Golden Eagle Danube Express: Turkish Treasures (Tour code: 15663)

Arrive in the enchanting city of Istanbul, where East meets West in a vibrant fusion of history, culture, and stunning architecture. You’ll be greeted on arrival and transferred to your five-star accommodation, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet (or a similar hotel).

This evening, enjoy a lavish welcome dinner—a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Why not consider extending your stay in Istanbul to explore at your leisure? Please contact us for hotel options and rates.

Istanbul

Your journey through Istanbul begins with a visit to the Hippodrome Square, the former social heart of Byzantium, where chariot races once captivated emperors and crowds alike. Continue to the Blue Mosque, a stunning architectural marvel crowned by six minarets and adorned with over 20,000 blue tiles. This is followed by the incomparable Hagia Sophia, a magnificent structure that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing the fusion of Christian and Islamic art.

After a refined lunch at the Deraliye Restaurant, a venue offering traditional Ottoman delicacies, you’ll visit the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, once home to the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Step inside its ornate chambers and imagine the intrigues that shaped the course of history. Explore the haunting Underground Cistern, an eerie yet beautiful marvel of ancient engineering. Before enjoying a private Bosphorus cruise, showcasing Istanbul’s skyline from a unique perspective, gliding past opulent palaces, vibrant waterside mansions, and historic fortresses.

As dusk falls, immerse yourself in the intoxicating aromas of the Spice Market, before enjoying dinner at the famed Hamdi Restaurant, offering stunning views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

On Day 3, after a relaxed lunch, you will be transferred to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express, where your luxurious cabin awaits, ensuring a relaxing afternoon and evening as your journey onboard the train begins.

Istanbul

This morning, wake to the vibrant city of Izmir, one of Turkey’s most important port cities with a rich blend of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences. After a visit to Agora, a well-preserved marketplace from the Roman era, the journey continues to the fabled ancient city of Ephesus.

Wander through the marble streets of Ephesus, where grand temples, amphitheatres, and the awe-inspiring Library of Celsus remain as a testament to the city’s former glory as one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean. Feel history come alive as you stand where the philosopher Heraclitus once walked. After this enchanting tour, you’ll re-board the train, ready for the next destination.

Overnight on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express.

Library of Celsus

Arrive in Denizli for a full-day exploration of the mesmerising ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built atop the famous hot springs, this Greco-Roman city was a spiritual and healing centre. Stroll through the ancient necropolis, and take in the grandeur of the theatre, with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.

A visit to Laodicea follows, another ancient city that played a pivotal role in early Christian history and was known for its wealth and textiles. The juxtaposition of sacred history and silent ruins will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Overnight on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express.

Hierapolis

Wake to the capital city, Ankara, a bustling metropolis where the pulse of modern Turkey beats strong. Your visit will include the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, a treasure trove of artefacts that trace the timeline of this region’s civilisations, from the earliest Neolithic settlements to the Hittites and beyond.

Next, pay homage to Turkey’s founding father at the grandiose Mausoleum of Ataturk. Set atop a hill, this monumental structure is not only a shrine to one of history’s great leaders but also an architectural masterpiece, embodying the strength and ambition of a newly born nation. Enjoy lunch at the elegant Divan Çukurhan, a historic inn turned into a luxury hotel, before re-boarding your train.

Overnight on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express.

Mausoleum of Ataturk

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard, before arriving in Kayseri and transferring to Cappadocia, a place like no other on Earth. Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes are formed by thousands of years of volcanic activity and erosion, creating whimsical rock formations and vast cave networks. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Ozkonak Underground City, a hidden subterranean labyrinth that once sheltered entire communities from invaders.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bizim Ev Restaurant, and then venture into the mystical realms of Pasabag and Devrent Valleys, where fairy chimneys and dreamlike landscapes transport you to another world. As the day ends, relax in your luxurious hotel and prepare for an unforgettable night.

Cappadocia

This day begins with an optional hot-air balloon ride, an adventure of a lifetime. As dawn breaks, drift over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, watching the sun rise and casting golden hues over the fairy-tale valleys below. This unparalleled experience allows you to see the natural beauty of Cappadocia from a truly privileged vantage point.

After this exhilarating start, your exploration continues with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds some of the finest rock-cut churches in the world, adorned with ancient frescoes. A stop at Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Ortahisar towns will round off your day, before enjoying a lavish farewell dinner at the spectacular Maara Konak.

Goreme Open Air Museum

On your final day, after a delicious breakfast, bid farewell to Cappadocia’s ethereal landscapes as you are transferred to the airport. Though your journey may be concluding, the memories and treasures of Turkey will remain with you forever.