Kars Tour with Tourist Train (Ankara - Kars Direction) 3 Nights

ISTANBUL – ANKARA HST JOURNEY / ANKARA – KARS TRAIN JOURNEY WITH TOURIST EAST EXPRESS

Our tour begins at 07:00 by meeting with our guide at Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme Train Station. After completing our ticket procedures at Söğütlüçeşme Train Station, we depart for Ankara with the 07:20 train and arrive at Ankara Train Station at 11:30 after approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of high-speed train journey. We provide you with free time at the Train Station, and we meet again at 13:30 to settle into our TCDD East Express sleeper wagons, which have been reserved specifically for us. The East Express departs at 13:55, and we begin our journey, which will take approximately 31 hours. Dinner will be extra at the dining car inside the train.

Lunch: To be taken as extra.
Dinner: To be taken as extra at the TCDD Tourist East Express Restaurant.
Accommodation: In our TCDD Tourist East Express Sleeper Wagon.

TRAIN JOURNEY TO KARS WITH TOURIST EAST EXPRESS - ERZİNCAN AND ERZURUM CITY TOUR

Our tour, after a fairytale night train journey, says hello to a new day, leaving behind the short and pleasant waiting moments at the stations. While traveling and immersing ourselves in the magnificent East Anatolia landscapes filtering through our windows, we arrive at Erzincan Train Station around 07:55 with the first lights of the morning. A pleasant break of approximately 2.5 hours awaits us here. Together with guests who wish, we go on an extra Erzincan City Tour to discover the historical and cultural fabric of Erzincan. After our visit, we return to our train departing at 10:25 and continue to glide on the rails towards the Erzurum route, accompanied by new landscapes that will not be erased from memory. After our pleasant rail journey, the Tourist East Express reaches the legendary city of Erzurum Train Station at 14:20. Departing from the station, we begin our Erzurum Culture Tour to discover this most rooted settlement of Anatolia. As part of our city tour, we first photograph the Yakutiye Madrasa, a magnificent monument dating from the Ilkhanid period to the present, from the outside. Then, we examine in detail the Twin Minaret Madrasa, which has become the symbol of Erzurum and is one of the most exquisite examples of Seljuk architecture. After breathing in the spiritual atmosphere of the historic Ulu Mosque, one of the city's oldest and largest places of worship, we head to the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler) to witness some of the most beautiful examples of monument tomb architecture in Anatolia. After our history tour, we go to the historic Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai), built by Rüstem Pasha, the grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent. Here, we see the dazzling Oltu Stone craftsmanship, the symbol of Erzurum, on site and provide free time for you to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. After shopping, we proceed to our designated restaurant to taste the famous Cağ Kebab, which comes to mind first when Erzurum is mentioned, and then the registered delicacy Kadayıf Dolması. After the gastronomy break, you can discover the streets of Erzurum at your own pace during the free time our guide will provide in the city center. At the end of this joyful day, we depart from Erzurum Station at 17:50 with our Tourist East Express train and move towards Kars, the final stop of the fairytale. When our train reaches Kars Train Station around 21:52 at night, we meet our transfer vehicle waiting for us and proceed to our hotel. We settle into our rooms to shake off the sweet fatigue of the day. Accommodation takes place at our hotel in Kars. (Note: Arrival and departure times specified in the program are estimates. Current times provided by TCDD officials on the train and our guide during the journey will be taken as basis.)

Breakfast: To be taken as extra.
Lunch: To be taken as extra.
Dinner: To be taken as extra.
Accommodation: Kars Hotels, etc.

