Winter Magic in Eastern Anatolia: From the Van Basin to the Alpine Heights.
Are you ready for the ultimate winter journey? This scenic winter itinerary takes you through snow-covered Anatolia, blending deep history with fairytale landscapes.
Travel from the ancient shores of Van, past the mythical peaks of Doğubayazıt, through the frozen plains of Kars, and finish your epic tour in the alpine city of Erzurum along the iconic Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi) route.
Journey Highlights: Stepping into a Winter Wonderland.
- The Van Basin: Ancient History by the Turquoise Water
Your winter adventure begins on the shores of Lake Van, a massive high-altitude sea surrounded by dramatic, snow-clad mountain peaks.
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- Tuşpa (Citadel of Van): Climb the massive stone fortress of the 9th-century BC Urartian Kingdom for a breathtaking winter view of the city and lake.
- Akdamar Island: Take a scenic boat ride across the water to visit the 10th-century Holy Cross Cathedral, world-famous for its spectacular biblical stone reliefs.
- Doğubayazıt: Mythical Peaks and Fairy-Tale Palaces
Head north into the rugged borderlands where dramatic architecture meets high-altitude wilderness.
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- İshak Paşa Palace: Marvel at this cliffside Ottoman-era palace complex. Dusted in winter snow, its unique blend of Seljuk, Persian, and Ottoman architecture looks like a fantasy castle.
- Mount Ararat (5,137 m): Gaze up at Turkey’s highest peak. This majestic, snow-capped volcano is legendary as the final resting place of Noah’s Ark.
- Kars & Beyond: Frozen Lakes and Border Empires
Continue north to Kars, a province famous for its heavy winter snowfall, Baltic-style architecture, and the legendary Eastern Express train line.
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- Sarıkamış Ski Resort: Hit the slopes to experience skiing through beautiful yellow pine forests covered in Sarıkamış’s rare, alpine “crystal snow.”
- Kars Old Town: Stroll through the grid-like streets to admire the distinctive, dark-basalt Russian buildings dating back to the late 19th century.
- Archaeological Site of Ani: Explore the UNESCO-listed “City of 1,001 Churches.” Walking through this medieval Silk Road ghost city on the Armenian border in the quiet winter snow is unforgettable.
- Frozen Lake Çıldır: Walk on thick ice, watch local fishermen practice traditional ice-fishing, or take an exhilarating horse-drawn sleigh ride across the frozen lake.
- Erzurum: The Majestic Alpine Finale
Board the train or take the scenic highway west to Erzurum, a historic high-altitude city rich in Seljuk monuments and alpine sports, where your tour concludes.
- Double Minaret Madrasah: Admire the iconic 13th-century Seljuk monument with its intricately carved stone entrance.
- Cağ Kebabı: Celebrate the end of your journey with Erzurum’s famous horizontally-rotated spit-roasted lamb kebab.
Daily Program
Van – Akdamar- Van. (90 km)
Following a morning flight to Van, breakfast in one of Van’s famous breakfast restaurants, continue to Gevaş to take ferry to Akdamar island for a visit to the spectacular 10 th century Armenian church of the Holy cross. In the afternoon visit to Van’s castle with the remains of Tuşpa, which was the capital of the Urartian Kingdom in the 9 th century BC .
Overnight: **** hotel in Van (BB)
Van – Doğubayazit- İğdir ( 225 km)
After visit to the museum in Van, departure for visit to Ishak Paşa Sarayı in Doğubayazit. Tea break at Muradiye waterfalls. Then head to Doğubayazit for a breathtaking view of MT Ararat and visit to the Palace. The building of İshak paşa palace started in 1685 and it continued for decades. It’s rather a mixture of Anatolian, Iranian,and North Mesopotamian architectural tradition. It’s location, on a mountain top is spectacular.
Overnight: *** hotel in İğdir (BB)
İğdir – Ani – Lake Cildir – Kars. (304 km)
After breakfast visit to Tuzluca saltmines and head to Ani, an Archaeological and UNESCO World heritage site. Then drive to Lake Çildir. On the border of Turkey and Armenia this is Turkey’s second largest Lake in East Anatolia and almost totally covered with ice in cold winter months. When the ice is thick enough fishing enthusiasts break the ice and catch fish. Short and longer sleigh rides are possible. Then return to Kars for some shopping and optionally Kafkas Show with dinner.
Overnight: *** Kars (BB)
Kars- Sarikamiş – Kars. (115 km)
Following breakfast drive to Sarıkamış which is located on Camurlu Mountain at an altitude of 2.634 m. Very tragic 60.000 Ottoman soldiers, almost half of the 118.000 – strong force- froze death on their way to Sarıkamış on December 22 1914. Ski enthusiasts can enjoy themselves. We will visit the memorial monument and Katerina hunting Lodge built by Czar Nicholas II of Russia during the Russian occupation era in Kars. On return to Kars city tour with visits to citadel, the 12 apostles church ( Kümbet mosque) and stone bridge.
Overnight: *** Kars.(BB)
Kars- Erzurum . Doğu express train travel.
After an early breakfast embark on the Doğu express from Kars to Erzurum departure 08.00 A.M. Enjoy the dramatic winterscenery; canyons, mountains, valleys and rivers.
After arrival in Erzurum ca. 14.30 hrs transfer to hotel in Erzurum and city trip
to the Çifte Minareli Medresse, Yakutiye Medresse and other historical remains.
Enjoy the local speciality: Cağ Kebap for dinner.
Onward travel.
- Flight from domestic destinations to Van.
Flight from Erzurum to domestic destinations.
17 seater minibus transport during the tour.
Traintickets – pullman seats during the train journey.
5 nights ***/**** hotel incl breakfast.
Admission fees to museums.
English speaking Turkish tourguide.
Lunches
Dinners
Drinks
Personal expenses
Sleigh ride on lake Çıldır.
Tips.
The tour is a small group holiday.
Minimum 8 persons, maximum 13 persons.
As we have to book the flights and train tickets one month before departure we can’t take reservations after 20 of january.
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