Echoes of Empires The Emerald Coast Eastern Express Odyssey
Embark on a fantastic journey to discover the striking contrasts of Turkey. This premium package takes you from the lush, tea-scented northeastern shores of the Black Sea to the rugged, volcanic frontiers of Eastern Anatolia. Featuring first-rate service, an expert crew, and luxury transportation, this tour seamlessly blends the natural wonders of the Pontic Mountains with the nostalgic romance of the famous Eastern Express train.
Itinerary Highlights
The Black Sea: Sümela Monastery, Altındere National Park, Uzungöl, Fırtına Valley, and the Kaçkar Mountains.
Historical Trabzon: St. Sophia Church, Atatürk’s Mansion, and the homeland of the Amazons.
The Eastern Express: A scenic, nostalgic rail journey from Erzurum to Kars.
Eastern Frontiers: The silent medieval ruins of Ani, the frozen beauty of Lake Çıldır, the majestic Ishak Pasha Palace, and the ancient Urartian capitals of Van.
Day 1: Trabzon – Arrival in the Land of the Amazons
Arrival: Greetings from Trabzon! The TSG team will meet you at the airport and assist you with a seamless transfer and check-in to your hotel.
Historical Context: You have arrived in a city of legends. Historically recognized as the original homeland of the fierce Amazon warrior women, Trabzon’s misty coastal mountains still seem to echo their untamed spirit.
Afternoon/Evening: The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore the city at your leisure.
Meals: Dinner included.
TSG Advice: Shake off the weariness of your travels by opting for a traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam) tour this evening to relax and rejuvenate before the adventure begins.
Overnight: Trabzon.
Day 2: Trabzon – Sümela Monastery, Zigana Pass & Karaca Cave
Morning: After breakfast, we depart for the breathtaking 4th-century Sümela Monastery. Clinging impossibly to a sheer cliff face amidst a deep, damp pine forest, it is a marvel of ancient devotion. Afterward, we relax beside the fast-flowing streams of Altındere Valley National Park.
Afternoon: Following a lunch break, we trace the route of the ancient Silk Road, driving through the dramatic Zigana Mountains. Our destination is Karaca Cave, widely considered the most beautiful cave in Turkey due to its spectacular, naturally colored rock formations.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Overnight: Trabzon.
Day 3: Trabzon & Uzungöl – Byzantine Frescoes and Alpine Lakes
Morning: We begin with a visit to St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a stunning 13th-century church boasting an extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes. Our city tour continues to the Gülbahar Hatun Mosque, the historic Trabzon Castle, and Atatürk’s Mansion—a picturesque retreat set on a lush hillside. We then visit the Ortahisar Mosque (a former Comnenian cathedral) and the 13th-century Girls’ Monastery built by Alexios III, before taking in panoramic views of the city from Boztepe.
Afternoon: We depart for Uzungöl (Long Lake), one of the most photogenic and iconic alpine locations in the region. Enjoy lunch at a local fish restaurant followed by a leisurely sightseeing walk around the lake’s pristine shores.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Overnight: Trabzon
Day 4: Rize, Fırtına Valley & Ayder Plateau
Morning: After breakfast, we travel toward the Ayder Plateau. Along the way, we stop at a botanical garden to enjoy panoramic views of Rize and its famous terraced tea plantations.
Afternoon: Entering Çamlıhemşin via the magnificent Fırtına (Storm) Valley, we are greeted by cascading waterfalls and elegant, historic Ottoman stone bridges arching over the whitewaters. Lunch is served surrounded by the lush green forests at the foothills of the majestic Kaçkar Mountains.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Overnight: Ayder Plateau.
Day 5: Ayder, Borçka Karagöl & Artvin
Morning: Departing Ayder, we drive deeper into the northeastern frontier toward Artvin.
Afternoon: We visit the serene and mirror-like Borçka Karagöl (Black Lake), hidden within a pristine nature reserve. The historical journey continues in Ardanuç with visits to the ancient Georgian Doliskana Monastery and the Yeni Rabat (Shetberdi) Church. We also follow the dramatic winding path of the Çoruh River, known as Turkey’s fastest-flowing waterway and a premier rafting destination.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Overnight: Artvin.
