Ani and Kars Tour

Discover Kars: A Journey Through History & Natural Beauty
🏰 Explore the Ancient City of Ani, the Tranquil Lake Cildir & Kars’ Cultural Heritage
Kars is a city of contrasts, where ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse architectural influences come together. Whether you are drawn to the mystical ruins of Ani, the pristine beauty of Lake Cildir, or the unique blend of Russian and Armenian architecture, Kars offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkey’s rich cultural history.

Must-Visit Destinations in Kars

🏛️ Ani – The Ghost City of Empires
Step into the ancient city of Ani, once a thriving medieval Armenian capital and a major Silk Road trading hub.
Explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including:The Church of the Redeemer, partially split in half by lightning.
The Cathedral of Ani, a stunning example of Armenian architecture.
The city walls, bridges, and mosques, reflecting the city’s multicultural past.
Feel the mystical atmosphere of this “City of 1,001 Churches”, which has stood abandoned for centuries.

🌊 Lake Cildir – A Hidden Natural Gem
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Cildir, where snow-capped mountains and lush greenery frame the crystal-clear waters.
Visit during winter, when the lake freezes over, creating a magical landscape ideal for ice fishing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Enjoy a lakeside meal, where you can try the local specialty: freshly caught fish from the lake.

🏙️ Kars City – A Blend of Russian & Armenian Heritage
Wander through the streets of Kars, where Russian-built stone houses and Armenian churches create a distinct cultural identity.
Visit Kars Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Explore historic Armenian and Ottoman-era churches, showcasing the city’s diverse architectural past.

Experience the Timeless Charm of Kars
From ancient ruins to stunning landscapes and a rich cultural history, Kars invites you to step back in time and witness the beauty of Eastern Turkey.
📜 Let Kars captivate you with its history, nature, and unique charm!

Day 1 :

🏙️ Kars, Ani & Lake Cildir Tour: A Journey Through Time & Nature

🏛️ Explore the Ruins of Ani, The Tranquil Waters of Lake Cildir & The Unique Architecture of Kars
This full-day tour offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, taking you through the ancient ruins of Ani, the stunning beauty of Lake Cildir, and the historic streets of Kars, where Russian, Armenian, and Ottoman influences create a unique cultural tapestry.

Tour Itinerary
🕘 Morning Pick-Up from Your Hotel in Kars
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kars, and your journey through Eastern Turkey’s historical and natural wonders begins.

Morning: The Ancient Ruins of Ani

🏰 Ani – The Ghost City of Empires
Explore Ani, the former medieval Armenian capital, which once thrived as a Silk Road trading hub before being abandoned.
Walk among the well-preserved ruins, capturing stunning photographs of:Halaskar Church (Church of the Redeemer) – Split by lightning, yet standing as a symbol of resilience.
Pictorial Church – Famous for its faded but intricate frescoes.
Great Cathedral (Ani Cathedral) – A masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture.
Ebul Menucehr Mosque – The first mosque built in Anatolia, reflecting Ani’s multicultural history.
Hear stories of conquests, destruction, and abandonment, bringing the mystical city of Ani to life.

Afternoon: The Stunning Lake Cildir
🌊 Lake Cildir – A Scenic Escape in Every Season
Travel to Lake Cildir, one of Turkey’s largest freshwater lakes, offering stunning panoramic views.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere in both summer and winter:Summer – Experience a bustling lakeside, where families gather for boat rides and picnics.
Winter – See a snow-covered wonderland, where the lake freezes over, creating a magical setting for ice fishing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Taste the local specialty, Yellow Carp, freshly caught and served in authentic lakeside restaurants.

Evening: Exploring the City of Kars
🏙️ Kars – A City of Russian & Ottoman Heritage
Return to Kars to explore its fascinating blend of Russian, Armenian, and Ottoman architecture.
Walk through the historic streets, where Russian-era stone buildings contrast with Ottoman mosques and Armenian churches.

🏛️ Key Landmarks of Kars
Alexander Nevsky Church (Fethiye Mosque) – Once a Russian Orthodox Church, now a mosque.
Cheltikov Hotel – Formerly a physician’s house and hospital, now a historic hotel.
Russian Consulate, Revenue Office & Governor’s Mansion – Stunning examples of Russian-era stone buildings.
Old Armenian Church & Evliya Mosque – Symbols of Kars’ diverse religious history.
Kars Castle – A fortified hilltop fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

End of Tour & Return to Hotel
🚐 Late Afternoon Return to Your Hotel in Kars
After a day filled with history, nature, and cultural exploration, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kars.
💬 Looking for more adventures in Eastern Turkey? We are happy to assist with additional tours and travel arrangements!

Tour Inclusions
✔️ Hotel pick-up & drop-off
✔️ Professional guide service
✔️ All entrance fees
✔️ Traditional lunch at Lake Cildir
✔️ Round-trip transportation
📜 Discover the hidden treasures of Kars, Ani & Lake Cildir on this unforgettable journey through history and nature!