The train departs three times a week in both directions. The most popular route is from Ankara to Kars, passing through cities such as Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, with stops for excursions at UNESCO sites. The return journey from Kars to Ankara includes stops in İliç, Divriği, and Sivas. Passengers can choose comfortable compartments with beds, as well as enjoy a refrigerator and sink in the compartment or dine in the restaurant car.
Kars, the final station of the route, is famous for its historical heritage, winter landscapes, and unique cuisine. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes preserved churches, mosques, and fortress walls reflecting the region's rich heritage.
In winter, Kars offers numerous outdoor activities: a ski resort in Sarıkamış and horse-drawn sleigh rides on the frozen Çıldır Lake, as well as opportunities for observing fishermen.
The cultural traditions of the city enrich the trip: evening events include aşık aytışması (traditional poetic duels), Caucasian folk dances, and local dishes such as goose meat, Kars cheeses, rakı, and wines of Eastern Anatolia. For gourmets, the Cheese Museum in the village of Boğatepe is open, where visitors can learn about cheese-making and taste local varieties.
Thus, the Tourist Eastern Express offers not only comfortable travel conditions but also a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural and natural heritage of Eastern Anatolia.
