Explore the ‘new’ Europe on the old continent with the Orient Express Bicycle Tour. From the French vineyards, to the spas of Budapest, and the spices of Turkish bazaars, this is a continental tour like no other.
In the path of the legendary Orient Express trains
It was 1883 when the first Orient Express rail lines established through services from Paris to Istanbul via Austria, Hungary, and Romania. The direct connection east revolutionized transport and brought adventure and delight to tens of thousands of passengers. Crossing the many frontiers of a still-divided Europe, this train journey of nearly 4,000 kilometers was a genuine adventure; the subject of legend and fantasy. While our modern-day cycling trip takes its inspiration from the legendary Orient Express trains, it will offer you delights and challenges of a different order – physical, mental and spiritual.
Challenge your body, indulge your senses
Covering 4000 km (2500 miles) between Paris and Istanbul, the tour consists of 39 days of cycling and 11 days of rest in such well known cities as Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest, along with overnight stops in lesser-known jewels including Linz, Bratislava and Tirgoviste. Experience the changing landscapes, cultures and traditions as the route moves steadily eastward through medieval cathedral towns and traditional farming villages.
A European Bike Tour like no other!
The Freedom to Set your Own Pace
Our tours are specially designed to allow the participants to be independent and adventurous – while still having the support staff available to give aid and advice whenever needed. You get the best of both worlds! On each riding day, small, but challenging situations will test your skills, like navigating your way through towns that you and your riding partners have never heard of before. While some participants like to be the first ones to arrive at camp, others will find themselves leisurely covering the daily distance over many hours, stopping to sample local wines and pastries in France and Austria, go for a swim, purchase souvenirs, or enjoy sweet, strong coffees and teas prepared by locals at roadside stalls in Romania and Turkey.
11 Rest Days to Explore Even More
On the 11 scheduled rest days, you will be free to create your own adventures – whether that means exploring landmark museums and cathedrals, experiencing gourmet dining, spas and Turkish baths, or just relaxing and sending mail home from the local internet cafe. You choose the activities that match your interests and your budget.
Support and Accommodations
The Orient Express Bicycle Expedition includes the following full time support staff:
- Tour Leader
- Chef
- Bicycle Mechanic
- Additional volunteers and staff as needed.
Accommodations
The Orient Express stays in 2 or 3 star hotel accommodation on all our rest days. Camping nights are in organized campsites with hot showers and other facilities. There are also some riding nights where instead of camping we will stay in small family run hotels, guesthouses, and even a very interesting hotel hospital in Bulgaria!
Built into the entry fee are hotel accommodations in Paris the night before the start of the tour and in Istanbul on the night of the tour’s arrival. For sectional riders the entry fee includes hotel accommodation the night before and the night after your section (as long as your section begins and/or ends in a town with a scheduled hotel night).