This epic 10-day holiday includes a unique "loop" journey on the Danube Express traveling through Transylvania and Bulgaria to Istanbul. Spend two full days exploring this magical city before returning via Serbia to Budapest.

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Call 877-929-7245 to Book The Istanbul Loop Fully Escorted Holiday - 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
• Sightseeing in Kecskemet, Sighisoara, Brasov, Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, Sofia and Novi Sad
• One night at the Yasmak Sultan Hotel in Istanbul
• Hotel accommodations for three nights in Budapest
• Roundtrip inter-Europe British Airways economy flights
• All transfers
• Services of a tour manager throughout

Day 1 - London to Budapest
Depart London Heathrow on your British Airways flight to Budapest and transfer to your hotel for a one-night stay.

Day 2 - Budapest
Spend the day exploring one of Hungary's most historic city's. Overnight Budapest. (B)

Day 3 - Budapest / Kecskemét
Transfer to Budapest Nyugati station mid-morning for a reception in the Royal Waiting Room before boarding the Danube Express. Head to Lajozmizse for a breathtaking Puszta horse show. After lunch, there is free time in Kecskemét. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Sighişoara / Braşov
Arrive in Sighişoara for a walking tour. Return to the Danube Express for lunch en route to Braşov where you visit Bran Castle, known to many as Dracula's Castle. Later, the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains. Dinner is served as the Danube Express heads for Bulgaria. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Veliko Turnovo / Kazanlak
Arrive in Veliko Turnovo where a tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle. There is free time to wander through the city. Have lunch during the climb over the Shipka mountain pass. Arrive in Kazanlak for a visit to a Thracian tomb and the Shipka Memorial Church. Dinner is served as the Danube Express continues toward the Turkish border. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Istanbul
Awake in Istanbul, the world's only metropolis spanning two continents. Disembark the train after breakfast and transfer to the Yasmak Sultan Hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Istanbul. (B)

Day 7 - Istanbul
This morning transfer to the train station to return your overnight bag to the train. The rest of the day is free to explore the city before a late afternoon departure. As the Danube Express heads into the sunset, dinner is served and the journey continues to Bulgaria. Overnight train. (B, D)

Day 8 - Plovdiv / Sofia
A morning tour of Plovdiv includes the Old Town, the Ethnographic Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre. Lunch is served en route to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. Here a tour includes the ancient city walls, the Rotunda of St. George, St. Sophia Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Relax with a drink before dinner as the Danube Express heads for Serbia. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Novi Sad / Budapest
Crossing the mighty Danube, the train arrives in Novi Sad. A morning tour includes the 18th century Austro-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress, Liberty Square and the beautiful Dunavska (Danube) Street in the Old Town. Back on board, lunch is served. Arrive in Budapest early this evening. Transfer to your centrally-located hotel for your final night. Overnight Budapest. (B, L)

Day 10 - Budapest to London
Depart after breakfast on your British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving mid-afternoon. (B)

   

   

   

• May 30 - SOLD OUT

Deluxe twin en suite	$7,230
Classic single with washbasin	$10,072