Special Semester Iconic Touristic Eastern Express Eastern Anatolia Tour | 2 Nights Hotel, 2 Nights Train Accommodation, Departure From Istanbul

On the first day of our tour, we will be ready at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport two hours before our flight time to complete check-in and baggage procedures. After completing these procedures, we begin our journey towards the enchanting atmosphere of Eastern Anatolia with Ajet Airlines' 06:40 Sabiha Gökçen – Van flight. After our approximately two-hour flight, we arrive in Van. At the airport exit, we meet our tour vehicle and guide waiting for us and head to our restaurant for an extra local Van breakfast. After a magnificent breakfast filled with local flavors, we set off towards Gevaş. During our enjoyable journey alongside the endless blue of Lake Van, which locals call "Van Sea," we witness the breathtaking scenery of this unique natural wonder. With its alkaline structure and surrounded by volcanic mountains, Lake Van is one of the most important parts of the region's geographical and cultural identity. Upon arriving in Gevaş, we move towards Akdamar Island, which rises like a pearl in the middle of the lake, on boats waiting for us for our extra tour. During our boat ride, we experience unforgettable moments alongside the calmness of the lake and the mountain silhouettes around it. When we reach the island, Akdamar Church, built in the 10th century by King I. Gagik of Vaspurakan, welcomes us. This building, one of the most elegant examples of medieval Armenian architecture, stands out with its reliefs decorating the exterior facades, stone carvings depicting scenes from the Bible, and architectural details. At the same time, the Tamar legend, which has become synonymous with the island, has served as a vehicle for the transmission of love and sorrow from generation to generation over centuries. Alongside our guide's narrations, we witness how art, faith, and emotion are immortalized on this small island. After our island tour, we return to Gevaş on our boat again. On our way back, we take a pleasant extra lunch break with a view of the lake. This break, taken under the cool breeze of Lake Van, becomes one of the most peaceful moments of the day. After our lunch break, we head towards Van city center. On the way, we stop at a workshop where we will get to know closely one of the region's important crafts, silver inlay work (savat). This delicate art, worked on silver with black alloy, has been preserved for centuries as a combination of patience, skill, and aesthetic understanding. While learning the subtleties of this special craft from the masters, shopping opportunities are also provided for guests who wish. Then, we visit the Van Cat House, one of Van's symbols and known for its unique regional characteristics. We have the opportunity to see up close and photograph the famous Van cats, known for their eyes—one blue and the other amber. Our next stop is Van Castle, the most important structure of Tuşpa, the capital of the Urartu Kingdom. Built in the 9th century BC by Urartu King I. Sarduri, this magnificent castle stands out with its commanding position overlooking the Van Plain. Constructed on a rocky hill, this building is one of the most important works that carry Urartian advanced stonework and military architectural understanding to our days. With our guide's narrations, we get to know more closely the traces of Urartian civilization in the region and its historical importance. Before entering the city center, we stop at Urartu Carpets, one of the important representatives of carpet and kilim weaving in the region. Here, we have the opportunity to learn closely about the meanings of traditional motifs and weaving techniques. After listening to the cultural heritage behind each stitch, we take a short break. Then, we go to our shop where we will get to know closely Van's local flavors and find many varieties of local products. We conclude our shopping break by examining Karakovan honey, which is hard to find anywhere else in Turkey, and various cheese types specific to the region.

After completing our shopping, we proceed to our hotel. After a day-long tour intertwined with history, nature, and culture, we settle into our hotel. We end our day pleasantly by having dinner at our hotel, where local flavors are served. Accommodation and dinner are at our hotel.

Food & Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Local Van Breakfast will be taken at a restaurant in Van (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Lunch will be taken at a restaurant in Gevaş (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: It will be served as an open buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Van / Edens Hotel, The Nava Otel, Grand Otel Van, Van Life Otel, Karaca Otel, Roccia Downtown Otel Van and similar hotels.

