Tailor Made Rail · Self-guided rail holiday

Turkey Explorer by Rail

Turkey Explorer by Rail, a rail journey with Tailor Made Rail

Discover more of Turkey on a rail journey from Istanbul to the Aegean coast, capital Ankara and the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia.

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.

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

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