Embark on an enchanting 15-day train journey from Istanbul to Izmir. Traveling by train offers a slower , more sustainable way to experience Turkey, reducing your footprint while immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes.
Along the way, pause in Kayseri to explore the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. Continue to Eskişehir and discover the mysterious Phrygian valleys. In İzmir you’ll find the perfect base for visiting the ancient and awe- inspring ruins of Ephesus . This journey is steeped in diversity, history and natural splendor- an unforgettable experience across Turkey’s cultural heartlands, with sustainability at its core .
İtinerary:
- Istanbul, where continents meet, history and the Bosphorus shine.
- Ankara, Capital energy rooted in Anatolian heritage.
- Kayseri, Seljuk architecture and flavors at Mount Erciyes
- Cappadocia, Dreamlike valleys and iconic balloon rides.
- Eskişehir, Riverside charm with youthful vibrancy.
- Sabuncupınar, Quiet forests and valleys echoing pasts.
- Izmir, lively coastal city, gateway to Ephesus.
Daily Program
Arrival in Istanbul.
transfer to hotel
Night: Istanbul:*** hotel (BB)
Istanbul .
Explore İstanbul on your own pace
Whether you want to dig into history, Turkish cuisine, modern art, or Byzanthine architecture – or simply wander for hours , taking the pulsing street life or gaze out at the glistering waters of the Bosphorus- this is a city with something to offer almost every kind of traveler.
Night: Istanbul.*** hotel (BB)
Istanbul-Ankara train.
After breakfast transfer to Söğütleçeşme trainstation for train journey to Ankara.
The departure of the high speed train is at 10.45 Hrs. Arrival in Ankara at 18.45 hrs.
The train offers food service.
( Taxi ) Transfer to your hotel in Ankara.
Night: Ankara : Special Class hotel (BB)
Ankara.
Though largely modern in appearence,Turkey’s capital is in fact an ancient settlement . Glimpses of history can be seen in the Citadel and Ulus areas, where remains of a few Roman ruins and Seljuk era mosques can be seen among modern buildings. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the best archaeological treasures found in Turkey and the city is pleasantly green with restaurants, hotels and shops that are diverse and cosmopolitan.
Night: Ankara: Special Class hotel (BB)
Ankara- Kayseri
Following a transfer to the trainstation after breakfast your continue the journey to Kayseri in central Turkey.
The Güney Express train departs 11.20 hrs and arrives 18.45 hrs.
The train has a restaurant.
Night: Kayseri: Special class hotel (BB)
Kayseri- Cappadocia.
We recommend to explore this city in the morning as ancient ‘ Caesarea ‘ is a living museum of Seljuk architecture .Explore the Bedesten , built in 1497 , the Vezir Han and the covered bazaar.Built in 1859 this bazaar has 500 covered shops. The towering crenellated walls of the citadel, built from black volcanic rock are a good place to start exploring . Near the citadel , Hunat Hatün külliye was the first mosque complex to be built by the Selçuks in Anatolia.It consists of a 13 th century mosque and medresse, the latter one of the most beautiful examples of Selçuk history in Turkey
Other sights: Ulu Cami mosque, mausoleums and museum.
Afternoon transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia
Located near the beautiful red and rose valley’s, and Göreme this hotel is a great location for walks in the valleys and visits to the open air museums in Göreme and Zelve.
Night: Cave hotel in Çavuşin (BB)
Day 7. Cappadocia
Start the day with a morning walk to Göreme open air museum. This Unesco World Heritage site is an essential stop on any Cappadocian itinerary. First thought to be a Byzantine monastic settlement that housed some 20 monks, then a pilgrimage site from the 17th century, this splendid cluster of monastic Byzantine artistry with its rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries is 1km uphill from Göreme’s centre.
After lunch:
Explore the red and rose valleys
The trails that loop around Güllüdere Vadısı (Rose Valley) are easily accessible to all levels of walkers and provide some of the finest fairy-chimney-strewn vistas in Cappadocia. As well as this, though, they hide fabulous, little-visited rock-cut churches boasting vibrant fresco fragments and intricate carvings hewn into the stone.
Night: Cave hotel in Çavuşin (BB)
Start the day with a Balloon ride at sunset
Explore the love valley, Uçhisar and white valley on a walk, or book a tour to an underground city
Enough possibilities to have a great time
Night: Cave hotel in Çavuşin (BB)
Kayseri- Ankara- Eskişehir
A long day with a very early transfer as the train’s departure to Ankara is at 05.00 hrs
Change the train in Ankara and continue with another train which departures at 14.25 to Eskişehir. After arrival in Eskişehir at 15.45 hrs.. Taxi to hotel at Odunpazar, a historical district in Eskişehir( 2,5 km )
Explore the district with timberframed mansions . Many of the pastel-shaded houses contain small museums , craft shops and cafes . This was Eskişehir’s first Turkish district and it features Ottoman, even Seljuk structures and a modern museum with contemporary art.