On the second day of our tour, after having a buffet breakfast at our hotel, we depart from Van and embark on an unforgettable journey along the unique geography of Eastern Anatolia. Our first stop is Muradiye Waterfall, formed by the powerful waters of the Bend-i Mahi River cascading down approximately 50 meters. Named after Sultan IV. Murad, who passed through this region during the Baghdad Campaign, the waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural stops in the area, renowned for its surrounding natural beauty, sound, and impressive scenery. After taking photos here, we continue our journey. Our route takes us over Tendürek Pass, one of the high mountain passes of Eastern Anatolia. Along the way, witnessing the rugged and striking landscape of the region, Mount Aras, Turkey's highest peak, appears as one of the most majestic views on our route. Standing majestically at 5,137 meters, Mount Aras has been one of Anatolia's most important natural and cultural symbols for centuries. Passing through the foothills of the mountain, we reach Doğubayazıt, historically one of the key trade and transit points of Eastern Anatolia. Undoubtedly, the most important stop of our visit to Doğubayazıt is Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the iconic structures of the region. The palace, which brings together influences from Ottoman, Seljuk, Baroque, and Rococo architecture within the same structure, is considered one of the most impressive examples of palace architecture in Eastern Anatolia. Construction began under Cholak Abdi Pasha and was completed during the reign of Küçük Ishak Pasha after approximately a century; with its harem and selamlık sections, courtrooms, dungeons, mosque, and grand courtyards, it opens the doors to the magnificent world of the past. One of the most striking features of the palace is its central heating system, which was far ahead of its time. From the terrace of the building, viewing the panorama stretching over the Doğubayazıt Plain and the surrounding mountains, we better understand why the palace was built at such a strategic location. After our tour, we take a break for lunch in Doğubayazıt. After lunch, we continue our journey towards Iğdır. Accompanied by the majestic view of Mount Aras, we pass through the vast geography bordering Turkey's eastern borders. The Tuzluca Salt Cave tour is conducted as an extra activity based on the participation of all guests. We arrive at Tuzluca Salt Cave, one of the region's natural riches. Notable for its natural rock salt layers formed within extensive salt deposits, the cave presents itself as a different and impressive stop where we can closely observe the geological structure of the region. Continuing our tour, we proceed towards Kars via Digor and Dağpınar. As we travel through this geography surrounded by volcanic mountains, we feel that Eastern Anatolia is shaped not only by its natural beauties but also by its historical texture that has hosted various civilizations for centuries. Upon reaching Kars, we begin our city tour. First, we visit the Tomb of Hasan Harakani, one of the important Sufi masters of the region. We conduct our visit by listening to our guide about the traces left by Hasan Harakani, who holds an important place in Kars' spiritual identity. Next, we see Kümbet Mosque, one of the significant structures reflecting Kars' multicultural past. Built as a church in the 10th century during the Bagratid Kingdom period, the structure was used for different purposes in subsequent periods and now serves as a mosque. The stonework and plan characteristics visible in the building's architecture clearly demonstrate that Kars has been a meeting point of different beliefs and civilizations throughout history. Continuing our city tour, we see Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge), which rises over the Kars River and is one of the important works of the Ottoman period. Built in the 16th century during the reign of III. Murad by Lala Mustafa Pasha, the bridge has reached our days as one of the important structures completing Kars' historical urban fabric. Finally, we view Kars Castle, one of the symbolic structures of Kars, panoramically. Constructed in the 12th century during the Seljuk period, the castle played an important role in the defense of the city for centuries and has become one of the most prominent parts of Kars' historical silhouette. After our city tour, we move to our hotel in Kars. After checking in and taking a short rest break, those guests who wish will go to the Caucasus Night program.

Note: In the evening, we join the Caucasus Night with those guests who wish to get to know Kars' cultural life up close. During this special night where Kars' multicultural structure meets music, dance, and local cuisine, we experience the traditional atmosphere of the region with Caucasian performances, ashik duels, and live music. Throughout the night, we have the opportunity to taste local delicacies such as piti (bozbaş), local soup, beet pickle, çeçil cheese, local halva, and various refreshments. Thus, we complete our day not only by seeing Kars' history but also by touching the living culture and tables of the region. The Caucasus Night and dinner are not included in the tour price. Guests who do not wish to participate in the Caucasus Night may have their dinner using their own means.

