Comprehensive 6-Stop Asia and Europe Itinerary: From Brisbane to Istanbul via Historical Sites and Scenic Train Journeys

Day 1: Arrival and exploration

Damascus, Syria on September 1, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Beit Sitti

Enjoy a traditional Syrian breakfast with freshly baked flatbreads and local dips at this popular Damascus eatery.
AUD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Umayyad Mosque visit

Explore one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual heritage.
AUD10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Al-Naser Restaurant

Sample authentic Syrian dishes such as kibbeh and muhammara in a casual setting downtown Damascus.
AUD25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Old City walking tour

Discover the ancient streets of Old Damascus, including the historic souks and the Azm Palace.
AUD30, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Al Mamlouka

Relish a refined dining experience featuring traditional Levantine cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Cultural immersion

Yerevan, Armenia on September 11, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Green Bean Coffee

Start your day with freshly brewed Armenian coffee and pastries in Yerevan's lively atmosphere.
AUD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the History Museum of Armenia

Explore Armenia’s rich cultural heritage through extensive exhibits from prehistory to modern times.
AUD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dolmama Restaurant

Taste classic Armenian dishes such as dolma and lavash in a charming setting.
AUD30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum

A solemn and educational visit to this important memorial site offering profound insights into Armenian history.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Vernissage Market

Wander through Yerevan's open-air market to find unique Armenian art, crafts, and souvenirs.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tavern Yerevan

Enjoy live Armenian folk music alongside traditional cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
AUD40, 2h0m
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Day 21: Historical discovery

Tirana, Albania on September 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum

Savour Albanian coffee traditions paired with local sweets in a retro-styled café.
AUD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Skanderbeg Square

Visit the central square to admire key landmarks such as the National History Museum and Et'hem Bey Mosque.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit National History Museum

Explore Albania’s history with fascinating artifacts spanning centuries.
AUD10, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine with dishes like tave kosi in a well-reviewed restaurant.
AUD25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Bunk’Art 2 Museum

Discover Cold War history through an underground bunker transformed into a museum.
AUD12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Dine on contemporary Albanian cuisine in an elegant setting.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 31: Island exploration

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on October 1, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya

Start with a healthy breakfast featuring local ingredients and magnificent views over the old town.
AUD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Knossos Palace

Explore the ancient Minoan palace ruins, the legendary labyrinth of King Minos, showcasing vibrant frescos and historic architecture.
AUD23, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Feast on traditional Cretan dishes made with local, organic produce in an authentic setting.
AUD35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Visit one of Greece’s finest museums, exhibiting masterpieces of Minoan art.
AUD15, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with a stunning sea view to round off your day on Crete.
AUD40, 2h0m
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Day 41: Ancient wonders

Xi'an, China on October 11, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at local Yi Pin Yuan restaurant

Relish traditional Chinese breakfast items close to your accommodation, preparing for a day of exploration.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Terracotta Warriors Museum

Tour the vast archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses dating back to 210 BC.
AUD40, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at De Fa Chang Restaurant

Dine on popular Shaanxi specialties, including hand-pulled noodles and roujiamo.
AUD25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ancient City Wall walk

Cycle or walk atop the well-preserved city wall to enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an.
AUD10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lao Sun Jia

Try authentic local dishes such as yangrou paomo (mutton soup with bread) in a cosy setting.
AUD30, 1h30m
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Day 51: Wildlife and culture

Chengdu, China on October 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Riluo Tianya

Enjoy a typical Chinese breakfast near your hotel in Chengdu.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See giant pandas in a naturalistic habitat and learn about conservation efforts. Opens 7:30am-6:00pm.
AUD35, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chengdu Taste

Savour spicy Sichuan cuisine, famous throughout China for bold flavours.
AUD30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Wuhou Shrine

Visit the historic shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous Chinese military strategist.
AUD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Jinli Ancient Street

Enjoy an evening stroll through this lively street full of shops, teahouses and street food stalls.
Free entry, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Yu's Family Kitchen

Dine at one of Chengdu’s top restaurants specialising in refined Sichuan dishes.
AUD45, 1h30m
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Day 54: Historic city

Istanbul, Turkey on October 24, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Begin the day with an authentic Turkish breakfast full of cheeses, olives, breads and honey.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Marvel at this iconic historic monument, once a cathedral, then mosque, now museum. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy legendary Turkish meatballs in this local favourite near major historic sites.
AUD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the sprawling former Ottoman palace with extensive collections of art and relics. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD25, 3h0m

5:00pm

Grand Bazaar

Experience one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with thousands of shops.
Free entry, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Delight in traditional Turkish cuisine and views of the Golden Horn from the terrace.
AUD45, 1h30m
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