Itinerary - 7 Night Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Vienna

Travel by Eurostar from London to Brussels (approximately 1 hour 51 minutes). When you arrive in Brussels transfer onto the train to Cologne (approximate journey time 1 hour 45 minutes). On arrival in Cologne station, enjoy a short stop, perhaps popping into the famous cathedral right outside the station exit, before connecting onto the overnight sleeper train to Vienna.

Day 2

Budapest

The train arrives in Vienna the next morning. Transfer onto the service to Budapest which takes approximately 3 hours. On arrival, check in at the Art'otel Budapest.

Hailed as the 'Queen of the Danube', Budapest is a city whose history and heritage is intrinsically linked with the river that runs through it. The River Danube dissects the city from north to south and originates from the beautiful Gellert Hill, which is located on Budapest's fringes. Rich in museums and old cobbled streets, Budapest has also been known as the City of Spas with over a dozen thermal baths served by a host of natural springs in the area.

Day 3

Budapest to Bucharest

Spend the day exploring Budapest and board the overnight sleeper train from Budapest to Bucharest in the evening. Accommodation on board the sleeper train is in economy double sleeper carriages – upgrades to deluxe en-suite compartments are available – please call for details.

Day 4

Bucharest

The train arrives into Bucharest just before lunch time. On arrival, check in at the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest. The transfer from the station to the hotel is complimentary.

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 5

Bucharest to Istanbul

Spend another morning exploring the sights of Bucharest and then in the early afternoon, head back to the station for your onward sleeper to Istanbul.

Relax in your private compartment as you head through Romania and Bulgaria towards the Turkish border. Your passport is checked on the train by Bulgarian officials before you continue to the border town of Kapikule. Here (for the next couple of years at least) the journey by train ends. You will need to disembark and go through Turkish passport control. After buying your Turkish visa, you will board a modern, comfortable coach for a replacement bus service that takes you on the last leg of your journey to Istanbul.

Days 6 to 8

Istanbul

On arrival in Istanbul, check in at the Orient Express Istanbul for a 3 night stay.

Spend the next few days exploring this fascinating city. Istanbul is a five thousand year old, fascinating fusion of East and West. Cruise along the Bosphorus by boat or visit the famous Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and the huge Hagia Sophia. Other famous landmarks include the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent and the Topkapi Palace, a dazzling monument to the extraordinary wealth and power of the Ottoman sultans. Dine on traditional cuisine at the vibrant food stalls in Mehene and Kumkapi before exploring the fascinating Grand Bazaar with 40,000 shops all happy to sell you a bargain - but be prepared to haggle!

Day 9

Istanbul to London

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and say goodbye to Istanbul as you fly with British Airways from Ataturk Airport to London Heathrow.