Itinerary - 10 Night Deluxe Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Vienna

Travel by Eurostar from London to Brussels (approximately 1 hour 51 minutes). On arrival in Brussels transfer onto the train to Cologne (approximate journey time 1 hour 45 minutes). Once in Cologne, change onto the overnight sleeper train to Vienna. Accommodation on board the sleeper train is in a economy double sleeper compartment. Upgrades are available - please call for details.

On the Cologne to Vienna sleeper train, an upgrade to a deluxe compartment is excellent value, offering toilet and shower facilities for each individual cabin.

Day 2

Vienna

The train arrives in Vienna the next morning. On arrival, check in at the Hotel Am Konzerthaus.

Spend the day wandering around the city’s main attractions such as the Opera House, the Hofburg and the Anchor Clock. For dinner, indulge in Austrian cuisine or attend a concert at one of Vienna’s concert halls.

Day 3

Vienna to Budapest

Spend the morning in Vienna and board an afternoon train to Budapest. The journey time is 3 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the Art'otel Budapest.

Divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, Budapest is charming city with a glorious past. Wander along the river banks and up the cobbled streets or relax at one of the city spas with naturally hot spring water.

Days 4 and 5

Budapest to Sighisoara

After a full day exploring Budapest, board a sleeper train to Sighisoara, in the heart of Transylvania. Upon arrival transfer and check in at Fronius Residence Sighisoara. There is a complimentary transfer to and from the hotel.

Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Dracula is one of Europe’s best preserved citadels that is still inhabited today. Walk along the cobbled streets, up the Covered Staircase and visit the Church on the Hill for a glimpse into the city's past and amazing views of the surrounding hills. The burg becomes alive in the evenings with a multitude of quaint cafés and bars to chose from.

Don't miss the Clock Tower! It is the city’s most remarkable landmark, offering breathtaking views from the upper floors and a chance to have a look at the mechanisms of the century old clock, a true miracle of medieval craftsmanship.

Day 6

Sighisoara to Brasov

Spend the morning in Sighisoara and board an afternoon train to Brasov. Enjoy a scenic 2 and a half hour journey crossing through the hills of Transylvania and the Eastern Carpathians. Upon arrival, transfer and check in at the Aro Palace Brasov for a 2 night stay. The transfer from the station to the hotel and back is complimentary.

Nestled in the Southern Carpathians, Brasov offers not only spectacular views, but also a rich history. Walk along the city walls to discover its guild towers and pay a visit to the Black Church with its remarkable gothic architecture. Take a cable car up to the top of Tampa Mountain or a bus to Poiana Brasov, the city’s own mountain resort and a great starting point for mountain trekking.

Treat yourself to a hearty traditional Romanian dinner and for desert, try kurtos kalacs, a Hungarian – Transylvanian mouth watering pastry made of brioche – like dough moulded around a special wooden cylinder and grilled to perfection!

Day 7

Dracula's Castle Tour

Discover Dracula’s Castle and admire the beautiful scenery of Southern Carpathians on a private guided tour from Brasov to Bran! Start with a visit to Rasnov Citadel, a beautifully preserved hill top fortress and head south to the village of Bran. Just like in the novel descriptions, the imposing Bran Castle, built in the 13th century, sits at the top of a steep cliff overlooking the surrounding forests and mountains.

This tour is included in the price of the holiday. We can also arrange private day tours to a wide range of attractions in the Southern Carpathians and rural Transylvania. Please call our travel consultants for details and prices.

Days 8 and 9

Brasov to Sibiu

After a morning in Brasov, board the train to Sibiu at midday. Catch a glimpse of Fagaras mountains, Romania’s highest mountain range as the train heads to Sibiu. Upon arrival, transfer and check in at Hilton Sibiu. The transfer from the station to the hotel and back is complimentary.

Sibiu boasts well preserved medieval architecture, pretty cafés and a wealth of cultural activities. Take a stroll along the Grand and the Lesser Squares, tell a lie on the Bridge of Lies and visit Brukenthal Museum featuring a rich collection of Romanian and international paintings.

Why not visit to ASTRA Museum? Explore the life and traditions of a Transylvanian village prior to the Industrial Revolution in one of Europe’s largest open air museum. The Museum features a real – size village with century old houses and workshops.

Day 10

Sibiu to Bucharest

Start early for the most scenic train journey so far. The train from Sibiu to Bucharest crosses one of the most spectacular parts of the Southern Carpathians and pulls into Bucharest Nord Station just after lunch. On arrival, check in at the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest for an overnight stay.

With an afternoon to spare in Bucharest, pay a flying visit to the Houses of Parliament and relax in Cismigiu Park. Spend the evening in Lipscani, the city’s most lively area offering a variety of bars and restaurants.

Day 11

Bucharest to London

Have breakfast in the hotel and head to Bucharest Otopeni Airport to board a BA flight to London Heathrow.