The Trans Anatolian Railway The Emerald Coast A Journey of Contrasts
The Trans-Anatolian Railway & The Emerald Coast: A Journey of Contrasts
Prepare for an expedition that redefines the Turkish landscape. This grand itinerary sweeps across the very heart of the country, beginning in the timeless crossroads of Istanbul, diving into the ancient Hittite history of the capital, and embarking on the legendary Eastern Express. After traversing the cinematic, moody steppes of Eastern Anatolia by rail, the journey dramatically shifts north into the deep, plunging green valleys of the Black Sea and the legendary misty mountains of the Amazons.
Day 1: Istanbul – The Arrival at the Crossroads
The Experience: Welcome to Istanbul, the ultimate gateway where continents collide. Upon arrival, you are whisked away to your hotel in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is designed for you to acclimatize, perhaps taking a gentle evening stroll along the Bosphorus to watch the water turn gold under the setting sun, resting before the grand expedition begins.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul – Unearthing the Empires
The Experience: A full day dedicated to the majestic layers of Istanbul. We walk in the footsteps of Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans, exploring the iconic architectural triumphs of the Old City. From the soaring domes of ancient basilicas to the hidden, echoing chambers of underground cisterns, we peel back the centuries in a city that has served as the capital of the world.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 3: Istanbul to Ankara – The Hittites and The Iron Road
Morning: We depart Istanbul for Ankara, Turkey’s thriving capital. Here, modern bureaucrats and university students walk alongside ancient history.
Afternoon: High on a hilltop overlooking the city, we explore the ancient Ankara Castle. Just beneath its formidable walls lies our crown jewel for the day: the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Here, we stand face-to-face with the world’s largest and most staggering collection of ancient Hittite artifacts, tracing humanity’s earliest footprints in Anatolia.
Evening: The anticipation peaks as we transfer to the Ankara Train Station. At 17:55, we settle into our private compartments and embark on the famous Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi). As the train pulls away, watch the sun set over the central plains to the rhythmic clack of the rails.
Overnight: Onboard the Eastern Express.
Day 4: The Eastern Express – A Cinematic Journey Through Time
The Experience: You wake up to a moving window framing the vast, shifting heart of Turkey. Over the course of 24 captivating hours, the landscape transforms. We roll past Kayseri, the gateway to the moonscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, shaped by ancient volcanic ash. We trace medieval caravan routes into Sivas, once the bustling capital of the Danişmend Emirs.
As the day progresses, the train carves through Erzincan, a region boasting 3,000 years of history and profound natural treasures, before ascending the high-altitude plateaus of Erzurum, sitting 1,950 meters above sea level in the shadow of the Kaçkar Mountains.
Evening: At approximately 18:00, we arrive at our terminus: Kars. Held by the Russians for 42 years, Kars feels wonderfully moody and remote—an outpost of empire defined by mountain solitude and wide skies, feeling as far removed from Istanbul as possible.
Overnight: Kars.
Day 5: Kars to Artvin – From Russian Outposts to Plunging Valleys
Morning: We spend the morning exploring the unique Baltic architecture of Kars and venture to the haunting, silent ruins of Ani on the Armenian border, a forgotten medieval metropolis that stands as a ghost of the Silk Road.
Afternoon: We leave the stark, moody steppes behind and drive north toward the Black Sea. The ecological transition is breathtaking as the dry plains abruptly give way to the towering, impossibly green peaks and plunging gorges of the Artvin province, a pristine biosphere that feels like a lost world.
Overnight: Artvin.
Day 6: Artvin to Hopa – The Deep Green Frontier
The Experience: Today is dedicated to the untamed nature of the extreme northeast. We explore the serene, mirror-like waters of Borçka Karagöl, a hidden alpine lake surrounded by dense forests. Following the winding, fast-flowing Çoruh River, we make our way out of the mountains to the coastal town of Hopa. Here, the majestic Kaçkar mountain range seemingly crashes straight into the crashing waves of the Black Sea.
Overnight: Hopa.
Day 7: Hopa to Rize – The Land of Whitewater and Tea
The Experience: Driving west along the dramatic coastline, we enter the province of Rize. We turn inland into the breathtaking Fırtına (Storm) Valley. We follow rushing glacial rivers, crossing graceful, centuries-old Ottoman stone bridges, and climb to dramatic medieval fortresses like Zilkale that guarded these ancient valleys. We wander through emerald-green terraced tea plantations, tasting the fresh brew that fuels the entire region.
