Itinerary - 15 Night Deluxe Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Vienna

Travel by Eurostar from London to Brussels (approximately 1 hour 51 minutes). When you arrive in Brussels transfer onto the train to Cologne (approximate journey time 1 hour 45 minutes). On arrival to Cologne station change onto the overnight sleeper train to Vienna. Accommodation on board the sleeper train is in economy double sleeper carriages.

Day 2

Budapest

The train arrives in Vienna the next morning. Transfer onto the train to Budapest which takes approximately 3 hours. On arrival check-in at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Hailed as the 'Queen of the Danube', Budapest is a city whose history and heritage is intrinsically linked with the river that runs through it. The River Danube dissects the city from north to south and originates from the beautiful Gellert Hill, which is located on Budapest's fringes. 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.

Day 3

Budapest to Bucharest

Spend the day exploring Budapest and board the overnight sleeper train from Budapest to Bucharest in the evening. Accommodation on board the sleeper train is in economy double sleeper carriages – upgrades to deluxe en-suite compartments are available – please call for details.

Day 4

Bucharest

The train crosses one of the most spectacular part of the Carpathians in the morning and arrives in Bucharest just before lunch time. Upon arrival, check in at the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest. The transfer from the station to the hotel is complimentary.

With an afternoon to spare in Bucharest, pay a flying visit to the 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.

Arrive to Istanbul in style as you pass the beautiful Byzantine Walls of Theodosius and cross the shimmering Bosphorus right underneath the walls of the Topkapi Palace. Disembark at Istanbul's Sirkeci station (built in 1888) with two days to explore this remarkable city.

Days 6 and 7

Istanbul

Check in at the Sirkeci Konak Istanbul for your 2 night stay. A short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Sirkeci Konak hotel combines comfort with history with its Ottoman architecture and decorations.

Istanbul is a 5000 year old, fascinating fusion of East and West. 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 to the extraordinary wealth and power of the Ottoman sultans. Dine on traditional cuisine at the vibrant food stalls in Mehene and Kumkapi, indulge in baklava and turkish delight or relax in one of the city's historical hammams.

Day 8

Istanbul to Ankara

After an early breakfast in the hotel, head to Eminönü ferry terminal and leave Istanbul's European shores on a ferry bound for the beautifully decorated Haydarpasa train station, the city's busiest rail hub and the gateway to Asian Turkey. Board the 10:30 Baskent Expresi to Eskisehir and change onto Turkey's first high speed service arriving in Ankara in 1 hour and 30 minutes. On arrival, check in at the Swissotel Ankara for a 2 night stay.

Day 9

Ankara

Despite its modern outlook, Ankara boasts over 3000 years of history and a number of archeological relicts. Spend the day exploring Ankara's Roman citadel, theatre and bath and sample Anatolian cuisine in the evening in one of the restaurants in Ulus Square. Head to the Anitkabir to visit Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's Mausoleum and get an excellent view over the city. Pay a visit to Ankara Castle, a century old trade centre and bargain for genuine Anatolian carpets and antiquities.

Day 10

Ankara to Kayseri

Spend the morning in Ankara and board the 15:30 4 Eylül Mavi service to Kayseri. On arrival, you will be picked up from the train station and transferred to Novotel Kayseri for an overnight stay.

Located on the Silk route, Kayseri has been a vibrant trade hub ever since Antiquity. With an impressive Byzantine and Seljuk heritage, Kayseri is an excellent stop-over en route to Cappadocia. Away from the main tourist attractions, Kayseri offers a glimpse into the every-day life of Turkish people and a very relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy Turkish cay and nargile in one of the numerous coffee shops in the city centre, mingling with the locals and watching the world go by.

Days 11 to 13

Cappadocia

Spend the morning in Kayseri visiting its imposing Castle and getting a glimpse of Mont Erciyes before travelling to Uchisar by private transfer. Check in at the exquisite Museum Hotel Cappadocia for a 3 night stay in a unique cave rooms, surrounded by original Anatolian artifacts.

Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most remarkable attractions where surreal volcanic landscapes blend with over 3000 years of history and culture. Perfectly located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Uchisar boasts an emblematic cave castle towering above endless valleys of strange rock formations and offering amazing views of the surroundings. Within short distance from Goreme with its Open Air Museum featuring the remains of an early Christian community and numerous walking and cycling trails, Uchisar is a perfect base for exploring Cappadocia's history and spending time outdoors.

Days 14 and 15

Uçhisar to Istanbul

Travel from Uçhisar to Kayseri late in the afternoon by private transfer and board the 20:33 Dogu Ekspresi service to Istanbul Haydarpasa. The train features comfortable double cabins with wash basin and a restaurant car. Enjoy the scenery as the train approaches Istanbul and check in at Sirkeci Konak Istanbul on arrival for an overnight stay.

Spend the afternoon exploring Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, a perfect spot for last minute souvenir shopping with a variety of shops happy to sell a bargain for the right amount of haggling. Drift away from the busy market into the near by streets to enjoy a strong Turkish coffee in a lovely courtyard coffee house.

Day 16

London to Istanbul

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel head to Istanbul's Atatürk Airport to board a BA flight to London Heathrow.