Istanbul to Shanghai Rail Adventure
Small Group Tour
Istanbul to Shanghai: The Great Rail Adventure
A 32-day, flight-free journey across Eurasia—sleeper trains, Silk Road cities, and China’s high-speed finale, escorted in a small group of just 12.
Travel overland from Europe to the Pacific on an epic, flight-free rail adventure from Istanbul to Shanghai. Journey in first-class and private sleeper comfort through Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia—riding the legendary Doğu Express, crossing the Caspian Sea by cargo ferry, and following ancient Silk Road corridors into China. Along the way, enjoy a carefully paced mix of scenic rail days, characterful overnights and standout cultural moments, all seamlessly coordinated by an experienced tour leader and expert local guides.
From Istanbul’s palaces and bazaars to Georgia’s wine country, Azerbaijan’s otherworldly landscapes, and the timeless UNESCO cities of Khiva and Bukhara, each stop deepens the story of the route. In western China, experience Uyghur culture and the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, before high-speed trains carry you to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and onward to the glittering skyline and culinary scene of Shanghai. With premium hotels, meaningful encounters and a strong sense of progression, this is slow travel at its most rewarding—where the journey is truly the destination.
Map + Tour Itinerary
Explore the itinerary in detail to get a sense of where you’ll be on each day of the adventure.
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the iconic Pera Palace Hotel. This afternoon enjoy a private Turkish marbling (Ebru) workshop, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Private guided touring including the Spice Market, a Bosphorus cruise, and a visit to opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, with lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul. (BL)
A full day at leisure to relax or explore independently. This evening dine as a group at Mikla, Istanbul’s celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant. (BD)
Transfer to Söğütlüçeşme station for the YHT high-speed train to Ankara, then connect to the legendary Doğu Express for an overnight journey east. Overnight sleeper train (private-use 4-berth compartment). (B)
Spend the day on the Doğu Express as landscapes shift from plains and valleys to dramatic eastern mountains. Arrive Erzurum mid-afternoon and transfer to your hotel. (No meals included today)
Road transfer from Erzurum to Batumi via scenic mountain routes and the Georgia border, arriving on the Black Sea coast. Overnight in Batumi. (B)
Morning train journey from the Black Sea coast through Georgia’s rolling countryside to Tbilisi. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (B)
Full-day excursion to Kakheti with winery tastings, David Gareja Monastery, local bread and cheese stops, and further food and wine experiences before returning to Tbilisi. (BL)
Enjoy time at leisure in Tbilisi before boarding the overnight sleeper train to Baku (subject to border/train operations). Overnight on the train. (B)
Arrive in Baku and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free—optional independent exploration of the UNESCO-listed Old City. (No meals included today)
Guided touring to Gobustan petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, the Ateshgah Fire Temple, and Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain). Group dinner at the hotel. (BD)
Transfer to Alat port and board a cargo ferry across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan (sailing times can be unpredictable). Overnight onboard in a private cabin. (B – meals included on ferry)
Dock in Kazakhstan (conditions permitting) and transfer from Kurik port to the coastal city of Aktau for a two-night stay. (Meals included on ferry; no meals included after disembarkation/in Aktau)
Full-day adventure to Bozjira National Park with striking canyon viewpoints including Tiramisu Canyon, Mars Panorama, Dragon Crest, and the Bozjyra Fangs. Return to Aktau. (BL)
Day at leisure before transferring to Mangyshlak station to board the overnight sleeper train towards Nukus, crossing remote western Kazakhstan. Overnight sleeper train (private compartment). (B)
Arrive in Nukus mid-afternoon and continue by road to the ancient Silk Road city of Khiva for a two-night stay. (No meals included today)
Guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Khiva, discovering its minarets, madrasahs, mosques and historic landmarks, with a traditional lunch included. (BL)
Scenic road journey from Khiva to Bukhara through desert landscapes and oasis settlements, arriving for an overnight stay. (B)
Morning guided sightseeing in Bukhara, then board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. (BL)
Guided street food experience visiting Chigatoy Bazaar, Chorsu Bazaar, and the famed plov centre (Besh Qozon Osh Markazi), with tastings and lunch. (BL)