Overnight: Rize.
Day 8: Rize to Trabzon – Echoes of the Amazons
Morning: We follow the coastal road to Trabzon, a city of mist, myth, and empire. Trabzon is legendary as the ancient homeland of the Amazons—the fierce, matriarchal warrior women whose untamed spirit seems to be perfectly mirrored in the rugged Pontic mountains rising above the sea.
Afternoon: We ascend into the dense, damp pine forests of Altındere National Park. Here, clinging impossibly to a sheer rock cliff, we discover the awe-inspiring Sümela Monastery. A marvel of ancient faith and engineering, it stands as one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Anatolia.
Overnight: Trabzon.
Day 9: Trabzon – Byzantine Heritage and Highland Retreats
The Experience: We delve deeper into the city’s golden age. We visit the magnificent 13th-century St. Sophia (Ayasofya) Church, home to an extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes. Our journey through time continues to the crisp, hillside retreat of Atatürk’s Mansion, surrounded by immaculate gardens, before we head up to Boztepe to sip local tea while taking in a sprawling, panoramic view of the Black Sea.
Overnight: Trabzon.
Day 10: The Final Chapter (Two Alternative Endings)
Alternative A: The Trans-Caucasus Extension to Batumi
For those not quite ready to end the adventure, we take a short drive to the Sarp border crossing and walk into the Republic of Georgia. We arrive in the vibrant coastal city of Batumi, renowned for its Belle Époque architecture, sweeping seaside boulevards, and one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. After a day of exploring a completely new culture, the tour concludes in Batumi (with options for onward flights from Georgia).
Alternative B: Return to the Imperial Capital (Istanbul)
For a seamless wrap-up, we transfer to Trabzon Airport for a quick, comfortable domestic flight back to Istanbul. You arrive in time to connect to your international departure, or to spend one final, glorious evening enjoying a farewell dinner overlooking the Bosphorus before heading home.
General Information about Eastern Express
An amazing train journey for you. The Eastern Express (Doğu Express) is an overnight passenger train operated by the Turkish State Railways. The train runs 1,310 km from Ankara Railway Station to Kars Railway Station, offering you an unforgettable experience with a trip through snow and beautiful landscapes.
The Doğu Express operates every day between Ankara-Kars-Ankara. The train consists of normal seat (pulman) coaches, sleeping couchette (kuşet) coaches and a dining car. There are 10 compartments in the couchette wagons and 4 people can travel in each compartment. Bed sheet, cover and pillow are provided. The seats in the compartment can be used as beds when desired. The dining car has 14 tables, seating ranging from 47 to 52.
The train is very popular. The peak season is summer when there are more pulman coaches. In the winter months the train is used by special interest groups such as hikers, photographers, mountaineering groups, university students and the train have more couchette wagons.
The Eastern Express completes its journey between Ankara and Kars in approximately 25 hours. It departs from Ankara at 17.55 and from Kars at 08.00.
Main Stopping Points
Ankara
The nation’s capital, Ankara is a thriving city with a mix of government workers, university students, bankers and doctors populating the city. The city is home to a few notable tourist attractions. Situated on the hilltop overlooking the city is Ankara Castle and the old town lies inside its walls. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is situated beneath the castle walls and houses the largest collection of Hittite artefacts in the world as well as a staggering array of other pieces. It is well worth a visit.
Kayseri
Kayseri is the gateway to Cappadocia. The moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for its unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uçhisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu.
Sivas
An important trade centre during the Middle Ages, Sivas stood on the caravan routes to Persia and Baghdad. Between 1142 and 1171 it was the capital of the Danişmend Emirs and was an important urban centre during Seljuk rule.
Erzincan
Erzincan is located in the Eastern Anatolia Region. It has dozens of natural treasures and boasts a history going back 3,000 years. Recently its historical importance and natural beauty has begun to attract more visitors.
Erzurum
Now a very popular Ski Resort Erzurum is also the gateway to the Kaçkar Range famous for trekking and river rafting. Erzurum is the largest city in the region and lies 1950 metres above sea level. İt is also famous with fairy chimneys
Kars
Kars is a relatively cultured staging post in this region of mountain solitude and moody skies above the steppe. Held by the Russians for 42 years, Kars has the feeling of an outpost of empire. It’s about as different from İstanbul as you can get (in Türkiye). It’s an interesting place.
