Kars Tour with Tourist Train (Ankara - Kars Route) 3 Nights from Ankara

ANKARA – KARS TRAIN JOURNEY WITH TOURISTIC EASTERN EXPRESS

Our tour begins by meeting you at 13:30. We settle into our TCDD Eastern Express sleeper cars, which have been reserved exclusively for us. The Eastern Express departs at 13:55, and we begin our journey that will last approximately 31 hours. Dinner will be available as an extra in the dining car on the train.

Lunch: To be taken as an extra.
Dinner: To be taken as an extra in the TCDD Touristic Eastern Express Restaurant.
Accommodation: In our TCDD Touristic Eastern Express Sleeper Car.

TRAIN JOURNEY WITH KARS TOURISTIC EASTERN EXPRESS - ERZINCAN AND ERZURUM CITY TOUR

Our tour greets a new day after a fairytale night train journey, leaving behind the short and pleasant waiting moments at the stations. As we travel while watching the magnificent Eastern Anatolian landscapes passing by our window, we arrive at Erzincan Train Station around 07:55 with the first light of the morning. A pleasant break of approximately 2.5 hours awaits us here. For those who wish, we go on an extra Erzincan City Tour to discover the historical and cultural texture of Erzincan. After our trip, we return to our train departing at 10:25 and continue to glide along the rails towards the Erzurum route, accompanied by new landscapes that will not be forgotten. After our pleasant rail journey, the Touristic Eastern 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 deep-rooted settlement of Anatolia. As part of our city tour, we first photograph the magnificent monumental work Yakutiye Madrasa, which has survived from the Ilkhanid period to the present day, from the outside. Then, we examine in detail the Double Minaret Madrasa, the most exquisite example of Seljuk architecture, which has become the symbol of Erzurum. After breathing in the spiritual atmosphere of the historical Grand Mosque, one of the oldest and largest places of worship in the city, we head to the Three Tombs to witness the most beautiful examples of monumental tomb architecture in Anatolia. After our history tour, we go to the historical Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai), built by Rüstem Pasha, the Grand Vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent. Here, we see the eye-catching Oltu Stone craftsmanship, which is the symbol of Erzurum, on-site and give free time for you to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. After shopping, we move 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 Stuffed Dessert. After the gastronomy break, you can explore the streets of Erzurum at your own pace during the free time our guide will give in the city center. At the end of this pleasant day, we leave Erzurum Station with our Touristic Eastern Express train at 17:50 and set off for Kars, the last stop of the fairy tale. When our train reaches Kars Train Station around 21:52 at night, we meet our transfer vehicle waiting for us and move 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: The arrival and departure times specified in the program are estimated. The current times to be given by the TCDD officials on the train and our guide during the journey will be taken as the basis.)

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

ANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - LAKE CILDIR - CAUCASIAN FOLK DANCE SHOW

Our tour sets off towards the fascinating atmosphere of Kars after a pleasant breakfast at our hotel in the morning. The first stop of the day is the Ani Archaeological Site, located approximately 50 kilometers from the center of Kars and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which fascinates with its grandeur. Ani, which is almost a complete summary of medieval urban life, takes us on a journey through time with its impressive walls that largely preserve their splendor and its eye-catching examples of religious and civil architecture. In this walk we will take into the depths of history, we see the majestic City Walls, the Ani Cathedral (Church of the Virgin Mary), which is 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 historical Ebu'l Manûçihr Mosque, which was built after the Turks conquered the region and holds the title of being the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia. After unforgettable moments intertwined with history, we turn our route to Lake Cildir, one of the most fascinating natural beauties of Eastern Anatolia. When we reach the lake, we first take our lunch break accompanied by fresh air and a magnificent view. During lunch, we have the opportunity to taste the Yellow Fish, the famous and delicious local flavor of the lake, depending on the suitability of seasonal conditions. After our gastronomy experience, a fairytale experience awaits us on the frozen Lake Cildir, reflecting all the elegance of the winter season. Together with our guests who wish, we experience the traditional Horse-Drawn Sleigh pleasure (extra) gliding over the lake. After these fun and pleasant times, which we will carry out during periods when the lake is sufficiently frozen, depending on seasonal conditions, we leave behind a day full of beautiful memories and set off 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 with our guests who wish. We leave the hotel for our extra dinner program accompanied by the magnificent Caucasian Folk Show, one of the most deep-rooted traditions of the region. In this night tour, which will be held depending on the number of participants and demand, we spend an unforgettable evening accompanied by fascinating Caucasian dances and local melodies. After the night full of entertainment, 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 an extra at Lake Cildir.
Dinner: To be taken as an extra at the Caucasian Night.
Accommodation: Kars Hotels, etc.
Route: Kars - Lake Cildir (55 km) Lake Cildir - Ani (80 km) Ani - Kars (45 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 180 km
Hotel Check-in Time: 16.00

