At the crossroads of East and West and with a history forged over the centuries and influenced by so many, the Balkans has always had an allure for the genuine traveller. There is a wealth of fascinating cultural sites and natural world marvels to discover and with the Golden Eagle Danube Express as our luxury ‘hotel on wheels’ we will journey from the enchanting city of Venice and meander through the captivating Balkan region to Istanbul, the jewel of the Byzantium Empire. Evocative of the refinement and sumptuous elegance of a bygone era, our journey by train captures the vintage charm of the golden era of travel and whilst moving between our destinations we will witness some of the most beautiful scenery Europe has to offer with mountains that sweep down to lakes covered in rich vegetation.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
We are delighted to have joined forces with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the world’s leading operator of luxury ‘rail cruises’, to bring you some spectacular private rail journeys through Europe aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Travelling by private train is a unique way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of a country and Golden Eagle Luxury Trains design their itineraries carefully to combine iconic cities with stunning scenery ensuring there is a good balance of both relaxation and exploration.
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a luxurious hotel-on-wheels and whilst on board you can enjoy a ‘room with a view’ that constantly changes. Carefully designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind, the Golden Eagle Danube Express accommodates a maximum of just 62 guests and whilst on board you can be assured of first-class service, welcoming and well-appointed cabins, fine dining, a convivial atmosphere and elegant surroundings. With decades of experience, the attentive staff members on board are dedicated to ensuring every moment of your journey is enjoyable. From the skilled bar car and restaurant car staff, each team member is meticulously trained to cater to your every need. When you embark on a journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, your experience is elevated by the presence of a dedicated cabin attendant and these consummate professionals are committed to your comfort and well-being, ensuring that your time on board is an exceptional experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Venice, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to our five-star hotel for a two night stay. This evening enjoy a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2 Venice.
Venice is a truly captivating and romantic city. Today you can choose to join a guided walking tour beginning at the iconic Rialto Bridge. Stroll through Venice’s winding streets and across its many bridges, uncovering the city’s hidden corners and everyday life. The walk is followed by a short gondola ride, before enjoying lunch at an authentic Venetian restaurant. After lunch, continue to the magnificent St Mark’s Square, the historic and cultural heart of the city. Alternatively, join an excursion to the famous Venetian islands. Visit Murano for a traditional glassblowing demonstration and time to browse local workshops, before continuing to Burano, a charming group of small islands renowned for their brightly coloured houses and centuries-old lacemaking tradition. Enjoy a guided walk and a visit to a lacemaker, before rejoining the group for lunch. This evening join a private visit to St Mark’s Basilica.
Day 3 Venice to Trieste & Postojna, Slovenia.
This morning we transfer from the hotel by boat to Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal. Here our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, is ready to receive us. Mid-morning our private train will thread its way out of Santa Lucia station onto the three-mile causeway over the Venice Lagoon. After lunch on board, we make a brief stop in the Italian port city of Trieste for a short guided tour. Explore the expansive Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest sea-facing squares. This evening, we experience the truly jaw-dropping Postojna Caves. Travel deep underground aboard a cave train before exploring a remarkable network of vast chambers, stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Day 4 Pula & Rijeka, Croatia.
Begin the morning with a guided tour of Pula, exploring its historic centre and the impressive Roman Arena. Continue inland to the Kumparicka Estate for a visit and leisurely lunch, enjoying a tasting of authentic Istrian flavours in a beautiful rural setting. In the afternoon, travel to Rijeka for a guided walk through the city centre.
Day 5 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Early this morning we arrive at the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo which is an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western culture with mosques and minarets, an ancient bazaar and an atmospheric old Turkish quarter. Discover the city’s poignant history during the guided tour. Following lunch at a local restaurant, there is a choice of two tours this afternoon. You may ascend by cable car to Mount Trebevic, once a 1984 Olympic venue, where breathtaking panoramic views unfold across the city and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, visit the Tunnel of Hope, a profoundly moving site that tells the story of Sarajevo’s endurance and spirit during the siege of the 1990s.
Day 6 Mostar.
We continue to the historic city of Mostar, a true crossroads of civilisations, cultures, and faiths. Once one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire, Mostar is renowned for its striking stone arch bridge, gracefully spanning the Neretva River and symbolically linking the Christian and Muslim quarters of the town. Destroyed during the conflict of the 1990s the bridge was meticulously rebuilt and reopened in the summer of 2004, standing today as a powerful emblem of reconciliation and continuity. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old town, including a visit to a traditional Turkish house and a local mosque. Wander through the narrow bazaar streets where you may browse for traditional handicrafts. Lunch is enjoyed at a restaurant overlooking the iconic bridge, before following the emerald waters of the Neretva River to the ancient Ottoman fortified town of Pocitelj, dramatically set against the hillside and steeped in history.
