Original
Explorer
Rail
Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul
15 days • 5
5
Excellent
1 reviews
15 days
Start
Paris, France
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Code
AMSU
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
Train, Overnight train, Private transport
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
From £2,878(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
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.
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?
Is this trip right for you?
If you love avoiding airport queues this is the trip for you. As public transport is the predominant form of transport on this trip we highly recommend packing as lightly as possible as you will be expected to carry your own bags on and off trains as well as to and from your accommodation.
The primary form of transportation on this trip are scheduled local and intercity trains that travel on the railway tracks that were once used by the historical Orient Express in the late 19th Century. We use standard, economy and/or 2nd class local carriages, depending on availability. Cabins on the Overnight Train from Plovdiv to Istanbul are quad-share bunk-style. Please see the daily itinerary for more details. Please also note that minor delays of trains can be common.
If travelling to Paris from London we highly recommend using the fast Eurostar train from London's St Pancras station. At under 2.5 hours travel time and with no airport queues, this is by far the most convenient travel option.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds and rooms can be small by American or Australian standards.
One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. Your leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you’ll be able to explore further in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip.
Itinerary
Follow along a historic train route from France to Turkey
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.
Inclusions
Meals
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch
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 and Kuchen Experience
Budapest - Castle Visit & Funicular Ride
Novi Sad - Traditional Serbian Lunch at a Salas Property
Belgrade - Fortress Visit
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. The primary form of transportation on this trip are scheduled local and intercity trains that travel on the railway tracks that were once used by the historical Orient Express in the late 19th Century. We use standard, economy and/or 2nd class local carriages, depending on availability. Cabins on the Overnight Train from Plovdiv to Istanbul are quad-share bunk-style. Please see the daily itinerary for more details. Please also note that minor delays of trains can be common.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 13 (Overnight Train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Reviews (1)
5 stars
1
Peter
May 12, 2025
We were fortunate to have a great leader for this maiden Paris to Istanbul journey. A few bugs that no doubt will be sorted out but such a wonderful experience overall.
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