Danube Express · 12 days · 11 nights
Balkan Explorer: Venice to Istanbul
Venice · Trieste · Postojna · Pula · Rijeka · Sarajevo · Mostar · Belgrade · Sofia · Plovdiv · Istanbul
Danube Express · 9 days, 8 nights
Turkish Treasures: Istanbul to Cappadocia
Nine days across Türkiye from Istanbul to Cappadocia, with Ephesus, Hierapolis, Laodicea and Ankara along the way.
- IstanbulDay 1
- IzmirDay 4
- EphesusDay 4
- DenizliDay 5
- HierapolisDay 5
- LaodiceaDay 5
- AnkaraDay 6
- KayseriDay 7
- CappadociaDay 7
Train stopExcursion by road
Duration9 days
Nights8
RouteIstanbul → Cappadocia
Places visited9
From, per personOn request
Overview
Two nights in Istanbul with its mosques, palaces and a Bosphorus cruise are followed by four nights on the train to Izmir and Ephesus, Hierapolis and Laodicea, and Ankara. The journey ends with two nights in Cappadocia among the fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches.
- The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
- A private Bosphorus cruise
- The marble streets and Library of Celsus at Ephesus
- Hierapolis and Laodicea from Denizli
- The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations in Ankara
- Ozkonak Underground City in Cappadocia
- Göreme Open Air Museum and its frescoed rock churches
- An optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight
Day by day
Day 1Arrive in IstanbulIstanbul
You are met and taken to the Four Seasons Sultanahmet (or similar). A welcome reception dinner introduces you to your fellow travellers.
Day 2IstanbulIstanbul
Visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, then after lunch Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. A private Bosphorus cruise and the Spice Market lead to dinner with views over the Golden Horn.
Day 3Istanbul → on boardOn board the Danube Express
After a relaxed lunch you are transferred to the train, where your cabin awaits for a restful afternoon and evening as the journey begins.
Day 4Izmir & EphesusOn board the Danube Express
Wake in Izmir and visit its Roman-era Agora. You then walk the marble streets of ancient Ephesus, past temples, theatres and the Library of Celsus, before rejoining the train.
Day 5Denizli: Hierapolis & LaodiceaOn board the Danube Express
A full day from Denizli exploring Hierapolis, the UNESCO-listed Greco-Roman spa city above the hot springs, with its necropolis and theatre. Laodicea, an early Christian city known for its wealth and textiles, follows.
Day 6AnkaraOn board the Danube Express
Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the hilltop Mausoleum of Atatürk. Lunch is in a historic inn before you rejoin the train.
Day 7Kayseri & CappadociaCappadocia
After a final breakfast on board you arrive in Kayseri and transfer to Cappadocia. Visit the Ozkonak Underground City, then after lunch the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ and Devrent valleys, before checking into your hotel.
Day 8CappadociaCappadocia
Start with an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight, or watch the balloons from the ground. Then visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar and Ortahisar, ending with a farewell dinner.
Day 9Depart Cappadocia
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport.
Where you spend each night
- Night 1Istanbul
- Night 2Istanbul
- Night 3On board the Danube Express
- Night 4On board the Danube Express
- Night 5On board the Danube Express
- Night 6On board the Danube Express
- Night 7Cappadocia
- Night 8Cappadocia
The map is schematic. Dashed lines are excursions by road.
Most spacious
Superior Deluxe Class
12 cabins per departure · 8.6 m²
- King-size bed made up each evening
- Full-length sofa and two chairs for daytime
- Two large picture windows, one that opens
- En-suite shower room with WC (1.9 m²)
- Double wardrobe, safe, Wi-Fi and USB ports
Classic
Deluxe Class
5 cabins per carriage · 7.74 m²
- Two lower beds made up during dinner
- Two armchairs and a free-standing chair
- Large picture window that opens partially
- En-suite shower, washbasin and WC, heated towel rail
- Toiletries, dressing gown and hairdryer provided
Every cabin has its own private shower room, individually controlled air-conditioning and a dedicated cabin attendant.
- Two hotel nights in Istanbul and two in Cappadocia; four nights on the train
- Private en-suite cabin on the Danube Express
- Cabin attendant service with evening turndown
- An experienced tour management team throughout
- A UK-registered doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities, on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
- Freshly prepared meals on board plus dining in local restaurants
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as described in the itinerary
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
- A private Bosphorus cruise
- Deposit
- 30% of the total at booking
- Final payment
- 125 days before departure
Dates and prices
Dates on request
New departures for this journey have not been released yet. Send us an enquiry or call (866) 484-7882 and we will hold your place on the list.
EnquireQuestions about this journey
How many nights are on the train?
Four. The journey begins with two hotel nights in Istanbul and ends with two hotel nights in Cappadocia.
Is the hot-air balloon flight included?
The sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia is optional and carries a supplement. If you prefer not to fly, you can watch the balloons rise from the ground.
Which ancient sites are visited?
Ephesus with its Library of Celsus, the Agora in Izmir, Hierapolis and Laodicea near Denizli, the Ozkonak Underground City and the Göreme Open Air Museum. Expert local guides lead each visit.
What do we see in Istanbul?
The Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are all visited. A private Bosphorus cruise and the Spice Market complete the programme. You board the train after lunch the following day.
Which meals are included?
Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners, with alcoholic and soft drinks. Several meals are in local restaurants, including a farewell dinner in Cappadocia.
What does it cost and when does it run?
Fares depend on the cabin class you choose and whether you travel as a couple or alone. Live dates and fares are shown on this page, and our reservations team can help on (866) 484-7882.
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