Day 6: Artvin to Erzurum & The Eastern Express to Kars
Morning: We journey southward, leaving the green coast behind for the high-altitude plateau of Erzurum. Upon arrival, we view the Double Minaret Madrasa (built by the Ilkhanid dynasty) and visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), a 12th-century Saltukid masterpiece.
Afternoon: We take a break at Taş Han, built in 1561 by Rüstem Pasha. Here, guests can shop for the famous Oltu Stone—known to alleviate rheumatism and strengthen the nervous system—followed by a lunch break (Extra). We then visit the historic building where the pivotal Erzurum Congress was held.
Late Afternoon (The Train Journey): We transfer to the Erzurum train station. At 16:06, we embark on the legendary Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi). Settling into our reserved Pullman seats, we enjoy a stunning, nostalgic rail journey through the eastern landscapes.
Evening: Arrive in Kars at 20:00, where our vehicle waits to transfer us to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast (Extra) | Lunch (Extra) | Dinner included at the hotel.
Overnight: Kars.
NOTE: Train times are official TCDD schedules. The agency is not responsible for railway delays.
Day 7: Kars (Full Day) – The Silent Metropolis of Ani & Lake Çıldır
Morning: We depart for Ani, the glorious former capital of the Armenian Dynasty. We explore this vast, ruined medieval metropolis on the edge of a ravine, visiting the Painted Church (1215), the Great Cathedral (1001), and the Menuçehr Mosque (1072)—the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia.
Midday: Driving along the Arpaçay River (the natural border with Armenia), we reach its source: Lake Çıldır. After lunch (Extra), enjoy the magnificent nature. In winter months, the lake freezes entirely, offering optional, magical horse-drawn sleigh rides on the ice.
Afternoon: Returning to Kars, we discover a city defined by 19th-century Russian Baltic architecture. We view Kars Castle, the Kümbet Mosque (Church of the 12 Apostles), the historic Stone Bridge, and the Fethiye Mosque.
Evening: After dinner, guests may join an entertaining traditional Kars Caucasian Night (Extra – 100 TL).
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch at Lake Çıldır (Extra) | Dinner included.
Overnight: Kars.
Day 8: Kars to Doğubayazıt to Van – The Palace of the Sun
Morning: Depart Kars, passing by the Tuzluca Salt Mines and traveling in the shadow of the imposing Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak at 5,137 meters.
Afternoon: Arriving in Doğubayazıt, we visit the breathtaking Ishak Pasha Palace after a lunch break (Extra). Completed in 1784, this 366-room architectural marvel was the world’s first structure to feature a central heating system. We explore its courtyards, dungeons, and the legendary milk fountain.
Late Afternoon: Driving toward Van, we stop to photograph the rushing waters of the Muradiye Waterfall on the Bend-i Mahi River, before arriving at our hotel by the lake.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch (Extra) | Dinner included.
Overnight: Van.
Day 9: Van to Istanbul – The Urartian Kingdom & The Holy Cross
Morning: We begin by learning the delicate, ancient art of Savat silverwork, followed by a visit to see the rare, odd-eyed Van Cats. We then explore the massive Van Castle, built in 840 BC by the Urartians, offering panoramic views of the ancient capital of Tushpa and the royal rock tombs.
Midday: Heading to Gevaş at the base of Mount Artos, we take a 30-minute boat ride (Extra – 40 TL) across the vast, soda-rich waters of Lake Van. We arrive at Akdamar Island to marvel at the 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross, famous for its intricate biblical stone reliefs.
Afternoon: Return to Van for free time before transferring to Van Ferit Melen Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch (Extra).
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 10: Istanbul – Crossroads of Continents
Full Day: A comprehensive, full-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Dive into the heart of the Old City, exploring the architectural masterpieces and vibrant historical bazaars that bridge Europe and Asia, reflecting on the magnificent empires that shaped this threshold of the world.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 11: Istanbul – Departure
Morning: Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast.
Departure: The Pronto team will provide a private transfer to the Istanbul airport for your return flight home, marking the end of a truly epic Anatolian odyssey.