Night: Ottoman mansion in Eskişehir.(BB)
Eskişehir – Sabuncupınar
The train from Eskişehir to Sabuncupınar departs 09.30 hrs and arrives at 10.21 hrs at Sabuncupınar village in the Phrygian valley
( *** not the only possibility, you may want to take a later train*** )
Phrygian Valley, which has been home to the Phrygians who have a history of about 3000 years, has an area of 506 km from Ankara Gordion to Eskişehir, Kütahya and Afyonkarahisar. Phrygian settlements dating from rock, stone monuments, burial chambers, churches, fairy chimneys and other natural beauty are one of Turkey’s most beautiful valley. Almost all of the valleys are covered with the lavas of the Turkmen mountain, an ancient volcano. Just like in Cappadocia there are intense natural formations (fairy chimneys) in the region.
The accommodation is a hundred -year-old former government building near the railway station. After welcome and lunch you could explore the region with a 9 km’s walk to the snake valley ( yılan vadesi) a valley with a monument dating back to the 6 th century BC
Night: Frig evi – Sabuncupınar ( HB)
Sabuncupınar.
Fill your day with:
a walk .
a private daytour to explore the highlights of the Phrygian valleys
in Ayazini and Midas monument in Kümbet.
Distance : 214 km/ 4- 6 hrs ( extra charged)
or visit to Kütahya by train (30 mins)
Kütahya known for it’s tiles has an old district with
some beautiful mosques.
The Çinili Mosque dazzles with its unique structure that carries traces of Central Asian Turkish architecture.
The green Mosque ( yeşil cami) is renowed for its vibrant green and golden -yellow hues . The walls , ceiling and dome are adorned with intricate hand-painted designs And ornamental elements such as floral motifs , geometric patterns and reliefs. The mosque also features a distinctive pavilion – style monaret, which adds to its architectural uniqueness.
Night: Frig evi Sabuncupınar – (HB)
Sabuncupınar- Izmir
Time to say goodbye to the lovely hosts of the Frig evi and
continue by train to Basmane station in Izmir
The departure of the Ege Express is at 09.30 hrs . Arrival in İzmir at 19.17 hrs.
The train has no restaurant. Take packed lunch and drinks from your hotel or order during stops at stations
The accommodation is ca 140 m/ 2 mins from Basmane station in Izmir.
Night: *** hotel in Izmir (Basmane) (BB)
Izmir-Ephesus(Selçuk)
As there is a regular train connection between Izmir and Selçuk
it’s easy to take the train
‘ Güller Express ‘ at 09.55 hrs – Arrival 11.26 hrs in Selçuk
The distance between trainstation and Efese is 6,2 km ( 14 mins by car)
After arrival in Selçuk take taxi or minibus , 600m from trainstation to Efese.
Explore the remains, of this Unesco world heritage site and visit the centre of Selçuk with
St john’s church, Ephesus archaeological museum, restaurants and shops.
You could take a train back to Izmir before or after dinner
Departure: 17.41 hrs – Arrival: 19.10 hrs.
Departure: 20.35 hrs – Arrival 22.00 hrs
Departure 22.01 hrs.- Arrival 23.30 hrs ( Last train)
Night: *** hotel in Izmir ( Basmane) (BB)
Izmir
.Discover old İzmir on a walk down Havra sokağı ( Synagogue street) where jews migrated from other countries lived alongside the Ottoman population. You’ll also encounter islamic places of worship as you wander around the bazaar. Find traces of of Hellenic and Roman history in Smyrna and experience İzmir’s seaside heart.
Night: *** hotel in İzmir (Basmane) (BB)
Onward Travel
End of program and transfer to Izmir airport for flight
( 25 km/ 35 min)
- 14 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels with ensuite bathrooms.
- Breakfast is included.
- Dinner in Sabuncupınar ( 2 x ) is included .
- Train tickets for the main train journeys are included .
- Transfers in Istanbul.
- Transfers in Ankara.
- Transfers Kayseri- Cappadocia VV
- Transfer to Izmir airport .
- Other meals and drinks.
- train tickets for regional trains ( İzmir – Selçuk for example)
- Excursions and other activities
- short transfers
Maybe you're also interested in....
