From the romance of Paris to the vibrant soul of Istanbul — one unforgettable rail journey across 7 European countries.
Bookings close 20 days before departure
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?
Follow along a historic train route from France to Turkey
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.
Itinerary
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.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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!
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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
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.
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.
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.
This morning, say farewell to Hungary and hop on a private transfer to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city (approximately 4 hours). 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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours, not including the time it takes to cross the border from Hungary into Serbia. Wait times at the border vary, but can sometimes exceed 1 hour.
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. 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 stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum.
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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
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. 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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning, join your leader for an orientation walk of the main sights and some insight into the town’s history. Enjoy a free afternoon in this charming city, perhaps using the time to freshen up and grab some snacks 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.
Special information: Overnight trains on this trip are usually comfortable couchette cars, with 4 berths to a cabin. Please note that cabins are allocated on a mixed gender basis, with sheets, pillow, and a blanket provided, and communal bathrooms at the end of each carriage.
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 and the ancient Hippodrome. The afternoon is then free for you to continue exploring the city’s beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions.
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 can book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Join our fixed departure trip where you will travel with a small group of like minded people!
Would you like to experience this trip privately? Inquire on the availability now by filling the below form.
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesThursdayApril 22, 2027ThursdayMay 6, 2027SAR26,699SAR21,499SAR5,200 Off6Available
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesThursdayMay 20, 2027ThursdayJune 3, 2027SAR26,6995Available
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesThursdayAugust 19, 2027ThursdaySeptember 2, 2027SAR26,699SAR21,499SAR5,200 Off6Available
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesThursdayOctober 14, 2027ThursdayOctober 28, 2027SAR26,699SAR21,499SAR5,200 Off6Available
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation
- All transport mentioned
- Guides
- Activities mentioned:
- Strasbourg - Tarte Flambee
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit & Funicular
- Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
- Budapest - Castle Visit & Funicular Ride
- Novi Sad - Traditional Serbian Lunch at a Salas Property
- Belgrade - Fortress Visit
- Meals mentioned
- Entry fees
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights
- Visa (if required)
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal belongings insurance
- Meals except the mentioned in the itinerary.
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONS
Min. group size: 2 pax/ Max. group size: 12 pax
Gender group: mixed
Meeting Point: Hôtel Paris Lafayette, 23 rue des Messageries Paris 75010 FRANCE
Opened in 2007, the Hotel Paris La Fayette is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Paris. Nestled on the peaceful Rue des Messageries, it offers a perfect base for exploring the city. Start your day with a French breakfast featuring artisanal jams and pure Arabica coffee, enjoyed in a bright, glass-roofed room. Recently renovated, the hotel features natural materials and plant-inspired designs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Arrival:
To reach Paris Hotel Lafayette from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, take the RER B train to Gare du Nord (about 30-35 minutes). From Gare du Nord, the hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride or a short metro journey on Line 7 to Cadet or Le Peletier stations, followed by a brief walk. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle directly from the airport, which takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Luggage: Please keep your luggage as small and light as possible. You’ll be travelling on public transport where storage space is limited. You’ll need to be able to lift your luggage into storage racks, walk across cobblestone streets with it and carry it up and down stairs.
Transport: 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.
Going around: 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.
Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
Accommodation is automatically shared in double occupancy. If you book with an even number of guests, you will be sharing the room with your travel companion. If you book solo, you will share with another guest (might be of opposite gender). If you prefer to stay alone in your room, please purchase the single supplement at checkout.
Hotels in Europe often have rooms that can be small by American or Australian standards.
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.
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges.
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.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out within a reasonable time after booking. It is not included in the price of the trip. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
PRICES
Prices are dynamic and very based on seasonality. Please check the ‘DATES’ tab for specific prices. Discounts available at checkout for couples, families and groups of friends.
Cancellation policy:
- Up to 60 days prior to departure: the booking is 100% refundable except for the 0.3% non-refundable booking fee
- Between 59 days to 31 days prior to departure: the booking is 50% refundable except for the 0.3% non-refundable booking fee
- Between 30 days and 1 day as well as no show: the booking is 100% non-refundable.
FLIGHT INFO
Flights are not included.
There are a lot of direct flights from the GCC to Paris, France. Some examples:
Oman
- Oman Air: Muscat to Paris (CDG)
United Arab Emirates
- Emirates: Dubai to Paris (CDG)
- Air France: Dubai to Paris (CDG)
- Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi to Paris (CDG)
Qatar
- Qatar Airways: Doha to Paris (CDG)
Saudi Arabia
- Saudia: Riyadh to Paris (CDG)
- Saudia: Jeddah to Paris (CDG)
Kuwait
- Kuwait Airways: Kuwait City to Paris (CDG)
Bahrain
- Gulf Air: Manama to Paris (CDG)
There are many direct flights from Istanbul to the GCC. Some examples:
Oman
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Muscat
- Oman Air: Istanbul to Muscat
- Pegasus Airlines: Istanbul (SAW) to Muscat
- SalamAir: Istanbul (SAW) to Muscat
United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Dubai
- Emirates: Istanbul to Dubai
- flydubai: Istanbul to Dubai
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Abu Dhabi
- Etihad Airways: Istanbul to Abu Dhabi
Qatar
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Doha
- Qatar Airways: Istanbul to Doha
Saudi Arabia
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Riyadh
- Saudia: Istanbul to Riyadh
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Jeddah
- Saudia: Istanbul to Jeddah
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Dammam
Kuwait
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Kuwait City
- Kuwait Airways: Istanbul to Kuwait City
Bahrain
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Bahrain (Manama)
- Gulf Air: Istanbul to Bahrain
Qatar Airways: https://www.qatarairways.com/en-om/homepage.html
Emirates: https://www.emirates.com/om/english/
VISA INFO
Visas are not included in the package and must be arranged by travellers if required.
For the European Union (Schengen Area), most GCC nationals — including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain — are required to obtain a Schengen visa before traveling.
UAE citizens are the exception and can travel visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
For Turkey, all GCC citizens can travel without a visa for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travelers only need a valid passport, and entry is generally straightforward.