Food and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)

Lunch: Will be taken at a restaurant in Kars (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken at the Dinner-included Caucasus Night (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Kars / Büyük Kale Hotel, The Kars Park Hotel, Grand Ani Hotel, Cheltikov Hotel, Sapran Hotel, Işıl Park Hotel, and similar hotels.

On our third day, after having a buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off to get to know the history of Kars more closely. Our first stop is Ani Ruins, which has been a meeting point for different civilizations over the centuries and today carries the traces of the past with its impressive remains. Located on the banks of the natural valley formed by the Arpacay River on the Turkey-Armenia border, Ani developed as one of the region's important political, commercial, and cultural centers throughout the Middle Ages, especially acquiring the identity of a major city during the Bagratid Kingdom period. With its conquest by Sultan Alparslan in the 11th century, a new era began in Ani's history, and the city became one of the important centers of Turkish-Islamic civilization. During our visit to Ani guided by our guide, we see Ani Cathedral, one of the most impressive structures in the city. Known as the Great Cathedral, this magnificent structure is considered one of the most important examples of medieval Armenian architecture. The cathedral, which carries the splendor of Ani's past to the present day with its cut stone craftsmanship and high-domed architecture, is followed by a visit to Tigran Honents Church, which stands out with the frescoes on its walls. Another important stop on our Ani tour is Menuçehr Mosque. Built during the Seljuk period in the 11th century, the structure is considered one of the most important examples of early Turkish-Islamic architecture in Anatolia. The mosque's stonework, architectural details, and commanding position overlooking the Arpacay Valley reveal Ani's multi-layered history where different cultures and beliefs coexisted. After spending time in Ani, we return to Kars city center and visit the Caucasus Front War History Museum, which sheds light on the city's defense history. Located in Kars, one of the important centers of Ottoman-Russian struggles, the museum tells the military history of Kars and contains traces from the difficult war periods of the 19th century. Built historically as "New Tabia," the structure played an important role in the defense of Kars and has become a valuable stop for understanding the city's military history today. After our museum visit, we take a lunch break. After this break, where we can taste the unique flavors of Kars cuisine, we move towards another point where nature and history intertwine. Our route is Çıldır Lake. As we proceed along the Arpacay River, we continue our journey with landscapes accompanying the high plateaus and vast steppes of Kars. Çıldır Lake, located approximately 1,959 meters above sea level, is a natural dam lake formed by volcanic formations and is one of the most striking natural beauties of the region. Especially during the winter months, when the lake is completely or largely covered with ice, it forms one of the most characteristic winter landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. During the winter season, if the ice thickness on the lake is suitable, guests who wish can take a pleasant ride on horse-drawn sledges (extra) on Çıldır Lake and take photos alongside this unique view. Outside the winter season, we take a photo break while enjoying nature and the scenery around the lake. NOTE: The Çıldır Lake tour is excluded from the program during spring and summer months.After our Çıldır Lake tour, we begin our journey back to Kars. When Kars is mentioned, we stop at our shop where we can purchase the most important local specialties, Kars cheese and gruyere cheese. We stop at a local products shop where we can taste the handmade production of Kars Kashar and world-famous Kars Gruyère and where interested guests can make purchases. Here you can try various cheese types, which are among the most important representatives of Kars' gastronomic culture, and shop for local products for your loved ones. After our shopping break, we head to Kars Train Station.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Çıldır Lake tour and the horse-drawn sledge activity on the lake are seasonal activities dependent on the freezing condition of the lake. Therefore, the aforementioned tour and activity can only be carried out during winter months and when weather conditions are suitable. If the lake does not freeze to a sufficient level or if weather conditions are not suitable, the activity cannot be carried out.

The final part of our tour begins not with a classic hotel stay but with one of Turkey's most special travel experiences, the Touristic Eastern Express. After completing our program in Kars, we move to Kars Train Station in the evening and settle into our compartments on the train.

January 24, 2027 – KARS TRAIN STATION

21:05 – Departure from Kars Train Station

We settle into our compartments on the train for our Touristic Eastern Express journey, one of the most special experiences of our tour. With the departure of our train, our unforgettable journey, which will continue all night long accompanied by the unique landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, begins. After the tours we carried out during the day, you can rest in our train compartments and experience one of Turkey's most special train journeys by watching the changing scenery along the way. For dinner, guests can use the food and drinks they brought with them or obtain food and drinks additionally from the train restaurant. During our Touristic Eastern Express journey that will continue all night, we rest by experiencing one of the most enjoyable moments of our tour, accompanied by the silence of Eastern Anatolia and the rhythm of the train.

