London to Georgia Rail Adventure
Small Group Tour
London to Georgia by Rail: A Grand Overland Adventure
Thirty days of classic rail travel, alpine scenery, storied cities and celebrated wine regions—crossing Europe and Anatolia to finish in Georgia’s Kakheti vineyards.
Step aboard for one of Europe’s great overland rail adventures, travelling from London through France, Switzerland and Italy, then onward via Slovenia and Hungary into the Balkans, Turkey and the Caucasus. Along the way, explore Slovenia’s alpine heartland—Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Triglav National Park—before immersing yourself in Budapest’s culinary scene and a magical evening cruise on the Danube.
From Transylvania’s characterful cities the journey continues into Moldova for world-class wine experiences, including Castle Mimi and the vast underground cellars of Cricova, before crossing into Bulgaria for Black Sea highlights and ancient Plovdiv. In Istanbul, stay at the legendary Pera Palace Hotel and then ride Turkey’s iconic Doğu Express across Anatolia’s dramatic landscapes. The finale is Georgia: discover Tbilisi and toast the journey in Kakheti with monastery visits, honey tasting and exceptional local vineyards.
Map + Tour Itinerary
Explore the itinerary in detail to get a sense of where you’ll be on each day of the adventure.
Depart London by Eurostar to Lille and onward to Strasbourg. Enjoy a private guided walk through the historic centre, Petite France and the cathedral exterior, followed by a welcome dinner. Day 2 includes free time in Strasbourg and an afternoon excursion along the Alsace Wine Route with visits to two wineries and guided tastings. (Day 1: LD / Day 2: B)
Travel via Basel and cross the Alps by rail through Switzerland to Milan (arrive approx. 16:00). The remainder of the day is at leisure, with the option to visit the Duomo with the tour leader. (B)
Day 4 travel by rail via Trieste to Ljubljana, then enjoy an included group dinner. Day 5 is a full-day excursion into Triglav National Park: walk Vintgar Gorge, visit Lake Bled (boat to the island church and Bled Castle) and continue to serene Lake Bohinj before returning to Ljubljana. (Day 4: BD / Day 5: BL)
Day 6 take the Citadella service to Budapest (approx. 9 hours) and transfer to the hotel on arrival. Day 7 features a private guided food tour with tastings of Hungarian specialities, followed by a one-hour evening Danube cruise. (Day 6: B / Day 7: BL)
Travel by train to Cluj Napoca (Day 8). Day 9 includes a guided walking tour of Cluj, lunch near Turda and a vineyard visit with tasting. Continue by rail to Brasov (Day 10) and enjoy a guided walking tour of Brasov’s medieval Old Town on Day 11, with free time afterwards. (Days 8, 10, 11: B / Day 9: BL)
Two overland days by road: Brasov to Iasi (Day 12), then a guided tour of Iasi on Day 13 before crossing into Moldova and arriving in Chisinau (with lunch included). (Day 12: B / Day 13: BL)
Day 14 includes a guided tour of Chisinau and a standout food-and-wine pairing at Castle Mimi Winery. Day 15 visits Curchi Monastery and the famous Cricova underground wine cellars with tasting, before boarding the private-compartment overnight sleeper train to Bucharest (depart approx. 17:00). (Day 14: BL / Day 15: BL)
Arrive around 07:00 and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bucharest and a Romanian wine tasting led by a professional oenologist. (BL)
Travel by road to Varna (Day 17), stopping at the UNESCO-listed Ivanovo Rock Monasteries and for lunch in Ruse. Day 18 is a guided exploration of Varna including Euxinograd Palace with wine tasting and lunch. Day 19 follows the Black Sea coast to UNESCO-listed Nessebar before continuing inland to Plovdiv. (BL each day)
Day 20 explore historic Plovdiv and enjoy a curated wine-pairing experience before boarding the overnight sleeper to Istanbul (passport checks at the border). Day 21 arrives in Istanbul (transfer to the Pera Palace Hotel) with an afternoon food tour. Day 22 is a full-day guided sightseeing tour including Hippodrome Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, with dinner at the hotel. (Day 20: BLD / Day 21: L / Day 22: L)
Travel by high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara, then board the iconic Doğu (Eastern) Express for an unforgettable overnight journey across Anatolia to Erzurum. Day 24 arrives around 16:00 with transfer to the hotel and time at leisure. (Day 23: B)
Day 25 travel by road into Georgia, arriving in Batumi mid-afternoon. Day 26 take the morning train to Tbilisi, enjoy a late lunch and a guided walking tour of the Old Town and key landmarks. (Day 25: B / Day 26: BL)
Head into Kakheti: visit Sighnaghi, wineries and the Tsinandali Estate (Day 27). Day 28 explores Gremi Complex, Nekresi Monastery, Alaverdi Cathedral, honey tasting at a local apiary, and another winery visit. Day 29 includes Telavi market time, a final lunch and wine tasting in Manavi, then return to Tbilisi for the last night. (BL each day)
After breakfast, a private transfer will be arranged to Tbilisi International Airport to match your flight time. Hotel check-out is at 11:00; luggage storage is available for later departures. (B)
| Destination | Tour Code | Start | End | Trip Status | Pricing Per person |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London to Georgia - Rail Adventure | LTG/280827 |
Aug 28, 2027
Saturday |
Sep 26, 2027
Sunday |
Guaranteed |
£18,970.00
Single Room Supplement: £1,790.00
|
Contact us |
Tour Inclusions
- Services of an Undiscovered Destinations’ tour leader throughout
- All accommodation (mix of centrally located 3–5 star hotels)
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) where shown in the itinerary
- Rail travel: first class seating where available (otherwise standard class) for daytime journeys
- Overnight rail travel in private sleeper compartments for overnight journeys
- Guided sightseeing tours as per the itinerary, with a private English-speaking guide or driver/guide
- All transfers as per the itinerary by private car or minibus
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary (unless stated otherwise)
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas (when required)
- Meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Tips (discretionary)
Feedback from our Travellers
See what other adventurers have to say about our small group experiences.
