New touristic version of Dogu Express only with sleepers are on sale.
Touristic Dogu Express calls at less number of stations, only with sleepers and calls at two stations during 2-4 hours allowing passengers attending city tours/excursions.
3 departures per week
Touristic Dogu Express departs every Monday-Wednesday-Friday from Ankara at 19:55, 2 hours after Dogu Express. Travel between Sivas-Erzurum will be during daytime.
On return from Kars, departures are every Wednesday-Friday-Sunday. Departure time is 23:55.
Timetable, fares and other details of Touristic Dogu Express
Dark Canyon at Ilic
Train’s first long stop is at Ilic, arriving at 9:10, departing at 12:01. Passengers may attend private excursions or enjoy Ilic town.
The most interesting attraction around Ilic is Dark Canyon. Euphrates River creates upto 1000 mt depth, creating one of the biggest canyons in the world. Travel by boat is possible.
Dinner or history tour at Erzurum
Train’s second long stop is Erzurum, arriving at 17:33 and stays about 2 hours. One of the common rituals of Dogu Express, ordering “cag kebab” to train may change to finding best “cag kebab” restaurant in the city. For the travelers prefering city tour instead will have chance to see Uc Kumbetler, Cifte Minareli Medrese and Yakutiye Medrese.
After a total travel time of 27.5 hours, train will arrive at Kars at 23:30.
Categories: Passenger
Rail Turkey En 
This looks fantastic. Great information as always.
Why does online booking show no trains available after 9th June?
Because it doesnt operate on a Saturday…in either direction
Dear Onur,
I hope that you’re having a good week.
Here are some photographs taken at yesterday evening’s launch of the ‘Turistik Doðu Ekspresi, which I though that you might find interesting.
Best wishes
Steve
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I guess you’ll send by mail. Surely intetesting. Would like to get more details if pıssible.
Because it doesnt operate on a Saturday…in either direction