Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul
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Tour Overview
On this 15-day adventure traversing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, use local trains to follow the historic routes once used by the Orient Express’ carriages in the 19th century. Travel by train all the way from Paris to Budapest, with stops to explore the historic quarters and modern offerings of Strasbourg, Munich and Vienna. Then change lines and follow another historic route from Belgrade to Istanbul, riding local trains to experience Nis, Sofia and Plovdiv as you go. With plenty of free time to explore at each stop, and a passionate local leader on hand to point you in the right direction, there isn’t a moment you’ll want to miss on this rail adventure.
Trip Code: AMSU
Start
Paris
End
Istanbul
Destination
Serbia
Meals
13 breakfasts, 0 dinners
Transport
Train, Overnight train, Private transport
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
Days
15
Max Group Size
Min 1 - Max 12
Min Age
15
Style
Originali
Physical
2i
Trip Highlights
Why you'll love this trip
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Choose a slower-paced European journey on a comfortable rail trip – as well as travelling like the locals on domestic trains, you’ll get a taste of history as you follow the route once taken by the historic Orient Express.
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Stop in for local delicacies as you go – trying tarte flambee in Strasbourg, sharing a traditional Serbian lunch in a Salas property and sitting down for a lavish kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) experience in Vienna’s old town.
- •
Keep the rail adventures going with rides along rail funiculars to the castles of both Salzburg and Budapest.
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Explore the streets of Vienna and learn about the long history of Austria’s capital city, from the Gothic architecture to the State Opera House, a paragon of world opera.
- •
Get the low-down on Budapest’s classic charm, café culture, and eclectic neighbourhood vibes during your time here. Have you actually been to Budapest if you didn’t go to a ruin bar?
Day by Day Itinerary
Itinerary
What's Included
Inclusions and activities
Meals
13 breakfasts, 0 dinners
Transport
Train, Overnight train, Private transport
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
Included activities
- Strasbourg - Tarte Flambee
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit & Funicular
- Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
- Budapest - Castle Visit & Funicular Ride
- Novi Sad - Traditional Serbian Lunch at a Salas Property
Optional activities
Is This Trip Right for You?
Is this trip right for you?
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There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
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This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.
- •
Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.
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AMSU · 15 days
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