A four day train journey from Istanbul on the shores of the Bosphorus to the banks of the Danube, encountering the stunning scenery and ancient archetecture of rural Bulgaria and Transylvania, the legendary land of Count Dracula along the way. Includes sightseeing programs and all meals while aboard the train. We suggest you stay in Istanbul at least one night prior to the rail trip and one night in Budapest after. Ask for details of hotel and tours available in these cities.
Day 1: Istanbul
Istanbul, steeped in history, is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city where East meets West. Not to be missed are Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, The Basilica of St Sophie and the Grand Bazaar. A cruise on the Bosphorus provides a different aspect of this beautiful city and a short ferry ride takes you across the river to Asia. Soak up the atmosphere of the city on Taksim Square. Make your own way to the Istanbul Sirkeci station late afternoon, where you first encounter the Danube Express. Your sleeping car attendant will show you to your private compartment. Settle in onboard and dine as you head into the sunset, enroute to Bulgaria.
Day 2: Kazanlak & Veliko Turnovo
Morning arrival in Kazanlak, capital of the Valley of the Roses and the centre of rose oil production. Visit the Thracian tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose vaulted brickwork and splendid murals date back to the 4th Century BC. Enjoy lunch during the climb over the Shipka mountain pass, with several spirals used to gain height on the journey to Veliko Turnovo. Bulgaria's ancient capital lies nestled in a picturesque mountain setting where the stone houses seem perched, one above the other, on the steep bank of the Yantra River. Here you visit one of the seven ancient monasteries and the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle. Relax before dinner as the train heads for Romania, crossing the Danube via the Friendship Bridge, the last bridge as this great river wends its way to the Black Sea.
Day 3: Brasov & Sighisoara
As dawn breaks, the track twists and turns through the valley towards Brasov. Dense forests, crystal clear mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls cascade past your window as the train threads its way through this dramatic landscape. After breakfast, visit Bran Castle (known to many as Dracula's Castle), a beautiful 14th century building situated amongst stunning mountain scenery. Lunch is served as the journey continues on to Sighisoara for a walking tour of this wonderfully preserved medieval city, rumoured to be the birth place of Dracula. Enjoy a drink in the lounge car before dinner, served as the Danube Express continues on towards Hungary.
Day 4: Kecskemet & Budapest
Wake as the train journeys across the Northern Plain towards Kecskeme where there is free time to explore. Later, in Lajosmizse, see a fantastic "Puszta" horse show. Return to the train for lunch as the Danube Express heads for Budapest where the journey ends with a campagne reception at Nyugati station.
Budapest sits at the crossroads of Europe. The mighty Danube River bisects the city. On the Buda side are the Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and Gellert Hill, in Pest are the business districts, Cathedral and City Park. Budapest is built on hot water springs and has many spas and hot-water baths.
**This program is also available as a 9-day escorted holiday program from London, including: flights London to Istanbul and Budapest to London; five nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner - two nights in Istanbul and three nights in Budapest; sightseeing, transfers and porterage in Istanbul and Budapest. Please ask for details and pricing.
