About this trip
Fifteen days tracing the old Orient Express route by local and intercity train, from Paris through Central Europe and down into the Balkans to Istanbul. You cover real ground this way — stopping to explore Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna and Budapest before changing lines for Belgrade, Nis, Sofia and Plovdiv.
It's a slower, more grounded way to cross a continent than flying, with plenty of free time built into each stop to wander on your own. A local leader travels with you, offering orientation walks and pointing you toward what's worth seeing, but a good deal of the exploring is yours to shape.
What you'll do
- Ride historic rail lines from Paris to Budapest via Strasbourg, Munich and Vienna
- Cross from Belgrade to Istanbul on trains through Nis, Sofia and Plovdiv
- Explore the old quarters and modern life of Vienna and Budapest
- Take an overnight quad-share sleeper train from Plovdiv to Istanbul
- Join frequent orientation walks led by a local leader in each city
- Pack light — you'll need to lift your own luggage onto train racks and carry it over cobbles and stairs
- Trains run on standard, economy or second-class carriages depending on availability, and minor delays are common
- The Plovdiv to Istanbul leg is an overnight train with quad-share bunk cabins
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Jul is cheapest — from £3,275, about 31% below the priciest month (Sep).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Paris · 29 Jul – 30 Jul
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