Istanbul to Moscow - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

We have a guided walking tour of the old part of this amazing city. Overnight train to Bucharest. (B)

Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to the hotel

This morning we explore Bucharest on foot. Here we have the opportunity to stroll tree lined boulevards and discover the fantastic architecture on offer, such as the extravagant Palace of Parliament and the city’s many monasteries and orthodox churches. This afternoon we take the train to Tulcea, gateway to the Danube Delta. (B)

Today we take a cruise on the Danube Delta, a World Heritage Site and renowned for its fantastic scenery and superb wildlife. Later we drive back to Bucharest and take the overnight train to Suceava. (B)

We have a full day excursion to visit the various monasteries and painted churches that are found in this region. Later we take the train to Cluj Napoca.

This one time capital of Transylvania is now a major university town, which gives the town a laid back ambience in which to admire its fantastic Baroque architecture. We have time to explore the various sites such as St Michael’s church, dating back to the 14th century, and the National History Museum of Transylvania. In the evening we take the train to Sighisoara. (B)

We wander the cobbled streets of this perfectly preserved medieval town, one of the most important towns in Transylvania during the Roman Empire, before moving on to Brasov. (B)

A full day in Brasov, a very popular destination with a magnificent central square, which is awash with cosmopolitan outdoor cafes and baroque facades. (B)

We hike through picturesque scenery and villages to Bran Castle and visit this well preserved building, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Later we travel to Sinaia. (B)

Spend time discovering this picturesque town, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in Romania. We then take an overnight train to Budapest. (B)

In the morning we have a guided orientation tour. Free afternoon. (B)

After breakfast we take a train to Eger. The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful villages and vineyards of the region or the city of Eger. (B)

We take a train to Slovakia’s breathtaking High Tatra Mountains. The rest of the time is free to take hikes in the spectacular surrounding scenery, or perhaps take a trip to see nearby Spis Castle or rural Zdiar on the Polish border. (B)

We take the train to Brno. Free afternoon to explore. (B)

Travel by train to Cesky Krumlov, possibly the most beautiful town in the Czech Republic. We have plenty of time to explore the beautiful palace or old town centre, hike in the surrounding hills or raft on the river. In the evening of Day 18 we take a train to Prague. (B)

We have two days in this beautiful city. Walk along the Charles Bridge with its selection of buskers and street artists, relax in a pavement cafe or climb a church spire for wonderful views over the terracotta rooftops of the city. On Day 20 we take an Overnight train to Krakow. (B)

Arrive in Krakow where the rest of the day is free to explore. Perhaps take a trip to the Wieliczka salt mine or alternatively make a poignant visit to Auschwitz.

We take the train to Warsaw and have time to explore Poland’s capital before taking an overnight bus to Vilnius. (B)

After arriving in Vilnius we have a walking tour of the delightful old town with its winding streets, narrow alleys and many old churches. Rather bizarrely you can also find a statue of the American rock musician Frank Zappa.

After breakfast we take a train to Klaipeda, our base for visiting the Curonian Spit. (B)

Today we have a guided tour of Curonian Spit, an enormous peninsula dominated by impressive sand dunes and forests, split between Russia and Lithuania and recognised by UNESCO as an area of outstanding natural beauty. (B)

Travel by bus to Riga in Latvia. (B)

We have a morning walking tour of Latvia’s cosmopolitan capital city, with the afternoon free to explore further. (B)

After breakfast we have a short bus ride to Sigulda, situated at the edge of a beautiful forested valley with many hiking trails. We have nearly a full day to enjoy the area. (B)

In the morning we have time to explore more in the nearby National Park. In the afternoon we transfer by bus to Tallinn. (B)

Morning walking tour of the impressive old city. Later we board the overnight train to St Petersburg. (B)

Today we have a guided tour of this awe inspiring city including the Hermitage and the Winter Palace. St Petersburg is home to some of the most splendid architecture in the world and is awash with stunning buildings, exceptional museums and opulent palaces. Its numerous canals and waterways have led it to be known as the ‘Venice of the North’.

Free time in St Petersburg to explore the city’s many treasures – you may wish to visit Peterhof (Peter the Great’s palace) or take a tour on the canals, among many other options. On Day 33 we take the overnight train to Moscow. (B)

On arrival we enjoy a tour of the city, taking in the Kremlin, Red Square and Tretyakov Gallery.

Free day in Moscow. (B)

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)