Early morning departure on the long-distance train to Almaty, crossing into Kazakhstan en route. Late evening arrival and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (No meals included today)
Day trip to spectacular Charyn Canyon, including time in the Valley of Castles and local cultural moments, with lunch included. Return to Almaty. (BL)
Road transfer across the Kazakh steppe to the Kazakh/Chinese border, then continue to Yining and onward by high-speed train to Urumqi. (B)
Day at leisure, then visit Urumqi’s famous Grand Bazaar and enjoy a vibrant Uyghur music and dance performance followed by a buffet dinner. (BD)
Begin the trans-China rail crossing: travel by modern high-speed train from Urumqi to Zhangye, gateway to the Rainbow Mountains. Overnight in Zhangye. (B)
Visit the extraordinary Zhangye Danxia Geopark (including a lesser-visited area), then board a high-speed train to Xi’an for a three-night stay. (B)
Morning at leisure, then guided visit to the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses to explore the remarkable original pits and exhibitions. (B)
Day at leisure to relax or explore independently. In the evening enjoy the Tang Dynasty Royal Banquet dinner and cultural performance. (BD)
Ride the 350 km/h ‘G’ class high-speed train from Xi’an to Shanghai, arriving early evening and transferring to your hotel for a three-night stay. (B)
Afternoon guided sightseeing including Yuyuan Garden, the Bund/Riverside Promenade, and the French Quarter, finishing with dinner at Din Tai Fung. (BD)
A day to relax and reflect, followed by a celebratory final dinner at Shanghai’s acclaimed three Michelin-starred Taian Table (transfers included). (BD)
Your overland rail adventure concludes today. After check-out, a private transfer will be provided to Shanghai airport for your departure. (No meals included today)
| Destination | Tour Code | Start | End | Trip Status | Pricing Per person |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul to Shanghai - Rail Adventure | ITS/240327 |
Mar 24, 2027
Wednesday |
Apr 24, 2027
Saturday |
Guaranteed - Contact Us for Availability |
£18,900.00
Single Room Supplement: £2,990.00
|
Contact us |
Tour Inclusions
- All accommodation
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) where shown in the itinerary
- Rail travel based on first class seats for daytime journeys and private sleeping compartments for overnight journeys.
- Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary, with the services of a private English-speaking guide or driver/guide
- Transfers as per itinerary with a private car or minibus
- Unless stated otherwise, entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary accommodation
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas – when required
- Meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Tips (Discretionary)
Feedback from our Travellers
See what other adventurers have to say about our small group experiences.
We spent one day in Helsinki before taking the ferry to Tallin. The tour over two weeks took us throught Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It was so well organised with only 4 participants. Our guides were nationals of all the countries that we visited and very professional, well informed and enthusiastic, proud of their countries. We learned so much about the history, culture and caracter of the areas we visited.
We went with a private guide/driver who was a fount of knowledge about his country. We loved the beautiful scenery. Albania has everything: mountains, lakes, and stunning beaches. Prices for accommodation and food are reasonable, and best of all it is not crowded - yet!
An amazing two weeks exploring some of the lesser-known areas of the Balkans many of which have, not only recovered from the break up of Yugoslavia, but are shining examples of enthusiasm and resilience. Macedonia and Kosovo are generally off the beaten track - but deserve to be discovered by more travellers, whilst Montenegro is simply stunning
Fill the form below to receive a tour information pack including a detailed day by day itinerary.
Essential Info
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing there are no warnings in place for areas visited on this tour.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Hotel Check-in Times
As a general rule most hotels will allow guests to check-in from 2pm. Please note, except when stated, that the price of your tour does not include guaranteed early check-in. Therefore, please advise us if you would like to ensure that your room is available for an earlier arrival.
Accommodation Rating
The hotels on this tour have been carefully selected based mainly on their location and range of facilities. With some exceptions most properties are of a 4 or 5 star category.
Food and Drink
The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary, which with a few exceptions is daily breakfast, plus lunch and/or dinner where indicated.
