3 Days in Kars: Eastern Express Winter Itinerary

Kars is a unique city, rich in history, culture, and distinctive local cuisine, located in the northeastern region. It welcomes you with stories that span centuries and landscapes that take your breath away. Would you like to explore this remarkable place?

After a memorable journey aboard the Eastern Express, crossing some of Anatolia’s most stunning scenery, you will arrive in Kars. There, you can wander among ancient remnants and savour traditional flavours, creating memories that will stay with you long after you leave.

With this 3-day route in Kars, you will explore ancient remnants, natural wonders, and unique local delights.

15 Points

1500 km

20 h

3 Days in Kars: Eastern Express Winter Itinerary box

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Discover frozen lakes, historical sites, and the cuisine of Eastern Türkiye in winter.

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Day 1

Your journey begins aboard the Eastern Express, one of the world’s most scenic long-distance train rides. As the train gently rolls out of Central Türkiye, you’ll pass through vast steppes, pine-covered hills, and sleepy Anatolian towns dusted with snow.

During your trip, you will pass through Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum. With large panoramic windows, warm tea in hand, and a book or journal on your lap, the slow rhythm of the train becomes part of the experience itself.

The Eastern Express offers passengers two essential long stops for exploring the region: a shorter one in Erzincan (approx. 2.5 hours) and a longer one in Erzurum (approx. 3.5–4 hours). You can discover the culinary cultures or historical buildings of these two cities.

In Erzincan, visitors should visit the Terzibaba Mosque for a cultural view. They can also purchase and sample famous local products, such as Tulum Cheese and local honey near the station.

In Erzurum, you have enough time to experience the main attractions. First, you can taste the delicious Cağ Kebabı, the city's iconic dish. Then, visit the famous structures of Seljuk architecture: the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Medrese, and Üç Kümbetler. Before returning to the train, browse Taşhan to buy unique Oltu Stone souvenirs.

As night falls, you’ll fall asleep to the quiet hum of the rails, somewhere deep in the lands of Anatolia. When your train journey ends, and you step into Kars, prepare for a magical winter experience blending Russian architecture with the rich culture of Eastern Anatolia.

Day 2

On the second day of your journey, begin exploring Kars’s historic sites and its unique Russian-inspired architecture. You will visit these routes located in the city centre:

Kars Castle
Stone Bridge
Church of the Twelve Apostles
Boğatepe Cheese Museum
Fethiye Mosque

Start with Kars Castle, a symbol of the city’s layered history. Originally built in the 12th century and rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1579, it witnessed many battles and now offers one of the best panoramic views of Kars.

Then, you can head to Stone Bridge, stretching across the Kars River. This 16th-century bridge was built during the Ottoman era and is one of the city’s most iconic structures. You can take a quiet walk and capture its wonderful view, which is made even more beautiful when covered in snow.

Church of the Twelve Apostles is another special destination for history enthusiasts, with its historical and cultural significance. Its distinctive dome and 12 carved figures on its tambour represent the apostles. You should visit this enchanting church to discover the city’s multicultural past.

After visiting the three remarkable structures, you will take a break for lunch. Taste Kars-style hingel, a delicious dumpling dish typically filled with potatoes and served with garlic yoghurt and butter sauce.

Now, it is time to explore the rich culinary culture of Kars. The Boğatepe Cheese Museum showcases the famous and traditional cheese types of Kars. You must visit this fascinating museum and discover the centuries-old cheese-making techniques that define the city’s unique gastronomic identity.

Your last stop will be the Fethiye Mosque, a remarkable structure that blends spiritual and architectural significance. Originally constructed as a Russian Orthodox church, it is now an active mosque and a powerful symbol of Kars' multicultural history.

For dinner, indulge in kaz eti, Kars’ famous goose meat dish, traditionally slow-cooked for rich flavour. After a day full of discovery, it’s time to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 3

On the final day, you'll discover two of Kars' most iconic sites: the historic Archaeological Site of Ani and the picturesque Lake Çıldır.

In the early morning, head to the Archaeological Site of Ani to explore the impressive medieval architecture and rich history of this once-thriving city, also known as the "City of 1001 Churches." The archaeological site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016 for its outstanding architecture and location on an ancient branch of the Silk Road. Situated on a dramatic plateau, the site showcases a rare blend of Christian and Muslim monumental heritage.

Crucially, the site is also home to the Ebu'l Menuçehr Mosque, which is widely regarded as the first Turkish-built mosque in Anatolia. It was constructed shortly after the Seljuk conquest of the city in 1064, symbolising the beginning of a new cultural era in the region. After discovering its stunning churches and ancient fortifications, return to the city centre for lunch before travelling to the beautiful Lake Çıldır.

At Lake Çıldır, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the shore or, during winter, experience traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides across the frozen lake. Taste the fresh local carp, a regional delicacy. It is recommended to dress warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the colder months.

In the evening, you can try Kars’ famous Gruyère cheese and savour its traditional dishes. After a fulfilling meal, it’s the perfect time to relax and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.