As the world pivots toward more intentional and sustainable ways of exploring, the Touristic Eastern Express has emerged as Türkiye’s premier answer to the “slow travel” movement.
All images © Türkiye / TGA
This iconic sleeper train, winding its way from the capital city of Ankara to the snow-shrouded landscapes of Kars, offers far more than a simple commute. It is a nostalgic voyage through the heart of Anatolia, where rugged mountain ranges and frozen plains serve as a cinematic backdrop to a deep dive into Turkish culture and authentic regional flavors.
Türkiye’s Most Coveted Rail Journey
The gentle rhythm of the rails and the cozy sanctuary of private cabins transform the Touristic Eastern Express into an atmospheric retreat. Departing three times a week during the winter season, this sought-after experience demands early planning, as tickets disappear almost as quickly as the steam from the engine. The 24-hour journey is defined by comfort and curated exploration. Whether you are retreating to your sleeper cabin to watch the landscape unfold or visiting the dining car to share stories with fellow travelers, the passage through the Anatolian hinterland is a masterclass in tranquility. For the seasoned traveler, it is an invitation to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the raw, wintry beauty of the East.
Culinary Interludes Along the Tracks
The route serves as a rolling tasting menu, passing through historic hubs like Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, and Erzurum. Each scheduled stop offers a gateway to the soul of Turkish gastronomy. In Kayseri, travelers can sample the delicate mantı (savory dumplings) and the rich, spice-cured pastırma. Moving further east, Sivas offers its legendary Sivas Kebabı and the flaky, buttery layers of katmer pastry. Upon reaching Erzurum, the air carries the aroma of Cağ Kebabı, a flame-grilled delicacy that pairs perfectly with the region’s sharp local cheeses. These stops are not mere pauses in travel, but essential chapters in Anatolia’s rich culinary narrative.
Kars: A Cultural and Epicurean Peak
The journey culminates in Kars, a city where history and architecture whisper tales of a diverse past. Beyond the city’s striking stone buildings lies the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani. This “City of 1,001 Churches” sits on the edge of a dramatic ravine, offering a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into medieval history. Evenings in Kars are a celebration of life. Guests are often treated to traditional dinners featuring slow-roasted goose, a local delicacy, paired with fine Kars cheeses and glasses of rakı. These feasts are elevated by the “ashik” minstrel duels and spirited Caucasian folk dances. For the truly curious, a visit to the Boğatepe Cheese Museum provides an artisanal look at the heritage of dairy production that has sustained this region for centuries.
Winter Majesty and the Great Outdoors
Beyond the warmth of the hearth and the dining table, the region surrounding Kars is a winter playground of breathtaking proportions. In Sarıkamış, enthusiasts can glide across world-class “crystal snow” or take a traditional sleigh ride through serene pine forests. Perhaps the most iconic image of the journey is found at Lake Çıldır. As the water freezes solid, the lake transforms into a vast white stage where horse-drawn sleighs skip across the surface. Here, you can watch local fishermen maintain ancient traditions, breaking through the thick ice to catch carp, a scene that perfectly captures the enduring, rugged elegance of Eastern Anatolia.
