7 days/6 nights
Rail
Guide Price €9,095 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Discover the vibrant cultures, ancient castles and spectacular scenery of Transylvania on this luxurious journey through the Carpathian Mountains and Great Hungarian Plain.
- Explore the old and new sights of Istanbul
- Delve into Romania’s fascinating history
- Tour the birthplace of Dracula, Sighisoara
- Enjoy a private gala dinner inside the castle walls of Bran Castle
- Cross the Great Hungarian Plain
- Traditional Hungarian ‘Puszta’ equestrian show
- Romantic and historic Budapest
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Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive into Istanbul and transfer to your hotel before joining the welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 Istanbul to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Explore the old and new sights of Istanbul on a city tour this morning. Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world which was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman conquest and Topkapi Palace. The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. This evening, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to begin your rail journey towards Bulgaria.
Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo to Sinaia, Romania
Sit back and relax in your cabin this morning as you soak up the views of the Shipka Pass, before arriving into Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, explore the spectacularly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and enjoy some free time to explore the narrow alleyways of the town. This evening, why not enjoy your favourite tipple in the Bar Lounge Car before enjoying a sumptuous dinner as the train heads across the Romanian border.
Day 4 Sinaia & Brasov
Overnight, the train climbs over the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia. Embark on a tour of Peles Castle, a German new-Renaissance masterpiece and considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Return to the train for lunch and continue to Brasov to visit Bran Castle. Famed for its imposing towers and turrets that served as inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, tour this mysterious castle and enjoy a gala dinner inside the castle walls this evening.
Day 5 Brasov to Sibiu
Depart early to Sighisoara for a walking tour of the town after breakfast. Rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Return to the train for lunch and continue to Sibiu. Tour the city’s medieval walls and towers, before re-boarding the train for a farewell dinner on board as the train travels across the Great Hungarian Plain.
Day 6 Sibiu to Budapest, Hungary
This morning, explore the fascinating city of Kecskemet in the heart of Hungary before heading to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show. Arrive into the Hungarian capital of Budapest this evening and transfer to the Four Season Gresham Palace hotel located on the banks of the Danube. Enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travellers in a local restaurant.
Day 7 Budapest
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward travels.
Departs: 2023 Departures:
8 May 23 and 27 Oct 23
Price & Inclusions
- Return airport transfers in Turkey & Hungary
- 2 nights 5 hotel accommodation including the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest
- 4 nights on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners
- International flights
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/05/2023 to 31/12/2023. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
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