January 15–17, 2026 / Kars–Erzurum on the Eastern Express
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We set off on a fairy-tale journey to Kars and Erzurum, with their deep-rooted history and dazzling white atmosphere...
Our meeting points for guests are:
Ordu / Time: 19.30 In front of the Old Bus Terminal, Russian Market, Dört Yol
Giresun / Time: 20.30 Boztekke Junction, Atapark, Gemiler Çekeği
Trabzon / We meet at the Moloz stops at 22.15 and begin our journey.
In the morning, we arrive in KARS, known as the Paris of the East and home to many civilizations. At the Historic Bedesten in Kars, we enjoy an Open Buffet Breakfast featuring local Kars products (extra). After breakfast, we visit the CAUCASIAN FRONT WAR HISTORY MUSEUM, which tells the story of the Sarıkamış Campaign. After exploring the museum with our guide, we continue to the RUINS OF ANI, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Ani, known as the "City of 1,001 Churches," we visit the Ebul Menuçehr Mosque, the Main Cathedral, the Church of Surp Pirgiç, and many other historic monuments with our guide. After the tour, we return to Kars. At lunch, we sample Delicacies Unique to Kars, then set off for ÇILDIR LAKE, at an altitude of 1,965 meters. We have a wonderful time on the lake with our horse-drawn sleds, decorated in vibrant colors and waiting for us there. After sipping our tea, we continue our tour. We visit Kars Castle (panoramic view), Kümbet Mosque, the tomb of Ebul Harakani, and the Ottoman baths, then move on to shop for our must-have Kars Kashar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese, and Kars Honey. After the tasting and explanations, we head to our hotel. After time to rest in our rooms and dinner, guests who wish to join us can attend the (extra) ASHIK DUEL & CAUCASIAN SHOWS. Overnight at THE KARS PARK HOTEL
After an early breakfast, we head to KARS TRAIN STATION and at 08:00 take our seats on the EASTERN EXPRESS, which departs then. Witnessing wonderful sights amid the vast, uninhabited whiteness, we enjoy a panoramic view of SARIKAMIŞ on the slopes of the Allahuekber Mountains, and arrive in ERZURUM at the end of a 5-hour journey. We make sure to try the Cağ Kebab and Kadayıf Dolması we said we couldn’t leave without having for lunch. After the meal, we visit the Great Mosque from the Anatolian Seljuk period and the Twin Minaret Madrasa with our guide, then stop by the Oltu Stone workshops in TAŞHAN. After completing our city tour, we head to PALANDÖKEN SKI RESORT. Guests who wish can take the chairlift to Ejder Peak, at an altitude of 3,100 meters, or enjoy a coffee at one of the cafés in the ski resort. At the appointed time, we meet our vehicle and begin our return journey. After the necessary stops along the way, we drop our guests off at the pickup points between 01:00 and 02:00, and say goodbye until another PİKOLA TUR trip.
- Transportation by large coach
- 1-night stay at THE KARS PARK HOTEL
- 1 breakfast at the hotel (Buffet)
- 1 dinner at the hotel (Set menu or buffet)
- Professional licensed tour guide,
- TÜRSAB Travel Insurance,
- Hot and cold refreshments on board,
- Local refreshments,
- Our agency’s warm hospitality
- 27 years of Kars & Erzurum tour experience
- Breakfast and lunch on the first day,
- TCDD Train Ticket
- Museum, sled and chairlift fees
- Caucasian Night Entertainment
- Comfortable winter hiking shoes
- Clothing suitable for the winter season (frosty mornings and evenings, snowy days)
- Thick coat or fleece
- Sunglasses & hat
- Small backpack (ideal for day trips)
- Camera / phone + power bank
- Personal medications and hygiene products
- Sunscreen
- Small thermos
- Hat / bandana
- Cash (for small purchases and village visits)
First Day Breakfast:
Çıldır Lake Horse-Drawn Sleigh:
Caucasian Night Entertainment:
Chairlift:
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