The old-world train journey taking you to Europe’s hidden gems

Get whisked across Europe in a privately chartered train with an ever-changing view.

Picture this: you’ve embarked on a journey across Europe in a train of old-world style, venturing to eight cities, two towns, one municipality and four countries in 18 days, listening to an in-house pianist play dulcet tones as the countryside whizzes past panoramic windows. If that sounds like a fairytale, you’d be correct. From 31 August to 17 September 2025, Constellation Journeys will roam through Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey for The Balkans & Transylvania by Private Train tour. Passengers will be transported in style, while spending their nights in some of Europe’s best hotels and quaintest towns.

Feast in one of two classic dining cars.

Each day between stops, feast in one of two stylish dining cars for lunch and dinner. Let an expert catering team serve you meals reflecting local delicacies of the towns you’re travelling through, as well as international favourites from around the world. Afterwards, head to the lively bar car for cocktails or coffee (and plenty of conversation for those who seek it).

The all-inclusive train trip caters directly to your sightseeing needs, allowing for ample time to rest at comfy accommodation, refuel on complimentary food and drinks, wander the streets in the likes of Sibiu and soak in as much as humanly possible before returning to regular scheduled programming. If that sounds like a movie, wait until you’ve read the itinerary.

Taste local delicacies onboard.

Day 1-5: Budapest to Sibiu

In a matter of days, a lesser-travelled part of the world will be at your fingertips. The journey begins in Budapest, Hungary’s capital city with a certain air about it that remains unlike any other city you’ve experienced. Stepping foot in Budapest, you’ll be greeted by a wave of electricity and subsequent motivation to explore its lively nightlife, stunning monuments and unique restaurants found in winding laneways.

Thermal baths can be found all over the world, but Hungarians have it mastered. Take some time out of the day for a soak at Szechenyi Baths, Budapest’s (and Europe’s) largest spa baths encased by surreal architecture well-preserved since the early 1900s.

After two glorious nights in one of Budapest’s finest five-star hotels, your next destination will be the first taste of Romania, the charming city of Cluj-Napoca (often referred to as Cluj by the locals). Spend your time ingesting history by the bucketload in the numerous cultural sites dotting the city, and find your inner peace at a Transylvanian-style botanical garden.

Day five will take you to Sibiu, where a local guide will greet you to unearth every nook and cranny throughout this ancient town. Medieval architecture collides with vibrant green nature for a backdrop worth a thousand photos—rarely does a place encapsulate the past and present quite like Sibiu.

Unwind with a relaxing soak at Budapest’s iconic Szechenyi Baths. (Image: Linda Gerbec)

Day 6-7: Sibiu to Brașov

Bid farewell to Sibiu with a flute of complimentary champagne as you speed towards Brașov, Romania’s home of mesmerising baroque buildings. Roam the 12th-century cobblestone-laden city as the Southern Carpathian Mountains loom in the background, and ensure you visit the historic Council Square, rumoured to be home of the mythical Pied Piper.

A trip to Brașov isn’t complete without a visit to the Black Church, Romania’s largest Gothic church. Its imposing stature is home to concerts multiple times a week, so speak to an official once you arrive to see if the stars have aligned.

Marvel at Romania’s largest Gothic masterpiece. (Image: Maria Teneva)

Day 8-10: Brasov to Bucharest

Keep your eyes glued to the window en route to Bucharest for a sight to behold. No more than an evening in Bucharest will make you privy to a world of delectable cuisine, starting off with a fine dining feast at the Dome Restaurant.

There will be ample time to explore Romania’s capital city over the next couple of days, including an organised lunch at the lush gardens of Casa Doina. The epitome of Romanian architecture can be found at this restaurant, with its striking design impressively contrasted against sprawling greenery. For an unforgettable dining experience, Caru’ cu bere is considered one of the world’s most impressive restaurants. Devour the best of Romanian cuisine while perched under sky-high ceilings and ornate balconies lining the walls.

Keep the cultural tour alive and explore one of many Bucharest museums; hours could be spent at the Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History alone.

Indulge in exceptional Romanian cuisine at Caru’ cu bere. (Image: Jan Pohunek)

Day 11-14: Exploring Romania

Roll though Bulgaria and Romania over the next four days, exploring charming towns and action-packed cities as the private train takes you on a comprehensive study of Eastern European culture.

Bulgaria’s city of Veliko Tarnovo is a medieval dream. Steep hills shrouded in green shrubbery are lined with ancient castles, immaculately maintained buildings and whimsical, winding roads. This modest city is a beautiful insight into Bulgaria’s vast countryside and every bit a magical paradise.

From Veliko Tarnovo, travel across Bulgaria’s vast landscape until you arrive at Sofia, its 2000-year-old capital city. History and religion have had a distinct influence on this flourishing haven, as is evident by the dozens of churches and captivating cathedrals.

Surrounded by seven hills, Plovdiv marks the final stop before entering the entirely different world of Turkey. Significantly smaller than Bulgaria’s capital, there’s old-world charm out the wazoo in Sofia’s sibling city. Here, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed old town area dripping with romanticism—especially during a casual stroll at dusk.

Experience the charm of Bran Castle.

Day 15-18: Istanbul

With two full days up your sleeve, there will be no desire to rest once you’ve disembarked in Istanbul. This cultural mecca is a treat for the senses; Turkish food has developed such a significant reputation that it’s often replicated in most major cities around the world—to varying degrees of success.

For an unrivalled dining experience, it’s always best to go straight to the source when possible, and Istanbul is the beating heart of this much-lauded cuisine.

Outside of Istanbul’s delicious fare, wander through the famous Blue Mosque, internationally known for thousands of tiles in various shades of blue lining the roof. Multiple palaces are each more impressive than the last, while local restaurants wait to accommodate you. Prepare to depart Istanbul with a full stomach, an overflowing gallery of photos, and enough memories to tell at soirees for the next 20-odd years.

See the architectural splendour of the Blue Mosque.

For the full itinerary and to book your tour, head to constellationjourneys.com.au.