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Operated by G Adventures
Budapest to Tehran by Rail
From
Price on request
Duration
28 days
Countries
Romania, Bulgaria, Iran, Turkey, Hungary
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 15
The adventure
Discover once and for all what it really means to cross from west to east on this 28-day rail tour from Budapest to Tehran. Stroll the streets of Budapest, chug along through the incredible Romanian countryside, gaze upwards at the dome of Aya Sofia in ancient Istanbul, and then explore the main cities of Iran and wonder how it is you didn't make it here sooner. Your expert CEOs know just where to take you to make the most of your introduction to this part of the world.
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
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. This evening, visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a farewell drink, before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.
For a taste of everyday Hungary, opt for a guided walk that ends at Great Market Hall, a food lovers' paradise. Pre-book the "Budapest Morning Walking Tour" on the checkout page to include this optional activity.
Arrive in the enchanting town of Sighisoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Transfer to charming Braşov.
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
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.
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.
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.
Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.
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.
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening bus to Istanbul.
Arrive at any time.
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the capital city of Ankara.
Visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, before driving to the Cappadocia region. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
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.
Enjoy one more morning in Cappadocia before driving to nearby Kayseri. Board an overnight train for Eastern Turkey.
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.
Enjoy a day trip to Mt Ararat with a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace.
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.
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.
Spend the day absorbing the scenery from the train, arriving into Tehran in the evening.
Explore Tehran with a local guide, visiting the Sa’d Abad Palace and National Jewel Museum before boarding an evening train to Shiraz.
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.
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.
Stop at the Koran Gate and the UNESCO-listed Pasargadae complex en route to Isfahan, one of the finest Islamic cities in the world.
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.
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.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
28 days
Route
Budapest → Tehrān
Countries
Romania, Bulgaria, Iran, Turkey, Hungary
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 15
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Romania, Bulgaria & 3 more countries
Showing Days 1-7
28-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
Day 2Enjoy an orientation walk of Budapest to get…
BudapestEnjoy 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. This evening, visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a farewell drink, before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu. For a taste of everyday Hungary, opt for a guided walk that ends at Great Market Hall, a food lovers' paradise. Pre-book the "Budapest Morning Walking Tour" on the checkout page to include this optional activity.
Day 3Arrive in the enchanting town of SighisoaraExplore Sighisoara's medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars. 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.
Explore Sighisoara's medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars. 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.
Day 4With a local guideEnjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighișoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches. In the early evening, transfer to Braşov - the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighișoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches. In the early evening, transfer to Braşov - the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Day 5Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn…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.
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.
Day 6Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk
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.
Day 7Enjoy some free time to explore more…
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.
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Discover Romania
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
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