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Tailor Made Rail · Self-guided rail holiday

Turkey Explorer by Rail

Istanbul to Cappadocia via Aegean coast and Ankara by rail and ferry

Illustration of Turkey Explorer by Rail

Tailor Made Rail's Turkey Explorer by Rail is an 11-day self-guided holiday that connects Istanbul, the Aegean coast, Turkey's capital, and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia. The journey begins with a ferry across the Sea of Marmara and a train to Izmir, a Greek-founded ancient city where you browse the bazaar and visit the Agora Open Air Museum. From there, a private transfer takes you down the Çesme Peninsula coast to Alaçati, a former fishing village now known for its craft shops and local dining, where you have three free days to explore at your own pace. On Day 6, you return to Izmir to board an overnight sleeper in a private cabin bound for Ankara, the Turkish capital, where you visit the historic castle and Atatürk's mausoleum. The Güney Express High Speed Train then whisks you through First Class to Kayseri, followed by a private drive into Cappadocia.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels listed as 'or similar'; final accommodation depends on availability and your tier choice
  • Entry fees to Cappadocia sites (villages, castle) are not included and payable locally
  • Flights to Istanbul and from Kayseri to London or Manchester are not included
  • The Day 11 flight connection is your responsibility; Tailor Made Rail provides private transfer to Kayseri airport only

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Izmir (Swissotel Buyuk Efes or similar)

    Istanbul to Izmir

    Fast ferry across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul Yenikapi Port to Bandirma, then a direct train to Izmir. Can be taken standalone with flights to/from Istanbul, or as an extension to the London-Istanbul Epic Journey.

  2. Day 2overnight: Izmir (Swissotel Buyuk Efes or similar)

    Izmir

    An ancient city founded by the Greeks - browse the bazaar, visit the Agora Open Air Museum, or take in views from Kadifekale (Velvet Castle). Optional day trips to Ephesus or Pergamon.

  3. Day 3overnight: Alaçati (Hotel Incirliev or similar)

    Alaçati

    Private transfer around an hour down the Çesme Peninsula coast to the once-sleepy fishing village of Alaçati, now a well-loved but still under-the-radar holiday destination.

  4. Day 4overnight: Alaçati (Hotel Incirliev or similar)

    Alaçati

    Wander the craft shops and markets, sample local restaurants, or take a 'Dolmus' taxi to nearby beaches.

  5. Day 5overnight: Alaçati (Hotel Incirliev or similar)

    Alaçati

    Optional day trips to Çesme castle, a boat to the Greek island of Chios, or a private car visit to Ephesus.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Overnight sleeper train (private cabin)

    Alaçati to Izmir and board overnight train

    A last morning in Alaçati before a private car back to Izmir station to board the sleeper train for the overnight journey to Ankara.

  7. Day 7overnight: Ankara (Divan Cukurhan or similar)

    Arrive Ankara

    Explore the Turkish capital - the historic castle with 8th-century-BC foundations, and Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Göreme (Cappadocia Cave Suites or similar)

    Ankara to Göreme

    The Güney Express High Speed Train in First Class from Ankara to Kayseri, then a private car around 75km to Göreme, the main town of Cappadocia.

  9. Day 9overnight: Göreme (Cappadocia Cave Suites or similar)

    Göreme

    A full day with a private driver and guide visiting Cappadocia's highlights, including the villages of Urgup and the Castle of Uçhisar (entry fees payable locally).

  10. Day 10overnight: Göreme (Cappadocia Cave Suites or similar)

    Göreme

    Free day among the fairy chimneys - gentle walks or hikes, bike hire, or an early-morning hot air balloon flight.

  11. Day 11

    Göreme to Kayseri

    Private transfer to Kayseri airport to connect with a flight (not included) via Istanbul to London or Manchester.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Ferry across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul to Bandirma, then direct train to Izmir
  • Day 6Board the overnight sleeper train in a private cabin from Izmir to Ankara
  • Day 8Güney Express High Speed Train in First Class from Ankara to Kayseri, then private car to Göreme
  • Day 9Full day excursion with private driver and guide visiting Cappadocia's villages and Castle of Uçhisar

Included

  • 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
  • Part of our Race Across the World collection

Not included

  • Entry fees to Cappadocia sites
  • Flights to Istanbul and from Kayseri (via Istanbul) to London or Manchester

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Standard Class rail with seat reservations, First Class on the Ankara to Kayseri Güney Express High Speed Train, the ferry to Bandirma, and a private cabin aboard the overnight sleeper from Izmir to Ankara.
Is this tour escorted or self-guided?
Mostly self-guided with private transfers. You travel independently except for one full day in Capaddocia with a private driver and guide visiting villages, Uçhisar Castle, and other highlights.
What hotels are included?
Swissotel Buyuk Efes in Izmir (2 nights), Hotel Incirliev in Alaçati (3 nights), Divan Cukurhan in Ankara (1 night), and Cappadocia Cave Suites in Göreme (3 nights), or similar properties. All include breakfast.
What is not included?
Flights to Istanbul and from Kayseri to London or Manchester; entry fees to Cappadocia archaeological sites; meals beyond hotel breakfast; and optional activities like hot air balloon flights or day trips to Ephesus or Chios.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
The itinerary offers gentle walks and hikes in Cappadocia, city walking and bazaar browsing in Izmir and Ankara, and optional bike hire or hot air balloon flights. No strenuous hiking is required.
When does this tour depart?
Tailor Made Rail does not publish specific departure dates in their listed information. Confirm available dates directly with the operator before booking.

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