Overview
Focusing on the cultural and heritage highlights of Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, you travel by the Danube express train and view the regions most important attractions include Veliko Turnovo, Bran Castle, Sighisoara and finally Budapest. Travel in comfort aboard the Danube Express train, which offers 8 sleeping cars and a maximum of 42 passengers. There are two categories of cabins; Deluxe and Classic. Deluxe sleeping cars contain 5 compartments, each fully air-conditioned, en suite bathrooms, full-length wardrobe, safe, large picture window. Coordinated fabrics complement wood panelled walls and brass fittings and two armchairs provide daytime seating. Classic sleeping cars are designed for single travellers with separate washing facilities. The Danube Express features a Lounge / Bar Car and a Restaurant Car, which serves local delicacies and international cuisine.
Itinerary
Day 1 To Istanbul
Fly from London Heathrow to Istanbul with British Airlines. Transfer to the Pera Palace for 2 nights. (N)
Day 2 Istanbul
Full day tour of Istanbul including Aya Sofia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. (B)
Day 3 To Veliko Turnovo
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, board the Danube Express for the 3 night journey to Budapest. (B, D)
Day 4 Kazanlak & Veliko Turnovo
Morning tour of Kazanlak including the 4th Century Thracian Tomb. Afternoon walking tour of the medieval citadel Tsaravets. Including the Church of the Nativity with its impressive iconostasis in Arbanassi. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Bran & Sighisoara
Morning visit to 'Dracula's Castle' at Bran. Afternoon tour of Sighisoara, a beautifully preserved medieval town set in rolling countryside. The city walls encircle cobbled streets lined with 16th century burgher houses and churches. Visits include the citadel, 14th and 15th century churches and the Old Clock Tower. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Budapest
Travel through the Northern Plain region of Hungary to Budapest stopping en route at the towns Kecskemet and Lajosmizse. Afternoon arrival into Budapest and transfer to the Corinthian Royal for 3 nights. (B)
Day 7 Budapest
Full day tour of Budapest. The city combines the twin cities of Buda and Pest that straddle the Danube. Buda, the older part of the city, has cobbled streets and medieval buildings flanked by the Buda Hills while Pest has wide Parisian-style boulevards. The tour of Pest includes St Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament buildings, City Park and Hero's Square The tour of the leafy Buda part includes the Castle Hill, the Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Royal Palace. (B)
Day 8 Budapest
Full day at leisure. (B)
Day 9 To London
Morning at leisure. Early afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to London with British Airways. (B)
Booking Conditions
Cox & Kings is acting as an agent on behalf of Danube Express , and their cancellation conditions will apply. Please contact Cox & Kings for details.
Meal Basis
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
