A 9-day holiday from Istanbul through rural Bulgaria and the legendary land of Count Dracula with its stunning scenery and ancient architecture

Day 1 - London to Istanbul

Meet your Tour Manger at London Heathrow for the 1030 British Airways flight to Istanbul arriving late afternoon. Transfer for two nights in the centrally situated Lares Park Hotel (4-star).

Day 2 - Istanbul

Encounter Istanbul’s unique blend of east and west on today’s tour that includes the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great sultans and the Blue Mosque whose walls are covered with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. See also the Hippodrome and the Hagia Sophia - now a museum it has been both cathedral and mosque.

Day 3 - Istanbul

With the city on your doorstep, today you are free to experience the strong contrasts and colourful views of Istanbul. Take a ferry to Asia for a different perspective or savour the fragrance of the exotic east as you while away time in the Egyptian Spice Market. Late afternoon transfer to the station.

You first encounter the Danube Express at Istanbul Sirkeci station where your sleeping car attendant shows you to your private compartment. Settle in on board and dine as you head into the sunset, en route to Bulgaria.

Day 4 - Kazanlak & Veliko Turnovo

Morning arrival in Kazanlak, a centre of rose oil production in the Valley of the Roses. Visit the Thracian tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose vaulted brickwork and splendid murals date back to the 4th Century BC. Enjoy lunch during the climb over the Shipka mountain pass, gaining height on the journey to Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Turnovo. Nestled in a picturesque mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched, one above the other, on the steep bank of the Yantra River. Visit the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and wander the streets of the ancient city. Relax before dinner as the train heads for Romania, crossing the Danube via the Friendship Bridge, the last bridge as this great river wends its way to the Black Sea.

Day 5 - Braşov & Sighişoara

As dawn breaks, the track twists and turns through the valley towards Braşov. Dense forests, crystal clear mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls cascade past your window as the train threads its way through this dramatic landscape. Here, visit 14th century Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s Castle), set amongst stunning mountain scenery. Lunch is served on the journey to Sighişoara, rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula. After a walking tour of this medieval city, enjoy a drink before dinner as the Danube Express continues on towards Hungary.

Day 6 - Budapest

Wake as the Danube Express continues into Hungary and journeys across the Northern Plain to Budapest, with morning arrival at Nyugati station. The day continues with an excursion on the Children’s Railway through Buda’s wooded hills. Transfer for three nights at the centrally located Hotel Astoria (4-star), a few minutes’ walk from the Danube.

Day 7 - Budapest

Today’s tour takes in both sides of the city, Buda and Pest. Pass City Park and stop in Heroes Square to learn more of Hungary’s history and culture before continuing to the Cathedral and Parliament building. Cross to Buda for exceptional views from Gellert Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion then visit St Matthias Church

Day 8 - Budapest

A free day brings the opportunity to explore. Visit a museum or walk in City Park. Visit a spa or cross to Margaret Island and relax in one of the many cafes.

Day 9 – Budapest to London

Transfer to Budapest airport for the 1330 British Airways flight to London Heathrow arriving mid-afternoon.

If you would prefer to return to the UK by rail, please see full details and timings below, together with accommodation options and supplements.

Day 1 – Depart Budapest 1310 by Railjet to Munich arriving 2034. Change to the German overnight sleeper to Paris, departing 2244.

Day 2 – Arrive Paris Est 0930 and walk to Paris Gare Du Nord (about 15 minutes) for the Eurostar™ to London, departing 1113. A meal and drinks are served en route to London St Pancras International arriving 1229.

Supplements for return to the UK by rail:

Two-berth compartment with washbasin £270 pp

Two-berth compartment with shower/WC £340 pp (subject to availability)

Single compartment with washbasin £320 pp

Single compartment with shower/WC £390 pp (subject to availability)