Castles of Transylvania

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.