Overview
Discover a different side of Türkiye on an immersive journey that combines iconic cities, ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and memorable railway experiences. From the historic streets of Istanbul to the remote ruins of Ani, the Black Sea mountains, the Hittite capital of Hattusa, and the cultural heart of Ankara, this itinerary goes far beyond the classic tourist route.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, exploring Ottoman heritage and the treasures of the Old Town before flying east to Kars, where Russian-era architecture and the ancient city of Ani reveal the region’s fascinating history. Travel by train through eastern Anatolia to Erzurum, continue to the lush Black Sea coast and Trabzon, and discover the spectacular Sümela Monastery.
The journey then moves inland to Divriği, home to the UNESCO-listed Great Mosque and Hospital, before boarding an overnight train toward Ankara. In Türkiye’s capital, explore Anıtkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and the city’s Roman heritage, followed by a full day journey to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire.
The adventure concludes with a high-speed train journey from Ankara back to Istanbul, bringing together Türkiye’s ancient past, diverse cultures, regional cuisines, and modern railway network in one unforgettable journey.
Highlights include: Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage, Kars and Ani, scenic eastern Anatolian train journeys, Erzurum, Trabzon and the Black Sea, Sümela Monastery, UNESCO-listed Divriği, an overnight train experience, Ankara, Hattusa and Yazılıkaya.
This is a journey designed for travelers who want to see more of Türkiye, travel more meaningfully, and experience the country beyond its most familiar destinations.
Highlight
- istanbul Ottoman Heritage
- Visit Kars & Ani Ruin
- Scenic Eastern Anatolian Train Journeys
- Trabzon and The Black | Sea Sümela Monastery
- UNESCO-listed Divriği Grand Mosque
- An Overnight Train Experience
- Visit Hattusa and Yazılıkaya Hittites civilisation Capital
itinerary
Experience Türkiye by train on an extraordinary journey from Istanbul to the far east and back. Travel scenic rail routes through Anatolia, including the Kars–Erzurum and overnight Divriği–Ankara journeys, before returning to Istanbul by high-speed train. Along the way, discover ancient Ani, Erzurum, Trabzon and Sümela Monastery, UNESCO-listed Divriği, Ankara and the Hittite capital of Hattusa.
Welcome to Istanbul!
Your Türkiye by Rail journey begins at 1:00 PM with a welcome meeting with your local guide.
Begin with an orientation walk through Istanbul’s historic Old Town, taking in the atmosphere of Sultanahmet and learning about the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
Continue to Topkapı Palace, the former imperial residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Explore its impressive courtyards, royal collections and spectacular views over the Bosphorus.
After the visit, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the surrounding historic streets before gathering for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Included: Local guide, Topkapı Palace entrance, orientation walk, welcome dinner
After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Kars, gateway to the far east of Türkiye.
Upon arrival, begin your exploration of this fascinating border city with Kars Castle, rising above the historic center and offering panoramic views across the city. Continue to the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), a remarkable 10th century Armenian monument that reflects the many cultural and religious layers of Kars.
Enjoy an orientation walk through the historic city center, discovering Kars's distinctive Russian-era architecture. Wide streets, basalt stone buildings and the city's planned grid reflect the period of Russian rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing some of the distinctive flavors of eastern Türkiye.
Overnight: Kars
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Domestic flight, local guide, Kars Castle, Church of the Twelve Apostles, city orientation walk
Today’s highlight is a journey to the ancient ruins of Ani, one of Türkiye’s most remarkable archaeological sites and once a thriving medieval capital on the Silk Road.
After breakfast, travel from Kars to Ani, passing through the dramatic landscapes of eastern Türkiye. Explore the atmospheric ruins with your guide, including the Cathedral of Ani, Church of St. Gregory, Church of the Redeemer and the ancient city walls.
Walk among the remains of this once-great city, situated dramatically on the edge of a gorge overlooking the border with Armenia. Your guide will bring Ani’s Armenian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Silk Road history to life.
After exploring Ani, return to Kars and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Take time to relax, revisit the city center or discover more of Kars’s distinctive local character.
Overnight: Kars
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Private transportation to Ani, local guide, Ani archaeological site entrance, guided exploration of Ani
After breakfast, we board the morning train from Kars to Erzurum, beginning another scenic chapter of our Türkiye by Rail journey.
Train journey: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes of eastern Türkiye as the train travels through the dramatic highlands and mountains of the region.
Upon arrival in Erzurum, meet your local guide and begin exploring this historic city, once an important stop along the ancient Silk Road.
Visit the Çifte Minareli Medrese, one of Erzurum’s most impressive Seljuk monuments, before taking an orientation walk through Erzurum’s historic streets.
In the evening, enjoy a special traditional dinner in one of Erzurum’s historic houses, experiencing authentic local cuisine and the warm hospitality of eastern Türkiye.
