A 8-day holiday traveling from the shores of the Bosphorus to the banks of the Danube, encountering the stunning scenery and ancient architecture of rural Bulgaria and Transylvania along the way.

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

Call 877-929-7245 to book The Transylvanian Holiday - Danube Express

• 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
• Sightseeing in Kazanlak, Veliko Turnovo, Sighisoara and Brasov
• Hotel accommodations for two nights each in Istanbul and Budapest
• Roundtrip inter-Europe British Airways economy class flights
• All transfers
• Services of a tour manager throughout

Day 1 - London to Istanbul
Departure from London Heathrow on your British Airways flight to Istanbul. Arriving late this afternoon, transfer to your hotel for your two-night stay.

Day 2 - Istanbul
Make time to visit Istanbul's famous sites including the Hagia Sophia and awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace, once home to the great Sultans. See the splendid architecture and six minarets of the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, once the centre of Constantinople's political and sporting life, or wander through the Grand Bazaar. Overnight Istanbul. (B)

Day 3 - Istanbul
Today you are free to delve deeper into this fascinating and culturally diverse city. Take a ferry and experience Asian Istanbul, visit the Egyptian Spice Market or enjoy a tea garden. Late this afternoon, transfer to Istanbul Sirkeci station for your first encounter with the Danube Express. 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. Overnight train. (B, D)

Day 4 - Kazanlak / Veliko Turnovo
This morning arrive in Kazanlak, capital of the Valley of the Roses and a center 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 B.C. 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. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Brasov / Sighisoara
As dawn breaks, the track twists and turns through the dense forests towards Braşov. Arrive after breakfast and visit the 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 en route to Sighişoara, a picturesque town rumored to be the birthplace of Dracula. After a walking tour of this medieval city, enjoy a drink before dinner as the Danube Express continues on towards Hungary. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Kecskemet / 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, see 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 reception at Nyugati station. Transfer to your centrally located hotel for a two-night stay. Overnight Budapest. (B, L)

Day 7 - Budapest
Spend time visiting both sides of the city: first Pest, then Buda. Go to City Park and stop in Heroes' Square to learn more of Hungary's history and culture. Visit the Cathedral and Parliament building. Across the Danube in Buda, see St Matthias Church on Castle Hill and delight in the exceptional views from Gellert Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. Overnight Budapest. (B)

Day 8 - Budapest to London
Transfer mid-morning to Budapest airport for your British Airways flight to London Heathrow arriving, mid-afternoon. (B)

   

   

   

• May 11
• June 22
• September 21

Deluxe twin with en suite shower/WC, lower beds and air-conditioning	$5,492
Classic single with washbasin, share shower/WC	$7,638