Our train, departing from Kars Train Station at 21:05, begins our night journey towards Ankara. While relieving the day's fatigue by resting in our compartments, we spend an unforgettable night within the unique atmosphere of the train. Guests who wish can use the food and drinks they brought with them or obtain food and drinks additionally from the train's dining car. Our train, moving through the unique geography of Eastern Anatolia throughout the night, reaches İliç, our first long stop in the morning hours.

Food and Accommodation Information:
 

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a restaurant in Doğubeyazıt (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Taken freely on the Touristic Eastern Express (Extra/Optional)

Accommodation: Night Journey with Touristic Eastern Express

On the fifth day of our tour, our train will stop in İliç in the morning.

January 25, 2027 – İLİÇ – KEMALİYE EXTRA TOUR

Approx. 06:40 – 07:30 Arrival in İliç
09:40 – Departure from İliç

Our train arrives at İliç Station in the morning. We leave our compartments on the train and board the minibuses waiting for us at the station exit, beginning our Kemaliye extra tour with our guide. Kemaliye, one of the hidden gems of Eastern Anatolia, known by its historical name Eğin, is a unique Anatolian settlement that stands out with its impressive geography shaped by the Karasu River, a tributary of the Euphrates, its traditional stone houses, and historic streets. Located among the mountains, the district appears as one of the most characteristic stops in the region with its natural beauty and distinctive architecture. During our tour of Kemaliye with our guide, we get to know the town's historical texture and traditional architecture up close; we learn about the historic Kemaliye houses, narrow streets, and the city fabric specific to the region. While discovering the cultural heritage carried by Kemaliye from the past to the present, we have the opportunity to take plenty of photos in this unique landscape. After our tour, we offer our guests a free breakfast break. Guests who wish can taste local specialties of Kemaliye, while others can have their breakfasts and hot drinks and take a short rest in the quiet morning atmosphere. After our free time, we move again with our minibuses to İliç Station. Arriving at the station according to our train's departure time, we settle back into our compartments.

With the departure of the Touristic Eastern Express from İliç at 09:40, we leave behind our Kemaliye tour and continue our unique train journey towards Ankara. Note: The Kemaliye tour is an extra activity and participation is optional. The tour is conducted according to the train's waiting time and departure schedule in İliç.

With our train's departure, our journey continues in our compartment alongside unique views towards Divriği.

January 25, 2027 – DİVRİĞİ – DİVRİĞİ GRAND MOSQUE AND DARÜŞŞİFA EXTRA TOUR

10:40 – Arrival in Divriği
13:11 – Departure from Divriği

After arriving at Divriği Station around 10:40, we leave our compartments on the train and board the minibuses waiting for us at the station exit. With our guide, we begin our Divriği Grand Mosque and Darüşşifa extra tour with interested guests. Divriği is one of Sivas's most important cultural stops with its historical heritage reaching from the Anatolian Seljuk period to today and its distinctive architecture. Undoubtedly, the most important work of the district is the Divriği Grand Mosque and Darüşşifa, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After reaching the area where the historic structure is located with our minibuses, we begin our tour with our guide. Built during the Mengücekid Beylik period in 1228-1229, the Divriği Grand Mosque and Darüşşifa is considered one of the finest works of Turkish-Islam architecture in Anatolia. The most striking feature of the building is its stonework. Especially the highly detailed geometric and floral decorations found on the monumental main doors showcase the artistic understanding of the masters of that era. The fact that every detail has a different composition makes the building one of the most original works of Anatolian architecture. The Darüşşifa located right next to the Grand Mosque appears as an important structure reflecting the health and social aid understanding of the period. While receiving information from our guide about the history, architectural features, and past usage purpose of the building, we learn important details about the science, art, and architectural understanding of the Seljuk period. During our tour, we have the opportunity to take plenty of photos by closely examining the monumental doors, stone decorations, and architectural details of the historic structure. After experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Divriği Grand Mosque and Darüşşifa, we allow a short free time. After our free time, we move again with our minibuses to Divriği Station. Arriving at the station according to our train's departure time, we settle back into our compartments.

