Danube Express · 12 days · 11 nights
Balkan Explorer: Venice to Istanbul
Venice · Trieste · Postojna · Pula · Rijeka · Sarajevo · Mostar · Belgrade · Sofia · Plovdiv · Istanbul
Danube Express · 8 days, 7 nights
Paris to Istanbul
Eight days from Paris to Istanbul by private train, through Champagne, Vienna, the Postojna Caves, Belgrade and Sofia.
- ParisDay 1
- ChampagneDay 2
- ViennaDay 3
- PostojnaDay 4
- BelgradeDay 5
- SofiaDay 6
- IstanbulDay 7
Train stopExcursion by road
Duration8 days
Nights7
RouteParis → Istanbul
Places visited7
From, per personEUR 19,900
Overview
The classic journey from Paris to Istanbul in eight days. After a night in Paris, the train calls in Champagne, Vienna for a private concert, the Postojna Caves, Belgrade and Sofia, before a farewell dinner and final night in Istanbul.
- A champagne reception before leaving Paris
- A private Vienna Supreme Orchestra concert
- A cave-train ride through the Postojna Caves
- A Serbian feast and rakija tasting in Belgrade
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and a private concert in Sofia
- A farewell dinner on the Bosphorus
Day by day
Day 1Arrive in ParisParis
You are met and taken to a central five-star hotel for one night, with a welcome reception dinner.
Day 2Paris → ChampagneOn board the Danube Express
A champagne reception precedes boarding, then the train crosses the French countryside to Champagne, with its vineyards, cathedrals and wine heritage.
Day 3ViennaOn board the Danube Express
Relax in your cabin or the Bar Lounge Car as the train travels east. You reach Vienna at twilight for dinner and a private classical concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
Day 4PostojnaOn board the Danube Express
In the morning you ride an underground train into the Postojna Caves, with its vast chambers and limestone formations. After lunch in a local restaurant the train heads south towards Serbia.
Day 5BelgradeOn board the Danube Express
Enjoy a traditional Serbian feast and a rakija tasting, and time to wander the city. Back on board, the chefs present a gala dinner.
Day 6SofiaOn board the Danube Express
A morning in the Bar Lounge Car, then a tour of Sofia's Roman ruins of Serdica, the City Garden and Presidential Palace, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Later there is a private concert at the National Gallery.
Day 7IstanbulIstanbul
Arrive in Istanbul with the rest of the day free to explore, followed by a farewell dinner on the banks of the Bosphorus.
Day 8Depart Istanbul
After a night in a central five-star hotel, enjoy a final breakfast before your onward journey.
Where you spend each night
- Night 1Paris
- Night 2On board the Danube Express
- Night 3On board the Danube Express
- Night 4On board the Danube Express
- Night 5On board the Danube Express
- Night 6On board the Danube Express
- Night 7Istanbul
The map is schematic. Dashed lines are excursions by road.
Most spacious
Superior Deluxe Class
12 cabins per departure · 8.6 m²
- King-size bed made up each evening
- Full-length sofa and two chairs for daytime
- Two large picture windows, one that opens
- En-suite shower room with WC (1.9 m²)
- Double wardrobe, safe, Wi-Fi and USB ports
Classic
Deluxe Class
5 cabins per carriage · 7.74 m²
- Two lower beds made up during dinner
- Two armchairs and a free-standing chair
- Large picture window that opens partially
- En-suite shower, washbasin and WC, heated towel rail
- Toiletries, dressing gown and hairdryer provided
Every cabin has its own private shower room, individually controlled air-conditioning and a dedicated cabin attendant.
- Five-star hotel nights in Paris and Istanbul; five nights on the train
- Private en-suite cabin on the Danube Express
- Cabin attendant service with evening turndown
- An experienced tour management team throughout
- 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
- Freshly prepared meals on board plus dining in local restaurants
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as described in the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Deposit
- 30% of the total at booking
- Final payment
- 125 days before departure
Dates and prices
Live availability. Choose a cabin type, then select Book Now to reserve online, or Join waitlist on sold-out dates.
Deluxe Class
May 22, 2027
EUR 19,900.00 pp dbl
October 6, 2027
EUR 19,900.00 pp dbl
May 22, 2027
EUR 29,850.00 pp sgl
October 6, 2027
EUR 29,850.00 pp sgl
Superior Deluxe Class
May 22, 2027
EUR 25,200.00 pp dbl
October 6, 2027
EUR 25,200.00 pp dbl
May 22, 2027
EUR 42,100.00 pp sgl
October 6, 2027
EUR 42,100.00 pp sgl
Join the waitlist
This departure is currently sold out. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment a cabin becomes available.
Questions about this journey
How many nights are on the train?
Five nights are spent on board. The journey starts with a hotel night in Paris and ends with a hotel night in Istanbul.
Which cities does the train visit?
Between Paris and Istanbul the train calls in Champagne, Vienna, Postojna, Belgrade and Sofia. Each stop includes guided touring or a special experience.
What are the musical highlights?
A private classical concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra in Vienna and a private concert in Sofia are included. The resident pianist also plays in the Bar Lounge Car in the evenings.
Is the journey suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, solo travellers are very welcome and many guests travel alone. Ask us about cabin options for single travellers.
How demanding are the excursions?
They are designed to be accessible, but some involve uneven surfaces, stairs or standing for a while. Let us know about any mobility needs before booking so alternatives can be arranged.
What does it cost and when does it run?
Fares depend on the cabin class you choose and whether you travel as a couple or alone. Live dates and fares are shown on this page, and our reservations team can help on (866) 484-7882.
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