15 Apr 2027
Twin share
£3,950pp
Escorted tour
Paris to Istanbul by Rail: Express to the Orient – 15 Days
Seven countries by train from Paris to Istanbul, with an overnight train finale, in a group of up to 12.
15 days
From £3,755
Tour overview
This 15-day small-group journey follows in the tracks of the legendary Orient Express, travelling by train across Europe from Paris to Istanbul through seven countries. Groups have up to 12 travellers aged 15 and over, with a leader throughout. You travel mostly by high-speed and regional train, with private transfers where needed, and stay thirteen nights in hotels plus one night on an overnight train to Istanbul. Twelve breakfasts and a traditional Serbian lunch are included, along with tastes of each country, from tarte flambée in Strasbourg to coffee and cake in a Viennese café.
From Paris, the City of Light, a high-speed train takes you to Strasbourg, on the border of France and Germany, with its half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral, where you try tarte flambée. Continuing to Munich, you have time to explore the Bavarian capital's beer halls, palaces and old town, then travel to Salzburg to ride the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress before continuing to Vienna.
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In Vienna an orientation walk introduces the imperial city, with its grand palaces and café culture, and a classic Kaffee und Kuchen experience. A train east brings you to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, where you visit Buda Castle by funicular and have time for thermal baths and ruin bars. A private transfer to Novi Sad, Serbia's second city, includes a traditional lunch on a family farm, before you reach Belgrade, the White City, at the meeting of the Danube and Sava rivers.
A long train ride takes you to Nis, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, then a transfer to Sofia, Bulgaria's cosmopolitan capital, and on to Plovdiv, with its Roman theatre and colourful old town. From here you board an overnight train, arriving in Istanbul in the early morning, ready to explore the city where Europe meets Asia.
The physical rating is medium, with long travel days and carrying luggage on trains. This trip suits rail lovers and curious travellers who want to cross Europe slowly, seeing great capitals and lesser-known Balkan cities. Pack light, as you carry your own bags on and off the trains.
Trip highlights
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Tarte flambée in Strasbourg (Day 2)
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Salzburg's Hohensalzburg Fortress (Day 5)
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Coffee and cake in Vienna (Day 6)
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Buda Castle by funicular (Day 8)
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A Serbian farm lunch in Novi Sad (Day 9)
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An overnight train into Istanbul (Day 13)
Your route
12 stops from Paris to Istanbul
- Paris Day 1
- Strasbourg Day 2
- Munich Days 3–4
- Salzburg Day 5
- Vienna Days 5–6
- Budapest Days 7–8
- Novi Sad Day 9
- Belgrade Days 9–10
- Nis Day 11
- Sofia Day 12
- Plovdiv Days 12–13
- Istanbul Days 14–15
Why choose this tour
The classic Orient Express route by train, at a fraction of the price. Great capitals and lesser-known Balkan cities in one journey.
Best suited to
- Rail enthusiasts
- Travellers who enjoy slow travel
- Solo travellers looking for a small group
- Return visitors to Europe
Day-by-day itinerary
15 days from Paris, France to Istanbul, Turkey
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Day 1 · Paris Arrive in Paris
A welcome meeting in the City of Light.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Strasbourg Strasbourg
A high-speed train and tarte flambée.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Strasbourg, Munich Munich
A free morning, then to Bavaria.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Munich Munich
A free day in Munich.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 5 · Salzburg, Vienna Salzburg to Vienna
The fortress by funicular, then Vienna.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 6 · Vienna Vienna
An orientation walk and coffee and cake.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 7 · Budapest Budapest
A train east to the Danube.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Buda Castle Budapest
Buda Castle and the city.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 9 · Novi Sad, Belgrade Novi Sad to Belgrade
A Serbian farm lunch on the way.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Lunch
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Day 10 · Belgrade Belgrade
A walk through the White City.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 11 · Nis Nis
A long train ride south.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 12 · Sofia, Plovdiv Sofia to Plovdiv
Bulgaria's capital, then Plovdiv.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 13 · Plovdiv Plovdiv
A walk, then the night train.
- Hotel
- Overnight train
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 14 · Istanbul Istanbul
Arrive at about 7am to explore.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 15 · Istanbul Trip ends
The trip ends after breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Paris (1 night) Hotel
- Strasbourg (1 night) Hotel
- Munich (2 nights) Hotel
- Vienna (2 nights) Hotel
- Budapest (2 nights) Hotel
- Belgrade (2 nights) Hotel
- Nis (1 night) Hotel
- Plovdiv (1 night) Hotel
- Plovdiv to Istanbul (1 night) Overnight train
- Istanbul (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 13 nights in hotels and 1 on an overnight train
- Meals 12 breakfasts and 1 lunch
- High-speed and regional trains, the overnight train and private transfers
- Tarte flambée in Strasbourg
- Hohensalzburg Fortress and funicular
- Kaffee und Kuchen in Vienna and Buda Castle funicular
- Traditional Serbian lunch
- Leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 2 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners
- Optional activities
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want luggage handled — you carry bags on trains
- You dislike long travel days
- You want luxury trains — these are regular services
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 2–8, 10–13 and 15 · Lunch: Day 9 · Dinner: none included
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £3,755 per person, twin share, tour only. 43 upcoming departures.
22 Apr 2027
Twin share
£3,845pp
29 Apr 2027
Twin share
£4,035pp
06 May 2027
Twin share
£4,035pp
13 May 2027
Twin share
£4,055pp
20 May 2027
Twin share
£3,980pp
27 May 2027
Twin share
£4,000pp
03 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,755pp
10 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,755pp
24 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,755pp
08 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,755pp
22 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,755pp
05 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,755pp
19 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,775pp
02 Sept 2027
Twin share
£3,885pp
09 Sept 2027
Twin share
£3,960pp
16 Sept 2027
Twin share
£4,320pp
23 Sept 2027
Twin share
£4,450pp
30 Sept 2027
Twin share
£4,370pp
07 Oct 2027
Twin share
£4,015pp
14 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,905pp
21 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,905pp
13 Apr 2028
Twin share
£3,920pp
20 Apr 2028
Twin share
£4,035pp
27 Apr 2028
Twin share
£4,160pp
04 May 2028
Twin share
£4,235pp
11 May 2028
Twin share
£4,235pp
18 May 2028
Twin share
£4,180pp
25 May 2028
Twin share
£4,180pp
01 Jun 2028
Twin share
£4,060pp
08 Jun 2028
Twin share
£3,940pp
22 Jun 2028
Twin share
£3,940pp
06 Jul 2028
Twin share
£3,940pp
20 Jul 2028
Twin share
£3,940pp
03 Aug 2028
Twin share
£3,940pp
17 Aug 2028
Twin share
£3,940pp
31 Aug 2028
Twin share
£3,895pp
07 Sept 2028
Twin share
£4,005pp
14 Sept 2028
Twin share
£4,085pp
21 Sept 2028
Twin share
£4,535pp
28 Sept 2028
Twin share
£4,670pp
05 Oct 2028
Twin share
£4,535pp
12 Oct 2028
Twin share
£4,100pp
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Is this the Orient Express?
No, it follows the historic route on regular trains, not the luxury service.
Do I carry my own luggage?
Yes, on and off trains, so pack light.
What is the overnight train like?
A sleeper train with shared compartments between Bulgaria and Turkey.
Do I need visas?
UK visitors do not usually need visas for these countries for a short stay. Check before you travel.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 15.
How many people travel together?
Up to 12 travellers, with a leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary