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Budapest to Tehran by Rail
28 days, Budapest to Tehrān
Itinerary
Day 1Budapest
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Budapest/Sibiu
Enjoy an orientation walk of Budapest to get a feel for this westernized city with eastern charm. Opt to spend free time visiting Buda Castle, wandering the streets of Pest, or soaking in a thermal bath. In the evening, board an overnight train to Sibiu.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
So much to do in this city - get out and explore!
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Buda Castle Visit
1500HUF per personSet on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.
Budapest Bike Tour
28EUR per personJoin a group for a guided city tour by bike. Buzz around the city on two wheels to cover more ground and get your blood pumping.
Thermal Baths Visit
5700HUF per personBring two towels, your bathing suit and an aching body and prepare to be healed in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Built in 1913, you can test the waters of 18 different pools (15 of which are spring fed) amidst stunning neo-Baroque architecture. Play chess on floating chessboards, relax in the whirlpools and explore the wonderful mosaic domes of these historic thermal steam rooms.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Sibiu/Sighișoara
With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region.
Explore Sighisoara's medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the area. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.
Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sighișoara Region Guided Tour
Coast over rolling hills and into rural villages, learning about the life and folklore of olden times from our expert local guide.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Clock Tower Visit
FreeEnjoy a visit to the Clock Tower, also known as the Council Tower -- it's Sighisoara's main point of attraction. It was built in the second half of the 14th century and expanded in the 16th century. After a fire in 1676 when the town's gunpowder deposits located in the Tailors' Tower exploded, Austrian artists rebuilt the roof of the tower in its present baroque style and, in 1894, colourful tiles were added.
The History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie)
5RON per personExplore the Renaissance furniture, medical instruments, fine arts, and more in this museum located inside the Clock Tower -- it's been around since 1899!
Casa Dracula (Vlad Dracul Restaurant)
10-50RON per personYou will not be digging your canine teeth into any humans at the Casa Dracula. Once the original home for Vlad the Impaler, who was the model for Count Dracula, it is now a restaurant specialising in the hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
The Church of the Dominican Monastery Visit
FreeEnjoy a visit to the Church of the Dominican Monastery. Built in the late Gothic style, it was last repaired in 1929, quite some time after it was first attested in a document back in 1298.
Day 4Sighișoara/Braşov
Ride the rails to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania. Use some free time to explore the baroque architecture, beautiful squares, or just get acquainted with the rhythm of Romania.
Enjoy charming Brasov. Opt to explore the 'Black Church' or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés. Walk in the medieval centre, one of the best preserved in Romania.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Visit
8RON per personThe Black Church is the biggest church between Vienna and Istanbul. It's a famous landmark of the town of Brasov, is Romania's leading Gothic church, and has the largest church bell in the country, weighing a hefty 7 tons (6,350 kg)! Explore its beautiful interior, including stained glass windows and its collection of 119 Turkish carpets, the largest in Europe.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.
Bran Castle Visit
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle, impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley. This 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore and is an unmissable highlight. Sometimes called "Dracula's Castle", it served as a defense point to protect the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Rumours abound regarding Dracula's interaction with the castle. You'll have to visit to find out the truth.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) Visit
Get ready to go back in history with a visit to Catherine's Gate, built in 1559 and the only original gate to have survived from medieval times.
Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta)
5-8RON per personTake in the impressive and varied art at this museum, including anonymous 18th century painters from Transylvania to the most famous Romanian artists of the 20th century. It also boasts beautiful European crystal and porcelain and a significant collection of Oriental vases and statuettes.
Schei District Visit
During the Saxon rule of Brasov, from the 13th to the 17th century, Romanians were forbidden from owning property inside the citadel walls and so they settled in the southwestern Schei district.
Walk up Strada Prundului to Piata Unirii and the beautiful St. Nicholas Church; then, wander around the small curving streets that gradually slope upwards against the hill. Continue to the southern end of Schei and you'll end up on the gravel road to the impressive Solomon's Rocks (Pietrele lui Solomon), a popular picnic area for locals during the weekend but relatively quiet all other times.
Brasov History Museum
7RON per personExplore the rare exhibits that showcase Brasov's history, including stone tools from the Paleolithic age and painted ceramics from the Neolithic age, at this impressive museum.
Tampa Mountain Visit
Free-16RON per personTampa Mountain towers over the city of Brasov at 914.4m (3,000ft). Choose to hike to the top of the mountain, or take a cable car if you prefer, but the views from the top of the old town are not to be missed.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Braşov/Bucharest
Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
National History Museum Visit
Boasting more than 650,000 items, the museum, inaugurated in 1972, gives visitors a true understanding of Romanian culture. Housed in the former historic monument once known as the Palace of the Post, it is situated in the old historical centre of Bucharest.
