Turkey Explorer by Rail
- 11
- £1,349
- Turkey
- Ferry from Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara, then a train to Izmir
- Down the coast to the authentic town of Alacati
- Across to Turkish capital Ankara for an overnight stop
- Sleeper to Göreme and the fairytale chimneys of Cappadocia
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Combine this holiday with our London to Istanbul itinerary
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations where required (First Class from Ankara to Kayseri)
- 10 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private return transfers from Izmir to Alacati with private car
- Private cabin aboard the overnight sleeper from Izmir to Ankara
- Cappadocia full day with private driver and guide (entry fees not included)
- Return transfers Kayseri to Göreme (from station and back to airport)
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Please note: This itinerary starts in Istanbul. You can enjoy this journey as a stand-alone trip with flights to Istanbul and back from Kayseri or as an extension to our London – Istanbul Epic Journey.
Take a fast ferry across the sea of Marmara from Istanbul Yenikapi Port to Bandirma. A walk across the road takes you to Bandirma Sehir Station from where there is a direct train to Izmir. Stay 2 nights here in the smart Izmir Swisshotel Efes (or similar).
Izmir is an ancient city, founded by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans and then rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Enjoy a day on foot here browsing the stalls at the bazaar or visiting the fascinating archaeological site which now forms the Agora Open Air Museum. For panoramic views, head for the Kadifekale, or Velvet Castle founded during Alexander’s reign, which overlooks the city. From Izmir, you can also book a full day trip to the ancient cities of Ephesus or Pergamon.
Meet your private transfer at your hotel in Izmir and drive around an hour down the coast to Alaçati to begin your 3-night stay at the Hotel Incierliev (or similar). Alaçati was once a sleepy fishing village on the scenic Çesme Peninsula but has become a well-loved holiday destination for visitors from Izmir and Istanbul. It’s still relatively unknown outside of Turkey. Enjoy relaxing in your hotel and sampling homemade jam and delicious Turkish breakfasts, wander in the craft shops and markets and sample the many excellent restaurants in the village.
Take a ‘Dolmus’ taxi to the sandy beaches nearby, to Çesme to see the castle or even take a boat to the island of Chios in Greece for the day. It is also possible to visit Ephesus by private car.
Linger over your last breakfast in Alacati and spend another morning here. Then, in the late afternoon, return by private car to Izmir station and board a sleeper train for an overnight journey to Ankara. We would recommend bringing your own supplies of food and drink onboard to enjoy into your private cabin as your train heads away from the coast towards the Turkish capital.
Arrive into Ankara this morning and head for the Divan Cukurhan (or similar) where you will be spending the night. You may not be able to check in to your room straight away but you can leave your bags at the hotel and head out to explore here.
Highlights of any visit to Ankara include the historic castle, with foundations dating back to the 8th century BC and Anıtkabir, an imposing mausoleum complex dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first President of the Turkish Republic.
Today, it’s time to continue your journey eastwards as you board the Güney Express High Speed Train which will take you from Ankara to Kayseri in Cappadocia. Travel in First Class on this comfortable service arriving in the early evening into Kayseri. When you arrive, a private car will take you around 75km to Göreme, the main town of the Cappadocia region, where you have a 3-night stay at the Cappadocia Cave Suites (or similar).
You have two full days to discover this popular region of Turkey with its dramatic landscape consisting of high plateaus, lunar-like boulders and distinctive rocky pillars known as ‘fairy chimneys’. During your stay, you’ll have a full day with a private driver, guide and vehicle visiting the highlights of the local area and its spectacular scenery, such as the nearby villages of Urgup and the Castle of Uçhisar. Entry fees to sites are payable locally.
On your free day, enjoy gentle walks or more vigorous hikes in nearby villages to get amongst the fairy chimneys, hire a bike or book a hot air balloon flight for early one morning. Alternatively, you can simply take in the views with a Turkish coffee.
On your final day, a private transfer will take you to Kayseri airport to connect with a Turkish Airlines flight (not included) via Istanbul to London or Manchester.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Izmir
Swissôtel Buyuk Efes is located in the centre of Izmir, on the sea front, within easy walking distance of the popular Cumhuriyet Square. Bedrooms are euipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi internet access, LCD TVs and en suite bathrooms with rain showers. There are two restaurants to choose from – one on the rooftop, overlooking the Bay of Izmir. Guests can also enjoy leisure facilities including a spa with indoor & outdoor pools and tennis courts.
Alacati
The Hotel Incirliev is situated in the little town of Alaçatı on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula and occupies a historic Greek house set around an internal courtyard. Bedrooms are individually furnished in a traditional style, with air conditioning, en suite facilities, a work desk and a minibar. There is also a charming garden where breakfast with homemade jam is served in good weather, a bar and a 24-hour reception.
Ankara
The Divan Cukurhan is conveniently situated opposite the entrance to the Ankara Citadel and within walking distance of Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the Şengül Merkez Hammam. Air-conditioned bedrooms feature tea & coffee making facilities, satellite TV and Wi-Fi internet access. There is also a restaurant serving regional and international cuisine, a library, 24 hour reception and a garden.
Goreme
This hotel enjoys a central location in Goreme and offers unique accommodation in a mixture of private caves and natural stone rooms. Bedrooms are all different but all feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel also boasts a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool and a private terrace overlooking the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Tours can be arranged by the hotel concierge.
