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Guide to Erzurum

Virtual Tour of Erzurum

The picturesque ski resort of Erzurum is located in eastern Turkey, at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. This ancient city attracts visitors not only with its pristine nature but also with a large number of historical landmarks.

Erzurum is popular among European ski enthusiasts due to its proximity (6 km) to the major ski center of Palandöken, situated on the slopes of the mountain of the same name. The skiing area here is at an altitude of 2250-3125 meters above sea level. All the slopes (7 blue, 8 red, and 2 black) with a total length of 40 km are certified according to international standards. The ski season lasts 150 days a year, from November to May.

The excellent combination of great skiing, high-quality service, and an interesting excursion program makes Erzurum a perfect place for a winter vacation.

Tips for tourists

Population
382 383
Time zone
UTC+3:00
Language
Turkish
Currency
Turkish Lira, TRY

Tours to Erzurum

Lovers of affordable winter vacations often use Turkish resorts as a primary place to hone their skiing and snowboarding skills, and Erzurum is no exception. Traditionally, packages to this destination are purchased starting in December. During this time, snow actively falls on the mountain slopes, creating a cover that can be one or even two meters thick.

The best tours are sold for New Year's and Christmas holidays. During this period, those who love to spend holidays not only at the festive table but also in active entertainment gather here. Naturally, the cost of tours during this period increases slightly.

Of course, you can always find a last-minute tour and save some money. However, this option is usually used by people who are ready to quickly pack up and go on a trip. Fortunately, there is no need to apply for a visa to Turkey.

If you prefer to approach vacation planning thoughtfully, we recommend looking for tours several months before the departure date. While you may not find last-minute deals, you can still find cheap accommodation options and book them in advance.

The opportunity to visit the ski resort remains until March. After that, the snow in the mountains of Erzurum begins to melt. You can always check the current trip prices using the tripmydream service.

Interesting places in Erzurum

In addition to ski slopes and natural beauty, Erzurum attracts tourists with its ancient monuments. This large city by Turkish standards, with a population of 120,000 people, grew from the Byzantine fortress of Theodosiopolis, built in the 4th century BC. Throughout history, it has been ruled by Byzantines, Seljuk Turks, Arabs, and Armenians. Erzurum was captured three times by Russian troops. Despite numerous wars and destructions, many of Erzurum's monuments have survived to this day: the Great Mosque of 1179, the Double Minaret Medrese of 1253 — a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture, Üç Kümbetler, and others.

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Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Erzurum is one of the highest-altitude cities in Turkey, best reached with a stopover. The most convenient option is to fly to Ankara or Istanbul and then take a direct flight with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines. Routes are available from Warsaw, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, Bucharest, and Milan. There are also connecting flights from London, Budapest, and Berlin.

Round-trip tickets from major European cities typically cost between €180 and €240. However, from cities in Poland or the Czech Republic, prices can start from €150. The best deals are usually found in the off-season—November and March.

The best hotels in Erzurum

The best hotels in Erzurum are located some distance from the city, closer to the ski slopes and mountains. For example, among the four-star hotels in Erzurum, the Palan Hotel is one of the best options.

Reviews about hotels in Erzurum vary; guests are usually satisfied with the service, but there are occasional complaints about the food or cleanliness of the rooms. However, this typically concerns lesser-known hotels that do not prioritize their reputation.

Hotels in Erzurum located in the city center are more convenient in the summer for tourists who want to explore the attractions.

There are also five-star options, such as the luxurious Renaissance Polat Erzurum Hotel.

To save money, you can choose three-star hotels in Erzurum, such as the Dedeman Palandöken Ski Lodge. In the city center, a well-known budget option is Hekimoğlu. Prices can be viewed in our catalog.

The cost of vacation

The cost of living in Erzurum is quite high. Usually, guests calculate their budget based on 1000 USD per person per week. The winter budget will be higher than the summer one, as it will probably include skiing or snowboarding lessons.

Renting ski equipment, transport, guides, shopping, museums and ski slopes - all this requires investment. But it is quite possible to stay in Erzurum inexpensively. There are cheap hotels, discount markets, you can provide yourself with a good ski pass for the ski lifts.

The budget for a trip to Erzurum
Flight 180–250 € Accommodation from 30 €
Average check in a restaurant from 10 € Travel by transport from 0.50 €
Excursion 10–25 €
Total: about 470 € for 4 days per person

Erzurum: tips for tourists

Visa to Erzurum

A visa is not required for a trip to Turkey; at the airport border control, you need to present a passport valid for at least 4 months.

Airport

Erzurum Airport is located a few kilometers from the city itself, and getting to the city is quite quick. There are many airports in Turkey, and most major tourist cities have them.

Airport transfer

You can take a regular city bus, which stops right outside the airport exit. Additionally, the bus stops near the international bus terminal in the city. The cost of a taxi can reach up to 50 USD.

Car Rental

It's best to book transportation in advance and prepare a voucher, driver's license, and credit card. The documents and the invoice must match the voucher details. Rental prices range from 170-250 USD.

Transport

Today, transportation in Erzurum includes not only taxis but also numerous buses that operate both within the city and beyond. You can easily rent a car or use taxi services.

Safety

Erzurum is a fairly large and safe city. There are many military personnel, local special forces units, and even military police in the city. However, basic safety rules should always be followed. If needed, tourists can seek assistance from travel agencies, consulates, or hotel administration.

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