Day 10 - Dogu Beyazit  - Ani - Kars (B, L, D)

We start early for our trip to Kars, a city that takes its name from a first century BC Turco-Bulgarian tribe called Karsaks.  Kars was under Russian control between 1878-1920, which accounts for the many 19th century Russian aspects of the town. Famous in Turkish history, this city stands at the foot of an impressive fortress reconstructed by the Seljuks in the 12th century. We will also see a neo-classical Russian Orthodox Church, which today functions as a mosque. From here we drive east on the ancient Silk Route to visit Ani. Once fabled as the city of 1001 Churches, in the late 10th and early 11th century Ani was a rival in culture and elegance to Istanbul, Cairo, and Baghdad. Here we will see the fortress and the ruins of eight churches that date from the 10th century. From here we return to Kars where we will dine and spend the night.