Overnight: Erzurum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Train journey Kars–Erzurum, local guide, Çifte Minareli Medrese, city orientation walk, traditional Erzurum house dinner
After breakfast, leave Erzurum and travel towards Trabzon, descending from the highlands towards the lush landscapes of Türkiye’s Black Sea coast.
Upon arrival, begin your exploration of Trabzon with a visit to the historic Hagia Sophia, a remarkable Byzantine monument reflecting the city’s long history between the Black Sea, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Continue to Atatürk Mansion, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the city.
Later, explore Trabzon’s lively historic center with an orientation walk through Meydan, Uzun Sokak and the traditional bazaar streets.
End the afternoon at Boztepe, one of the city’s best viewpoints, where you can enjoy panoramic views across Trabzon and the Black Sea.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring Black Sea cuisine, with local specialties such as kuymak, fresh fish or Akçaabat köfte.
Overnight: Trabzon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Transportation Erzurum–Trabzon, local guide, Hagia Sophia, Atatürk Mansion, city orientation walk, Boztepe
Today we leave the city behind and travel into the spectacular mountains surrounding Trabzon.
Our highlight is Sümela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs of Altındere Valley. Explore the monastery, its chapels, rock church and historic frescoes while enjoying the spectacular forested landscape of the national park.
Continue through the Maçka Valley, stopping in Hamsiköy, a traditional mountain village famous for its local cuisine and particularly its celebrated rice pudding.
Return to Trabzon in the afternoon with time to relax or explore the city independently.
In the evening, enjoy a local Black Sea dinner, completing your two days in Trabzon with the flavors and hospitality of the region.
Overnight: Trabzon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Private transportation, local guide, Sümela Monastery, Altındere Valley, Maçka Valley, Hamsiköy visit
After breakfast, leave Trabzon and travel towards Divriği, a historic town known for one of Türkiye’s greatest masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture.
The highlight of the day is a visit to the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital (Divriği Ulu Camii ve Darüşşifası), a spectacular 13th-century monument celebrated for its extraordinary stone carvings and architectural detail. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of Seljuk-era architecture in Türkiye.
After exploring Divriği and its historic surroundings, enjoy some time to relax before continuing to the railway station.
In the evening, board the 7:49 PM overnight train to Ankara. Settle into your cabin and experience one of the most memorable parts of your Türkiye by Rail journey — travelling through the heart of Anatolia overnight by train.
Overnight: Overnight train to Ankara
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Private Transportation Trabzon–Divriği, Divriği Ulu Camii and Darüşşifası visit, train to Ankara
Arrive in Ankara at approximately 10:30 AM after your overnight train journey. Meet your local guide and begin exploring Türkiye’s capital.
Start with Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and one of the most important symbols of modern Türkiye.
After the visit, continue to your hotel for check-in and some time to refresh.
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, home to an exceptional collection tracing thousands of years of Anatolian history, including the remarkable heritage of the Hittites.
Continue with a walk through Ankara’s ancient past, visiting the Temple of Augustus, an important Roman monument, followed by the Roman Baths of Ankara, where you can see the remains of the city's Roman-era public life.
After a full day exploring Ankara from its ancient civilizations to the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic, enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Local guide, Anıtkabir, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Temple of Augustus, Roman Baths
Today, leave Ankara after breakfast for a full-day journey to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire and one of Türkiye’s most important archaeological sites.
Explore the monumental ruins of Hattusa, including the Great Temple, Lion Gate, Royal Gate, ancient city walls, and the remains of the royal quarter. Your local guide will bring the Hittite civilization to life as you discover the history of this powerful Bronze Age empire.
Continue to Yazılıkaya, a remarkable open-air rock sanctuary just outside Hattusa, where impressive reliefs depict Hittite gods and religious ceremonies.
After the visit, enjoy lunch featuring local Çorum cuisine before returning to Ankara in the afternoon. The evening is free to relax or explore Ankara at your own pace.
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Private transportation, local guide, Hattusa entrance, Yazılıkaya entrance, guided archaeological visit, local lunch.
After breakfast, board the high speed train from Ankara to Istanbul and enjoy a comfortable journey through the landscapes of central Türkiye.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, your Türkiye by Rail journey comes to an end at the Istanbul train station. From here, you can continue to your hotel, airport, or onward journey independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: High speed train ticket from Ankara to Istanbul
inclusions
- Accommodation in carefully selected 4-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Selected dinners featuring regional Turkish cuisine
- Domestic flight from Istanbul to Kars
- Kars–Erzurum train journey
- Divriği–Ankara overnight train journey
- Ankara–Istanbul high-speed train journey
- Private transportation for road journeys and day trips
- Professional English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary
- Guided visits to Topkapı Palace, Ani, Sümela Monastery, Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, Anıtkabir, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Hattusa and Yazılıkaya
- Welcome dinner in Istanbul
- Local culinary experiences as specified in the itinerary
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, except where specifically mentioned
- Dinners, except where specifically mentioned
- Drinks and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities and excursions
- Airport transfers unless specifically stated
- Any services not listed under “Includes”