London to Istanbul Rail Adventure
Small Group Tour
From Big Ben to the Bosphorus. An Epic Rail Odyssey
A unique opportunity to travel in comfort and style all the way by train from the UK to Istanbul.
Fully escorted by Undiscovered Destinations’ senior travel consultant Mark Huggins, enjoy a thoroughly well-planned journey which includes all trains and hotels, together with sightseeing excursions provided by experienced locally based guides.
Our adventure starts from London’s impressive Gothic revival St. Pancras station. Meet Mark by the statue of poet laureate John Betjeman who led the campaign to save the station from being demolished. Travel by Eurostar to Paris where we will break our journey for lunch in the opulent surroundings of the Gare de Lyon’s famous Train Bleu restaurant. Continue by high-speed TGV-Lyria to Zurich for an overnight stop before taking a swish Austrian Railjet train the next day from Zurich to Vienna. Enjoy an optional lunch served at your seat as we cross the fabulous Arlberg Pass through the Alps and onto the Austrian capital for an overnight stay. The next morning, we have time for a walking tour of Vienna, before we head to our next destination, Budapest. In a little under three hours another Railjet train will bring us to the Hungarian capital where will be break our journey for two nights. We will explore the city on walking tour, with time for coffee and cake in one of the cafes on the elegant Andrássy Avenue.
The next leg of our epic adventure takes us into fabled Transylvania, as we travel through the scenic Carpathian Mountains. We will immerse ourselves in the rich history of Romania’s largest fortress, the Alba Iulia Citadel, and enjoy wine tasting in its 300 year old cellars. We continue our journey eastwards to the city of Brasov, where we will join a ranger and spot brown bears in the wilds of the Transylvanian forests. The next day we meet our guide to explore the local area including the medieval fortified city of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We continue our adventure by taking a train from Brasov to Bucharest where we will break our journey for the night in the Romanian capital, giving us enough time for a city tour before we head south to neighbouring Bulgaria. Sadly, for this leg of our journey, given the lack of a reliable rail service, we need to travel by road. The distance between the two capitals is about 240 miles, but we will take our time and stop along the way to visit the rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before reaching our luxury hotel in Sofia. During our two night stay in the Bulgarian capital, we will explore what is probably one of Europe’s most underrated cities and enjoy a traditional folklore show and dinner.
As we approach the final leg of our transcontinental adventure we take the train from Sofia to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city. Like Rome, Plovdiv straddles seven hills; but as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, it is far more ancient. With our local guide we will explore its romantic old town, packed with colourful and creaky 19th-century mansions that are now house-museums and galleries, before we board the overnight sleeper train, bound for Istanbul.
Having reached the Bosporus flight-free, and mostly by train, our adventure will conclude with a stay at the iconic Pera Palace Hotel. Although our journey has been made by regular modern-day trains, this is still the place for overland travellers to stay. Easily the most famous and historic hotel in Istanbul, the Pera Palace was built in 1892 by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits to accommodate the passengers arriving by train on the Orient Express from London and Paris. Agatha Christie, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and even King George V have all stayed here. And it was here, in room 411, that supposedly Christie penned her famous novel, Murder on the Orient Express. Join Mark and your fellow travellers as we enjoy a farewell dinner served in the hotel’s Agatha Restaurant. A truly fitting way to celebrate our own version of the Orient Express.
Map + Tour Itinerary
Explore the itinerary in detail to get a sense of where you’ll be on each day of the adventure.
Meet your Undiscovered Destinations tour leader at London’s St. Pancras station by the John Betjeman statue. Take the Eurostar to Paris (light breakfast at seat). At Gare du Nord, transfer by road to Gare de Lyon and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the iconic Le Train Bleu restaurant. Continue to Zurich on the high-speed TGV-Lyria through French and Swiss landscapes. Arrive around 8:30pm and walk to your hotel, ibis Styles Zurich City Center or similar. (BL)
Train Bleu Restaurant
A serene, opulent Parisian masterpiece built for the 1900 World’s Fair. Murals and art in a grand setting—an ideal start to the trip.
After breakfast, depart mid-morning by Austrian Railjet to Vienna via the epic Arlberg Pass. Ride beside Zürichsee and Walensee, through valleys and Alpine villages. Optional lunch may be purchased and served at your seat (cards accepted). Arrive and transfer to Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof or similar. (B)
Enjoy Vienna on a morning walking/public transport tour with a local guide. See historic and modern highlights before taking a mid-afternoon Railjet down the Danube Valley to Budapest’s Keleti station. Walk to and check in for a two-night stay at Intercity Hotel Budapest or similar. (B)
Meet the guide for a four-hour tour by foot and public transport: see classic and modern Budapest, pause for cake and coffee, and visit Castle Hill for views over the Danube. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Intercity Hotel Budapest or similar. (B)
Note: Guide leaves you at Castle Hill; enjoy a scenic walk or take public transport back.
After breakfast, take the “Claudiopolis” intercity train to Alba Iulia (approx. 9 hours). Scenery transforms from Hungarian plains to Romanian mountains and forests as you follow the Mureș River into Transylvania. Arrive by 6pm; walk 2km (or taxi) to Hotel Transilvania or similar. (B)
Note: Food/drink not assured on the train—prepare provisions or arrange a hotel picnic.
