Tracing the Orient Express

Your rail journey to Turkey begins at Gare de l’Est, following in the footsteps of the legendary Orient Express. It was right here, in October 1883, that around forty privileged passengers boarded for Istanbul.
Your train heads to Munich for a crossing of nearly 6 hours.
Expected arrival in the early evening, followed by check-in at your hotel.
Overnight in Munich.

This morning, set off to discover Munich with your French-speaking guide.
The walk begins at Marienplatz, the lively central square where you’ll find the New Town Hall and its famous carillon. You’ll then admire the exteriors of St. Peter’s and Our Lady of Munich, before heading to the historic breweries, including the oldest, St. Augustin. Strolling along Maximilianstrasse, an elegant avenue lined with shops and galleries, you’ll finish with a break in a garden such as the Hofgarten.
If time allows, a detour to the Olympic Tower is well worth it for the panoramic view.
Train departure to Vienna in the afternoon (about 4 hours of travel).
Arrive in the evening, transfer, and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Vienna. (B)

Guided walking tour of Austria’s capital (about 3 hours).
You’ll explore the old neighbourhoods, between Baroque palaces and hidden churches, following in the footsteps of the great Viennese composers: Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, Mahler.
In the afternoon, continue exploring at your own pace: the Belvedere Palace, the Sisi Museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, or the magnificent Austrian National Library.
Overnight in Vienna. (B)

Free morning for your final strolls in Austria’s capital.
For a typical lunch, head to the Café Central, a historic venue popular with Viennese intellectuals. Try the famous schnitzel, a golden, crispy escalope.
In the afternoon, depart by train to Budapest (2 h 42 min of travel).
Arrive late in the day and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Budapest. (B)

In the morning, guided walking tour of the city’s two sides, Buda and Pest.
You’ll discover the Buda Castle, Matthias Church, the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Chain Bridge, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Fisherman’s Bastion.
The tour ends at the Central Market Hall, where you can sample local specialities or buy paprika.
Free afternoon: thermal bath at Széchenyi, a stroll around the Budavár Palace, or a break in one of the famous ruin bars.
In the evening, dinner cruise on the Danube to admire the city lit up.
Options: guided tour of Parliament or entrance to the Széchenyi thermal baths.
Overnight in Budapest. (B, D)

Free day to wander at your leisure.
In the evening, board the overnight train to Bucharest (journey of about 16 hours).
A typically rail experience: you fall asleep to the rhythm of the tracks, just like the passengers of the Orient Express in days gone by.
Overnight on board. (B)

Arrive around midday and check in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, guided city tour: the Palace of Parliament, then a walk through the historic centre: Calea Victoriei, CEC Palace, National Museum of Romanian History, Stavropoleos Monastery, Macca-Vilacrosse Passage and Hanul lui Manuc.
The day ends at Union Square.
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Caru’ cu Bere, a flagship brasserie with neo-Gothic décor, where you can try the sarmale or ciorba de burta.
Option: excursion to the Bran Castle, nicknamed Dracula’s Castle.
Overnight in Bucharest.

Travel day through the Romanian countryside and the Bulgarian mountains.
The journey (nearly 11 hours) offers beautiful views of the Balkans landscape.
Arrive in Sofia in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Walking tour of the historic city centre: Sainte Nedelya Church, Banya Bashi Mosque, St. Petka’s Church, St. George Rotunda, National Theatre, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sophia Basilica.
In the evening, depart by overnight train to Istanbul (about 11 hours).
Overnight on board. (B)

Early arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Full guided day with your French-speaking escort.
You’ll explore Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and its harem, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern, and then the Grand Bazaar for some free time shopping and discovering.
Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Free day to extend your city visit.
Why not enjoy a coffee at the Pera Palace, Agatha Christie’s legendary setting, or visit the old Sirkeci station, the historic terminus of the Orient Express ?
Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Breakfast, then transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
You can extend your stay in Istanbul on request.
(B)