Orient Express
In Depth
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. Explore the Route
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 help you discover skills that you never knew you had; like navigating your way through towns that you and your riding partners had never heard of before. While some participants like to be the first ones to camp, others will find themselves leisurely covering the daily distance over many hours, stopping to swim in lakes or water holes, purchase souvenirs, sample local wines and pastries in France and Austria, 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 entirely 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:
Accommodations
The Orient Express is not your typical European bike tour. Don't be surprised to find yourself staying at the odd hostel, bush camp, hospital, guesthouse, or whatever else we come across!
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).
Former Tour d'Afrique/Orient Express/Silk Route/Vuelta Sudamericana riders will receive a 5% discount.
If payment of the Full Tour entry fee is made before December 5, 2010 a discount of 250 euros will apply.
The entry fee does not include your airfare to and from Europe, travel medical insurance, required visas and other incidental costs incurred before and after the tour and on your rest days.
The entry fee is due by March 5, 2011.
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, the train journey of nearly 4,000 kilometers was a genuine adventure; the subject of legend and fantasy. The present-day cycle trip 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 stops in lesser-known jewels. Experience the changing landscapes, cultures and traditions as the route moves steadily eastward through old cathedral towns - gothic and medieval - to remote 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 help you discover skills that you never knew you had; like navigating your way through towns that you and your riding partners had never heard of before. While some participants like to be the first ones to camp, others will find themselves leisurely covering the daily distance over many hours, stopping to swim in lakes or water holes, purchase souvenirs, sample local wines and pastries in France and Austria, 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 entirely 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 is not your typical European bike tour. Don't be surprised to find yourself staying at the odd hostel, bush camp, hospital, guesthouse, or whatever else we come across!
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).
Discounts and Early Payment
Riders who plan to do more than one section will receive a 10% discount. This does not apply to riders doing the full tour.Former Tour d'Afrique/Orient Express/Silk Route/Vuelta Sudamericana riders will receive a 5% discount.
If payment of the Full Tour entry fee is made before December 5, 2010 a discount of 250 euros will apply.
Entry Fees
Entry fees can be paid in the following ways:- Certified check, money order or bank draft made payable to: Tour d’Afrique Ltd.
- Bank wire transfer- for this option please contact our office to get our account information.
The entry fee does not include your airfare to and from Europe, travel medical insurance, required visas and other incidental costs incurred before and after the tour and on your rest days.
The entry fee is due by March 5, 2011.
Current Pricing
| Section | Destinations | Distance | Start | End | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Tour | Paris to Istanbul | 4000km | Jun. 05 | Jul. 24 | €5,990 |
| Classic Europe | Paris to Vienna | 1710km | Jun. 05 | Jun. 25 | €3,200 |
| Cycling with Vlad | Vienna to Bucharest | 1355km | Jun. 28 | Jul. 13 | €2,450 |
| Into the Orient | Bucharest to Istanbul | 936km | Jul. 15 | Jul. 24 | €1,550 |
