Cross snow – covered Anatolia on a scenic train travel in winter and visit Van, Doğubeyazit Kars and Cappadocia.
Highlights:
Tuşpa, the capital of the Urartian Kingdom at Van.
Akdamar
İshak Paşa Palace
Mt Ararat ( 5.137 m)
Sarıkamış ski resort
Kars
Archaeological Site of Ani
Horse – drawn carriage ride
Frozen Lake Çıldır
Soğanlı Valley
İtinerary:
Day 1: 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)
Day 2: 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)
Day 3: İğdir – Ani – Lake Cildir – Şeytan castle – Kars. (365 km)
After breakfast 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. Şeytan kalesi (devils castle) is a fantastic old castle on a peak in the middle of a canyon not far from the lake. After visit return to Kars for some shopping and optionally Kafkas Show with dinner.
Overnight: *** Kars (BB)
Day 4: 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 visit to the Cheese museum and city tour with visits to citadel, the 12 apostles church ( Kümbet mosque) and stone bridge.
Overnight: *** Kars.(BB)
Day 5. Kars- Kayseri . Doğu express train travel.
After an early breakfast we embark on the Doğu express from Kars to Kayseri departure 08.00 A.M. Enjoy unforgettable snow landscapes, canyons, mountains, valleys and rivers, socialize with our companions and rest. After arrival in Kayseri ca. 05.00 hrs ( the next morning) bustransfer to Soğanli valley for breakfast and to explore the churches in the valley.
Day 6. Kayseri- Soğanlı valley– Kayseri airport (160 km)
A last surprise awaits us today when we head to Soğanli valley (80 km) an ancient Rock-cut village with over 20 churches. After breakfast and a relaxing walk return to Kayseri to catch up flight to Antalya or other domestic destinations.
Onward travel.
Includes:
Flight from domestic destinations to Van.
Flight from Kayseri to domestic destinations.
17 seater minibus transport during the tour.
Doğa ekspresi train tickets in couchettes.
4 nights *** hotel incl breakfast.
Breakfast in Van.
Breakfast in Soğanlı valley.
Admission fees to museums.
English speaking Turkish tourguide.
Excludes:
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 4 pax couchettes one month before departure we can’t take reservations after 20 of january.
Depending on availability it is possible to book a couchette for 2 persons.
Price difference
for 2 persons sleeper + € 25 p.p
discount for non sleeper Pullman seat – € 10 p.p
** not possible to book a single sleeper couchette**
