Discover some of Europe’s most enchanting destinations in luxurious comfort on this exclusive 13-day rail vacation.
From the Pearl of the Danube to the Eternal City via Transylvania, the Jewels of the Balkan region, and The Queen of the Adriatic Venice, this rail adventure aboard the private Golden Eagle Danube Express train is a truly unforgettable experience.
DAY 1 Budapest
Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay on arrival in Budapest. (Overnight Budapest)
DAY 2 Budapest
Have a day at leisure exploring Budapest. Then in the evening, you can meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace. (Overnight Budapest)
DAY 3 Lajosmizse And Kecskemet
The spectacular and grand Royal Waiting room is hidden behind a plain green door in the Budapest Nyugati. Before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express, enjoy a morning drinks reception. Settle into your cabin and be served lunch before reaching Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show. The ‘Putszta’ is the Great Hungarian Plain, and this show is a fantastic insight into the ancient skills and horsemanship of the Magyar Cowboys local to this region.
Back on board, relax with a pre-dinner drink in the Bar Lounge Car, then dine while enjoying the company of your fellow passengers en route to Transylvania. (Overnight Onboard Golden Eagle Danube Express)
DAY 4 Brasov And Sighisoara
This morning you arrive in Sihisoara, a World Heritage site and the birthplace of Dracula. The cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval fortifications make this small town a unique destination. Enjoy lunch onboard the train before continuing onto Brasov for a tour of nearby Bran Castle, in the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains. The train climbs over these mountains this evening through some dramatic landscapes on its way to Bulgaria. (Overnight Onboard Golden Eagle Danube Express)
DAY 5 Veliko Tarnovo And Plovdiv
After breakfast, you will enjoy a tour of Veliko Tarnavo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital nestled in the mountains. There is time for you to wander independently before heading on to Plovdiv. Spend your afternoon exploring one of Europe’s oldest cities,’ The City of Seven Hills.’ Explore charming Old Town, including its ancient theatres, medieval walls, and Ottoman baths. (Overnight onboard Golden Eagle Danube Express)
DAY 6 Belgrade
Arrive this morning at the former capital of Yugoslavia, Belgrade, located at the meeting point between the Danube and Sava rivers. Spend a full day here, taking in this cosmopolitan city’s rich history, including medieval tombs, Turkish baths, and the mausoleum of Josip Tito. (Overnight onboard Golden Eagle Danube Express)
DAY 7 Mostar And Sarajevo
Start the day with a tour of the historic city of Mostar, once one of the most important cities in the Ottoman Empire and renowned for its stone arch bridge linking the Christian and Muslim areas. The bridge was destroyed in the war but rebuilt in 2004 and is now a symbol of unity.
After the chance to shop for some traditional souvenirs in the bazaar, the train follows a scenic line through to the Bosnian capital Sarajevo. A local guide will lead you on a poignant tour exploring the mosques and minarets of the city’s ancient center, the physical and mental scars of modern warfare, and Sarajevo’s more recent history. (Overnight Onboard Golden Eagle Danube Express)
DAY 8 Ljubljana And Postojna Cave
Today enjoy a tour of Ljubljana, which charms all visitors with its delightful Dragon Bridge and Preseren Square. Following this, you will travel out of the city to visit Predjama Castle, perched precariously on a cliff edge, before riding a mini-train to the depths of Postojna Cave. You will tour the mystical 24.340m network of caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites before returning to the train for dinner. (Overnight onboard Golden Eagle Danube Express)
DAY 9 Trieste And Venice
There is time for a short tour of the historic Italian port of Trieste before a farewell lunch onboard and enjoying views of the Adriatic coastline en route to Venice. Here you will be transferred to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Daniele or similar for a 2-night stay. (Overnight Venice)
DAY 10 Venice
Today enjoy a walking tour where you will learn the unique history of this unrivaled and captivating city. Enjoy some free time this afternoon with a gondola ride. Let me know if you might be interested in a small group visit to the spectacular Golden Basilica and riveting Doges Palace. This evening bid a final farewell to your fellow passengers over a reception dinner in a local restaurant. (Overnight Venice)
DAY 11 Venice To Rome
After check-in, go by private boat to the Santa Lucia station, where you board the train to Rome. Enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your 1st class seat. Transfer to your 5-star hotel for a 2-night stay on arrival. (Overnight Rome)
DAY 12 Rome
It’s an early start today, but worth it to explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive. Enjoy a small group tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum this afternoon. (Overnight Rome)
DAY 13 End Of Tour
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your travels elsewhere after you check out of the hotel.
Does this itinerary interest you? How about making it a group trip? There are some great benefits to traveling as a group with friends and family. Let’s discuss your options!