Usually, it will be impossible for Undiscovered Destinations to pre-pay for meals and drinks taken on the various trains. Therefore, it is essential that you travel with sufficient cash to pay for these services as credit and debit cards may not always be accepted. We would recommend that you have euros or US dollars available as these will offer the best overall acceptance.
The food and drink available to purchase on trains, when it is available, can be limited so many travellers come prepared and choose to bring their own provisions. You will find a choice of shops and eateries at most stations.
We recommend that you travel with plenty of water, and items such as fresh and dried fruits, biscuits, crackers, etc.
If you have any special dietary requirements, you must notify us at the time of booking. Whilst we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
As noted above on-train catering can be limited, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Even the most common dietary requests, including vegetarian options, may not be available.
You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature such as laundry.
Food
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
Lunch or dinner – from £15 to £25.
Tipping is commonly recognised as a way of rewarding guides and drivers for good service. We suggest you budget to tip the guide for each of the local tours included in the itinerary. We would recommend around $5 to $10 per person for each tour. This will depend on the duration of the tour.
Waiters and bar staff in most of the countries visited on this tour are generally low paid and it is customary practice to leave a small tip – around 10% of the bill.
The Adventures By Train team has travelled widely by train and never experienced any problems, but you should not be complacent. It is essential that you take good care of your personal belongings.
Pack wisely and store your most valuable possessions, including electrical items and of course your passports and travel documents in a separate day bag. Also remember to keep any important medicines and prescriptions or doctors’ letters in the same bag. And make sure you keep this bag with you at all times.
On newer trains you might be able to lock your compartment from the outside using a hotel type keycard, but this is still the exception. If you plan to leave your compartment, ask your attendant to lock the door. During the night you will be able to lock the door from the inside. Some travellers choose to bring a combination cable padlock to help secure baggage to luggage racks.
ATM Availability: As you will be visiting major cities on this tour ATMs will be widely available.
Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: Cards are widely accepted in the main cities, including at larger restaurants and most hotels. Card acceptance on the trains will be more limited, particularly beyond Western Europe.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Euros and US Dollar.
Where to Exchange: Exchange facilities will generally be available at the railway stations. Your local guide or the hotel reception can provide further assistance.
Our advertised prices do not include the cost of international flights. Please contact us if you would like a quotation to book a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
It is a condition of booking with Adventures By Train that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities.
Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
UK, US, and Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to EU states, Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Uzbekistan.
British citizens travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes can enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Nationals of other countries should check with their nearest embassy, consulate, or visa agency before booking.
UK, US, and Australian passport holders will require a visa for travel to Azerbaijan and China.
As immigration requirements can change without notice, it is essential to verify the latest information with your nearest embassy, consulate, or visa agency. It is recommended to check the requirements both at the time of booking and again when paying your balance. Please note that, even if a visa is not required, some countries may require an electronic travel authorisation to be obtained in advance of departure.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country of residence.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information and advice regarding the necessary vaccinations.
For a visit of less than a month you might be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Meningitis.
The itinerary has been carefully planned based on the latest train and ferry schedules. However, timings and operating days for specific services may change at short notice. This could necessitate adjustments to the itinerary, including the number of nights spent in certain cities. Should changes be required, our experienced travel consultants will discuss the available options with you before finalising any amendments. Please note that these options may be limited, so flexibility is essential.
Please note that, while the trip is intended to last exactly 32 days, the duration may vary by up to 3 days. Any extension will be without extra charge and a refund will be provided in the event that it is shortened.
This journey is best suited to experienced travellers who are comfortable managing their own luggage without assistance. Unlike air travel, trains in Europe and Asia do not offer a checked baggage service. Each passenger will be responsible for their own luggage, which they will need to keep with them during each leg of the trip. Storage options may include overhead racks above the seats.
The group, with a maximum of 12 travellers, will be fully escorted by a tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations for all train journeys. Their primary role is to oversee logistics and coordinate with local guides who will provide in-depth tours and excursions throughout the journey.
Please be aware that in some locations, a short walk between railway stations and hotels will be necessary. While we strive to select hotels close to the stations, in certain cities the walk may be slightly longer. Please refer to the itinerary for details, or feel free to contact us before booking if you have any concerns.