Budapest & Sarajevo Luxury Explorer

The Continental Classic Express Is a luxury train from Budapest, featuring carriages previously used by the Austrian Prime Minister. Also known as the “Hungarian Orient Express” passengers can expect a hassle-free experience. The train features four classes of coaches, accommodating approximately 300 passengers, ensuring that everyone can savour the magic of the season in style. One unique highlight of the Hungarian Orient Express is the Salon z carriage, which was previously reserved for the Austrian Prime Minister on exclusive journeys. Guests seated in this carriage can order from a special menu, be attended to by private staff, and enjoy exclusive beverages.

Day 1, Monday 4 May, 2026

Departing from your selected airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester or Birmingham). After landing at Budapest Airport, we transfer to the InterCity Hotel, our hotel for the next two nights. Those on our Ground Only package will travel independently meeting us at the hotel and, after check-in, we enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before dining at leisure.

For overland travel via Eurostar see below.

Day 2, Tuesday 5 May (B)

After breakfast today, we dive into the charm of Budapest with our included hop-on/hop-off bus tickets to explore some of the city’s most famous and well-loved landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, National Museum, Parliament Building, and Buda Castle. Our passes also feature a guided walking tour to learn the history, culture, and architecture of this city before a relaxing cruise of the River Danube.

Day 3, Wednesday 6 May (B,L,D)

This morning, we make our way to Keleti Station to board the luxurious Continental Classic Express travelling in First Class Pullman carriages with two- and four-seater reclining armchairs by the windows. Food and drinks will be served to our seats by the dedicated crew of the carriage, or you may wish to relax and meet our fellow passengers in the Adria Bar where drinks, snacks, and lounge music are provided. We enjoy a welcome glass of champagne, our breakfast, a four-course lunch, and a sumptuous four-course evening meal served on board as we journey through Hungary and Croatia to Bosnia learning the history and facts of the affected railway lines, settlements, and landscapes. On arrival in Sarajevo this evening, we transfer to the Movenpick Hotel, our hotel for the next four nights.

Day 4, Thursday 7 May (B,L)

After breakfast, we re-join the Continental Classic Express for a spectacular journey over the most scenic part of the line, passing through no less than 89 tunnels and crossing numerous bridges as we wind through the dramatic Neretva Valley to Mostar. Here, we enjoy free time to explore this medieval-style Old Town including the iconic symbol of the city, the Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which spans the picturesque Neretva River. Afterwards, we reboard our train with afternoon tea and cakes served on board as we complete the return journey to Sarajevo for an evening at leisure.

Day 5, Friday 8 May (B)

Today, we will go on a guided sightseeing walk of Sarajevo, learning the history, exploring the cultures, and visiting the must-see locations including the stunning monuments of Ottoman architecture. We will also visit the site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the beautiful Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, and the unique bazaar of Bascarsija. This afternoon, we will travel by road to the Tunnel of Hope which became a symbol of survival during the siege of the city before continuing to the ruins of Sarajevo’s bobsleigh track, an iconic venue of the 1984 Winter Olympics. After a coffee break in the newly renovated station building of a former narrow-gauge railway line with wonderful views of the city, we retrace our steps to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 6, Saturday 9 May (B,L)

We start early this morning as we travel to Mokra Gora for a fantastic steam-hauled, narrow-gauge journey along the renowned Sargan Eight, a unique experience over a tortuous and winding track through beautiful landscapes with ample stops for photo opportunities. We continue to Visegrad, a small town surrounded by stunning scenery, to visit the Bridge on the Drina River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and we enjoy a traditional lunch and time at leisure before returning to Sarajevo.

Day 8, Sunday 10 May (B,L,D)

After breakfast, this morning, we transfer to the station for our return journey to Budapest aboard the Continental Classic Express relaxing in the First Class carriages, unwinding at the Adria Bar, and indulging in a delicious four-course lunch and four-course evening meal on board. On arrival in Budapest this evening, we will return to the InterCity Hotel for our overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Monday 11 May (B)

After our fantastic adventure, we transfer to Budapest Airport for the return flight to your selected UK airport. If returning overland you join the 09:40 through train to Munich.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

Hotels

• InterCity Hotel, Budapest
• Mövenpick Hotel, Sarajevo

UK Flight Options

BA862 07:40 Heathrow to Budapest (arr 11:20) or BA870 21:45 Heathrow to Budapest (arr 01:15 ND)
BA865 14:10 Budapest to Heathrow (arr 15:55)

W2-2222 11:05 London Gatwick to Budapest (arr 14:40)
EZ8732 11:35 Budapest to London Gatwick (arr 13:25)

FR2518 14:10 Stansted to Budapest (arr 17:35)
FR2517 18:00 Budapest to Stansted (arr 19:35)

W2-2204 15:50 Luton to Budapest (arr 18:50)
W2-2203 12:50 Budapest to Luton (arr 14:35)

J2-1321 16:45 Birmingham to Budapest (arr 20:30)
TU7143 12:05 Budapest to Birmingham (arr 13:45)

FR8358 19:55 Manchester to Budapest (arr 23:35)
FR8357 17:05 Budapest to Manchester (arr 18:55)

Overland from UK by Rail

We include a first class Interrail pass which gives you free travel from your home UK station to London, Eurostar Plus (subject to available seats) and first class, where available, in Europe.

Sunday 3 May
Eurostar 09:01 St Pancras to Brussels (arr 12:05)
ICE17 14:25 Brussels to Frankfurt
ICE725 17:54 Frankfurt to Munich (arr 21:07)
Overnight in hotel by Munich station

Monday 4 May
RJX63 09:28 Munich to Budapest (arr 16:02)

RETURN

Monday 11 May
Rail at 09:40 Budapest to Munich (arr 16:34)
Overnight at hotel in Munich

Tuesday 12 May
ICE 09:19 Munich to Cologne (arr 12:29)
ICE 13:42 Cologne to Brussels Midi (arr 15:35)
Eurostar 16:51 Brussels Midi to London St Pancras (arr 17:47)