Frankfurt to Istanbul via Karlštejn Castle, Prague, Budapest, Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo and Kazanlak.
An iconic 6-day journey travelling overland across Europe from Frankfurt to Istanbul on the Danube Express.
Day 1 : Frankfurt
The Danube Express awaits you at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof for a late afternoon departure. On board, your sleeping car attendant shows you to your compartment. Settle in and soak up the atmosphere as Franconia's forests and undulating hills give way to rural Bavaria. After dinner, unwind with a drink in the Lounge Car as the overnight journey to the Czech Republic continues.
Day 2 : Karlštejn & Prague
Wake to picturesque Bohemian countryside as the train nears the village of Karlštejn where the splendid 14th Century gothic castle perches on a rocky hillside. A tour of the castle, built by Charles IV, Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, includes the Imperial Palace and the Marian Tower.
Lunch en route to Prague where you explore this magical city of bridges, cathedrals and gold-tipped towers. Visit Hradcany Castle, St Vitus' Cathedral and cross the beautiful Charles Bridge to the Old Town with its striking Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock. Return to the Danube Express where dinner is served as the train heads overnight to Hungary.
Day 3 : Budapest
Breakfast as the route follows the Danube, before its arrival in Budapest where a tour embraces both sides of this city of two halves. In Pest, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Bauhaus architecture are evident in the 19th and 20th Century mansions lining the route to City Park. At Heroes' Square, learn a little of Hungary's history before going on to the Cathedral and magnificent Parliament Building. Crossing the Danube to Buda, there are panoramic views from Gellert Hill and Fisherman's Bastion and a visit to St Matthias Church on Castle Hill.
There is free time after lunch to stroll to Margaret Island or to relax in a street café. Return to the Royal Waiting Room at Nyugati Station for a champagne reception before the Danube Express sets off across the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as it journeys on to Transylvania.
Day 4 : Sighişoara & Braşov
Arrive in Sighişoara for a walking tour through the cobbled streets of this beautiful 16th Century walled medieval town, dominated by its Clock Tower, 64m high. A World Heritage Site, it was the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula.
Back on board, lunch is served on the way to Braşov where there is a visit to the beautiful 14th Century Bran Castle. Standing amidst stunning mountain scenery at the entrance to the Rucar-Bran pass, its location, gothic style and labyrinthine corridors have led to it being known as Dracula's Castle.
Rejoin the train as it twists and turns through the dramatic landscape of the Carpathian Mountains where crystal clear mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls cascade past your window. Enjoy dinner as the Danube Express carries on towards Bulgaria.
Day 5 : Veliko Turnovo & Kazanlak
The border approaches and the Danube is crossed via the Friendship Bridge, the longest steel bridge in Europe. Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria's ancient capital, presents a unique townscape - a multitude of small cross-domed churches in a magnificent mountain setting with the three hills of the Old Town outlined by the Yantra River. A tour includes the medieval Tsarevets Fortress and there is some free time too.
During lunch, the train climbs the Balkan range, using the Shipka pass. Arriving in Kazanlak, capital of the Valley of the Roses, visit a Thracian Tomb. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, its vaulted "beehive" brickwork and decorated murals date back to the 4th Century BC. Take dinner as the Danube Express makes its way through rural Bulgaria, arriving at the Turkish border late in the evening.
Day 6 : Istanbul
Wake for breakfast as the Danube Express follows the Bosphorus. Passing through the Byzantine Walls of Theodosius and beneath the walls of the Topkapi Palace, Asia is glimpsed across the water before arrival at Sirkeci station at the heart of Istanbul, the world’s only metropolis straddling two continents.
A city tour takes in many of Istanbul's famous sites. Visit the Hagia Sophia and awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace. See the splendid architecture and six minarets of the Blue Mosque and later, the Hippodrome, once the centre of Constantinople's political and sporting life. Late afternoon, arrive at the centrally located Larespark Hotel (4-star Plus) for a two-night stay.
Day 7 : Istanbul
Today you are free to delve deeper into this fascinating and culturally diverse city. Take a ferry and experience Asian Istanbul or while away time in the Egyptian Spice Market or perhaps in a tea garden.
Day 8 : Istanbul to London
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for the 14:00 British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving late afternoon.
INCLUDED ON THE DANUBE EXPRESS :
- Days 1 - 6 of the itinerary with full sightseeing as described, joining the Danube Express at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and leaving at Istanbul Sirkeci station.
- Five nights on the Danube Express, in the accommodation of your choice, with all meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.
- Services of a Train Manager throughout.
INCLUDED ADDITIONALLY ON FULLY ESCORTED HOLIDAY :
- Outbound Eurostar™ from London to Brussels in Leisure
Select with breakfast included and First Class rail travel
from Brussels to Frankfurt by InterCity Express.
- Return scheduled British Airways flight, Economy Class, from Istanbul to London.
- Two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Istanbul.
Please see Hotels page for full information on the hotels.
- Full sightseeing programme as described.
- Services of a Tour Manager throughout.
- All transfers and porterage.
Please contact us for details, prices and availability of add-on flights from regional airports and flight upgrades.
NOT INCLUDED ON :
The Danube Express
- Turkish Visa charges - for details see Important Information and Booking Conditions.
- Cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
- Optional gratuities.
Fully Escorted Holiday
- Turkish Visa charges - for details see Important Information and Booking Conditions.
- Cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
- Optional gratuities.
- Lunches and drinks with dinners in Istanbul.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
8-day Fully |
6-day |
|
Danube Express |
10 May, 7 Jun & 6 Sept 2010 |
10 May, 7 Jun & 6 Sept 2010 |
| Deluxe twin with en suite shower/WC, lower beds and air-conditioning |
£5,290 | £4,350 |
| Please note above prices are per person based on 2 sharing. | ||
| Classic single with washbasin, share shower/WC |
£5,480 | £4,350 |
| Deposit per person | £750 | £600 |
Single accommodation on Fully Escorted Holidays includes single rooms in hotels.
Please read our Important Information and Booking Conditions before you book.
