Prices in local currency are for your guidance only.
Call us on
(646) 770 2894
Danube Express - The Transylvanian - Budapest to Istanbul
Take the train to Budapest via Cologne and Vienna for a 2 night stay before boarding the private Danube Express service to Istanbul. Enjoy 3 nights of fantastic cuisine, luxurious accommodation and first class service as you make your way across Dracula’s Transylvania, through the Shipka Pass in the Balkan Mountains and into Turkey, with excursions included. Once in Istanbul, explore exquisite Ottoman mosques and order a drink at one of the atmospheric meyhanes (taverns).
From $5,693 per person
Choose your holiday: Price per person
Prices are shown in United States Dollars $
Itinerary - 8 Night Deluxe Holiday by Air + Rail
Day 1
London to Vienna
Speed under the Channel from London to Brussels before transferring onto the train to Cologne (approximate journey time 1 hour 45 minutes). On arrival transfer onto the overnight sleeper to Vienna.
Day 2
Vienna to Budapest
Awake in Vienna, "Europe's Culture Capital" the next morning and transfer onto your train to Budapest (approximate journey time 3 hours). Check in at the K & K Opera Hotel for your 2 night stay.
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 region.
Day 3
Enjoy another full day at leisure in Budapest. Take a tour of the iconic Neo-Classical Parliament building on the river, containing the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Walk up Castle Hill to see the many museums and historic buildings before taking in the city views from the terrace of the Fisherman's Bastion.
Day 4
Danube Express Budapest to Sighisoara
Begin your Danube Express adventure with a champagne reception in the Royal Waiting Room at Budapest Nyugati station. Board the magnificent Danube Express train and settle in to your compartment before lunch is served in the restaurant car. Sit back and relax as the train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular "Puszta" horse show. Continue on to Kecskemet, the geographical centre of Hungary and home to some fascinating architecture and historical artifacts. After free time here, rejoin the train and relax with a drink in the Lounge Bar as the train crosses the Great Hungarian Plain and onwards towards the legendary region of Transylvania.
Day 5
Danube Express Sighisoara and Brasov
Wake in Sighisoara and disembark for a walking tour around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, believed to be the birthplace of Dracula. This fortifed medieval town has been beautifully preserved and features charming ornate churches and burgher houses nestled along its quaint cobbled streets. Return to the Danube Express and enjoy lunch whilst passing through the countryside to Brasov. Once here, visit the 14th century Bran Castle, more popularly known as "Dracula's Castle", which is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Continue on to the Carpathian Mountains, through some truly dramatic scenery. Feast on delicious food whilst the train heads into Bulgaria.
Day 6
Danube Express Veliko Turnovo and Kazanlak
Arrive into Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Turnovo in the late morning. Often called 'City of the Tsars', Veliko Turnovo rises steeply and majestically from the banks of the river Yatra. Take a tour of the medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle before enjoying some free time to explore. Back onboard the train, climb the Shipka pass for beautiful views and visit the Shipka Memorial Church and Thracian Tomb whose vaulted brickwork and splendid murals date back to the 4th Century BC. Board the Danube Express in plenty of time for dinner. Unwind and drift off to sleep as the train makes its way to the Turkish border.
Day 7
Istanbul
Leave the Danube Express for the last time and enjoy a guided tour, discovering the true culture of Istanbul with visits to the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Dine on traditional cuisine before exploring the fascinating Topkapi Palace, once home to the illustrious sultans and the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, where you may pick up a bargain - though be prepared to haggle!
Check in at the Orient Express Istanbul for your 2 night stay.
Day 8
Istanbul
Enjoy a full day at your own leisure, discovering more of Istanbul's fantastic attractions. Enjoy a traditional nargileh (water pipe) outside a bar on the river, take a cruise along the Bosphorus or just relax with a steam bath in one of the city's countless hammans.
Day 9
Istanbul to London
Fly back from Istanbul to London on British Airways Euro Traveller Class.
Thalys at Cologne Central Station
Budapest at night
K & K Opera Hotel
Budapest
Danube Express
Dracula's Castle
Brasov
Sighisoara
Istanbul
Orient Express Istanbul
Railbookers recommends
- Upgrade to a Deluxe Cabin from Cologne to Vienna for additional space and extra comfort.
