London to Budapest
At London Heathrow airport, meet your Tour Manager for the 1400 British Airways flight to Budapest arriving late afternoon. Transfer to the elegant Hotel Astoria (4-star) and stay four nights. Centrally situated with easy access to all areas of Budapest, the Danube is just a few minutes’ walk away. Why not saunter down to the river after dinner to see the beautifully floodlit buildings?
Budapest
Your first morning begins with a tour of this beautiful city of two halves. In Pest, see Heroes Square and City Park, the Cathedral and Parliament before crossing the river to Buda. Here, there are breathtaking views across the city from Gellert Hill and later, on Castle Hill, see the St Matthias Church and Fishermans Bastion. This afternoon, continue on an excursion to the Children’s Railway. Operated by Hungarian school children, this narrow gauge railway travels through the woodland of the Buda Hills.
Danube Bend
A welcome contrast to the city is provided by today’s excursion to the Danube Bend, a charming area north of Budapest with dramatic views across the Danube. Esztergom is home to Hungary’s largest Basilica. Take lunch in Visegrd and see the medieval fortress, set high on a hill. Later, visit the artist quarter and galleries in Szentendre.
Budapest
A free day today, to do as you please. Explore the city and delve into its rich, tragic history in a museum or relax in a famous spa. Cross to leafy Margaret Island or sit back and enjoy one of Budapest’s famous coffee houses.
Budapest & Novi Sad
After breakfast, transfer to Budapest Nyugati station.
Danube Express Journey begins The adventure begins with a morning champagne reception in the Royal Waiting Room at Budapest Nyugati station. Board the Danube Express and your sleeping car attendant shows you to your accommodation. Settle down in the privacy of your compartment or take a seat in the lounge car as the journey begins through the Hungarian countryside towards Serbia. Lunch is taken en route to Novi Sad where a guided tour includes Liberty Square and the beautiful Dunavska (Danube) Street in the Old Town, then the impregnable Petrovaradin Fortress, known as the “Gibraltar of the Danube”. Leaving Novi Sad, the train crosses the mighty Danube with dinner served as it continues its passage on through Serbia.
Sofia
Daybreak sees the Danube Express snaking through the rugged splendour of the 17 kilometre long Sicevo gorge. Up to 400 metres deep, this canyon carved by the Nišava River forms part of a major natural route which, from ancient times, has connected Europe and Asia. The Bulgarian border is crossed and, in the capital Sofia, the delights of one of Europe’s oldest cities are revealed. From the ancient city walls and the Rotunda of St George to the St Sophia Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia has a unique and eclectic mix of Western and Central European architecture. After lunch on board, sit back and unwind as the scenery glides past – rolling farmland, forested mountains and rural Bulgarian villages. Relax with a drink before dinner as the journey continues through the scenic Maritsa River valley and crosses the border into Turkey late in the evening.
Istanbul
Wake and enjoy breakfast as the Danube Express travels alongside the Bosphorus. Asia is glimpsed across the water as east meets west before morning arrival at Sirkeci station in Istanbul, the world’s only metropolis straddling two continents.
Danube Express Journey ends Transfer to a cruise on the Bosphorus with spectacular views of both the European and Asian sides of the city. Later, visit the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace. Mid-afternoon, arrive at the Marmara Pera Hotel (4-star) in the historic Pera district, close to the Golden Horn, for a three-night stay.
Istanbul
Today you are free to take the opportunity to delve further into this fascinating and culturally diverse city. Take a ferry and experience Asian Istanbul or while away time in the Egyptian Spice Market or perhaps in a tea garden.
Istanbul
A full-day trip today includes many of Istanbul’s famous sites. See the Hagia Sophia, the splendid architecture of the Blue Mosque and the ancient Underground Cistern. In the afternoon, discover the delights of the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets.
Istanbul to London
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Ataturk airport for the 1355 British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving late afternoon.
What's New?