Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

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15 Days From

$4560

Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

15 Days Starting in Paris and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Paris, Strasbourg, Strasbourg / Munich, Munich, Salzburg / Vienna, Vienna, Budapest, Novi Sad / Belgrade, Belgrade, Nis, Sofia / Plovdiv, Plovdiv / Overnight Train, Istanbul

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

AMSU

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $4560

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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.

Highlights

  • 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?

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Paris – the City of Lights, known for its romance, delicious cuisine and amazing art scene – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not check out the world-famous Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Maybe climb the Eiffel Tower – or take the lift – for some impressive aerial views of Paris. For a simple picnic lunch of baguette and cheese, The Tuileries, Plantes and Jardin du Luxembourg all make excellent backdrops. After you meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, you might choose to head out for an optional group dinner at one of the gorgeous local restaurants or explore the surrounding neighbourhoods and discover why this city is known for its romantic appeal.

Day 2: Strasbourg

Location: Strasbourg

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, bid au revoir to Paris and take a high-speed train to Strasbourg. Sitting on France’s border with Germany, the city lets you experience the best of both countries. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy snacking on a tarte flambee – a flatbread typically topped with a combination of fresh cheese, onions and bacon. Your afternoon is then free for you to explore. Maybe pay a visit to Strasbourg’s own Cathedral of Notre Dame, finished in 1439, or explore the three museums at Palais de Rohan. Later, your leader will be able to point out the best spots for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Strasbourg - Tarte Flambee

Day 3: Strasbourg / Munich

Location: Strasbourg / Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy a free morning continuing your exploration of Strasbourg. If you didn't yesterday, perhaps wander around the 16th-century buildings of La Petite France. Make sure to buy some lunch for your next train journey as you go, which takes you over the German border and into Munich on the German High-Speed rail network. Leave around midday and arrive at the Bavarian capital in the afternoon. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of this beautiful city, exploring some of the best bits of Munich. The evening is yours to spend how you’d like – you might head back to your hotel or ask your leader for the best place for a stein.

Day 4: Munich

Location: Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy a full free day to explore Munich at your leisure. If you didn’t get to the Old Town yesterday, make sure to find the Altes Rathaus and the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus with its sooty facade and gargoyles. Time it right to watch the Glockenspiel clock reenact scenes from the city's history! Or, you might like to take a look around the Transport Museum, which covers everything from how the Roman’s used to roam through to a ride on a magnetic track! Your leader will be able to provide recommendations for the best lunch and dinner spots should you need them!

Day 5: Salzburg / Vienna

Location: Salzburg / Vienna

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Rise early then take a train journey to the Austrian town of Salzburg. Take a leader-led walk to get your bearings (and maybe grab an apple strudel or some kaiserschmarrn for breakfast), then jump on board a funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg. Explore the medieval fortress and enjoy some of the best views down over the city! After lunch, take a local train to Vienna – Austria’s capital city. Check into your accommodation, and then the evening’s free for your own adventures.

Included Activities:
-Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit & Funicular

Day 6: Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Start your day in Vienna with an orientation walk with your leader. Get insight into the cosmopolitan city’s rich cultural heritage and golden past as you wander past the Gothic splendour of St Stephens Cathedral to the neo-classical Graben. Finish your walk with a kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) from Vollpension, a generation-spanning cafe where local grannies and grandpas share their baking secrets. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue your exploring – your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that will best suit your interests. Art enthusiasts can choose from several great museums, from the Albertina to the vast array found in the Museum Quarter. Schoenbrunn Palace is well worth a visit and has a guided audio tour. Another excellent way to enjoy the afternoon is to take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel.

Included Activities:
-Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience

Day 7: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Spend a final morning in Vienna before travelling east to Budapest by train. Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest's grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by. After a short orientation walk around the city, you have a free afternoon to further explore on your own. Perhaps take a slow cruise along the Danube for some pretty epic views of the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. Maybe visit the Jewish Quarter for dinner and explore the many options for a nightcap.