- Please call our Travel Consultants for details
Budapest
Hungary’s historic capital, Budapest has a huge amount to offer, from grand architecture to world-class museums. There are also over a dozen thermal spas to choose from, of which the Széchenyi Baths are the oldest, largest and grandest. Visit the Hungarian Parliament, one of Europe’s oldest legislative buildings containing Hungary’s crown jewels or climb Gellért Hill for fabulous views of the majestic Buda Castle and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Istanbul
Istanbul is an ancient city on the Bosphorus Strait spanning Europe and Asia. Wander around the beautiful buildings and courtyards of the Topkapi Palace, haggle for souvenirs in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, take a tour of the neighbouring Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia and enjoy a traditional narghileh (water pipe) in a pavement café. Don’t miss a cruise down the Bosphorus to see the grand bridges, villas, palaces and mosques along this stunning stretch of water.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara is a Transylvanian city that gives the impression of having been lost in time. This UNESCO World Heritage listed town has narrow cobbled streets, colourful medieval buildings and lovely old churches. Stroll around the fabulous 12th century Saxon citadel, walk up the very old Covered Staircase to the Church on the Hill or visit Vlad the Impaler’s supposed birthplace.
Brasov
Brasov is an historic city in the Romanian region of Transylvania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Wander around the medieval streets of the Old Town and visit the Gothic style Black Church. Alternatively, take a cable car up to the summit of Mount Tampa for stunning views or visit nearby Bran Castle, an imposing landmark which is famous for it’s alleged (but unfounded) associations with a certain famous vampire.
Deluxe Cabin
In the Deluxe cabins the two lower beds become comfortable armchairs for daytime seating and a free standing chair adds flexibility. The large picture window and full-length mirror enhance the spacious feel whilst a second window opens for that perfect photo opportunity or simply to let in some fresh air. Cupboards and a full-length wardrobe provide ample storage. Full air-conditioning has individual temperature control and lighting can be adjusted for mood or task with soft, concealed ceiling lights, spotlights and personal reading lamps. There are also power sockets for recharging batteries. For your security, each compartment can be locked and a personal safe is provided.Each private bathroom features a shower with constant hot water, washbasin and WC. Fresh white towels and some toiletries are provided and there is a heated towel rail, hair dryer and shaver socket (230v).A final touch, your Sleeping Car attendant is on hand to bring early morning tea or coffee and perhaps later, a glass of wine. During dinner each evening, he transforms your living room into a cosy bedroom.
Restaurant Car
The restaurant car is one of the highlights of a journey on the Danube Express and offers you the experience, ever rarer in today’s world, of dining well on a train in good company. In the elegant yet unpretentious restaurant cars, the atmosphere is comfortable and informal. Our friendly, efficient waiting staff serves all meals in a single sitting, allowing you time to relax, unhurried, to enjoy the sense of occasion. Tempting dishes and regional specialities with a Central European theme are prepared and cooked by our experienced chefs using fresh local ingredients. Menus are compiled with care to ensure they appeal to all tastes and special dietary needs can also be accommodated. Breakfasts, cooked to order, also include fruit juice, cereals, rolls and preserves. Delicious lunches and dinners are table d’hôte, accompanied by your choice of house wine, beer or soft drinks with water, tea and coffee also provided.
Lounge Car
The lounge car with its warm and friendly atmosphere, the lounge car is the place to settle in to the unhurried pace of life on board. Wood panelled walls, comfy seating and softly toned décor combine to create an agreeable ambience and an inviting spot to while away time as you unwind after the day’s programme. An ideal rendezvous, the lounge car offers the prospect of relaxed conversation with fellow travellers as you enjoy a drink and watch the ever changing landscape pass by. In the evening, this social hub comes alive as people meet for pre-dinner drinks and later, the party continues as the resident pianist plays your favourite songs. A member of staff is always on hand to assist and the bar stays open until the early hours. Soft drinks, house wine and beer are complimentary while spirits, premium wines and champagne are available for purchase should you wish.