Stroll to Alba Carolina Citadel after breakfast; tour this grand fortress with a local guide. Enjoy wine and cheese tasting in 300-year-old cellars. Afternoon free. Overnight Hotel Transilvania or similar. (B)
Train to Brasov (about 5 hours), with scenery of valleys and medieval fortifications. Walk 1.3km to hotel. Later, join a local ranger and guide for a 3–4 hour bear watching trek in Transylvanian forests (bears, wild boar, deer, lynx possible). Overnight Kronwell Hotel or similar. (B)
Note: Food/drink not assured on the train—purchase in advance or request hotel picnic.
Explore Sighisoara (UNESCO medieval fortified city), Viscri village & Saxon church, and hilltop Rupea Citadel on a full-day tour. Return to Brasov, Kronwell Hotel or similar. (B)
Notes: Meals/drinks are not included; lunch stop is at your own expense. A shorter tour, including Bran Castle, can be arranged instead.
Travel by morning train (2.5hrs) to Bucharest. At Gara Nord, short transfer to the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest or similar. After lunch (own cost), enjoy a private vehicle city tour (Parliament, Royal Palace, Revolution Square, Calea Victoriei). (B)
Road travel to Sofia with a stop at UNESCO-listed Ivanovo rock-hewn churches. End at Hyatt Regency Sofia or similar for two nights. (B)
Note: Uphill walking required at Ivanovo; suitable footwear suggested.
Guided 2–3 hour walking tour, including Central Market Hall, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Old City. Remainder of day free. Evening folk music/dance dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight Hyatt Regency Sofia or similar. (BD)
Road to Plovdiv (2 hours). Tour the historic old town with a guide. Dinner (own account) then board the overnight sleeper train to Istanbul (private four-berth compartments). Passport and luggage check at the Turkish border. (B)
Notes: Luggage stays with driver during sightseeing. Plovdiv old town requires uneven/cobbled walking.
Arrive at Istanbul’s Halkali station (suburbs), transfer to the Pera Palace Hotel (pre-booked for immediate check-in). Breakfast at hotel, free time, then meet guide for private food tour including Çiçek Pasajı (Cité de Péra) with historic tastings. Overnight Pera Palace Hotel. (BL)
Pera Palace Hotel
A neo-classical icon for Orient Express travellers, home to Agatha Christie and Atatürk. Museum room and 1920s grandeur.
Full day guided tour: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar (lunch included). Evening farewell Agatha Restaurant dinner. Overnight Pera Palace Hotel. (BLD)
After breakfast, checkout and private airport transfer for onward travel. (B)
| Destination | Tour Code | Start | End | Trip Status | Pricing Per person |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
London to Istanbul - Rail Adventure
|
LIR/080526 |
May 08, 2026
Friday |
May 22, 2026
Friday |
Guaranteed |
£4,990.00
Single Room Supplement: £1,250.00
|
Contact us |
|
London to Istanbul - Rail Adventure
|
LIR/070527 |
May 07, 2027
Friday |
May 21, 2027
Friday |
Guaranteed |
£4,990.00
Single Room Supplement: £1,250.00
|
Contact us |
Tour Inclusions
- All accommodation
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) where shown in the itinerary
- Rail travel based on first class seats for daytime journeys and private sleeping compartments for overnight journeys.
- Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary, with the services of a private English-speaking guide or driver/guide
- Transfers as per itinerary with a private car or minibus
- Unless stated otherwise, entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Hotel to airport private transfer in Istanbul
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas – when required
- Meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Tips (Discretionary)e services of an Undiscovered Destinations’ tour leader
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.
Essential Info
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the there are no warnings for travel to any of the countries 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.
UK, US, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel in EU states, Albania or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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.t the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Romania. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
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.
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.
As with travel to most parts of Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
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 (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
The itinerary has been carefully planned based on the latest train schedules, but timings can change at short notice, or the days of the week that a particular train normally operates can also change. This will potentially require amending our itinerary and the number of nights that we stay in each city. Before you are asked to accept any changes our experienced travel consultants will of course discuss the options with you. These may well be limited, so it is important that you can be flexible.
This journey will be best suited to experienced travellers and to those who are comfortable in carrying their own luggage unassisted. This is important as trains in Europe do not provide an airline style checked-in baggage service. Each passenger is responsible for their own luggage, which they will keep with them on each leg of the trip. On occasions this will mean storing luggage in the racks provided above the seats. Although the group, a maximum of 12 travellers, will be escorted throughout by a tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations, their role is primarily one of managing the logistics and liaising with the locally based guides who will be responsible for providing guided tours and excursions along the way.
In addition to the need to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, it should be noted that in most locations it will be necessary to walk from the railway station to our hotel and back. Where possible the hotels will be located just a short stroll from the station, but in some cities, it might be a longer walk of 15 minutes or so. Please see the itinerary below for further details and do get in touch before booking if you have any concerns.