Itinerary - 14 Night Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Vienna

Journey by high speed Eurostar from London to Brussels. Arrive into Brussels and transfer onto the train to Cologne (approximate journey time 1 hour 45 minutes). On arrival to Cologne station, spend a couple of hours exploring before boarding the Euronight sleeper train to Vienna. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Valley as the sun sets and you journey through Frankfurt and Nuremberg. Accommodation onboard the sleeper train is in economy double sleeper carriages.

Day 2

Vienna to Budapest

Arrive into Vienna the next morning and transfer onto the direct morning departure to Budapest. Sit back and relax on the high speed Railjet train before arriving to the "Queen of the Danube", Budapest.

Check in at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest for your overnight stay. Rich in museums and cobbled streets, Budapest has also been known as the City of Spas with over a dozen thermal baths served by a host of natural springs in the area. See the Hungarian Crown Jewels at the neo-Gothic Parliament Building or visit the impressive Buda Castle to enjoy stunning city views.

Day 3

Budapest to Bucharest

Spend the day exploring Budapest and board the overnight sleeper train from Budapest to Bucharest in the evening. Accommodation onboard the sleeper train is in economy double sleeper carriages. To upgrade to a deluxe ensuite compartment which includes breakfast, please call our travel consultants.

Day 4

Bucharest

Awake as the train crosses one of the most spectacular parts of the Carpathians and arrives in Bucharest just before lunch time. Take your complimentary transfer to the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest and check in for your overnight stay.

With an afternoon to spare in Bucharest, pay a flying visit to the impressive Triumph Arch and Houses of Parliament and relax in Cismigiu Park. Spend the evening in Lipscani, the city’s most lively area offering a variety of bars and restaurants.

Day 5

Bucharest to Istanbul

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for Bucharest Nord station for your onward sleeper train (known as the 'Bosphor') to Istanbul, stocking up with traditional delicacies for the journey ahead. Watch as the train crosses the longest steel bridge in Europe over the Danube and into Bulgaria.

Your journey ends in style as you pass the beautiful Byzantine Walls of Theodosius and cross the shimmering Bosphorus right underneath the walls of the Topkapi Palace.

Days 6 and 7

Istanbul

On arrival in Istanbul, check in to the Sirkeci Konak Istanbul for your 2 night stay. Located in the heart of the Old City, the Sirkeci Konak has fabulous service, a rooftop restaurant and comfortable rooms.

Cruise along the Bosphorus by boat or visit the famous Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and the huge Hagia Sophia. Other famous landmarks include the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent and the Topkapi Palace, a dazzling monument dedicated to the extraordinary wealth and power of the Ottoman sultans. Dine on traditional cuisine at the vibrant food stalls in Mehene and Kumkapi before exploring the fascinating Grand Bazaar with 40,000 shops all happy to sell you a bargain - but be prepared to haggle!

Day 8

Istanbul to Kusadasi

Board the morning ferry from Istanbul Yenikapi port to Bandirma, located on the south shore of the Sea of Marmara. The fast Istanbul-Bandirma catamaran carries both cars and passengers and takes approximately 2 hours.

From Bandirma, connect with the air-conditioned '6 Eylül Express' train to Izmir. Journey through scenic Turkish countryside as the train twists and turns through Western Turkey.

On arrival in Izmir, take your transfer (included in the price) to Kusadasi (journey time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Check in to the LaVista Boutique Kusadasi featuring stunning views of the Aegean Sea for your 3 night stay and immerse yourself in this wonderful beachside city.

Days 9 and 10

Kusadasi

Spend two days in Kusadasi soaking up the Turkish sunshine. Boasting from a Mediterranean climate, sparkling azure waters and an abundance of golden, sandy beaches Kusadasi is the perfect holiday destination.

Take a stroll into the city to discover the wonderfully preserved Ottoman architecture. The Fortress Mosque and the Hanim Mosque, both built in the 17th Century, are two of Kusadasi's most impressive. Visit Pigeon Island known as the symbol of Kusadasi and home to thousands of birds during the seasonal migrations. The island is perfect for watching the panoramic sunsets. Sample some tasty Aegean specialities in one of the nearby Marina restaurants.

Day 11

Kusadasi to Izmir

After breakfast, take your private transfer back to Izmir for your 2 night stay in one of Turkey's most ancient cities dating back nearly 3000 years.

Check in at the centrally located Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir benefiting from a fantastic Spa & Wellness centre and a SkyBar overlooking the azure Aegean Sea.

Spend the evening strolling along Izmir's grand boulevards, dotted either side with ancient mosques, colourful markets and red-tiled buildings. Konak Square, is the heart of the city and perfect for enjoying a drink as the sun sets.

Day 12

Izmir

Spend your second day in Izmir shopping for wonderful bargains at the vibrant Kemeralti bazaar, visit the traditional Greek houses in the Alsancak area or take a walk along the Konak Pier. Alternatively simply relax on one of the golden beaches such as Foça, Dikili or Urla.

Day 13

Izmir to Istanbul

From Izmir take the overnight 'Izmir Mavi Tren' sleeper East towards Eskishehir. These modern, air-conditioned sleeper cars are a fantastic way to travel across Turkey. Sit back and relax as the train weaves through rural Turkey and crosses the regions of Manisa and Kutahya.

Day 14

Istanbul

Awake and enjoy a traditional breakfast in the breakfast car. Disembark at Eskishehir and transfer onto the high speed train to Istanbul. The comfortable Pullman seats will escort you directly back to Istanbul station where you spend a final night in Turkey.

Check in to the Sirkeci Konak Istanbul for your overnight stay. Spend your final day at leisure in this fascinating city. Visit a typical hamman (Turkish bath), enjoy a tasty Turkish tea, or "chai" in a local café and shop for a famous traditional sweet, Turkish delight.

Day 15

Istanbul to London

Fly back to London with British Airways Euro Traveller.