Sofia to Istanbul
Holiday Highlights
- Sightseeing in Sofia
- Sightseeing in Istanbul
- Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus
- Take the metro between continents
- 8 days from £1,760pp
Series 4, Episode 1, Great Continental Rail Journeys. The ever popular BBC2 programme Great Continental Rail Journeys begins its fourth series with a railway journey from Sofia to Istanbul. We have created a tour that allows you to explore these two beautiful cities and surrounding areas by regional train, but we include a flight between Sofia and Istanbul as this rail route is suspended due to engineering work.
Alternatively why not consider taking the train for the entire journey to Istanbul. Take the Eurostar to Paris and board the Orient Express for a 5-night journey to the Turkish city via Budapest and Bucharest. The iconic train will allow passengers the chance to experience the Edwardian splendour which Michael Portillo refers to as he replicates the journeys from George Bradshaw's 1913 handbook on Continental rail travel. Ffestiniog Travel can arrange this option so please contact us for further information.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Flight to Sofia
Morning flight from Heathrow to Sofia. Spend the afternoon exploring this great city. Maybe a visit to Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski? 3 night stop in Sofia.
Day 2 – Explore Sofia or visit Plovdiv by Train
Take the train for a day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre or just explore the old town.
Day 3 – By Rail to the Museum of the Rose
Take the train in a different direction to Kazanlak for the Museum of the Rose.
Day 4 – Flight to Istanbul
Rail services to Turkey are suspended due to major engineering work, the simplest solution is to take to the air. Fly from Sofia to Istanbul and spend the rest of the day at leisure before a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. 2 nights in Istanbul.
Day 5 – Explore Istanbul
Use an Istanbulkart, similar to an Oyster card, to explore Istanbul. Take the Marmaray metro line to Asia!
Day 6 – By Rail towards Bulgaria
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons it is possible to take a regional train back towards Bulgaria as far as Edirne, a former capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Day 7 – Return to Istanbul
Return to Istanbul by morning train, on Friday, Saturday or Sunday only.
Day 8 – Return Home
An afternoon flight takes you back to London Heathrow.
Price Includes
- Flights as detailed
- Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus
- 7 nights’ accommodation in good quality hotels on B&B basis
- First class Balkans rail pass valid for rail travel as detailed
- Private airport transfers
Price per person
From £1,760 per person sharing
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