Embark on an unforgettable rail journey tracking the historic route of the 19th Century Orient Express through Europe’s most captivating cities, historic sites, and vibrant cultures. Visit seven incredible countries, from the romantic streets of Paris to the cafes of Vienna and historic fortresses of Serbia before ending with vibrant bazaars and breathtaking architecture of Istanbul.
Situated with one foot in Europe and one in Asia, Istanbul is a fascinating mixing pot of cultures, sounds and experiences. Explore this enigmatic city for yourself during this extension.
Dinner
Depart from the UK and arrive in the captivating city of Paris. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. In your free time you could explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to the iconic Mona Lisa, or take a trip up the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of the City of Lights.
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before boarding your first high-speed train journey to Strasbourg, a unique city blending French and German cultures. On arrival, join a guided walking tour and savour a local specialty, tarte flambée — a delicious flatbread topped with cheese, onions, and bacon. The afternoon is free for you to explore; perhaps visit Strasbourg’s stunning Notre Dame Cathedral or the museums at Palais de Rohan.
Breakfast
After a leisurely morning, bid farewell to France and board a high-speed train to Munich. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour through the charming old town. In the evening, enjoy free time in the city known for its beer culture.
Breakfast
Spend a full day at leisure discovering Munich at your own pace. Visit the historic Altes Rathaus, marvel at the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus, or catch the famous Glockenspiel clock show.
Breakfast
Board a morning train to Austria, stopping first in Salzburg. Take the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg for breathtaking views of the city. After lunch, continue by train to Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, where you will spend the next two nights.
Breakfast
Discover Vienna’s rich cultural heritage on a guided half-day walking tour. Stop at the quirky Vollpension café for a traditional Viennese coffee and cake. The afternoon is free for further exploration; perhaps visit the stunning Schönbrunn Palace or take a ride on the famous Prater Ferris wheel.
Breakfast
Depart Vienna and take a scenic train journey to Budapest, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Enjoy a guided walking tour, then spend your afternoon at leisure. For a memorable experience, consider a relaxing cruise along the Danube River, admiring the bridges connecting the historic cities of Buda and Pest.
Breakfast
Visit the impressive Buda Castle, perched atop Castle Hill. Enjoy a funicular ride up the hill for sweeping views of the city. The afternoon is yours to explore; perhaps soak in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths or discover the lively atmosphere of the local markets.
Breakfast & Lunch
Travel onwards to Serbia, stopping in Novi Sad for a traditional Serbian lunch at a charming salas property. Explore this vibrant city on a guided tour before continuing by train to Belgrade. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and relax for the evening.
Breakfast
Start your day with a guided walking tour of Belgrade. Visit Kalemegdan Fortress, offering spectacular views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure; perhaps explore the impressive Hram Svetog Save or visit the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about Serbia’s greatest inventor.
Breakfast
Embark on a scenic train journey to Niš, one of Europe’s oldest cities. On arrival, join a guided walking tour before spending the afternoon at leisure. Consider visiting the remains of the ancient Mediana Palace, once home to Constantine the Great.
Breakfast
This morning, transfer by coach to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and lush parks. In the afternoon, continue by train to Plovdiv, an ancient city nestled along the Maritsa River.
Breakfast
Discover Plovdiv’s fascinating history on a guided walking tour. Visit the Roman theatre, unearthed in the 1970s after a landslide, and enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe. After a free afternoon, board an overnight sleeper train for a journey to Istanbul.
Breakfast
Arrive early in Istanbul and drop your luggage at the hotel before heading out to explore the vibrant Old City. Visit the stunning Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and bustling bazaars.
Breakfast
Spend some extra time in Istanbul after your tour. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Visit impressive landmarks or take a stroll along the many vibrant shops and cafes. Take time to uncover the city’s unique blend of history and modern charm.
Breakfast
Bid farewell to Istanbul as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in May 2026 and June 2026
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter Europe (and all Schengen countries) your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
A visa is not required for your trip to France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria or Turkey however further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We recommend you check with your destination's tourist board or embassy prior to departure for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Please note that final flight details, including terminal, airline and baggage allowance, will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport and boarding pass to the staff at the desk.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org. uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing steep stairs and getting on and off transport such as coaches and trains. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency throughout France, Germany and Austria is the Euro. The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). The currency used in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD) which is a closed currency. This means it is not possible to buy Serbian money in the UK before you travel. The currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (GGN). The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY)
It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive. There are foreign exchange offices and cash machines available in most places during your tour. Your tour guide can assist you in each country with currency exchange. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants; a charge is sometimes added for using them.
The currency in Turkey is Turkish Lira, however we recommend that you take GBP (Euros are also accepted). Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £700 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. We would recommend approximately £10 per person per day which is split between the drive and guide. Should you wish to tip, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 15, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 15 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide who will be with you for the whole of the tour/ in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge.
Your stay in Istanbul is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included.
Throughout your tour, you'll be boarding and disembarking several trains, all of which are reserved in air-conditioned 2nd class carriages on trains during the day. Overnight you will have a sleeper compartment. Each compartment has an upper and lower berth, a small wash-basin and table. All necessary bedding is provided, along with soap and a towel. The berths can be folded away to reveal two seats for daytime use. There is a 2-pin power outlet for electric razors, but no specific outlet for mobile phones or laptops. You may wish to bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged. Toilets are located at the end of the carriages. There’s no shower or dedicated dining car, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and water for the journey. Your guide will keep you informed of any changes along the way.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
On your arrival in Paris, you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Happy Tours, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Happy Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
Emergency Contact Telephone number:
+386 64 122 013, West department emergency phone
Istanbul City Stay:
If you need to contact a representative from Libero Tours during your stay. Contact number - + 90 549 618 1835
