Constellation Journeys has released a new 18-day itinerary through Eastern Europe in 2025, building on the success of its 2023 Central Europe by Private Train journey.
‘The Balkans & Transylvania by Private Train’ between Budapest and Istanbul is a combination of all daytime travel and overnight hotels stays. The trains feature spacious, air-conditioned carriages with panoramic windows, and fine dining in old world dining cars. A bar lounge car with resident pianist accompanies the train.
Train carriages will not be filled to capacity, and guests will have room to spread out with two seats assigned for every person, “ensuring you can always have a window seat”.
Privately chartering a train means the timetable is custom-made for Constellation Journeys’ guests, with plenty of time to explore each destination with expert local guides.
Dan Kotzmann, Found and Journey Director at Constellation Journeys said: “The Balkans and Transylvania has long been a crossroads of civilizations, shaped by the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires and, more recently, the transformation from communism to proud members of Europe. These competing influences play out in the region’s architecture, with stunning castles, palaces and medieval towns still standing for you to enjoy – alongside the odd Soviet-style apartment tower too!
“For a region with such breathtaking landscapes, I’m a firm believer that the only way to travel is by train.
The trip commences with two nights in Budapest, Hungary and spends one or more nights in Cluj Napoca, Sinai, Brasov and Bucharest in Romania as well as Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia and Plovdiv in Bulgaria. The journey concludes with a three-night stay in Istanbul. Accommodation varies from city to city, with international brands including Marriott, Mercure & Ibis, Radisson Blu, MGallery and the five-star InterContinental and Kempinski.
Stunning mountain scenery; castles, citadels and fortresses; the legends, myths and reality of Count Dracula; and the history and culture of these fascinating cities are all compelling reasons to travel to this less visited part of Europe.All travel, accommodation, sightseeing, dining and drinks are included, as is the service of a large team of tour hosts including an Australian doctor.
The one-time 18-day Balkans & Transylvania by Private Train trip is scheduled to depart on 31 August 2025 and is priced from AU$28,900 per person twin share, excluding international airfares. Airfare inclusive pricing will be released in October 2024.
Constellation Journeys also offers a Gallipoli extension for guests wanting to extend their stay with a pilgrimage to Anzac Cove.
See constellationjourneys.com.au/the-balkans-transylvania-2025
