This iconic 9-day holiday takes you overland from the shores of the Bosphorus northwards to the edge of the Baltic.
Day 1: Istanbul
Late afternoon departure from Istanbul Sirkeci station. The Danube Express follows the Bosphorus as you settle in to your compartment. Enjoy a drink in the Lounge before dinner during the journey to the Bulgarian border.
Day 2: Kazanlak & Veliko
A tour from Kazanlak includes the Shipka Memorial Church and a 4th Century BC 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.
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, rumoured birthplace of Dracula. A walking tour meanders the cobbled streets passing well-preserved buildings. Enjoy dinner en route to the Hungarian border.
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. Lunch on the way to Budapest, arriving at Nyugati station mid-afternoon. Transfer for two nights at the centrally situated Hotel Astoria (4-star).
Day 5: Budapest
Today’s city tour passes Gothic, Art Nouveau and Bauhaus buildings in Pest. In Heroes’ Square, learn about Hungarian history. Continuing past the Cathedral and Parliament, cross the Danube to Buda for breathtaking views from Gellert Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion and see St Matthias Church. Journey through Buda’s wooded hills on the Children’s Railway in the afternoon.
Day 6: Budapest & Kosice
This morning, transfer to Budapest Nyugati station for a champagne reception. The Danube Express sets off and lunch is served. In Košice, a walking tour includes St Elizabeth’s Cathedral and the well-preserved city centre. Later, relax with a drink as stunning views of the Tatra Mountains glide by.
Day 7: 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 Wieliczka Salt Mine, with lunch in a restaurant en route. A World Heritage site, its galleries display artworks sculpted in the salt. During dinner, the Danube Express heads north across the Polish plain.
Day 8: Malbork & Gdansk
This morning, tour Malbork’s medieval Castle, built by Teutonic Knights. Take lunch as the train travels towards the Baltic. In Gdańsk, see the Old Town harbour, Burgher houses and Neptune Fountain. Early evening, the Danube Express departs for Warsaw.
Day 9: Warsaw
Arrive after breakfast at Warsaw Wschodnia station.
**This program is also available as a 13 day escorted holiday from London, including flights from London to Istanbul and Warsaw to London; four nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner - two nights in Istanbul and two in Warsaw; full sightseeing programme; all transfers and porterage. Please ask for details and prices.
