Would you like to experience the Eastern Express, the most popular train journey of recent years, exactly with the freedom of your own vehicle? The Eastern Express route automobile route plan is a 10-day Anatolian adventure starting from Sivas and extending to Kars, passing through roads with magnificent views parallel to the railway. Your route, which will begin with the mind-blowing stonemasonry of the Sivas Divriği Great Mosque, will continue with adrenaline-filled moments in the Dark Canyon (Karanlık Kanyon), one of the largest canyons in the world in Erzincan. You will pass through the foothills of Palandöken Mountain in Erzurum and taste cağ kebab, and make the epic finale at the Ani Ruins and the frozen waters of Lake Çıldır in Kars, which is covered with a white blanket in winter. You can optimize this great car journey following the traces of the Silk Road step by step via Gezirota, and safely determine your driving distances during the day.
Stretching from the heart of Anatolia to the snowy peaks of the east, this legendary ten-day adventure offers the unique opportunity to experience the famous train journey behind the wheel of your own vehicle. Harmonizing the magnificent history, fascinating geography, and rich cultural texture of the Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars provinces, this long route is an epic road story specially designed for travelers curious about history. Being a perfect fit for those seeking a long-term cultural and nature holiday, this itinerary offers completely different beauties during the spring and autumn months but literally turns into a fairytale under the white blanket of winter. On this journey stretching from steep canyons to endless plateaus, and from great Seljuk heritage monuments to ancient ruins, you will deeply feel the ancient past of Anatolia at every single kilometer.
Your long journey begins with the deep-rooted history of Sivas. In the first few days, you will witness the architecture of Divriği and see structures like Kesdoğan Kalesi. Then, your route will extend to the peaceful natural areas of Tödürge and Kaz lakes, and from there to the Aşık Veysel Müzesi and Sivas Arkeoloji Müzesi, allowing you to thoroughly feel the cultural depth of the city. Sivas Kalesi and the ancient Kuşaklı settlements will further enrich your trip while continuously whispering the millennia-old secrets of the region. Starting with the fourth day, you will transition to the steep and dramatic geography of Erzincan. Karanlık Kanyon, one of the deepest valleys in the world, and the hand-carved Taş Yolu will undoubtedly add excitement to your adventure with their breathtakingly scary views. You will catch your breath in the cool waters of Gürlevik Şelalesi and shed light on the past of Erzincan at ancient stops like Kemah Kalesi and Altıntepe Höyüğü.
In the second half of the trip, Erzurum and Kars will respectfully welcome you with their freezing beauty. While visiting monumental historical structures such as Çifte Minareli Medrese and Erzurum Kalesi, you will breathe the epic atmosphere of the War of Independence in Nenehatun Milli Parkı. The extraordinary red formations of Narman Peri Bacaları and the wild nature of Bardız Vadisi will present you with photograph frames. As you approach the ninth day, you will step into the mystical and cold geography of Kars. You can embark on a sorrowful historical journey in the Kafkas Cephesi Harp Tarihi Müzesi and take a refreshing walk on the frozen waters of Aygır Gölü. You will successfully finalize this ten-day fairytale route among the ruins of the UNESCO heritage Ani Örenyeri, observing the rich wildlife of Kuyucuk Gölü, and peacefully return home with absolutely memories.