We spent one day in Helsinki before taking the ferry to Tallin. The tour over two weeks took us throught Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It was so well organised with only 4 participants. Our guides were nationals of all the countries that we visited and very professional, well informed and enthusiastic, proud of their countries. We learned so much about the history, culture and caracter of the areas we visited.
We went with a private guide/driver who was a fount of knowledge about his country. We loved the beautiful scenery. Albania has everything: mountains, lakes, and stunning beaches. Prices for accommodation and food are reasonable, and best of all it is not crowded - yet!
An amazing two weeks exploring some of the lesser-known areas of the Balkans many of which have, not only recovered from the break up of Yugoslavia, but are shining examples of enthusiasm and resilience. Macedonia and Kosovo are generally off the beaten track - but deserve to be discovered by more travellers, whilst Montenegro is simply stunning
Fill the form below to receive a tour information pack including a detailed day by day itinerary.
Important Information
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing there are no warnings in place for areas visited on this tour.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Hotel Check-in Times
As a general rule most hotels will allow guests to check-in from 2pm. Please note, excepted when stated, that the price of your tour does not include guaranteed early check-in. Therefore, please advise us if you would like to ensure that your room is available for an earlier arrival.
Accommodation Rating
The hotels on this tour have been carefully selected based mainly on their location and proximity to the railway stations. With some exceptions most properties of a 4 or 5 star category.
The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary, which is daily breakfast, plus lunch or dinner where indicated.
Usually, it will be impossible for Undiscovered Destinations to pre-pay for meals and drinks taken on the various trains. Therefore, it is essential that you travel with sufficient cash to pay for these services as credit and debit cards may not always be accepted. We would recommend that you have euros available as these will offer the best overall acceptance.
The food and drink available to purchase on trains, when it is available, can be limited so many travellers come prepared and choose to bring their own provisions. You will find a choice of shops and eateries at most stations. We recommend that you travel with plenty of water, and items such as fresh and dried fruits, biscuits, crackers, etc.
Dietary Requirements
If you have any special dietary requirements, you must notify us at the time of booking. Whilst we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. As noted above on-train catering can be limited, particularly in Eastern Europe. Even the most common dietary requests, including vegetarian options, may not be available.
Budgeting for your Tour
You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature such as laundry.
Food
Lunch or dinner – from £10 to £15
Drink
Bottle of Beer £2 – £3
Bottle of Water £0.50 – £1
Tipping – Guide and Drivers
Your tour leader will collect a kitty of approximately 100 Euro per person for the tour for the purpose of tipping local guides and drivers. Waiters and bar staff are generally low paid and it is customary practice to leave a small tip – around 10% of the bill.
The Undiscovered Destinations’ team have travelled widely by train and never experienced any problems, but you should not be complacent. Take good care of your personal belongings and keep valuables, passports and documents in a separate day bag with you at all times.
When travelling by sleeper train the carriage will generally be staffed by an attendant. You may need to ask your attendant to lock the door for you if you are planning to leave the compartment. During the night you will be able to lock the compartment door from the inside. Some experienced travellers choose to bring their own padlock; a combination cable padlock can also help secure baggage to luggage racks.
ATM Availability
As you will be visiting major cities on this tour ATMs will be widely available.
Credit and Debit Card Acceptance
Cards are widely accepted in the main cities including at larger restaurants and most hotels. Card acceptance on the trains will be more limited, particularly beyond Western Europe.
Local Currency
Euros, Hungarian Forint, Romanian Leu, Turkish Lira.
Recommended Currency for Exchange
Euros and US Dollar.
Where to Exchange
Exchange facilities will generally be available at the railway stations. Your local guide or the hotel reception can provide future assistance.
Our advertised prices do not include the cost of international flights. Please contact us if you would like a quotation to book a ‘flight inclusive’ package.
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
UK, US, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel in EU states. However, it should be noted that the European Union has introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES). Please review full details by following this link and be advised that an online application for authority to travel maybe required.
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist purposes can enter the country without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other nationals should check before booking with your nearest embassy, consulate, or visa agency.
As immigration requirements can change without notice it is essential that you check the latest information with your nearest embassy, consulate, or visa agency. It is important to check the requirements both at the time of booking and again at the time you pay your balance.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country of residence.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information and advice regarding the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than month you might be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Meningitis.
Climate
The region can be bitterly cold in its winter months and fiercely hot during July and August. A pleasant time to visit is from May to September.
Clothing
Lighter clothes are recommended through the day and warmer ones at night. A hat is advised, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing.
Equipment and What to Bring
Bring a first aid kit, prescription drugs, suncream, insect repellent, and a torch/head torch. A phrase book or translation app can be useful. Please bring a small towel for trains, plus toilet paper and hand sanitiser as sanitary conditions can vary.
Wi‑Fi
Most hotels offer wi‑fi (charges may apply). On Western European trains wi‑fi may be available (charges may apply) but beyond Western Europe most trains do not offer wi‑fi.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Consider flip‑flops for long distance trains.
Journey times
Upon request we can provide you with the latest train schedules, although these will be subject to change.
Luggage on tour
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. You must be comfortable carrying your own luggage unassisted, and walking between stations and hotels (sometimes up to 20 minutes). Taxis are payable locally and cash payment might be required.
Electric Supply & Plugs
Electrical supply is 220V/50 Hz and plugs usually have two round pins. We recommend a universal travel adapter.
Tour Itinerary Versions
Please ensure you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as itineraries may be amended. These tour notes were updated 10 December 2025.