nostalgic railtours
Konya Mavi Tren (Konya Blue Train)
General Information
The Konya Blue Train offers the opportunity to travel between İzmir (Basmane) and Konya (or the reverse) every day. The Konya Blue Train follows the route of Konya, Afyonkarahisar, Uşak, Manisa and İzmir (Basmane). The Konya Blue Train consists of normal seat (pulman) coaches, sleeping couchette (kuşet) coaches and a dining car. The journey takes an average of 12 hours and 30 minutes. The train departs from İzmir (Basmane) at 20.10 and from Konya at 19.00
Main Stopping Points
Konya
Konya is located on south western edge of the central Anatolian plateau. It is the seventh most populous city of Türkiye. The region has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BCE. Konya was the last home of Rumi (Mevlana) whose followers are known as Whirling Dervishes.
Afyonkarahisar
Afyon is the capital of thermal tourism in Türkiye and its importance is increasing day by day. In addition to its abundance of the thermal springs it also boasts an interesting history, a rich cultural heritages, wonderful nature and unique cuisine.
Uşak
Uşak, ancient Temenouthyrae, has never been a major tourist destination. But it can serve as the base to visit some interesting sites to the south. At Sebaste (Selçikler) are the ruins of a large basilica church. Inscriptions from Acmonia (Ahat) mention the presence of a synagogue and large Jewish population. West of the scenic bridge at Cilindras spanning the Banaz River are the remains of a monastery at Pepouza (south Karayakuplu). On the way west to see the well-preserved ruins at Blaundos, make sure to stop at Ulubey Canyon, Türkiye’s version of the Grand Canyon. A glass floor provides a spectacular view of the canyon below. These sites are off the beaten track and draw few foreign tourists.
Manisa
Manisa, historically known as Magnesia, is a large city in Türkiye's Aegean Region. Modern Manisa is a booming centre of industry and services, advantaged by its closeness to the international port city and the regional metropolitan centre of İzmir and by its fertile hinterland rich in quantity and variety of agricultural production
İzmir (Basmane)
İzmir, the “Pearl of the Aegean,” is the birthplace of the epic poet Homer and a city with 8,500 years of history. In recent history, it was known as Smyrna. A coastline of more than 600 kilometres and of unmatched beauty is embroidered with magnificent ancient cities, two of which, Pergamon and Ephesus, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.