Day 7 Belgrade, Serbia.
Nestled at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade, capital of Serbia, is one of oldest and most fascinating cities in Europe. Here, we disembark the train for an overnight stay at the historic Hotel Bristol. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town and the Kalemegdan Fortress followed by a curated wine tasting featuring local Serbian wines. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Church of Saint Sava.
Day 8 Belgrade.
Today we explore Tito’s Belgrade, gaining insight into the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in Yugoslav history. Visit Tito’s museum complex, including his former residence and the museum itself, where you will be welcomed with the traditional Serbian offering of bread and salt. Following the visit, we rejoin the train and continue our journey southeast towards Sofia, crossing the scenic landscapes of Serbia.
Day 9 Sofia & Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Today’s exploration begins in Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital, set at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Originally settled by the Thracian tribe of the Serdi, the city is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern influences. During our morning tour, we will see sections of the Roman city walls, admire the early Christian Church of St George, marvel at the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and visit the historic Turkish Bashi Mosque. Following the morning tour, you may choose to rejoin the train for lunch as we continue our journey to Plovdiv or take a short drive to a local winery for a light lunch accompanied by wine tasting and a lively Bulgarian folk performance, before travelling onwards by bus to Plovdiv. Arriving in Plovdiv, we discover one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. In the early evening, enjoy a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Amphitheatre, then wander through the Old Town.
Day 10 Istanbul, Turkey.
We arrive in Istanbul, the legendary city that straddles two continents, where your luggage will be transferred directly to the luxurious five-star Four Seasons Hotel. Begin with a gentle walk through the historic streets before entering the atmospheric spice market for a guided visit through this centuries old bazaar. After a traditional Turkish lunch, embark on a scenic cruise along the legendary Bosphorus. This evening, descend into the atmospheric depths of Istanbul’s ancient cisterns and visit the Basilica Cistern before enjoying dinner.
Day 11 Istanbul.
This morning you may choose to visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans, exploring its magnificent courtyards, harem and treasury. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar. After lunch, we visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, dating from the 6th century. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 12 Istanbul to London.
Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 8 to 19 May 2026 • 2 to 13 October 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Deluxe Class | £17995 | |
| Superior Deluxe Class | £22995 | |
| Deluxe Class for sole occupancy | £26495 | |
| Superior Deluxe Class for sole occupancy | £36995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LABALKANE
PRICE INCLUDES: Scheduled air travel • Two nights accommodation at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal in Venice (or similar) • Six nights aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express Train • Overnight at the Bristol Belgrade (or similar) • Two nights accommodation at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet in Istanbul (or similar) • All meals • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from standard bar list whilst on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express • Wine, beer and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners off the train • Excursions • Hotel Porterage • All Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Important Information: Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 10% deposit, except where the booking is made within 90 days of departure, in which case full payment will be required at the time of booking. Please also note that nonstandard cancellation fees terms apply to bookings for this holiday. Please refer to the “Booking Conditions For This Tour” tab and contact us if you require further information.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
We are delighted to have joined forces with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the world’s leading operator of luxury ‘rail cruises’, to bring you some spectacular private rail journeys through Europe aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Travelling by private train is a unique way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of a country and Golden Eagle Luxury Trains design their itineraries carefully to combine iconic cities with stunning scenery ensuring there is a good balance of both relaxation and exploration.
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a luxurious hotel-on-wheels and whilst on board you can enjoy a ‘room with a view’ that constantly changes. Carefully designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind, the Golden Eagle Danube Express accommodates a maximum of just 62 guests and whilst on board you can be assured of first-class service, welcoming and well-appointed cabins, fine dining, a convivial atmosphere and elegant surroundings. With decades of experience, the attentive staff members on board are dedicated to ensuring every moment of your journey is enjoyable. From the skilled bar car and restaurant car staff, each team member is meticulously trained to cater to your every need. When you embark on a journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, your experience is elevated by the presence of a dedicated cabin attendant and these consummate professionals are committed to your comfort and well-being, ensuring that your time on board is an exceptional experience.
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Train Directory
Train Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation has been cleverly designed to maximise the available space as cabins convert from a sitting area by day into a cosy sleeping area by night. Illustrations showing how the cabins are configured for daytime and nighttime can be viewed online and overleaf. The train offers two categories of sleeping compartments as follows:Deluxe Class Cabins: There are 20 Deluxe Class Cabins spread between four carriages. Each has a cabin area of 7.7 square metres and has two lower L shaped twin beds. There is a private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and toilet in each cabin. Amenities include two armchairs and free-standing chair, a large picture window which opens part way, Wi-Fi, individual reading lights, remote controlled air-conditioning and a full length wardrobe.
