Istanbul to Budapest via Kazanlak, Veliko Turnovo, Braşov, Sighişoara and Kecskemét
A 4-day journey from the shores of the Bosphorus to the banks of the Danube, encountering stunning scenery and ancient architecture in Transylvania and rural Bulgaria.
Day 1 : Istanbul
You first encounter the Danube Express late afternoon at Istanbul Sirkeci station. Your sleeping car attendant shows you to your private compartment. Settle in on board and dine as you head into the sunset, en route to Bulgaria.
Day 2 : Kazanlak & Veliko Turnovo
Morning arrival in Kazanlak, capital of the Valley of Roses and a centre of rose oil production. Visit a Thracian tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose vaulted brickwork and splendid murals date back to the 4th Century BC and the Shipka Memorial Church. Enjoy lunch during the climb over the Shipka mountain pass, gaining height on the journey to Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Turnovo where the stone houses perch on the steep banks of the Yantra River.
Visit the medieval stronghold of Tsarevets Castle that gazes down from its rocky hilltop and wander the streets of this ancient city, nestled in a picturesque mountain setting. Relax before dinner as the train heads north, crossing into Romania via the Friendship Bridge, the last international bridge as the Danube wends its way to the Black Sea.
Day 3 : Braşov & Sighişoara
As dawn breaks, the track twists and turns through the dense forest towards Braşov. Visit nearby 14th century Bran Castle, set amongst stunning mountain scenery. With its lofty turrets and towers it is easy to see why it is known as Dracula's Castle. Lunch is served on the journey to Sighişoara, a picturesque town rumoured to be the birth place of Dracula. After a walking tour of this medieval city, enjoy a drink before dinner as the Danube Express continues on towards Hungary.
Day 4 : Kecskemét & Budapest
Wake as the train journeys across the Northern Plain towards Kecskemét. Here there is free time to explore this charming town with its secessionist architecture. Later, in Lajosmizse, horse drawn buggies meet the train and travel to a fantastic "Puszta" show demonstrating the thrills and skills of horsemanship. Return for lunch as the train heads for Budapest where the journey ends with a champagne reception at Nyugati station.
This journey is also available in the opposite direction, travelling east.
INCLUDED ON THE DANUBE EXPRESS JOURNEY:
- Three 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.
- Itinerary with full sightseeing as described.
- 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 2012/13
4-day |
||
Danube Express |
2012 | 2013 |
| 13 May 24 Jun 9*, 23* Sept |
26 May 16 Jun 22 Sep |
|
| Deluxe twin with en suite shower/WC |
£2,790 | |
| Please note above prices are per person based on 2 sharing. | ||
| Deluxe single with en suite shower/WC |
£3,990 | |
| Deposit per person | Twin : £350 | Single : £500 |
* Save up to £200 per person on these journeys. Call for details.
ADD ON FLIGHTS FROM LONDON WITH HOTELS PACKAGE :
| Classic Hotel Package | Price | Deposit |
| Twin / Double Room | £690 per person | £100 per person |
| Single Room | £850 per person | £100 per person |
| Superior Hotel Package | ||
| Twin / Double Room | £990 per person | £100 per person |
| Single Room | £1,290 per person | £100 per person |
INCLUDES :
- Scheduled British Airways flights, Economy Class, from London Heathrow to Istanbul and from Budapest to London.
- All transfers.
- Four nights' bed and breakfast in Classic or Superior hotel accommodation in Istanbul (2 nights) and Budapest (2 nights).
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 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.
