Train Adventure: Johor Bahru → Portugal

Day 1: Johor Bahru → Singapore & Flight to Istanbul

Morning: Board the ETS train from KTM Johor Bahru Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, enjoying a smooth 30‑minute ride across the border into Singapore.

Afternoon: Transfer to the city centre, grab a quick lunch at the vibrant Clarke Quay, then head to Changi Airport for an early‑evening flight to Istanbul.

Evening: Arrive in Istanbul, settle into a boutique hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district, and stroll beneath the illuminated silhouette of the Hagia Sophia.

Day 2: Istanbul to Sofia via Train

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before boarding the international train at Sirkeci Terminal, watching the Bosphorus glide by as you depart Europe’s crossroads.

Afternoon: Cross the border into Bulgaria, arriving in Sofia where you can explore the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and taste traditional banitsa.

Evening: Relax at a rooftop bar overlooking the Vitosha mountain, preparing for the next day’s long‑distance journey.

Day 3: Sofia → Belgrade → Budapest

Morning: Catch the early train to Belgrade, marveling at the scenic Danube‑Danubian Plains en route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Belgrade, wander through the historic Kaleidoscope of Kalemegdan Fortress, and enjoy a quick riverfront lunch.

Evening: Continue on the night sleeper to Budapest, where you’ll be welcomed by the glittering lights of the Chain Bridge upon arrival.

Day 4: Budapest → Vienna → Munich

Morning: Explore Budapest’s iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica and sip coffee by the Danube before boarding the high‑speed Railjet to Vienna.

Afternoon: In Vienna, wander the opulent Schönbrunn Palace gardens and indulge in a slice of Sachertorte.

Evening: Depart for Munich on the EuroCity train, arriving late night to the buzz of Marienplatz illuminated against the Alpine backdrop.

Day 5: Munich → Paris → Iberian Gateway (Irun)

Morning: Board the ICE to Paris, catching glimpses of the Bavarian countryside fading into the French plains.

Afternoon: Spend a few hours at the Eiffel Tower and the charming Montmartre district before hopping on the overnight night train to Irun on the Spain‑France border.

Evening: Settle into a comfortable sleeper cabin, drifting off to the rhythm of the rails as you cross into the Iberian Peninsula.

Day 6: Irun → Lisbon (Algarve Line)

Morning: Disembark in Irun and transfer to the Portuguese rail network, heading south on the scenic Algarve Line with ocean vistas.

Afternoon: Arrive in Lisbon, explore the historic Belém Tower and sample the famous pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset fado performance in the Alfama neighbourhood, capping the epic trans‑continental rail journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• KTM Johor Bahru Station – Woodlands Train Checkpoint: 0.5 hr, $5
• Singapore – Changi Airport (flight to Istanbul): 12 hr, $850
• Sirkeci Terminal – Sofia: 9 hr, $120
• Sofia – Belgrade: 6 hr, $80
• Belgrade – Budapest (night sleeper): 10 hr, $110
• Budapest – Vienna: 2.5 hr, $45
• Vienna – Munich: 4 hr, $70
• Munich – Paris: 6 hr, $95
• Paris – Irun (overnight): 12 hr, $130
• Irun – Lisbon (Algarve Line): 9 hr, $90
• Lisbon city attractions (Belém Tower, Alfama): 6 hr, $30
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,735

Tips

To extend the adventure, add a day in Porto to savor its riverside charm and renowned port wine cellars, or explore the scenic Sintra castles near Lisbon. If time is tight, skip the Paris stop and take a direct high‑speed train from Munich to Irun, shaving off two travel days while still enjoying the core Iberian highlights.