The Balkans & Transylvania from Budapest to Istanbul

Budapest (Hungary)

Our journey through eastern Europe begins with two nights in this extraordinary city but if you’d like additional time to soak up the city’s treasures, we can tailor your journey to suit.

Join fellow travelers and your Constellation Journey Leaders at a special welcome event this evening.

Budapest

Budapest spills across the Danube and divides into two parts – Buda and Pest. Today the choice is yours.

Embark on a walking tour around the Buda Castle District, with spectacular views from the Citadel. Drive along the two kilometre Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square, marvelling at the incredible architecture of the Basilica and the Opera House. This afternoon visit the delightful artists village of Szentendre.

Explore the nearby wine region of Eytek, sample the local production and enjoy lunch at a winery restaurant.

This evening we cruise the Danube aboard a privately chartered Danube River ship for a special dinner.

Budapest – Cluj-Napoca (Romania)

Join our private train this morning. Relive the pleasure of lunch and dinner in the Dining Car before arriving in the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca and transferring to our hotel this evening.

Cluj-Napoca - Sibiu

This morning we discover the ‘capital’ of Transylvania. Walking around Unirii Square you’re within easy reach of the city’s key historic sites and art museums.

Back aboard our private train you’re served another delicious lunch, accompanied by fine wines. Wine, beer and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks are provided aboard the train.

This afternoon we arrive in the medieval Romanian town of Sibiu.

Sibiu

An exploration by foot with our local guide reveals the charms and Germanic architecture of delightful Sibiu. Pass by the 12th century medieval walls and through the quaint streets. Our walking tour concludes with lunch in the charismatic old town square.

This afternoon is yours to meander through the cobblestone streets at your own pace, pausing for coffee or drink at a local café, or perhaps ducking into a shop or two.

Alternatively, join a tour to Astra, Europe’s largest open-air museum, featuring traditional architecture and exhibitions.

Sibiu - Brasov

Travelling aboard our own train means we set the timetable, making time for a side trip to the perfectly intact 16th century town of Sighisoara. Cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches fill our morning before lunch aboard our train and a relaxing journey onwards to Brasov.

Dinner this evening is a stylish restaurant in the old town.

Brasov

Join our local expert as they introduce us to the once fortified city of Brasov. The 600-year-old Black Church is a gothic wonder and the nearby fairytale like Catherine Gate survives since medieval times. Walk one of Europe’s narrowest streets and follow a path between the city’s walls and canal to the Black Tower for fantastic views over the city. You will be well versed in the sights and stories of Brasov before lunch in the foothills of Poiana Brasov ski resort.

This afternoon is free for you to absorb the atmosphere of this feel-good city.

This evening we get up close and personal to the legend of Bram Stoker, with a memorable dinner inside Bran Castle.

Sinaia

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving deep into the Carpathian Mountains and the fairytale like town of Sinaia, nestled in a picturesque valley. The highlight is a visit to Peles Castle, considered by many to be one of Europe’s great castles. From one castle to another, lunch today is at Cantacuzino Castle, specialising in French cuisine.

Back in Brasov, this evening we dine in an atmospheric old town restaurant.

Brasov - Bucharest

We waste no time acquainting ourselves with the vibrant capital. A walking tour provides a glimpse into the city’s rich history and thriving culture. Starting at Lively Lispscani Street we’ll see the splendid architecture, numerous historical landmarks and absorb the carefree atmosphere of this area.

This evening you’re invited to a special dinner at the elegant Dome Restaurant, located in the former chamber of commerce building.

After dinner you may wish to return to the hotel or enjoy a nightcap at one of the many nearby bars or cafes.

Bucharest

This morning we visit Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament, the world’s largest administrative building. This colossal structure born out of former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s reign is particularly renown for its ornate interiors. We also visit Ceausescu Mansion, the former private residence of Ceausescu and his family.

A delightful lunch is served in the gardens of Casa Doina.

This afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Bucharest is easily navigable by foot and offers a bevy of historic and cosmopolitan delights.

Get ready for a bit fun this evening, dinner at the rustic ‘Beer Cart’ restaurant brings the good times. Return to your hotel after dinner or let the good times roll on at a nearby bar.

Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria)

Crossing borders in eastern Europe used to take hours, today you’ll barely notice you’ve moved from Romania to Bulgaria. Disembarking at the quaint town of Veliko Tarnovo there’s time for a walking tour around the welcoming streets and to enjoy afternoon tea at a local restaurant with views across the horseshoe shaped valley below. Later we drive a short distance to our accommodation in nearby Arbanassi.

Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia

Awake refreshed in the Bulgarian countryside and rejoin our train, with another delicious lunch on board, before reaching Sofia later this afternoon.

Check in to our luxury hotel and step into the atmospheric old town for a saunter around the cobblestone streets of this ancient city.

Dinner this evening will be one to remember. Dining at The Residence we have access to one of Sofia’s most exclusive private clubs.

Sofia

Discover the city today, joining a local guide on a walking tour including the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St Nicholas Church and the Opera House. Visit the History Museum and step inside the Eastern Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelya. Replenish your energy with lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon is yours to explore independently.

Sofia - Plovdiv

A short trip and lunch aboard our train this morning brings you to Plovdiv, lesser known than Sofia but arguably even more appealing.

Low-rise orange tiled roofs, framed by green hills dominate the landscape, Ottoman era buildings line winding cobbled streets and Kapana, the creative heart of the city, is a fantastic place to enjoy a cool drink and watch the passing parade of pedestrians.

We take it all in on a guided walk around the old town before checking in to our superbly located hotel.

Plovdiv – Istanbul (Turkey)

Your journey across the Balkans continues today. Aboard our private train we push further east, into Turkey and onto the magnificent city of Istanbul. A longer journey today gives you an opportunity to absorb all you’ve seen and encountered through eastern Europe – pick up the book you’ve neglected all trip or watch the world slide by. Or perhaps you’d prefer to join fellow travellers for a yarn and game of cards in the Bar Car.

Istanbul

Today is yours to discover one of the world’s most impressive cities. From the 21,000 dazzling roof tiles of the Blue Mosque to the extraordinary Hagia Sophia built in 537 AD.

Dine tonight on Turkish specialties at a local restaurant.

Istanbul

Our final day of discovery takes us to Istanbul's famous Spice Market and to the Dolmabache Palace, a vivid example of the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.

We come together tonight for a very special farewell dinner

Depart

Our extraordinary journey has come to an end, you’ve done a deep dive into countries that 30 years ago saw very few Western visitors, and even today are often overlooked by tourists. You’ll arrive home feeling invigorated by the unique energy that flows from the intersection of Western and Eastern cultures.