The new sleeper train launching in Turkey this month – and tourists can visit popular holiday hotspots along the way
A NEW train service is set to launch in Turkey next week, and tourists will be able to visit several holiday hotspots along the way.
The new train will depart from the Turkish capital of Ankara, before journeying 1,500km through desert landscapes, snow-capped mountains and even a dormant volcano.
The Mesopotamia Express will be able to fit 180 passengers onboard across nine sleeper cabins.
Seats can be converted into beds and other overnight amenities include a fridge, a sink, a wardrobe and onboard heating.
There will also be one dining carriage onboard the new train service.
Passengers will be able to get off the train at three different stops, including Kayseri, Malatya and Elazığ.
At Kayseri and Malatya holidaymakers will be given three hours to explore the nearby historical sites.
Passengers will then be give four-hours to visit local attractions in Elazığ.
As the historic capital of Cappadocia, there are plenty of exciting tourist attractions in Kayseri, including Kayseri Castle and a small archaeological museum.
Meanwhile, Malatya is famous for its production of apricots, producing more than 70 per cent of the world’s apricots, so sampling one is a must.
Other nearby attractions include Malatya Castle, which dates back to 79AD, and the Arslantepe Ruins.
Located 7km from the city centre, the Arslantepe Ruins are believed to be 5000 years old, with key sites at the open-air museum including temples, paintings and statues.
According to TripAdvisor, the second best thing to do in Elazığ is visit Harput Castle.
It is thought that services on the Mesopotamia Express will start from April 19, 2024, as reported by Euronews Travel.
Tickets for a one-way journey start from 9,000 Turkish Lira (£222) for a sleeper cabin that sleeps two.
Pegasus Airlines operates direct flights between the London Stansted and Ankara, with prices starting from £60 for a one-way ticket in May.
Other new train routes
There are plenty of other new rail routes launching around Europe, including a brand-new night service linking Brussels and Prague.
The new 15-hour service took to the tracks in March and passes through holiday hotspots like Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin and Dresden.
Those Brits who want to travel to Prague without boarding a plane, will be able to take a Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels, which takes just under two hours.
Meanwhile, another new train route could soon link two European countries by rail for the first time in 16 years.
Venice and Ljubljana (the Slovenian capital) could soon be linked by a new train service.
While it is not known which train company will operate the cross-border route, the Italian train company Trenitalia tested out the proposed route back in December.
Sun Travel's favourite train journeys
Reporters at Sun Travel have taken their fair share of train journeys and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
Caroline McGuire said: “After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.”
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
Kara Godfrey wrote: “Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur.”
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
Hope Brotherton said: “From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.”
Meanwhile, Virgin could soon relaunch trains in the UK.
Another new train service is set to launch in the UK next year, and it will travel to some of the country’s prettiest towns.