The journey
This journey begins among the mosaics and minarets of Istanbul and culminates on the banks of Budapest’s River Danube, with mythical castles, Carpathian Mountains and cowboy towns along the way.Surrender to the rhythm of rail travel on board the Worldway Danube Express, a masterclass in mobile luxury with en suite sleeper cars, power showers and king-sized beds. This seven-day itinerary travels through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary and whisks you through some of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque backwaters and well-preserved old towns. Back on board, a dedicated cabin attendant provides 24/7 service and supper is served in the fine-dining restaurant car.
Complete package information
This journey begins among the mosaics and minarets of Istanbul and culminates on the banks of Budapest’s River Danube, with mythical castles, Carpathian Mountains and cowboy towns along the way.Surrender to the rhythm of rail travel on board the Worldway Danube Express, a masterclass in mobile luxury with en suite sleeper cars, power showers and king-sized beds. This seven-day itinerary travels through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary and whisks you through some of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque backwaters and well-preserved old towns. Back on board, a dedicated cabin attendant provides 24/7 service and supper is served in the fine-dining restaurant car.
Day Day 1
With one foot in Europe and the other Asia, this vast, vibrant city has been the capital of no less than three great empires. Overlooking the Golden Horn, an evening in the Pera Palace Hotel’s opulent dining room sets the stage for your adventure. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Day 2
Simply walking the Bosphorus’ banks is an immersive history lesson spanning thousands of years. The interiors of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia basilica are so sublime they demand special attention. Early afternoon we join our private train, the Worldway Danube Express, to begin our rail journey through Bulgaria and Romania to Budapest. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Day 2.1
Day Day 3
After boarding the Worldway Danube Express and climbing the Shipka Pass, panoramic views give way to red rooftops cascading down to meet the Yantra River in the capital, Veliko Tarnovo. On a walking tour, encounter the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, the cobblestoned medieval old town and local crafts like pottery, textiles and woodwork. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 3.1
Day Day 3.2
Day Day 4
The silver ribbon of the rails snakes through the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, home to Peles Castle, and on to Brasov. Here, Bran Castle perches atop a 200-foot-high rock. Often associated with Count Dracula, the dramatic setting makes a commanding location for a gala dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 4.1
Day Day 4.2
Day Day 5
This morning, stroll through Sighisoara, a fortified medieval town steeped in gothic myth and Transylvanian tales. On to Sibiu, where there’s intriguing architecture around every corner, from the folkloric Burgher houses and the homes with eyes to the open-air Astra Museum’s traditional thatched buildings. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 5.1
Day Day 5.2
Day Day 6
After a pit stop in central Hungary and a stroll around Kecskemét’s, travel to Lajosmizse to watch Hungarian cowboys put their steeds through their paces in the Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain’s traditional horse show. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe. Meals: Breakfast
Day Day 6.1
Day Day 6.2
Day Day 7
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
Booking process: Submit an enquiry for Worldway Danube Express: Castles of Transylvania; a Worldway specialist verifies live availability, supplier terms, routing, rooming and guest requirements before confirmation.
Payments: Deposit, balance deadline, currency conversion and any gateway fees are confirmed in writing before payment. No automatic charge is made from this information page.
Changes & cancellation: Worldway Travels Group rules can vary by departure, cabin, aircraft, hotel and season. Final cancellation penalties are shared on the quote and invoice before booking.
Travel documents: Passport validity, visas, insurance, medical requirements and local taxes remain traveller responsibilities unless specifically included in the confirmed proposal.
Can this journey be tailored?: Yes — every element can be refined to your dates, pace and interests by our specialists.
How do I reserve?: Contact our team and we'll confirm availability and secure your preferred departure.
This page is designed as a complete pre-booking dossier. Final supplier availability, taxes, route permits, aircraft positioning, visas, insurance, rooming and cancellation rules are reconfirmed by Worldway before payment or ticketing.
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