- Istanbul
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Sinaia
- Brasov
- Sighisoara
- Sibiu
- Kecskemet
- Lajosmizse
- Budapest
Castles of Transylvania
7 Days / 6 Nights
Absorb the rich blend of culture, history and architectural treasures on an unforgettable journey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Travelling through seven countries over 12 days, the Balkan Explorer reveals the diverse landscapes and heritage of Southern Europe, from the turquoise coastlines and historic cities of the former Yugoslavia to the fascinating capitals of Belgrade and Sofia. Experience the remarkable resilience and compelling history of Sarajevo and Mostar, while enjoying the distinctive cultures and traditions of each destination. The journey is beautifully framed by two of Europe’s most captivating cities—Istanbul, with its unique fusion of Asian and European influences and a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet, and Venice, renowned for its romantic waterways, magnificent architecture, music and artistic heritage.
Tour Map
Itinerary
Arrive into Istanbul where you will be met and transferred to a five-star hotel.
This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Istanbul
Istanbul is the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. Today we see how old meets new, east meets west when we enjoy a walking tour through the old central quarters of Istanbul, followed by the choice of visiting one of Istanbul’s two magnificent mosques.
Freedom of Choice Option 1: One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style and features six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Freedom of Choice Option 2: Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent Grand Mosques in the world. Take a few moments to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.
Early afternoon we join our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, to begin our rail journey through Bulgaria and Romania to Budapest.
Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express
This morning we enjoy the views from our private train as we climb over the Shipka Pass and arrive at our first stop Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep banks of the Yantra River.
A tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there is free time to wander through the narrow alleyways of the ancient city.
This evening relax in the Bar Lounge Car before dinner is served as our train continues through the scenic landscape as we head across the Romanian border.
Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express
Overnight the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain streams.
This morning we arrive in Sinaia for a tour of Peles Castle. The castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls.
Returning to our private train for lunch we continue onto Brasov in the afternoon for a visit to Bran Castle. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, the 14th century castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Following a tour of the castle and its surroundings we will enjoy a gala dinner tonight inside the castle walls.
Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express
This morning we arrive after breakfast into Sighisoara for a walking tour of the town’s main highlights. A World Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets.
We return to the train for lunch as we continue onto Sibiu, known specifically for its Germanic architecture in the Old Town due to the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. Around the city today can be seen the remains of medieval walls and towers, including the 13th-century Council Tower which connects the two main squares.
Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board our private train as we travel across the Great Hungarian Plain.
Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express
This morning we get the opportunity to explore Kecskemét, a fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary before the train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show.
We then arrive late afternoon at the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest, located on the banks of the magnificent Danube, where we will enjoy a one-night stay in the five-star Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel (or similar), a unique art nouveau landmark which combines historical elegance with ultra-modern comforts.
This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Budapest
This morning, after an overnight stay at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, we enjoy our final breakfast on the tour.
Date / Schedule
2026 Departures Dates
2027 Departures Dates
Fare / Price
The rate mentioned is per adult, in USD and Sterling Pounds based on double or twin cabin sharing, unless stated otherwise.
Castles of Transylvania Fare for 2026 Departures
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for One Person in Single Cabin | Price Per Person in Twin / Double Cabin Sharing basis | Price for One Person in Single Cabin | Price Per Person in Twin / Double Cabin Sharing basis |
| Deluxe Cabin | USD 20,600 | USD 13,850 Per Person | £ 17,167 | £ 11,542 Per Person |
| Super Deluxe Cabin | USD 29,650 | USD 17,800 Per Person | £ 24,708 | £ 14,833 Per Person |
Castles of Transylvania Fare for 2027 Departures
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for One Person in Single Cabin | Price Per Person in Twin / Double Cabin Sharing basis | Price for One Person in Single Cabin | Price Per Person in Twin / Double Cabin Sharing basis |
| Deluxe Cabin | USD 23,300 | USD 15,600 Per Person | £ 19,417 | £ 13,000 Per Person |
| Super Deluxe Cabin | USD 33,500 | USD 20,100 Per Person | £ 27,917 | £ 16,750 Per Person |
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TOUR INCLUSIONS
Service
- Cabin attendant service including evening turndown
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Accommodation
- Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
- Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Freedom of Choice touring options
Booking Form
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