Day 8: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Start your day in Budapest with a visit to the historical Buda Castle and palace complex. Lose yourself in the history of the winding streets, which date back to the 13th century. You’ll also keep your rail adventures going with a ride on the funicular up the Buda Castle hill. Then enjoy a free afternoon to explore more of the city. Hiring a bicycle is great way to move between the sights, or you might like to simply meander through the winding streets snacking on local delicacies. Your leader will be able to help you craft the perfect rest of your day.

Included Activities:
-Budapest - Castle Visit & Funicular Ride

Day 9: Novi Sad / Belgrade

Location: Novi Sad / Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, say farewell to Hungary and hop on a private transfer to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city (approximately 4 hours). On the way, you’ll stop for an included traditional Serbian lunch at a Salas property. Sitting on the banks of the Danube River, you’ll arrive in Novi Sad – this city is surrounded by fertile farms and vineyards and features an interesting mix of traditional Serbian heritage and Austro-Hungarian architecture. Join your leader for an orientation walk around the city, then in the afternoon board a local train headed for Belgrade (approximately 1 hour). The evening is then free for you to relax at your accommodation or explore a bit of the Serbian capital.

Included Activities:
-Novi Sad - Traditional Serbian Lunch at a Salas Property

Day 10: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, head out on a leader-led orientation walk through Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers – Sava and Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you’ll experience an energetic mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative customs. Head to the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park and visit Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. In the afternoon you have free time to perhaps visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or if there’s time, stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum and learn about the life of Serbia's greatest inventor. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.

Included Activities:
-Belgrade - Fortress Visit

Day 11: Nis

Location: Nis

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Rise and shine early for a long train ride to Nis today. Make sure you’re all stocked up with snacks, then sit back, relax and enjoy your ride through southern Serbia. Arrive in Nis in the afternoon, and stretch your legs on a leader-led walk around one of Europe’s oldest cities. You’re then free to spend the rest of the day how you’d like. History buffs might like to visit Mediana – the remnants of an opulent palace once called home by Constantine the Great.

Day 12: Sofia / Plovdiv

Location: Sofia / Plovdiv

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Take a private transfer to Sofia this morning. Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant parks. Get oriented with your leader, taking the city’s metro and trams, then have the rest of the day to wander. You might want to sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts from the many empires of old that have occupied the city at the National Archaeological Museum, or get cultural at the National Art Gallery. In the afternoon, board a local train for Plovdiv. Situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, make sure you indulge in the local cuisine, famed for its grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.

Day 13: Plovdiv / Overnight Train

Location: Plovdiv / Overnight Train

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, join your leader for an orientation walk of the main sights and some insight into the town's history. The most remarkable sight is the ancient Roman theatre, accidentally ‘discovered’ after a landslide exposed the site in the early 1970s. Built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6,000 people and is now back in use. From here, wander up to the site of the former hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe, where you can enjoy excellent views of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon in this charming city, perhaps using the time to freshen up and grab some snacks (and maybe a bottle of wine) ahead of your overnight train journey this evening. Depart Plovdiv headed for Istanbul. Please note that sometimes there can be major delays on this train ride, and there will be a stop at the Turkish border for passport processing after midnight.

Day 14: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Arrive into Istanbul around 7 am this morning, drop your luggage at your hotel, and then maybe grab an optional breakfast with your group. Afterwards, head out with your leader to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Get an introduction to some of the city’s historical treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the fourth century. The afternoon is then free for you to continue exploring the city’s beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions. You’re also never far from a great meal in Istanbul, so be sure to ask your leader for any recommendations they might have!

Day 15: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: breaksfast

All good things come to an end, and this morning your adventure officially comes to a close. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul we are able to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (13 nights), Overnight train (1 night)

  • Meals
    13 breakfasts, 1 lunches

  • 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

Transport

  • TRAIN TRAVEL
  • 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.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • TRAIN TRAVEL
  • 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.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding day 13 on the Overnight Train. Availability is limited due to small properties that we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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. Some of the accommodation used on this trip have shared bathrooms.

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

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I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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