The Great European Express: Istanbul to Paris (Tour code: 14243)

Today, you'll fly to the world’s only metropolis that spans two continents. Upon arrival, your tour guide will greet you warmly and accompany you to your centrally located hotel, where you'll spend the night. In the evening, kick off your journey with a grand welcome dinner, set against the backdrop of the shimmering lights of this timeless city, bridging the Orient and the Occident.

Overnight stay: Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul (or similar).

Hagia Sophia

The captivating beauty of the Bosphorus playfully enchants you with a blend of 1001 Nights and modern, trendy neighborhoods.

From Topkapi Palace, you can gaze at the boats swaying in the strait that separates Europe and Asia. The legendary treasury and the harem whisk you away to the enchanting world of the ancient Orient. The grand bazaar offers a similarly magical experience, where you can barter with welcoming merchants. A visit to the magnificent Sirkeçi train station, once the final stop of the legendary Orient Express and the departure point for Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s famous novel, is an absolute must. In contrast, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque offer a more reflective experience, symbols of the historical rivalry between Constantinople and Istanbul. After a scenic boat ride on the Bosphorus, you’ll arrive at the train station, where your private luxury train awaits. At the reception, raise a glass of sparkling wine to toast the exciting journey ahead. Settle into your elegant compartment as the train departs, leaving the vibrant Turkish metropolis behind.

Overnight  stay aboard the Great European Express.

The Grand Bazaar - Istanbul

In the morning you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast while passing through the southern Balkan mountains and crossing one of Bulgaria’s highest passes, the dramatic Schipka Pass. Sit back, relax, and, as Karl May once wrote, savour the warm service and nostalgic charm of the train as it winds through the stunning Balkan gorges.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo. Along the wild, winding Jantra River, rustic stone houses rise above one another, transporting you back to the Middle Ages. Overlooking it all is the castle hill of Zarevets, with its imposing walls and towers. Just a short distance away lies the village of Arbanassi, a 17th-century open-air museum featuring beautifully restored merchant houses and Orthodox churches adorned with frescoes. As the sun sets, you’ll cross the Danube at Ruse, where the river forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria.

Overnight  stay aboard the Great European Express.

Veliko Tarnovo

Early in the morning, you'll arrive at the vast green plains of Wallachia and soon reach Romania’s capital, Bucharest. The city tour offers a hint of Paris, taking you past the Arc de Triomphe and through elegant Art Nouveau arcades. The monumental House of the People, now the seat of parliament, stands as a symbol of dictator Ceaușescu’s grandiose ambitions. At Revolution Square, you'll hear the story of how the specter of socialism was overthrown in 1989.

After enjoying lunch in the onboard restaurant, you’ll leave this city of stark contrasts and head north. In the afternoon, your train will traverse the rugged southern Carpathians, where dramatic mountains soar over 2,000 metres high. These steep gorges are home to brown bears, wolves, and lynxes.

Welcome to Transylvania, settled by Saxons since the 12th century. Here, you’ll discover an architectural gem: Kronstadt (Brașov), with its stunning town hall square, colourful Baroque façades, charming cafés, Europe’s narrowest street, and the iconic Black Church. Following the eerie trail of Count Dracula, you’ll visit Törzburg (Bran Castle), perched atop dark hills like a pointed crown. Legend has it that the most famous vampire in literary history once lived here. What is myth, and what is fact? You’ll find out today. By dinner, you’ll be back aboard the train, heading northwest.

Overnight  stay aboard the Great European Express.

Bran Castle

No trip to Hungary would be complete without a visit to the Puszta. From the train station in the charming town of Kecskemét, you’ll journey across the vast plain, dotted with decorative fountains, to a historic equestrian centre. After a traditional welcome with apricot brandy and salted pastries, you’ll witness an awe-inspiring horse show. The acrobatic horsemanship of the Magyars is legendary – even the massive grey cattle are left in wonder! With the lively sounds of Csárdás music filling the air, you’ll depart the estate and reboard your train.

By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Budapest, where you’ll leave your travelling home behind for the night and check into a hotel in the old town. Budapest, made up of two cities divided by the Danube, is best admired from its most scenic viewpoint – on a boat trip along the river. On one side, you’ll see the Citadel, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Gellért Hill; on the other, the grand market hall, the Old Town Palace, and the world’s largest parliament building. Of course, you’ll also pass by the famous Chain Bridge and Margaret Island, the green oasis of Budapest in the heart of the Danube. Hungary’s capital is steeped in history and stories – a symphony for all the senses!

Overnight stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest (or similar).

Budapest

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll return to the train station, where your nostalgic special train awaits. Soon, you’ll leave Budapest behind, travelling through the Hungarian lowlands towards the Austro-Hungarian border.

In the afternoon, you will be greeted by the world’s capital of music—Vienna. This city offers a delightful blend of imperial charm and modernity, Art Nouveau and Hundertwasser, traditional coffee house culture, and trendy bars. From Westbahnhof, you can easily explore Vienna at your own pace using public transport, with sights such as the Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Naschmarkt and Prater all within reach.

To end your day on a sweet note, indulge in a melange, pastries, or a Viennese speciality in one of the city’s renowned coffee houses. As evening falls, you’ll reboard the train and soon be gliding westward along the tracks of the Semmeringbahn, Europe’s first mountain railway, a technical marvel that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Overnight  stay aboard the Great European Express.

Vienna

Early risers are in for a treat, as a literal highlight awaits: the journey across the Alps from east to west. From the train, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the towering Alpine peaks. Relax in the elegant salon carriage as majestic mountains and brightly painted alpine huts glide by. You’ll travel through the Inn Valley in Tyrol, cross the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein and arrive in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen.

In the morning, you’ll reach Lucerne, with its iconic covered chapel bridge, narrow streets, and colourful medieval guild houses around the wine market. From there, you’ll continue to Kriens, where an exhilarating aerial cable car and panoramic gondola ride will take you through dramatic rock walls up to Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s local mountain. In front of you, 72 alpine peaks stretch across the horizon, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the mighty Mont Blanc.

After descending, your special train will be back in motion by the afternoon. After a short journey, you’ll arrive in France and stop at Colmar, home to the most beautiful old town in Alsace. A detour to a world-famous winery awaits, where green vineyards and golden nectar offer a feast for the senses. Feeling elated, you’ll return to the train.

Overnight  stay aboard the Great European Express.

Cable car - Mount Pilatus

In the morning, the train will pull into Gare de L’Est in Paris. After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your hotel on wheels and its welcoming crew. But the parting sadness is short-lived, as the City of Love quickly enchants you. The artistic neighbourhood of Montmartre still retains the bohemian charm of the Belle Époque. From the steps of the snow-white Sacré-Coeur, you’ll have a breathtaking view of all of Paris. A city tour will take you to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Opera, Place Vendôme, and a stroll down the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe. With the melodies of street musicians lingering in your mind, you'll head to a memorable farewell dinner, where you and your fellow travellers can reminisce about the extraordinary journey across Europe. 

Overnight stay: Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel (or similar).

Sacré-Coeur

But even the most wonderful journey must come to an end eventually. Today, you’ll head to Paris airport to begin your journey home.

Note: There is an option to extend your stay in Paris for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

Paris