Journeys stopping off in Budapest

The Orient Express is the most iconic, romantic and historic of tourist trains – and a sumptuous way to combine visits to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Verona and Venice.

The original began its service between Paris and Istanbul in 1883 and ran that route for nearly a century before changing its final destination to Vienna. The last service ran in 2007. Today the name has become synonymous with the luxury private operator, whose services and routes hark back to the original line.

The superbly restored period carriages offer an authentic experience of inter-war rail travel at its best. Indeed, it’s the quality of the decor that distinguishes the Orient Express from the competition: exquisite art deco marquetry and glass panels, and generous armchair seats in the three dining cars.

Known for its exceptional onboard cuisine, the food is to Michelin-star standard. The supremely elegant dining experience with silverware, crystal glass and starched napery is the highlight of the train for many guests.

Europe’s second longest river, the Danube flows from a tiny spring in Germany’s Black Forest through the wooded hills of Bavaria, across Austria’s Wachau Valley, and, beyond Vienna, onto the edge of the Hungarian steppes. It clips the southern spur of the Carpathian mountain range, forcing its way through the rock to create the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge on the border between Serbia and Romania. Eventually, it broadens out, forking into three arms that make up its vast, marshy delta. A cruise, then, takes in seven countries and a wide variety of cultures and cuisines.

Along the way, you’ll taste wines in the Wachau, explore the galleries of Vienna, take a day trip to Salzburg, clamber up to the ruins of Durnstein Castle and check out the edgy nightlife of Budapest, as well as sailing through the city at sunset, the various bridges festooned with lights.

There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking and cycling, making this a great option for fitness alongside the obvious cultural charms of the region.

Introduced in 2008, the Danube Express is your introduction the cities and sights of eastern European countries: Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Turkey.

The varied itineraries range from 7–13 days, some with a night in a hotel en route. Off-train excursions include cultural sites, caves, boat cruises and heritage railways.

The train is not as luxurious as others, and lacks the period charms of the Orient Express, but the en-suite cabins are a generous size and well designed. Regional specialities are served in the three-course meals with free-flowing house wine and beer, and there is a lounge/bar car with piano.