Is there any chance you would cater to an older group. Love the idea of traveling by train. My sister and myself are active 70 yrs and 80 yrs

There's no maximum age limit for these tours — the only requirement is that travelers are 15 years or older and fit to travel independently without assistance.

Is there any opportunity to secure a private couchette on the overnight trains at an extra cost to accommodate my sleep phobia?

The primary form of transportation on this trip consists of scheduled local and intercity trains, which run along historic railway routes once used by the Orient Express in the late 19th century. We typically use standard, economy, or 2nd-class carriages, depending on availability. For the overnight train from Plovdiv to Istanbul, the cabins are quad-share and bunk-style, meaning each compartment accommodates four travellers. Unfortunately, there are no upgrade options available for private couchettes on this route.

Would like a later departure, around 12 to 15 day trip. Not keen to be part of a wild drinking group of 18-20 year olds.

All our trips are led by experienced tour leaders to ensure safety and group well-being. We offer trips specifically designed for 18 to 35-year-olds that attract like-minded travelers. We can offer a complimentary 48-hour hold on the trip before requiring a deposit.

From

$6,186

US $5,568 per person

Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

15 days

•

From Paris to Istanbul

5.0 (1 review)

View all
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From

$6,186

-10%

US $5,568 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Intrepid Travel
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 12
Ages 15+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Paris
Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit the Louvre Museum
- Climb the Eiffel Tower
- Picnic lunch in Tuileries, Plantes or Jardin du Luxembourg
- Optional group dinner at a local restaurant
- Explore surrounding neighborhoods
Landmarks
Louvre Museum
Eiffel Tower
Tuileries
Jardin du Luxembourg
Day 2
Paris to Strasbourg
Paris to Strasbourg
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- High-speed train to Strasbourg
- Orientation walk with leader
- Tarte flambée snacking experience
Optional Activities
- Visit Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame
- Explore museums at Palais de Rohan
- Dinner at recommended local restaurants
Landmarks
Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame
Palais de Rohan
Day 3
Strasbourg to Munich
Strasbourg to Munich
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Munich with leader
Optional Activities
- Explore La Petite France in Strasbourg
- Visit local beer hall or restaurant in Munich
Landmarks
La Petite France
Day 4
Munich
Munich
Optional Activities
- Visit Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
- Visit Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and watch the Glockenspiel clock
- Explore Transport Museum
- Lunch recommendations from leader
- Dinner recommendations from leader
Landmarks
Altes Rathaus
Neues Rathaus
Transport Museum
Day 5
Munich to Vienna via Salzburg
Munich to Vienna via Salzburg
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train to Salzburg
- Leader-led walk in Salzburg
- Funicular ride to Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Visit Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Train to Vienna
Optional Activities
- Apple strudel or kaiserschmarrn breakfast
Landmarks
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Day 6
Vienna
Vienna
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation walk with leader
- Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at Vollpension
Optional Activities
- Visit St Stephens Cathedral
- Explore Albertina museum
- Visit museums in Museum Quarter
- Guided audio tour of Schoenbrunn Palace
- Ride the Prater Ferris Wheel
Landmarks
St Stephens Cathedral
Graben
Vollpension
Albertina
Museum Quarter
Schoenbrunn Palace
Prater Ferris Wheel
Day 7
Vienna to Budapest
Vienna to Budapest
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train to Budapest
- Orientation walk in Budapest
Optional Activities
- Danube river cruise viewing Parliament Building, Castle District and bridges
- Visit the Jewish Quarter
- Dinner in the Jewish Quarter
- Nightcap options
Landmarks
Parliament Building
Castle District
Jewish Quarter
Day 8
Budapest
Budapest
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Buda Castle and palace complex
- Funicular ride up Buda Castle hill
Optional Activities
- Hire a bicycle to explore the city
- Explore winding historic streets
- Sample local delicacies
- Leader recommendations for activities
Landmarks
Buda Castle
Day 9
Budapest to Belgrade via Novi Sad
Budapest to Belgrade via Novi Sad
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Novi Sad
- Orientation walk in Novi Sad
- Lunch in Novi Sad
- Local train to Belgrade
Optional Activities
- Explore Novi Sad
- Explore Belgrade in the evening
Landmarks
Danube River
Day 10
Belgrade
Belgrade
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Visit Kalemegdan Park
- Visit Kalemegdan Fortress
Optional Activities
- Visit Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church)
- Visit Nikola Tesla Museum
- Explore floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs on Danube and Sava rivers
Landmarks
Kalemegdan Park
Kalemegdan Fortress
Hram Svetog Save
Nikola Tesla Museum
Day 11
Belgrade to Nis
Belgrade to Nis
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Long train ride to Nis
- Leader-led walk in Nis
Optional Activities
- Visit Mediana palace remains
Landmarks
Mediana
Day 12
Nis to Plovdiv via Sofia
Nis to Plovdiv via Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Sofia
- Orientation with leader using metro and trams
- Local train to Plovdiv
Optional Activities
- Visit National History Museum
- Visit National Archaeological Museum
- Visit National Art Gallery
- Enjoy local grilled meats and vegetable cuisine in Plovdiv
Landmarks
National History Museum
National Archaeological Museum
National Art Gallery
Day 13
Plovdiv to Istanbul (Overnight Train)
Plovdiv to Istanbul (Overnight Train)
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Visit ancient Roman theatre
- Hike to Nebet Tepe fortress
- Overnight train to Istanbul
Optional Activities
- Explore the city in the afternoon
- Shop for snacks and wine before the train
Landmarks
Roman Theatre of Plovdiv
Nebet Tepe
Day 14
Istanbul
Istanbul
Included Activities
- Leader-led exploration of Old City Istanbul
- Visit Blue Mosque
- Visit ancient Hippodrome
- View the Million stone road marker
Optional Activities
- Optional breakfast with group
- Continue exploring Old City
- Sample various local restaurants and cuisine
Landmarks
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
Million
Day 15
Istanbul
Istanbul
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Istanbul with additional accommodation (subject to availability)