National Village Museum Visit
Check out examples of Romanian rural architecture at this outdoor museum that's literally a park 10 hectares large. It boasts rural homes built in the styles throughout Romania as well as churches, outhouses, and mills -- you'll really feel like you're walking through a Romanian village. To give an even more authentic feel to things, many structures are filled with furniture and pieces from the eras they replicate.
Arch of Triumph Visit
FreeEnjoy a visit to the Arch of Triumph to marvel at the exterior of this historic monument. The arch was initially built to celebrate Romania's independence so troops could march under it on their return to the city in 1878. The current arch was built in 1936, it replaced the wooden and quickly built structures that stood before.
Palace of the Parliament Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, which contains both chambers of the Romanian parliament as well as the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC). It's the world's largest civilian building with an administrative function, according to the World Records Academy; it's also the most expensive administrative building.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine.
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Start exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Tsarevets Fortress Visit
6BGN per personThe Tsarevets fortress, just 1km (.62 mi) outside central Veliko Tarnovo, is a must-see. This huge complex has been an important stronghold for thousands of years, and you can wander at will around the remains of homes, churches, and watch towers dating from the 5th to the 12th century.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Veliko Tarnovo
Hike to the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo. Opt to go mountain biking or view the murals at the Church of the Nativity.
Arbanasi Village Visit
Enjoy a visit to Arbanasi. This hilltop village was the residence of choice for the wealthy Roman elite and is still a country haven for the high-flyers of modern Bulgaria. The views all around and down to Veliko Tarnovo are amazing.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Nativity Church Visit
6BGN per personVisit the 16th-century Church of the Nativity to see the amazing murals.
Mountain Biking
7EUR per personHit the trails and enjoy the scenic countryside of Bulgaria on two wheels.
Day 9Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia
Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.
Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Visit
Free-6BGN per personDon't miss the stunning gold-domed Alexander Nevsky church, honouring the Russian liberators whose contribution saw the end of Ottoman rule in Bulgaria.
Vitosha Boulevard Visit
FreeEnjoy a stroll down Sofia's chic pedestrian area, Vitosha Boulevard.
Ladies' Market Visit
FreeEnjoy a visit to the eclectic Ladies' Market - Sofia’s biggest market for fresh produce, meats, fish, cheeses and spices.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Sofia/Plovdiv
Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Visit the hilly old town, museums, or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis, one of the many Roman ruins found here.
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Plovdiv Old Town Visit
FreePlovdiv is one of the oldest towns on earth, dating back as far as 4000 BC. Wander the atmospheric streets of the hilly area and view the colourful buildings. Opt to visit cafés or restaurants in this living museum.
Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit
5BGN per personVisit the Ethnographic Museum, which has an impressive collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes.
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit
3BGN per personGo back nearly 2,000 years and tread in the steps of Roman legionnaires by visiting the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Plovdiv/Istanbul
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an overnight train to Istanbul.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Occasionally, the overnight train to Istanbul will not be running. In those cases, we will use the overnight bus service instead.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit
3BGN per personGo back nearly 2,000 years and tread in the steps of Roman legionnaires by visiting the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis.
Plovdiv Old Town Visit
FreePlovdiv is one of the oldest towns on earth, dating back as far as 4000 BC. Wander the atmospheric streets of the hilly area and view the colourful buildings. Opt to visit cafés or restaurants in this living museum.
Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit
5BGN per personVisit the Ethnographic Museum, which has an impressive collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Istanbul
Take a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Aya Sofya, and the Topkapı Palace.
After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents.
In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner for travellers coming from Budapest or London and a welcome dinner for travellers joining the tour here to continue to Tehran.
Day 13Istanbul/Ankara
Enjoy some free time in the morning before catching a train to Ankara.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Ankara/Göreme
Visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, before driving to the Cappadocia region. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Visit Anitkabir before transferring to the town of Göreme, the base for exploring Cappadocia. With 2.5 days free to explore, there will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride.
During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family
Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.
Anitkabir Visit
Visit the monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the republic of Turkey. Learn about his significance to gain more insight into your Turkish exploration.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 15Göreme
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region. Opt to see it from above on a hot air balloon ride.
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
If you pre-booked the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying today (weather permitting).
Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour
Be inspired by the natural beauty of the historic Göreme Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Tour the more than 10 caves on site, and enjoy the color and vibrancy of many of the churches that are up to 1,000 years old.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Göreme/Tatvan
Enjoy one more morning in Cappadocia before driving to nearby Kayseri. Board an overnight train for Eastern Turkey.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Tatvan/Van
Arrive to Tatvan and board a ferry for the scenic ride across Lake Van. Arrive to the other side and the town of Van in the afternoon.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Day 18Van
Enjoy a day trip to Mt Ararat with a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace.
Day 19Van
Use a full day here to enjoy Lake Van. Drive to Gevas for a short cruise to Ahtamara Island to visit a beautiful Armenian Church. Opt to swim at the local beach.
Day 20Van/Tehrān
Enjoy another day in the Van area with a visit to the Van Castle. Board the Trans-Asia train in the evening for the journey to Tehran.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Day 21Tehrān
Spend the day absorbing the scenery from the train, arriving into Tehran in the evening.
Day 22Tehrān/Shiraz
Explore Tehran with a local guide, visiting the Sa’d Abad Palace and National Jewel Museum before boarding an evening train to Shiraz.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 23Shiraz
Arrive in Shiraz in the late morning. Spend the day visiting the Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Mosque, and the tombs of Hafez and Sa’adi.
There is free time to explore the city's beautiful Regents mosque, Nasiralmolk mosque, Khan madrasa, Bagh-e Eram gardens, and perhaps even listen to some poetry being recited at the Hafez tomb.
This vibrant student city is buzzing with life and is a great place to interact with some Iran's youth.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 24Shiraz
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis, the ceremonial palace of Darius, and admire its amazingly well-preserved carvings. Later, wander the streets and mingle with the students in laid-back Shiraz.
Travel to Persepolis to explore this fascinating sight. On the way back to Shiraz, visit the rock cut tombs at Naqsh-e-Rostam, the burial place of Darius the Great and his successors.
With free time, enjoy the vibe of Shiraz.
Persepolis Tour
Visit the country's premier attraction, Persepolis. In Greek, Persepolis literally means the 'capital of Persia'. It was built in 518 BC by Darius the Great as the capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire. Alexander the Great burnt the city to the ground in 330 BC, but many remnants of its former glory remain and Persopolis lives on as one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world.
Learn the history of this amazing ancient place and marvel at the stunningly preserved bas-relief carvings.
Naqsh-e-Rostam Visit
Visit the rock cut tombs at Naqsh-e-Rostam, the burial place of Darius the Great and his successors.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 25Shiraz/Isfahan
Stop at the Koran Gate and the UNESCO-listed Pasargadae complex en route to Isfahan, one of the finest Islamic cities in the world.
Embark on an included visit to Pasargadae and explore the capital and burial site of Cyrus the Great.
Pasargadae Visit
Visit Pasargadae, the capital and burial site of Cyrus the Great. it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also an important archaeological site.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 26Isfahan/Tehrān
Tour the beautiful city of Isfahan, enjoying the famous square, mosques, and bartering at the bazaar. Hang out on the many bridges that make Isfahan unique, or shop for an authentic Persian rug. In the evening, board a final overnight train to Tehran.
Wander the tree-lined boulevards of Isfahan, the jewel of ancient Persia. On a city tour, visit Imam Square and mosque, Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, and the Ali Qapu Palace. Wander the bazaar and learn the history of Isfahan's bridges.
Stop in a miniatures shop and learn about this intricate art form before sampling some delicious gaz, a candy famous in Isfahan.
Isfahan City Tour
Enjoy a tour of this fascinating city, with its beautiful tree-lined boulevards and an atmospheric bazaar. Start in the world's second largest public square — Imam Square. Learn about life under Persia's greatest ruler, Shah Abbas, and visit the Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, and the Ali Qapu Palace. Imam Square, actually built as a royal polo ground, was once home to entertainers, storytellers, preachers, and Silk Road caravans. Explore the bazaar with its wonderful scents and spices, and watch the locals as they engage in masterful bargaining. You might pick up a tip or two!
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 27Tehrān
Arrive early and enjoy a final day of sightseeing in the busy capital of Tehran. Visit Golestan Palace, the National Museum, and the Carpet Museum.
Ramble through the enormous bazaar and visit the Imam Khomeini Mosque. View the many political murals that surround the former US Embassy then relax like the locals do by drinking chai and chewing on dates in a traditional chaikhuneh (teahouse).
Try some more of the fine Iranian cuisine like dizi (stew you crumble bits of bread into and mash up with a mortar and pestle right at the table!) while enjoying traditional music at a local restaurant.
Day 28Tehrān
Depart at any time.