Ffestiniog Travel

Eastbound (Budapest to Istanbul) - 22 May, 12 June & 18 Sept 2013

Westbound (Istanbul to Budapest) - 26 May, 16 June & 22 Sept 2013

A 4-day journey voyaging from the banks of the Danube to the shores of the Bosphorus encountering the stunning scenery and ancient architecture of Transylvania and rural Bulgaria along the way.

Day 1   Budapest & Kecskemét

Mid-morning reception in the Royal Waiting Room at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding the Danube Express. Settle in and enjoy lunch as the train heads for Lajosmizse for a spectacular ”Puszta" horse show. Later there is free time to explore Kecskemét, a fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary. Back on board, enjoy a drink in the Lounge car as the train continues across the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues

Day 2   Sighisoara and Brasov

Arrive in Sighişoara for a walking tour. A World Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets. Return to the Danube Express for lunch on the way to Braşov. The afternoon tour visits Bran Castle. Popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, this beautiful 14th Century building is situated amongst stunning mountain scenery. Back on board, the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain streams. Dinner is served as the Danube Express continues on to Bulgaria.

Day 3   Veliko Turnovo & Kazanlak

Arrive after breakfast in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched, one above the other, on the steep banks of the Yantra River. A tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there is free time to wander through this ancient city. Lunch during the climb over the Shipka pass. Kazanlak in the Valley of the Roses produces rose oil prized by perfumers worldwide. Here you visit the Shipka Memorial Church and a Thracian tomb with vaulted brickwork dating back to the 4th Century BC. Relax in the Lounge car before dinner, served as the Danube Express continues through the scenic landscape, reaching the Turkish border late in the evening.

Day 4 – Istanbul

Wake in Istanbul Sirkeci station and disembark after breakfast.

THIS JOURNEY IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION

For more information and a booking form please contact Glesni Evans - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel: 01766 772030.

Please click here for more information about the Deluxe Sleeping Cars

Please click here for more information about the Restaurant Car

Please click here for more information about the Lounge Car