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
Istanbul to Paris
Eight days westbound from Istanbul to Paris, via Sofia, Belgrade, the Postojna Caves, the Semmering Pass, Vienna and Champagne.
- IstanbulDay 1
- SofiaDay 3
- BelgradeDay 4
- PostojnaDay 5
- Semmering PassDay 5
- ViennaDay 5
- ChampagneDay 7
- ParisDay 7
Train stopExcursion by road
Duration8 days
Nights7
RouteIstanbul → Paris
Places visited8
From, per personEUR 16,900
Overview
The Paris to Istanbul route in reverse. After a night in Istanbul the train leaves from Sirkeci station for Sofia, Belgrade and the Postojna Caves, crosses the Semmering Pass to Vienna, and ends with Champagne and a farewell dinner in Paris.
- Departure from Istanbul's Sirkeci station
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and a private concert in Sofia
- A Serbian feast and rakija tasting in Belgrade
- A cave-train ride through the Postojna Caves
- Crossing the Semmering Pass
- A private Vienna Supreme Orchestra concert
- A farewell dinner in Paris
Day by day
Day 1Arrive in IstanbulIstanbul
You are met and taken to a five-star hotel for one night, with a welcome reception dinner.
Day 2Istanbul → BulgariaOn board the Danube Express
You are driven to Sirkeci station for a drinks reception before boarding. The train crosses Turkey into Bulgaria, with a welcome dinner on board.
Day 3SofiaOn board the Danube Express
Tour the Roman ruins of Serdica, the City Garden and the Presidential Palace, and visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Later there is a private concert at the National Gallery.
Day 4BelgradeOn 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 5Postojna, Semmering & ViennaOn board the Danube Express
Ride an underground train into the Postojna Caves. In the afternoon the train climbs the Semmering Pass, reaching Vienna at twilight for dinner and a private concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
Day 6ViennaOn board the Danube Express
A morning to explore Vienna's palaces and coffee houses, then an afternoon on board through the Austrian countryside, in your cabin or the Bar Lounge Car with the resident pianist.
Day 7Champagne & ParisParis
Visit the Champagne region, then reboard for the run across France to Paris, arriving at sunset for a farewell dinner and a night in a central five-star hotel.
Day 8Depart Paris
Enjoy a final breakfast, or extend your stay in Paris.
Where you spend each night
- Night 1Istanbul
- 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 7Paris
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 Istanbul and Paris; 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
October 11, 2026
EUR 16,900.00 pp dbl
May 16, 2027
EUR 19,900.00 pp dbl
October 11, 2026
EUR 28,200.00 pp sgl
May 16, 2027
EUR 29,850.00 pp sgl
Superior Deluxe Class
October 11, 2026
EUR 21,300.00 pp dbl
May 16, 2027
EUR 25,200.00 pp dbl
October 11, 2026
EUR 35,600.00 pp sgl
May 16, 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
Is this the same as Paris to Istanbul?
It follows the same route in reverse, starting in Istanbul and ending in Paris, with the same style of excursions. This direction also crosses the Semmering Pass on the way into Vienna.
Where does the train depart in Istanbul?
Guests are driven to Istanbul's Sirkeci station, where a drinks reception is held before boarding. A welcome dinner follows on board that evening.
How many nights are on the train?
Five nights are spent on board. There is a hotel night in Istanbul at the start and one in Paris at the end.
What happens in the Postojna Caves?
You ride an underground train into the cave system. You then walk through its great halls and limestone formations.
Which meals are included?
Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners are included, with alcoholic and soft drinks. A gala dinner on board and a farewell dinner in Paris are among them.
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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