ANI RUINS - LAKE ÇILDIR - CAUCASIAN FOLK DANCE SHOW

Our tour, after a pleasant breakfast at our hotel in the morning, sets off towards the enchanting atmosphere of Kars. The first stop of the day is the Ani Ruins, located approximately 50 kilometers from the center of Kars, which fascinates with its grandeur and is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Ani, which is like a complete summary of medieval urban life, takes us on a journey through time with its impressive walls that largely preserve their magnificence, and its dazzling religious and civil architectural examples. On this walk into the depths of history, we see the imposing City Walls, the Ani Cathedral (Church of the Holy Mother), an architectural masterpiece, and the Tigran Honents Church, which fascinates with its interior frescoes, up close. Then, we complete our discoveries in this unique cultural heritage by visiting the historic Ebu'l Manuchihr Mosque, which was built after the Turks conquered the region and holds the title of the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia. After unforgettable moments intertwined with history, we turn our route to Lake Çıldır, one of the most enchanting natural beauties of East Anatolia. Upon reaching the lake, we first take our lunch break accompanied by the fresh air and magnificent view. During the meal, depending on the suitability of seasonal conditions, we have the opportunity to taste the famous and delicious local flavor of the lake, the Yellow Fish (Sarı Balık). After our gastronomy experience, a fairytale experience awaits us on the frozen Lake Çıldır, reflecting all the elegance of the winter season. Together with guests who wish, we experience the traditional Horse-drawn Sleigh ride (extra) gliding over the lake. After these fun and pleasant times, which we will realize in periods when the lake is sufficiently frozen depending on seasonal conditions, we leave behind a day full of beautiful memories and move towards our hotel. After resting at our hotel, we meet again in the evening for a special organization where we will get to know the unique culture of Kars more closely. We leave the hotel for our extra dinner program accompanied by the magnificent Caucasian Folk Show, one of the region's most rooted traditions. In this night tour, which will be realized depending on the number of participants and demand, we spend an unforgettable evening accompanied by enchanting Caucasian dances and local melodies. After the entertainment-filled night, we return to our hotel to rest.

Breakfast: To be taken at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: To be taken as extra at Lake Çıldır.
Dinner: To be taken as extra at the Caucasian Night.
Accommodation: Kars Hotels, etc.
Route: Kars - Lake Çıldır (55 km) Lake Çıldır - Ani (80 km) Ani - Kars (45 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 180 km
Hotel Check-in Time: 16.00

KARS - NAMIK KEMAL HOUSE - KANLI TABYA WAR HISTORY MUSEUM

Our tour starts after breakfast at the hotel in the morning and, with guests who wish, we see Kars Castle from below by walking. We set out to be completely captivated by the charm of this fantastic city, the rising star of the East in recent times, and to closely observe the rich cultural and historical fabric of Kars. Our first stop will be the Fethiye Mosque, which was built as a church in the Baltic Architectural style by the Russians in the late 19th century and converted into a mosque in 1985. This historical transition stands out as an example reflecting the cultural richness of Kars. Afterwards, we move to the Apostles' Church (Kümbet Mosque) built at the foothills of Kars Castle. This church draws attention as a prominent example of Armenian-Georgian architectural style. The details of the structure offer important clues reflecting the history and culture of the region. Then, we take a walk through the streets of Kars. In this region, known as the 'land of Ashiks', we witness the rich gastronomic and cultural heritage of Anatolia. We step into the gourmet world of the region by tasting delicacies such as honey, kashar cheese, gruyere cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, and yellow fish. We visit the Stone Bridge, which has reached from the Roman period to the present day and is still in use. This bridge appears as a structure emphasizing the historical and geographical importance of the region. Similarly, the Historical Bath offers us a historical journey as a structure extending from the past to the present. While wandering in the city, we encounter structures where we see the reflection of all the subtleties of Russian architecture, and we feel as if we are on a journey outside of Turkey. By visiting the house where Namık Kemal, one of our famous poets, lived for a period, we witness the literary and cultural importance of Kars. Afterwards, meeting with our vehicle, we visit the Kanlı Tabya War History Museum, where ethnographic materials, weapons used in wars, and portable cultural assets documenting recent history are exhibited. After our museum visit, we go to the airport. We set off for Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport with the 22:45 Pegasus flight. In Istanbul, we bid farewell to you by dropping you off at our service points with our shuttle, to meet again on another Prontotour journey.

