Home / Europe, Turkey Tours / Culture & Historical
8 day(s)
Private
1-10 people
easy
-high.jpg)
-high.jpg)
-high.jpg)
-high.jpg)
-high.jpg)
-high.jpg)
-high.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
-thumb.jpg)
Embark on a breathtaking journey through Eastern Anatolia, exploring the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Turkey. This 8-day train adventure takes you from Diyarbakır to Istanbul, passing through Van, Kars, Erzurum, and Ankara via the legendary Eastern Express and South Express trains. Experience the charm of ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and natural wonders while traveling in comfort through scenic rail routes.
From the ancient city walls of Diyarbakır to the medieval ruins of Ani, from the tranquil Lake Van to the snowy landscapes of Çıldır Lake, this journey blends history, culture, and breathtaking nature. Along the way, savor traditional flavors like Van Breakfast, Kars cheese, and Cağ Kebab, making your trip a culinary and cultural delight.
Get ready for an unforgettable rail adventure through the heart of Anatolia!
Duration
8 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-10 people
Tour Code
1636
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99
Diyarbakır
00:00
İstanbul
00:00
Arrival in Diyarbakır, a city rich in history and culture.
Visit the Diyarbakır City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Hasan Paşa Han, an Ottoman-era caravanserai.
Visit the Great Mosque of Diyarbakır, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia.
Stroll along Hevsel Gardens, the green oasis along the Tigris River.
Dinner at a traditional Diyarbakır restaurant.
Overnight stay in Diyarbakır.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Four-Legged Minaret and Meryem Ana Church.
Free time to explore the old bazaars and taste local delicacies.
Board the South Express Train in the evening for an overnight journey to Van.
Early morning arrival in Van.
Breakfast at a local restaurant.
Visit Akdamar Island & Church on Lake Van, known for its stunning Armenian architecture.
Explore Van Castle, offering panoramic views of the lake.
Taste the famous Van Breakfast at a local spot.
Overnight stay in Van.
Morning departure on the Eastern Express Train from Van to Kars.
Enjoy breathtaking landscapes along the journey.
Arrival in Kars in the afternoon.
Visit the Ancient City of Ani, the medieval Armenian capital.
Explore Kars Castle and Fethiye Mosque.
Overnight stay in Kars.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Çıldır Lake, where you can experience horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter.
Enjoy a local Kars cheese tasting and traditional goose meat lunch.
Free time in Kars city center.
Overnight stay in Kars.
Morning departure on the Eastern Express Train to Erzurum.
Arrival in Erzurum and city tour:
Taste the famous Cağ Kebab, a regional specialty.
Overnight stay in Erzurum.
Board the Eastern Express Train for an unforgettable journey to Ankara.
Enjoy stunning Anatolian landscapes along the way.
Arrival in Ankara in the afternoon.
Visit Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Free evening to explore the city center.
Overnight stay in Ankara.
This itinerary combines breathtaking train journeys with cultural and historical explorations, making it an ideal adventure through Eastern Anatolia! ?✨
Accommodation: 7 nights in carefully selected hotels (Diyarbakır, Van, Kars, Erzurum, Ankara).
Not : Accommodation will be in 4-star boutique hotels.
Hotel names will be shared after the reservation, and if you do not like the assigned hotel, we will continue sharing options until you find one you prefer.
Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners at selected restaurants.
Transportation: Private airport transfers and local transport as per the itinerary.
Train Tickets: South Express (Diyarbakır to Van) & Eastern Express (Van-Kars, Kars-Erzurum, Erzurum-Ankara).
High-Speed Train: Ankara to Istanbul.
Entrance Fees: All museum and historical site entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.
Local Experiences: Van Breakfast, Kars cheese tasting, traditional goose meat lunch, and Cağ Kebab.
Çıldır Lake Experience: Horse-drawn sleigh ride (winter season only).
International & domestic flights.
Visa fees & travel insurance.
Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, phone calls, etc.).
Optional tours & activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals & drinks not specified in the included section.
Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff (recommended but not mandatory).