K & K Opera Hotel 
The K & K Opera Hotel is a contemporary hotel with 205 comfortable bedrooms in the centre of Budapest. The hotel has a fitness centre and sauna and also offers a bar and restaurant. The hotel is situated next to the Opera on the "Pest" side of Budapest. There is a metro station very close by, offering access to all the sights of the city as well as Budapest Keleti station.
Hotel Facilities
- Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Restaurant
- Sauna
Room Facilities
- Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Hairdryer
- Room Service
- Tea/Coffee Making Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
Orient Express Istanbul
The Orient Express hotel in Istanbul is a traditional hotel with 54 bedrooms. Enjoy views over the city from the hotel's restaurant roof terrace, dinner in the hotel's Mediterranean style restaurant or a swim in the indoor swimming pool. The hotel is located in the historic Old City area of Istanbul, a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Hotel Facilities
- Swimming Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Terrace
Room Facilities
- Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Room Service
- Tea/Coffee Making Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
8 Night Deluxe Holiday by Air + Rail
Prices are per person based on two people sharing, are subject to availability and confirmation at time of booking (due to fluctuations in exchange rates). Prices include rail travel from London to Budapest, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Budapest, 4 day Danube Express trip including all of train excursions, food, beverages and accommodation (as shown in itinerary), 2 nights accommodation in Istanbul and BA Euro Traveller flight from Istanbul to London. Single supplements apply, please call for details.
More dates and
prices available
Add extra nights to your holiday, stop off en route, or book train travel from a European train station.
Call us on (646) 770 2894, and let us help you plan your perfect holiday.
Prices are shown in United States Dollars $
Select departure month and day of travel below.
Price shown is for 8 night holiday per person departing on your chosen date.
Departing on . To book call (646) 770 2894
8 night holiday from pp
Select your date
April 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | ||||||
May 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 from $5,693 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
June 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 from $5,693 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
July 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 | |||||
August 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
September 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 from $5,693 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 from $5,693 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
October 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 31 | ||||
November 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||
December 2012
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
31 | ||||||
January 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
March 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
April 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | |||||
May 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
June 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
July 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 31 | ||||
August 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
September 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | ||||||
October 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
November 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
December 2013
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 | |||||
January 2014
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
February 2014
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | ||
March 2014
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
31 | ||||||
April 2014
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 | 29 | 30 | ||||
Terms
Holidays can be tailor-made for you (including stopovers or additional nights) call us on (646) 770 2894.
Prices are subject to availability, based on 2 people sharing a twin / double room and based on best priced seats on trains.
Supplements may apply if best price travel not available. Supplements will apply for single occupancy.
Hotel and room facilities may be subject to an extra charge or are on request.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. If you pay by debit card there is no extra charge; if you choose to pay by credit card a 2% surcharge applies.
Holidays including flights are operated by our sister company Railbookers Signature Holidays, a trading name of Travel Definitions Limited which is ATOL protected, number 9040.
Site Map
Share on Facebook
The Travel Trust Association provides financial protection to the consumer for short breaks, holidays by train, train tickets and Eurostar bookings through Railbookers (Member U1138).
© 2003 - 2012 Railbookers
We have offices in London and Sydney and our lines are currently open.
Call us on (646) 770 2894.
If we are closed please leave us a voicemail message, or alternatively send us an email or submit an enquiry.
We've detected your location as Los Angeles, America. Our opening hours in your timezone for the next 7 days are:
| Monday - Thursday | 12am - 11am | 4:30pm - 11:59pm |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 12am - 11am | 5pm - 11:59pm |
| Saturday | 12am - 12:30am | 2am - 7:30am |
| Sunday | 2am - 7:30am | 4:30pm - 11:59pm |
All times shown in PDT.
Orient Express Istanbul
“ A superb 4 star hotel where a warm welcome is assured. A short walk from Sirkeci train staion and places of interest such as the stunning Blue Mosque. The rooftop terrace restaurant is recommended! ”
Matthew - May 2011
“ Fabulous little hotel just 300 metres from Sirkeci station and easily walkable from the bustling Sultanahmet area. Terrific rooftop restaurant with panoramic views across the Bosphorus. ”
Simon - Oct 2011