism is not responsible for any flight schedule changes made by the airline. In such cases, the guide may adjust the program. Extra costs arising from such changes are not covered by the agency.
• Early booking prices are valid until September 5, 2025. With a deposit of 9,950 TL, your reservation and flight/train tickets will be secured.
• For single or three-person bookings, shared train compartments are mandatory due to the 2-person compartment setup. Guests agree to share their wagon with another participant.

Days : 5 | Nights : 4