Breakfast: To be taken at the hotel, included in the tour price.
Lunch: To be taken as extra.
Accommodation: It is the return day, no accommodation.
Route: Kars City Tours (40 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 40 km

ERZİNCAN TOUR: We start our Erzincan tour by first going to the Çağlayan district. We have our lunch as extra at a restaurant located by the river. Afterwards, we move to the Girlevik Waterfall, which takes its main source from the springs originating from Kalecik Village on the slopes of the Munzur Mountains and has different beauties in four different seasons. After a short break here, we go to the Ekşisu Recreation Area, where natural mineral waters flow from the fountains. After our break, we depart for our train. EXTRA

Important Notes Regarding TCDD Touristic Eastern Express

The sleeper wagon on the Eastern Express consists of 10 guest rooms, 1 technical staff room, 2 toilet sections, and the corridor opening to these rooms. Each room in the wagon is for 2 people. Inside the rooms, there is a hand washbasin, mirror, mini-fridge, desk, clothes hanger, shelf, and ladder. There are two 220-volt electrical outlets in the room. Windows can be closed with curtains, the room door can be locked, or both can be kept open, entirely depending on the guest's wish. There is a heating and cooling system in every room. At the beginning of the journey, information about the heat setting system and other matters is provided by the wagon attendant. During the daytime parts of the journey, guests generally keep their beds closed and use them in a seating arrangement. When night hours begin, they switch to a bed arrangement by opening their seats at their desired time. One person sleeps on the lower bunk, and the second person sleeps on the upper bunk. There is one ladder in the room to easily climb to the bunk bed. Each bed opens ready for use. On the beds, a white sheet, pillowcase and pillow, 1 white blanket protective sheet, and 1 blanket are found clean and ready for sleeping. There are corridors and passage doors to move between the wagons. In this way, guests can reach the Restaurant Wagon, sit at the tables, and drink tea or coffee. Additionally, they can have appetizer snacks with the breakfast products and meal varieties available in the Restaurant. Restaurant wagon fees are quite economical. For toilet needs on the train, there is one toilet at each end of the corridor. One of these toilets is squat-style (Alaturka) and the other is Western-style (Alafranga). The one wagon attendant in each wagon is assigned to ensure the safe travel of guests staying in the rooms, to perform the water supply of the wagon, and to handle the periodic maintenance and cleaning of the toilets.

NOTE: Our tour will take place with a total of 18 people.

Note: There may be changes in YHT (High Speed Train) times. Final times will be notified two days before the tour.

In case of no availability on the YHT, the transfer between Istanbul and Ankara will be made by intermediate vehicles.

Important Note: The departure point of our tours is Istanbul, and the intermediate flights or connection tickets that our guests joining the tour from different cities will purchase individually are entirely their own responsibility. In case of cancellation of the tour due to insufficient participation or changes in flight times caused by the airline company, our agency is absolutely not responsible for the cancellation, refund, or change costs of the tickets purchased by guests from other provinces.

NOTE: All extra activities such as ATV safari, boat tour, diving, jeep safari, parachute, hot air balloon, and similar activities offered or suggested to guests during the tour, which are not included in the package tour program, are outside the scope of the Package Tour Agreement and are of a separate service nature. These extra services are not organized by our agency and are provided by independent third-party suppliers. Guests purchase and participate in these services entirely according to their own wishes and initiative. The guest accepts and declares that they establish a direct contractual relationship with the relevant local service provider before participating in extra activities, and that information regarding the scope, safety, and conditions of the service will be provided by the relevant provider. In this context, our agency has no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, death, material and moral damages that may occur during extra tours, or negatives resulting from third parties. The guest accepts that they know that these types of activities involving risk inherently contain danger, that their health condition is suitable for participation, and that all necessary responsibility belongs to them. Furthermore, all dangerous activities are not covered by insurance.

Climate: A continental climate prevails in our province of Kars. Winters are harsh and long. In very high regions, Lake Van ensures that winter is less harsh. Nearly 150 days in winter are below 0°C. In summer, 20 days are above +30°C. The ground remains covered with snow for 80 days. The annual precipitation amount varies between 370 mm and 570 mm depending on the districts. Summers are low-precipitation and very hot. Temperature ranges between -26.9°C and +36°C.

MIDIBUSES

ISUZU TURKUAZ: 31+1 Or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, Cd and Dvd Player.

NOVO LUX: 31+1 Or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, Cd and Dvd Player.

TEMSA PRESTIGE: 31+1 Or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, Cd and Dvd Player.

MINIBUSES

MERCEDES SPRINTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, Cd and Dvd Player.

VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, Cd and Dvd Player.

OUR TOUR PROGRAMS ARE PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502.