An iconic 10-day holiday combining the Transylvanian west from Istanbul and the Central European with a city stay in Budapest.

View Prices and Dates Tour Highlights & Inclusions Images & Route Map View Itinerary

• Six 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 during your two journeys on the Danube Express
• Sightseeing per itinerary
• Bed and breakfast accommodations for three nights at the Dannubius Hotel Astoria in Budapest
• Services of a train manager throughout

Day 1 - Istanbul
Depart late this afternoon from Istanbul Sirkeci station. The Danube Express follows the Bosphorus as you settle into your compartment. Enjoy a drink in the Lounge during the journey to the Bulgarian border. Overnight train.

Day 2 - Kazanlak / Veliko Turnovo
A tour from Kazanlak includes the Shipka Memorial Church and a 4th Century B.C. Thracian tomb. During lunch, the train climbs the scenic Shipka pass. In Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria's ancient capital, houses perch above the Yantra River. Stroll the narrow streets and visit medieval Tsarevets Castle. Dine as the train heads for Romania. Overnight train.

Day 3 - Brasov / Sighisoara
Wake amidst the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. Arrive in Braşov and visit Bran Castle in its stunning mountain setting. Take lunch during the journey to medieval Sighişoara, rumored birthplace of Dracula. A walking tour meanders the cobbled streets passing well-preserved buildings. Enjoy dinner en route to the Hungarian border. Overnight train.

Day 4 - Kecskemet / Budapest
Continuing across the Northern Plain, arrive in Kecskemét with free time to explore. Later, at Lajosmizse, a thrilling "Puszta" show demonstrates great horsemanship. Enjoy lunch on the way to Budapest, arriving at Nyugati station mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay. Overnight Budapest.

Day 5 - Budapest
Today is free to explore one of Hungary's most important city's. See Gothic, Art Nouveau and Bauhaus buildings in Pest. Visit Heroes' Square and learn about Hungarian history. Cross the Danube to Buda for breathtaking views from Gellert Hill and Fisherman's Bastion and see St Matthias Church. Overnight Budapest.

 

Day 6 - Budapest at Leisure

Another day to explore Budapest and the city's many offerings. Overnight Budapest.

Day 7 - Budapest / Vienna
This morning, transfer to Budapest Nyugati station for a reception in the Royal Waiting Room. Enjoy lunch as the Danube Express heads southwest toward Lake Balaton and Keszthly, where there is a visit to the Festetics Palace. Dinner is served on board as the train heads for AustriaOvernight train.

 

Day 8 - Vienna / Bratislava
Arrive in Vienna for a tour of this dazzling city including Schonbrunn Palace. Lunch is served on board as the train heads to Brastislava, capital of Slovakia. Here, a tour includes the Old Town and the stunning castle that overlooks the Danube. During dinner, the train continues through pretty mountain scenery towards the Polish border. Overnight train.

Day 9 - Cracow / Wieliczka
See Cracow's Old Town - the medieval Main Square, Cloth Hall and Town Hall Tower; visit St Mary's Church and Wawel Castle, once the seat of Polish Kings. Travel by coach to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with lunch in a restaurant en route. A World Heritage site, its galleries display artworks sculpted in the salt. During dinner tonight, the Danube Express heads toward the Czech Republic. Overnight train.

Day 10 - Prague
Arrive after breakfast in the magnificent city of Prague.