Transylvania & the Bosphorus
Between Budapest & Istanbul via Romania & Bulgaria
Gliding through Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, and touching Turkey, this four-country adventure surveys Kecskemét, Art Nouveau town on the Great Hungarian Plain, before investigating the Dracula legend in Transylvanian Sighisoara, wandering the Bulgarian fortress town of Veliko Tarnovo, and exploring modern Istanbul, ruler of the Bosphorus.
Days 1-2: Budapest
Explore regal Budapest, the grand Hapsburg capital on the Danube. On the Pest side of the river, visit Heroes Square and the City Park with its Vajdahunyad Castle. Admire the best views of the monumental Parliament building from across the river on Gellert Hill, and discover Castle Hill with St. Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Day 3: Budapest, Aboard Train to Kecskemét
Transfer to Nyugati Station for a champagne reception in the former Royal Waiting Room. The Danube Express will be waiting on the adjoining platform. The train heads south onto the Great Hungarian Plain to Kecskemét. Disembark for a short walk among its Art Nouveau architecture before continuing toward Romania.
Day 4: Sighisoara, Brasov
Arrive in medieval Sighisoara this morning. Take a walking tour of the town that was Dracula's supposed headquarters. Visit Bran Castle (called Dracula's Castle by some) and the magnificent Peles Palace, surrounded by mountains. Overnight, the train heads south to Bulgaria.
Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo
Tour the fortress town of Veliko Tarnovo, attend a folklore show and visit an ancient monastery. Onboard, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. In the early hours, the train crosses the Turkish border.
Days 6-8: Istanbul
During the last few miles into Istanbul, admire the Bosphorus and catch a glimpse of Asia. Visit the Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome and the Basilica of Hagia Sophia before checking in to the hotel for a final two nights. Explore the Blue Mosque, and cruise the Bosphorus to appreciate the beauty of Istanbul from the water. Enjoy a free afternoon to wander through the Grand Bazaar or take the ferry across to Asia.
This trip also travels along the same route in reverse from Istanbul to Budapest.
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