KARS - NAMIK KEMAL HOUSE

Our tour departs from our hotel after the breakfast we will have at the hotel in the morning, and we see Kars Castle from below by walking with our guests who wish. We set off to be completely captivated by the magic of this fantastic city, which has been shining in the East recently, and to see the rich cultural and historical texture of Kars up close. 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 Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), built at the foot of Kars Castle. This church attracts attention as a prominent example of the Armenian-Georgian architectural style. The details of the structure offer important clues reflecting the history and culture of the region. Afterwards, we go for a walk in the streets of Kars. In this region, which is called the land of 'Minstrels', we witness the rich gastronomy and cultural heritage of Anatolia. We step into the gourmet world of the region by trying delicacies such as honey, cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, and yellow fish. We visit the Stone Bridge, which has survived 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. Likewise, the Historical Bath offers us a historical journey as a structure extending from the past to the present. While walking 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 taking a journey outside of Turkey. By seeing the house where one of our famous poets, Namık Kemal, lived for a period, we witness the literary and cultural importance of Kars. Afterwards, we meet with our vehicle and go to the airport. We set off for Ankara Airport with the 12.50 Ajet flight. We say goodbye to meet on another Prontotour trip.

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

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

Important Notes regarding TCDD Touristic Eastern Express

The sleeper car on the Eastern Express consists of 10 guest rooms, 1 technical staff room, 2 toilet sections, and a corridor to which these rooms open. Each room in the wagon is for 2 people. Inside the rooms, there is a hand basin, mirror, mini-fridge, desk, clothes hanger, shelf, and ladder. There are 2 220-volt electrical outlets in the room. Windows can be covered with curtains, and the room door can be locked or both can be kept open, it is entirely up to the guest's desire. There is a heating and cooling system in every room. At the beginning of the journey, information is given by the Wagon attendant about the heat setting system and other matters. During the daytime parts of the journey, guests usually keep their beds closed and use them in a seating arrangement. When the night hours begin, they open their seats at a time they wish and switch to the bed arrangement. One person sleeps on the bottom floor, and the second person sleeps on the bunk bed floor that opens at the top. There is 1 ladder in the room to climb to the bunk floor comfortably. Every time the bed is opened, it is opened in a ready state. In the beds; white sheets, pillowcases and pillows, 1 white blanket protective sheet, 1 blanket are found clean and ready to sleep. There are corridors and transition doors to pass between each other in the wagon. In this way, guests can reach the Restaurant Wagon and sit at the tables here to drink tea and coffee. They can also have snacks with breakfast products and food varieties found in the Restaurant. Restaurant wagon prices are quite economical. There is one toilet at each end of the corridor for toilet needs on the train. One of these toilets is Turkish style and the other is Western style. 1 Wagon attendant in each wagon is assigned to take care of the safe travel of the guests staying in the rooms, to supply water to the wagon, and to perform 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 times. Exact times will be notified two days before the tour.

In case there is no space on the YHT, the transfer between Istanbul - Ankara will be made by vehicles.

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

NOTE: All extra activities such as ATV safari, boat tour, diving, jeep safari, parachute, hot air balloon, and similar activities that are not included in the package tour program and are offered or suggested to guests during the tour are outside the scope of the Package Tour Contract and are a separate service. Such extra services are not organized by our agency, and the relevant services are provided by independent third-party suppliers. Guests purchase and participate in the said services entirely in line with their own wishes and initiatives. 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, deaths, material and moral damages that may occur during extra tours, and negativities caused by third parties. The guest accepts that they know that such activities involving risk are inherently dangerous, that their health status is suitable for participation, and that all necessary responsibility belongs to them. In addition, all dangerous activities are not covered by insurance.

Climate: A continental climate prevails in our Kars province. Winters are harsh and long. In its very high regions, Lake Van ensures that winter passes less harshly. Nearly 150 days of winter pass below 0°C. In summer, 20 days are above +30°C. The soil remains covered with snow for 80 days. The annual rainfall varies between 370 mm and 570 mm depending on the districts. Summers are less rainy and very hot. The 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.

WOLKSWAGEN 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 HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502.