Budapest to Istanbul via Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo and Kazanlak.
An 8-day holiday encountering stunning scenery and ancient architecture in Transylvania and rural Bulgaria.
Day 1 : London to Budapest
Meet your Tour Manager at London Heathrow for the 14:05 British Airways flight to Budapest. Arriving late afternoon, transfer to the elegant Hotel Astoria (4-star) for two nights. Just a few minutes' walk from the Danube, there is easy access to all parts of the city. Take time after dinner to stroll along the river and experience this cosmopolitan city, illuminated against the night sky.
Day 2 : Budapest
The morning begins with a tour of this beautiful city of two halves, Buda and Pest, straddling the Danube. Imposing 19th and 20th Century mansions line the route to City Park. In Heroes' Square, learn something of Hungary's turbulent history. Moving on, pass the Cathedral and Budapest's magnificent Parliament Building, before crossing to Buda. Experience the exceptional views from Fisherman's Bastion and Gellert Hill before visiting St Matthias Church in the Castle District. The afternoon is free so why not take a cruise on the river, visit a museum or a spa?
Day 3 : Budapest
The morning is free to discover more or simply to take it easy in a park or café. This afternoon, an excursion on the narrow gauge Children's Railway ambles through the woodland of the Buda Hills. Transfer late afternoon to Budapest Nyugati station.
After a champagne reception in the Royal Waiting Room, board the Danube Express. Settle in your compartment or in the Lounge Car as the train sets off across the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues.
Day 4 : 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 5 : Veliko Turnovo & Kazanlak
Morning breaks as the border approaches and the Danube is traversed via the Friendship Bridge, the last international crossing as this great river wends its way to the Black Sea. At 2.5km, it is the longest steel bridge in Europe. 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 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 6 : 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.
On a city tour, encounter Istanbul’s unique blend of cultures. See the Hippodrome and the Hagia Sophia. Now a museum it has been both cathedral and mosque. Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great sultans and the Blue Mosque whose walls are covered with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Arrive late afternoon at the centrally situated Hotel Larespark Hotel (4-star Plus) and stay two nights.
Day 7 : Istanbul
With the city on your doorstep, today you are free to experience the strong contrasts and colourful views of Istanbul. Take a ferry to Asia for a different perspective or savour the fragrance of the exotic east as you while away time in the Egyptian Spice Market.
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 :
- From joining the Danube Express at Budapest Nyugati station, days 3 - 6 of the itinerary (with full sightseeing as described) until leaving at Istanbul Sirkeci station.
- Three 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 :
- Scheduled British Airways flights, Economy Class, from London Heathrow to Budapest and from Istanbul to London.
- Four nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Budapest (2) and Istanbul (2).
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 Budapest and Istanbul.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
8-day Fully |
4-day |
|
Danube Express |
10 May, 7 Jun & 6 Sept 2010 |
12 May, 9 Jun & 8 Sept 2010 |
| Deluxe twin with en suite shower/WC, lower beds and air-conditioning |
£3,390 | £2,490 |
| Please note above prices are per person based on 2 sharing. | ||
| Classic single with washbasin, share shower/WC |
£3,680 | £2,490 |
| Deposit per person | £500 | £350 |
Single accommodation on Fully Escorted Holidays includes single rooms in hotels.
Supplement for return travel to the UK by rail rather than by air (Fully Escorted Holidays only)
Full details and timings of journeys can be found on the Travel Options page.
Day 1 : (the day before the escorted group departs) - Depart London St Pancras International 15:29 by Eurostar™. A meal and drinks are served en route to Paris Gare Du Nord arriving 18:56. Walk to Paris Est (about 10 minutes) and board the German overnight sleeper to Munich, departing 22:20.
Day 2 : Arrive Munich 07:16 and change to the Railjet to Budapest, departing 09:27 and arriving 16:49.
| Two-berth compartment with washbasin |
£270 per person |
| Two-berth compartment with shower/WC |
£340 per person (subject to availability) |
| Single compartment with washbasin |
£320 per person |
| Single compartment with shower/WC |
£390 per person (subject to availability) |
Please read our Important Information and Booking Conditions before you book.
