Eastern Express - A Scenic Voyage Through Türkiye's Heart
The iconic Eastern Express of Türkiye, heralded as one of the most scenic train journeys globally, has commenced its new season, inviting passengers to partake in an unparalleled voyage. Traversing approximately 1,310 kilometres, this remarkable journey starts from the bustling heart of Türkiye, Ankara, and meanders through to the nation's eastern provinces. Along this route, travellers are treated to a breathtaking tapestry of Türkiye's varied landscapes, encapsulating the essence of the region's geographical splendour.
A Window to Eastern Turkey's Wonders
Launching its first trip for the 2023-2024 season, the Eastern Express gracefully snakes through diverse provinces, including Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, culminating its epic journey in Kars. This 26-hour odyssey provides an exclusive glimpse into the transformation of Turkey's eastern regions, which burgeon into enchanting winter havens during this period.
Distinctive Travel Experiences: The Eastern and Touristic Eastern Express
Operating on the Ankara-Kars route, the Eastern Express offers a unique travel experience with its Pullman and couchette waggons, encompassing around 50 stops. Its soaring popularity led to the birth of the Touristic Eastern Express in 2019, a train equipped with sleeping and dining waggons, halting at 29 key stations. While the Eastern Express offers brief halts, its touristic counterpart extends more leisurely stops of two to three hours, inviting passengers to delve deeper into the attractions dotting the route.
The Touristic Eastern Express's seasonal service enhances the journey with planned sightseeing at stations like Erzincan, Erzurum, İliç, Divriği, and Sivas. This allows travellers to immerse themselves in the rich local cultures. The train, equipped with eight comfortable sleeping beds and a dining car, provides a cosy travel experience. An emerging trend among passengers is to enjoy meals in their compartments, adding a personalised touch to their scenic dining experiences.
Kars: A Winter Wonderland
The journey's final destination, Kars, stands as a testament to Türkiye's enchanting winter landscapes. Nestled in the northeastern part of the country, Kars is celebrated for its rich historical tapestry, being one of Anatolia's most ancient settlements. The city's unique architectural and cultural heritage, shaped by a mosaic of civilizations, renders it a fascinating destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
In Kars, visitors can wander through streets lined with Baltic-style edifices, indulge in the region's distinctive culinary delights, and experience the warmth of local restaurants offering Caucasian performances on chilly winter evenings. The city is also home to the Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring an impressive collection of cathedrals, mosques, caravanserais, and bridges from various historical periods.
Beyond its historical allure, Kars is renowned as a prime skiing destination. The Sarıkamış Ski Centre, boasting one of the world's highest-altitude ski tracks, is a magnet for winter sports aficionados. Additionally, the age-old tradition of horse-drawn sleigh rides on the thickly frozen Lake Çıldır presents an enchanting experience, commencing in late November.
This journey aboard the Eastern Express is more than a train ride; it's a voyage through time, culture, and the breathtaking landscapes of Turkey, offering an unforgettable experience to every traveller.