GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS
ISTANBUL – IZMIR – EPHESUS – DENIZLI (FOR HIERAPOLIS & LAODICEA) – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA
Embark on an exclusive voyage through Turkey, where ancient civilisations, breath-taking landscapes, and sophisticated culture blend seamlessly. This carefully curated itinerary offers a deep dive into the heart of Turkey’s most iconic and lesser-known treasures, while travelling aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle Danube Express. This journey is designed for the discerning traveller, seeking authentic, immersive, and refined experiences.
Exclusive, Sophisticated, Unforgettable. Let the Golden Eagle Danube Express transport you through the sands of time in the lap of luxury.
Dates & Prices
All prices are per person and published in Euros (€).
We also accept payment in both US Dollars ($) and Pound Sterling (£). Please note we use a fixed exchange rate that is reviewed quarterly – contact us to receive a confirmed price in your preferred currency.
2026
| EUR (€) | Deluxe Class | Superior Deluxe Class | ||
| Twin (€) | Single (€) | Twin (€) | Single (€) | |
| September 17 – September 25 | 12,600 | 19,900 | 15,900 | 24,100 |
| Deposit | 25% | 25% | ||
Download
Brochure
Register your interest now for exclusive pre-release access to our Turkish Treasures brochure
DAY 1 Istanbul
Arrive in the captivating city of Istanbul, where the East meets the West in a dazzling tapestry of history, culture, and architecture. You’ll be welcomed and transferred to your five-star hotel, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet (or similar).
In the evening, savour a sumptuous welcome reception dinner, the perfect setting to meet with your fellow travellers.
Why not consider extending your stay in this magical city? Istanbul offers an endless array of treasures waiting to be explored. Contact us for tailored recommendations to ensure your time here is as immersive as possible.
DAY 2 & 3 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 we journey onward.
DAY 4 Izmir & Ephesus
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.
DAY 5 Denizli – Hierapolis & Laodicea
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.
DAY 6 Ankara
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.
DAY 7 CAPPADOCIA
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.
DAY 8 CAPPADOCIA
This day begins with an optional hot-air balloon ride (available for a small supplement), 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. Alternatively, watch the magical display from the ground – a perfect background for your photographs.
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.
DAY 9 CAPPADOCIA
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.
Tour Inclusions
Accommodation
- Quality pre and post-tour accommodation in Istanbul and Cappadocia
- 2 hotel nights in Istanbul
- 4 nights on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express
- 2 hotel nights in Istanbul
Service
- Cabin attendant service including evening turndown
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Excursions
- Experience the incredible with a hot-air balloon ride over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia (Optional)
- Visit the mesmerising ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Enjoy a private Bosphorus cruise, showcasing Istanbul’s skyline from a unique perspective.
Tour Highlights
Enjoy signature Golden Eagle experiences throughout this extraordinary voyage. Expertly curated excursions are accompanied by relaxing afternoons onboard your private, five-star hotel on rails.
- 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.
- Visit to the Ozkonak Underground City, a hidden subterranean labyrinth that once sheltered entire communities from invaders.
- Explore 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
- Enjoy a dinner at the famed Hamdi Restaurant, offering stunning views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is your luxurious hotel-on-wheels. Unpack just the once and settle into your well-appointed and comfortable cabin as you begin the voyage of a lifetime.
Download Train PDF
Turkish Treasures Brochure
To download the Turkish Treasures brochure, please fill in your details below.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is your luxurious hotel-on-wheels. Travel in comfort and style through Europe on one of our spectacular private rail journeys, combining iconic cities with stunning countryside.
