Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Erzincan

Best Day Trips from Erzincan 2026

Where a single day out of Erzincan can take you, and exactly how to make each trip work.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Kemaliye (Eğin) — Gorge Town & Euphrates, Mama Hatun Külliyesi & Tercan and Kemah Gorge & Castle. This guide profiles 6+ day trips in Erzincan, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Erzincan is a provincial capital in eastern Turkey set at 1,185 metres in a broad valley carved by the Fırat (Euphrates) River. The province stretches from the volcanic peaks of the Mercan Mountains in the west to the high plateaux bordering Erzurum in the east. Erzincan is renowned throughout Turkey for two things: its exquisite telkari silver filigree jewellery tradition and its Tulum peyniri — a crumbly, pungent cheese matured in a goatskin pouch. The surrounding landscape rewards visitors with deep river gorges, thermal springs, Urartu-era ruins, and one of eastern Turkey's best ski resorts at Ergan Mountain.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

120 km from Erzincan

Kemaliye (Eğin) — Gorge Town & Euphrates

Private car (rental recommended); occasional dolmuş from Erzincan otogar at 07:30 daily (180–250 TRY / $3.90–5.45 each way) — confirm schedule on arrival
65 km from Erzincan

Mama Hatun Külliyesi & Tercan

Dolmuş from Erzincan otogar to Tercan (1 hr, 40–60 TRY / $0.87–1.30 each way); taxi 220–300 TRY / $4.80–6.52 one way
47 km from Erzincan

Kemah Gorge & Castle

Dolmuş from Erzincan otogar to Kemah (45 min, 30–50 TRY / $0.65–1.09 each way); taxi 180–250 TRY / $3.90–5.45 one way
30 km from Erzincan

Altıntepe Urartu Fortress & Ekşisu Springs

Dolmuş from Erzincan otogar to Üzümlü (35 min, 25–40 TRY / $0.54–0.87); taxi 140–180 TRY / $3.04–3.91 one way
70 km from Erzincan

Refahiye Highland Forests

Dolmuş from Erzincan otogar to Refahiye (1.5 hr, 50–80 TRY / $1.09–1.74 each way); taxi 300–450 TRY / $6.52–9.78 one way
12–18 km from Erzincan

Girlevik Waterfall & Ergan Mountain

Taxi from Erzincan 80–120 TRY / $1.74–2.61 to Girlevik; 120–180 TRY / $2.61–3.91 to Ergan base; no direct dolmuş

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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