Landmarks
Louvre Museum
Eiffel Tower
Tuileries
Jardin du Luxembourg

Landmarks
Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame
Palais de Rohan

Landmarks
La Petite France

Landmarks
Altes Rathaus
Neues Rathaus
Transport Museum

Landmarks
Fortress Hohensalzburg

Landmarks
St Stephens Cathedral
Graben
Vollpension
Albertina
Museum Quarter
Schoenbrunn Palace
Prater Ferris Wheel

Landmarks
Parliament Building
Castle District
Jewish Quarter

Landmarks
Buda Castle

Landmarks
Danube River

Landmarks
Kalemegdan Park
Kalemegdan Fortress
Hram Svetog Save
Nikola Tesla Museum

Landmarks
Mediana

Landmarks
National History Museum
National Archaeological Museum
National Art Gallery

Landmarks
Roman Theatre of Plovdiv
Nebet Tepe

Landmarks
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
Million

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (12,144 reviews)
Response time: 8 hours
Response rate: 92%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

Tour Operator
4.5

HELEN5.0•May 2026
It wasn’t the Orient Express (couldn’t afford that), but it was a wonderful tour with a small group of amazing...
It wasn’t the Orient Express (couldn’t afford that), but it was a wonderful tour with a small group of amazing travellers and guide. It was well organised and the guide took good care of us all. I have no hesitation in recommending the tour, as long as you ensure you have a medium level of fitness (high level for old people - I’m 75). There is a lot of walking with hills, stairs and cobbled streets.Show more
Traveled in April 2026
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Hi Helen, thank you for such wonderful insights- they are terribly helpful for anyone thinking about this itinerary. This is definitely a busy tour with many highlights and days that might be out of the ordinary in terms of every day fitness. We are happy to know that you enjoyed your time with the group and your guide. We look forward to seeing you again in future.
Show more

Dates & Prices

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S
Sandra
Asked on November 20th, 2025
Is there any chance you would cater to an older group. Love the idea of traveling by train. My sister and myself are active 70 yrs and 80 yrs
Age Range
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2025
  There's no maximum age limit for these tours — the only requirement is that travelers are 15 years or older and fit to travel independently without assistance.
T
Tania
Asked on June 22nd, 2025
Is there any opportunity to secure a private couchette on the overnight trains at an extra cost to accommodate my sleep phobia?
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2025
  The primary form of transportation on this trip consists of scheduled local and intercity trains, which run along historic railway routes once used by the Orient Express in the late 19th century. We typically use standard, economy, or 2nd-class carriages, depending on availability. For the overnight train from Plovdiv to Istanbul, the cabins are quad-share and bunk-style, meaning each compartment accommodates four travellers. Unfortunately, there are no upgrade options available for private couchettes on this route.
G
Gloria
Asked on May 12th, 2025
Would like a later departure, around 12 to 15 day trip. Not keen to be part of a wild drinking group of 18-20 year olds.
Age Range
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written May 2025
  All our trips are led by experienced tour leaders to ensure safety and group well-being. We offer trips specifically designed for 18 to 35-year-olds that attract like-minded travelers. We can offer a complimentary 48-hour hold on the trip before requiring a deposit.

From

$6,186

-10%

US $5,568 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 280208

Currencies
€
Euro
Austria, France and Germany
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
Ft
Forint
Hungary
$
US Dollar
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, F, E.
Type C
Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Serbia and Turkey
Type F
Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Serbia and Turkey
Type E
France, Hungary and Serbia
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria.Germany.Hungary. Ideally 6 months before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bulgaria.Hungary.Serbia.Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bulgaria.Hungary.Serbia.Turkey. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before November 19th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 19th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

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