Istanbul to Budapest via Kazanlak, Veliko Turnovo, Braşov and Sighişoara.

A 4-day holiday from Istanbul through the ancient arhitecture of rural Bulgaria and the stunning scenery of the legendary land of Count Dracula.

Day 1 - Istanbul

You first encounter the Danube Express late afternoon 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 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - Budapest

Wake as the Danube Express continues into Hungary and journeys across the Northern Plain to Budapest, with morning arrival at Nyugati station.