Begin your day with a hotel pickup and enjoy a brief orientation drive through Kars City Centre. Cruise down Haydar Aliyev Street and around the Ortakapı area. Admire the striking dark basalt, grid-layout mansions built during the late 19th-century Russian rule, which makes Kars feel distinctly like a Baltic town.
Relax on a smooth 45-minute drive through the vast, open plains of the Kars plateau towards the Armenian border. Step into the ghost-city of Ani Ruins, once a bustling medieval capital on the Silk Road with over 100,000 residents.
Ensure you don't miss the massive Cathedral of Ani, the crumbling Church of the Redeemer, and the Ebul Menuçehr Mosque (the oldest Turkish mosque in Anatolia), which sits dramatically right on the edge of the Arpaçay River gorge looking straight over into Armenia.
Depart Ani and head north towards Lake Çıldır. This is the longest driving stretch of the day (approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes), taking you past quiet volcanic valleys, rolling hills, and rural settlements.
Arrive at Lake Çıldır, a majestic high-altitude alpine lake. Dine at a cosy lakeside establishment like the Atalay’ın Yeri or Günay’ın Yeri. The regional culinary highlight here is the fresh Sarıbalık (Yellow Fish), caught directly from the lake and pan-fried perfectly.
In winter, the lake fully freezes over into thick glass. Take a ride on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh or watch local fishermen do ice-fishing. In summer, enjoy the crystal clear water, crisp mountain breeze, and spectacular bird-watching opportunities against the mountain backdrop.
Drive up to the base of Kars Castle, which proudly dominates the city skyline from its perch on a volcanic ridge. Walk along the historic ramparts for an unparalleled panoramic view of the city. Right below the castle, see the 10th-century Kümbet Mosque (Church of the Apostles) and the historic Ottoman Stone Bridge.
Drop back down into town for a relaxed walking stroll. Kars is legendary for its dairy; visit one of the famous cheese boutiques on Faikbey Avenue. Sample and buy authentic Kars Gravyer (aged gruyere) and Kars Kaşarı (cheddar). Grab a hot cup of tea or Turkish coffee at a local cafe to unwind.