With the departure of the Touristic Eastern Express from Divriği at 13:11, we leave behind our historic Divriği tour and continue our unique train journey towards Ankara. As our train departs again, our journey continues alongside the mountains, valleys, and changing landscapes of Anatolia. Watching the views stretching from our window, we continue to enjoy our travel in the unique atmosphere of the train. Note: The tour of Divriği Grand Mosque and Darüşşifa is an extra activity and participation is optional. The tour is conducted according to the train's waiting time and departure schedule in Divriği.

With our train's departure, our journey continues in our compartment alongside unique views towards Sivas.

January 25, 2027 – SİVAS – SİVAS CITY TOUR EXTRA

17:12 – Arrival in Sivas
20:12 – Departure from Sivas

We arrive at Sivas Station around 17:12. Leaving our compartments on the train, we board the minibuses waiting for us at the station exit. With our guide, we begin our Sivas city tour (extra) with interested guests. Sivas, one of the oldest settlement centers of Anatolia, has hosted various civilizations throughout history; especially during the Seljuk period, it became an important center for culture, trade, and education. The city also holds a very significant place in our National Struggle history. Moving with our minibuses to the city center, we begin our tour. Our first stop is the Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum, one of the most important structures in our Republican history. This historic building, which hosted the Sivas Congress held in 1919, played an important role in shaping the National Struggle. We receive information from our guide about the historical importance of the Sivas Congress and the developments experienced in the process leading to the Republic. Then we move to Çifte Minareli Medrese, one of the most important Seljuk works in Sivas. With its magnificent main door and stonework, the building appears as one of the works that best reflect the architectural heritage of the Seljuk period in Anatolia. While listening to the historical and architectural features of the building from our guide, we take a short journey towards Sivas's Seljuk past. Continuing our tour, we are given free time in the city center. Interested guests can take a short walk in the historic markets of Sivas, examine local products, or discover the city's unique atmosphere. During our free time, we also offer an extra dinner option for interested guests. You can evaluate the last city stop of the day with a pleasant dinner by tasting flavors from Sivas's local cuisine. At the designated time, we move again with our minibuses to Sivas Station. Arriving at the station according to our train's departure time, we settle into our compartments.

With the departure of the Touristic Eastern Express from Sivas at 20:12, we leave behind our city tour and continue our night journey towards Ankara. Guests who did not choose dinner as part of our city tour can utilize the food and drinks they brought with them on the train, or they can obtain food and drinks additionally from the train restaurant car. Continuing our journey in the unique atmosphere of the train throughout the night, we move towards Ankara while thinking about the historical and cultural texture of Sivas we left behind during the day. Note: The Sivas city tour, Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum, Çifte Minareli Medrese, and dinner are extras and participation is optional. The tour is conducted according to the train's waiting time and departure schedule in Sivas.

With our train's departure, our journey continues towards Ankara.

SİVAS – ANKARA | NIGHT TRAIN JOURNEY

With our train departing again, our final night journey begins. After our trip enriched with stops in İliç, Divriği, and Sivas during the day, we rest in our compartments and move towards Ankara. Guests who wish can evaluate their dinner with food and drinks they brought with them, or they can obtain food and drinks additionally from the train restaurant car. Throughout the night, we continue our journey in the unique atmosphere of the train and arrive in Ankara in the morning hours.

ANKARA

07:30 – Arrival in Ankara and end of our tour

Upon our arrival at Ankara Station around 07:30 in the morning, our Touristic Eastern Express experience comes to an end. We conclude the finale of our tour, during which we explored the historic cities of Eastern Anatolia, the enchanting winter landscapes, and the unique culture of the region over four nights, in Ankara with one of Turkey's most special train journeys.

Important Transport Note: Our tour ends at Ankara Station. Passengers continuing from Ankara to Istanbul, İzmir, or other cities must state their return transport requests at the time of purchasing the tour. Intercity transport after Ankara is not included in the tour package and will be charged additionally according to the transport conditions on the travel date.

Accommodation: Touristic Eastern Express – Compartment