The Legendary Turkish Journey – Kars, Eastern Express & Istanbul

About this tour

A nine-day winter journey from Istanbul to Kars, Ani and Lake Çıldır, then aboard the Eastern Express through eastern Anatolia to Ankara, finishing with Istanbul sightseeing and New Year's Eve.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul to Kars

Domestic flight; airport reception and hotel transfer; Kars Castle, Kümbet Mosque (Church of the Twelve Apostles), historic neighbourhoods and local market.

Day 2 — Ani ruins and traditional folk dinner

Ani Cathedral, Mosque of Manuchihr, historic walls and archaeological ruins; traditional folk dinner and dance show.

Day 3 — Sarıkamış and Lake Çıldır

Breakfast, Lake Çıldır winter scenery and activities, Sarıkamış snow activities; optional sleigh ride subject to weather; transfer to Kars station and overnight Eastern Express.

Day 4 — Eastern Express

Scenic rail journey with stops indicated on poster: Ilıç (180 min), Divriği (150 min), Sivas (180 min); overnight on train. Stop schedule to reconfirm.

Day 5 — Ankara to Istanbul

Ankara city tour: Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle, Kocatepe Mosque, Hamamönü, Kızılay Square, Atakule Tower; domestic flight to Istanbul, hotel transfer.

Day 6 — Golden Horn, Eyüp, Pierre Loti and Balat

Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill, Balat's colourful streets; evening free.

Day 7 — Asian Istanbul and New Year's Eve

Kadıköy Market, Üsküdar waterfront, Çamlıca Mosque, Çamlıca Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and sunset Bosphorus views; New Year's Eve celebration optional and charged separately.

Day 8 — Bosphorus, palaces and shopping

Dolmabahçe Palace, Bebek waterfront, Ortaköy, Khan Al Wazir, Emirgan Park or Palace, Florenta Village; entrances not included unless confirmed.

Day 9 — Süleymaniye Mosque and departure

Süleymaniye Mosque and free time; transfer to Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Room options and prices per person

Prices and availability are subject to confirmation.