Budapest to Istanbul via Budapest, Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo and Kazanlak, returning to Budapest via Plovdiv, Sofia and Novi Sad.
This epic 7-day journey includes a "loop" journey travelling through Transylvania and Bulgaria to Istanbul. Spend a full two days exploring this magical city before returning via Serbia to Budapest.
Day 1 : Budapest & Kecskemét
Mid-morning departure from Budapest Nyugati station after a champagne reception in the Royal Waiting Room. Board the Danube Express, settle in and enjoy lunch as the train heads for Lajosmizse for a spectacular "Puszta" horse show. Later there is free time to explore Kecskemét, a fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary. Back on board, enjoy a drink in the Lounge car as the train continues across the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues.
Day 2 : Sighişoara & Braşov
Arrive in Sighişoara for a walking tour of one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. Rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is a World Heritage site. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets. Return to the Danube Express for lunch on the way to Braşov. This afternoon, visit Bran Castle (known to many as Dracula's Castle), a beautiful 14th Century building situated amongst stunning mountain scenery.
Back on board, the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the dramatic landscape. Crystal clear mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls cascade past your window. Dinner is served as the Danube Express heads for Bulgaria.
Day 3 : Veliko Turnovo & Kazanlak
Arrive after breakfast in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria's ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched, one above the other, on the steep bank of the Yantra River. A tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there is free time to wander through this ancient city.
Have lunch during the climb over the Shipka mountain pass, which uses several spirals to gain height. Kazanlak, capital of the Valley of the Roses produces rose oil prized by perfumers worldwide. Here you visit the Shipka Memorial Church and a Thracian tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose vaulted brickwork and splendid murals date back to the 4th Century BC.
Relax in the Lounge Car before dinner, served as the Danube Express continues through the scenic landscape, reaching the Turkish border late in the evening.
Day 4 : Istanbul
Wake as the Danube Express runs alongside the Bosphorus, past the Byzantine Walls of Theodosius and underneath the walls of the Topkapi Palace. Glimpse Asia across the water as East meets West in the world's only metropolis spanning two continents and arrive at Istanbul Sirkeci station.
Disembark after breakfast at Sirkeci station and transfer to the Yasmak Sultan Hotel for one night. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Istanbul's unique heritage. Maybe visit the Hippodrome and the Hagia Sophia. Now a museum it has been both cathedral and mosque. Visit the Blue Mosque whose walls are covered with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, or the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great sultans and stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
Day 5 : Istanbul
Transfer to Sirkeci Station to return your overnight bag and the rest of the day is free to explore before a late afternoon departure. As the Danube Express heads into the sunset, dinner is served and the journey continues overnight to Bulgaria.
Day 6 : Plovdiv & Sofia
After breakfast, join a sightseeing tour of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city, straddling the Maritsa River and surrounded by seven hills. See the Roman amphitheatre and stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town before returning to the Danube Express. Lunch is served en route to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Here the delights and eclectic architecture of one of Europe's oldest cities are revealed - the ancient city walls and the Rotunda of St George to the St Sophia Church and the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Back on board, dinner is served as the train crosses into Serbia and snakes through the rugged splendour of the 17 km long Sicevo gorge, an ancient route connecting Europe and Asia.
Day 7 : Novi Sad & Budapest
The train crosses the mighty Danube ahead of arrival in Novi Sad. A morning tour includes the imposing 18th Century Austro-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress, known as the "Gibraltar of the Danube", Liberty Square and the beautiful Dunavska (Danube) Street in the Old Town.
Leaving Novi Sad, the Danube Express continues its passage through Serbia with lunch served as it crosses into Hungary. On arrival early evening at Budapest Nyugati station, a champagne reception awaits.
INCLUDED ON THE DANUBE EXPRESS :
- Five nights on the Danube Express,in a Deluxe air-conditioned compartment with en suite shower / WC.
- All meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.
- One night in the Yasmak Sultan Hotel including breakfast.
- Transfers to/from hotel in Istanbul
- Services of a Train Manager throughout.
NOT INCLUDED :
- Turkish Visa charges - for details see Important Information and Booking Conditions.
- Cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
- Optional gratuities.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES 2012
7-day |
||
Danube Express |
30 May | |
| Deluxe twin with en suite shower/WC |
£3,990 | |
| Please note above prices are per person based on 2 sharing. | ||
| Deluxe single with en suite shower/WC |
£5,790 | |
| Deposit per person | Twin : £500 | Single : £750 |
ADD ON FLIGHTS FROM LONDON WITH HOTELS PACKAGE :
| Classic Hotel Package | Price | Deposit |
| Twin / Double Room | £590 per person | £100 per person |
| Single Room | £630 per person | £100 per person |
| Superior Hotel Package | ||
| Twin / Double Room | £750 per person | £100 per person |
| Single Room | £990 per person | £100 per person |
INCLUDES :
- Scheduled British Airways flights, Economy Class, from London Heathrow to Budapest return.
- All transfers.
- Three nights' bed and breakfast in Classic or Superior hotel accommodation in Budapest, 2 nights before and 1 after the journey.
Please see Hotels page for full information on the hotels.
- Full sightseeing programme as described.
Also available : Flight upgrades, departures from regional airports, packages without flights from London, First Class rail travel to and from Budapest, additional nights in hotels. Please contact us for details and/or a quote for any other variations you may require.
Full details and timings of journeys can be found on the Travel Options page.
Please read our Important Information and Booking Conditions before you book.
