Paris to Istanbul by Rail

Some say Europe is best seen by train, so why not see a whole lot of it as you zoom along for 24 days? Beginning in Paris, your European rail odyssey will take you past plenty of picturesque scenery — not to worry, you'll be making plenty of pit stops. Fill up Bratwurst in Munich then grab a beer and/or a bite in Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest as the rest of your senses are overwhelmed by stunning architecture. Then you're back aboard to see the roads (or rails, rather) less travelled of Eastern Europe. The countryside of Sighișoara can be followed by a stop at Hungary's royal palace: Buda Castle. Finally, cycle your way through Veliko Tarnovo, one of the oldest cities in the world. It's a fitting end for a European adventure that will, ahem, really move you.

Day 1 Paris
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Paris
Spend the day with free time to visit dozens of museums, patisserie shops, sidewalk cafés or grand boulevards.

Day 3 Paris/Lausanne
Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne, Switzerland. Spend the afternoon in this charming town.

Day 4 Lausanne/Zermatt
Board another train for the journey to Zermatt, a tiny village in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the afternoon in the car-free centre or hiking in the nearby mountains.

Day 5 Zermatt/Chur
Board the Glacier Express for a slow and stunning ride through the Alps. Pass meadows, rushing streams, bridges, villages and massive mountains as the train heads towards Chur. Arrive in the evening after a full day of soaking in the scenery.

Day 6 Chur/Munich
Take a full day to reach Munich, in the heart of Bavaria. Arrive in time for an optional evening out at a local brewery with a few steins of beer and some typical German fare.

Day 7 Munich
Explore the city or head further afield to visit Füssen and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

Day 8 Munich/Salzburg
Travel to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character.

Day 9 Salzburg
Make the most of a free day in Salzburg. Opt to visit the salt mines or take the famous Sound of Music tour.

Day 10 Salzburg/Vienna
Continue by train to Vienna. Opt to visit the famous opera house, join a city tour or visit world-class museums. Stay overnight at a G Adventures for Good supported hotel that supports migrant workers.

Day 11 Vienna/Budapest
Travel to Budapest, Hungary this morning by train. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink at a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and head out for an orientation walk. Opt to enjoy a night out in this charming city.

Day 12 Budapest
Take another free day to explore Budapest.

Day 13 Budapest/Sibiu
Take another free day to explore Budapest before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.

Day 14 Sighișoara
Head to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.

Day 15 Sighișoara/Braşov
With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov.

Day 16 Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.

Day 17 Braşov/Bucharest
Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.

Day 18 Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine.

Day 19 Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 20 Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia
Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.

Day 21 Sofia/Plovdiv
Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Visit the hilly old town, museums, or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis, one of the many Roman ruins found here.

Day 22 Plovdiv/Istanbul
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening bus to Istanbul.

Day 23 Istanbul
Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), and the Topkapı Palace.

Day 24 Istanbul
Depart at any time.

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Paris to Istanbul by Rail

  • Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel, Vienna Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Paris
  • Paris orientation walk
  • TGV train
  • Lausanne orientation walk
  • Zermatt stay
  • The Glacier Express train
  • Salzburg orientation walk
  • Vienna orientation walk
  • Budapest orientation walk
  • Romanian villages and countryside tour (half-day, from Sighisoara)
  • 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran)
  • Bucharest orientation tour
  • Hike to Arbanasi village
  • Sofia orientation walk
  • Istanbul city tour with local guide
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 20 breakfasts
Prices based on accommodation only basis,
Packages with flights, car hire or transfers are available. All prices and details are subject to change and availability.  Terms and conditions apply.
Prices start from £1,997

Holiday Name : Paris to Istanbul by Rail 
Reference : GAH
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