London to Sofia by Rail image
Operated by G Adventures

London to Sofia by Rail

From
Price on request
Duration
22 days
Countries
Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hungary
Activity
easy

The adventure

This 3-week tour will leave you wondering why you waited to explore Europe's Eastern rails less travelled in the first place. Begin in London before setting off throughout the charming countryside. Stop by Swiss Alps villages, stroll through Munich and Sofia, and hike in the hills of Veiko Tarnovo. Extensive enough to see plenty, but not so long that your plants are doomed, these often-skipped villages and cities you’ll miss too, as soon as you leave.

At a glance

Duration
22 days
Route
London → Sofia
Countries
Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hungary
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

London to Sofia by Rail image

Day by day

Captivating summer landscape of lush mountains and forests under vibrant skies in Brașov, Romania.
Your journey through

Romania, Bulgaria & 5 more countries

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Board the famous Eurostar train for the journey…It's hard to run out of things to do in a city like Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, dozens of museums, Luxembourg Garden, wander the banks of the Seine or sip wine and eat cheese at a sidewalk café like a local.
It's hard to run out of things to do in a city like Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, dozens of museums, Luxembourg Garden, wander the banks of the Seine or sip wine and eat cheese at a sidewalk café like a local.
Day 3Spend the day with free time to visit…The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Rodin Museum are all worth a visit. Stop by Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur to add some spirituality to your day. Shop on the Champs-Élysées or explore the Left Bank.
The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Rodin Museum are all worth a visit. Stop by Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur to add some spirituality to your day. Shop on the Champs-Élysées or explore the Left Bank.
Day 4Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne
Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne, Switzerland. Spend the afternoon in this charming town.
Day 5Board another train for the journey to Zermatt
Board another train for the journey to Zermatt, a tiny village in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the afternoon in the car-free centre or hiking in the nearby mountains.
Day 6Board the Glacier Express for a slow…
Board the Glacier Express for a slow and stunning ride through the Alps. Pass meadows, rushing streams, bridges, villages and massive mountains as the train heads towards Chur. Arrive in the evening after a full day of soaking in the scenery.
Day 7Take a full day to reach Munich
Take a full day to reach Munich, in the heart of Bavaria. Arrive in time for an optional evening out at a local brewery with a few steins of beer and some typical German fare.
Day 8Explore the city or head further afield…
Explore the city or head further afield to visit Füssen and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Day 9Visit Dachau before a short train ride to SalzburgVisit the concentration camp of Dachau, right outside the city centre. Learn of the atrocities of war and the triumph of the human spirit. Return to the city for a short train ride to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character. Known for the nearby salt mines, Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg has plenty to pack into a day and a half.
Visit the concentration camp of Dachau, right outside the city centre. Learn of the atrocities of war and the triumph of the human spirit. Return to the city for a short train ride to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character. Known for the nearby salt mines, Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg has plenty to pack into a day and a half.
Day 10Make the most of a free day in Salzburg
Make the most of a free day in Salzburg. Opt to visit the salt mines or take the famous Sound of Music tour.
Day 11Continue by train to Vienna
Continue by train to Vienna. Opt to visit the famous opera house, join a city tour or visit world-class museums. Stay overnight at a G Adventures for Good supported hotel that supports migrant workers.
Day 12Take a morning train to BudapestJourney by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths. Depending on arrival time, opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.
Journey by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths. Depending on arrival time, opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.
Day 13Enjoy a full day for exploration in BudapestToday, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 14Take another free day to explore Budapest before…
Take another free day to explore Budapest before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.
Day 15Travel by train from Sibiu to the enchanting…Explore Sighișoara'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 Sighișoara'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 16With a local guideEnjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches. In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches. In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Day 17Visit 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 18Travel 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 19Enjoy 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.
Day 20Enjoy the morning in the medieval town…
Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 21Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk…A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining. Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
The iconic domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral against a clear blue sky in Sofia, Bulgaria.Sofia
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining. Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
Map showing Sofia
Day 22Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Romania

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Traditional Romanian building nestled amidst lush forested hills in Romania.
Beautiful summer view of the lush hills and village in Măgura, Brașov, Romania.
Serene view of lush green hills and forest in Romania, ideal for nature lovers.
Beautiful mountain landscape with clouds, a road, and lush greenery.
Explore the stunning rocky landscapes and rolling green hills near Săliște, Romania.
Operated by G Adventures

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