Superior Deluxe Class Cabins: There are 12 Superior Deluxe Class Cabins spread between three carriages. Each has a cabin area of 8.6 square metres and has a king size bed (UK standard). There is a private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and toilet in each cabin. Amenities include a full length sofa, two additional chairs and table, two large picture windows which open part way, Wi-Fi, two USB ports, individual reading lights, a double wardrobe and additional cupboards.
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
All public cars are fitted with air-conditioning. Each cabin features individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The air-conditioning will only work satisfactorily if the windows and doors are closed.CABIN AMENITIES
In your cabin you will find dressing gowns, slippers, a hairdryer and an umbrella. In the bathroom you will find L’Occitane toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap and body lotion).DAILY PROGRAMME
A day to day itinerary is placed in all cabins detailing train arrival and departure times, the latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information on the following day’s excursions and activities.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. Once on board, please speak with the Chef on arrival to reconfirm and the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.DINING & DRINKING
All meals are freshly prepared on board. Meals are served in one sitting for all passengers in the restaurant cars, and there is an open-seating policy. Breakfast is served as a buffet with hot dishes to order. A choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes will be offered at every lunch and dinner. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer, spirits, local wines and soft drinks are included without charge for all guests, including with lunch and dinner on the train.DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate whereas the evenings are smart casual.ELECTRICITY
The sockets on the train, and in your compartment, accept standard two-pin European plugs, with electricity operating on 230 volts. A limited number of adaptors are available on request.EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. The train will be brought to a halt for any required action. Do not jump from a moving train.GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry service is available at an additional charge. Most items (except heavy materials, such as jeans) are delivered to your cabin within 24 hours. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board the train.LUGGAGE STORAGE
All compartments have limited in-cabin storage. Once unpacked, any larger cases can be removed for storage. These will be returned to you upon request as well as prior to arrival at your final destination.LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your compartment carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.MEDICAL FACILITIES
A UK-registered doctor is available 24 hours a day.ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Currency on board the train is the Euro. Onboard purchases can be charged to your cabin account and settled aboard the train prior to departure. Please note that only cash payments are accepted at this time.PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will provide the necessary forms for you to fill out. Passports will be returned to passengers prior to the end of the journey.PUBLIC AREAS
The social heart of the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the Bar Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board. Unwind and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers. Perhaps read a novel or enjoy a game of cards.
The Golden Eagle Restaurant Cars are a delightful venue in which to enjoy meals skilfully prepared by the on board Executive Chef and restaurant team. Depending on the number of guests on board, one or two restaurant cars will be on every departure. The Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and enlightening range of activities and, in the evening, enjoy the sound of the resident pianist playing. Every night, the bar stays open until the last person leaves.QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us; therefore we ask that you fill in a questionnaire prior to disembarkation from the train. We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and in order to do this we request feedback from our guests.SECURITY
Each car has two car attendants, one of whom is always on duty. All cabins on the Golden Eagle Danube Express have a safe which is located inside the wardrobe. The attendants remain with the train during the city tours.SERVICE
Your car attendant provides general housekeeping, nightly turndown service, and a full daily service during daytime hours and the evening. Complimentary tea, coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water are available from your cabin staff. Towels in cabins are changed regularly.SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is strictly prohibited aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.TRAIN TOUR MANAGER
The Train Tour Manager is there to coordinate all elements of the tour and, if you encounter any problems, you should approach them directly and they will do their best to assist. Your Train Tour Manager will greet you when you arrive and travel with you throughout the tour.TELEPHONE CALLS
There is no telephone system on board.WI-FI
A Wi-Fi connection is available in each carriage except the restaurant cars. The connection is dependent on cellular signal and there may be times when the train will travel through areas with limited or no coverage. Please refer to the instructions in your cabin to connect to carriage Wi-Fi, and please note that if you move from one carriage to another, or to the bar car you will need to set up a new connection.Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Booking Conditions For This Tour
Golden Eagle Danube Express - Addendum to Booking Conditions (Click to Download)
Before you confirm your booking for the Golden Eagle Danube Express, please be aware that all bookings for this holiday are subject to non-standard booking conditions. You should still complete Noble Caledonia’s standard booking form and should read through our standard booking conditions. Please note, though, that section 6(a) of Noble Caledonia’s standard booking conditions will be altered for the purposes of your booking for this holiday and that the following alternate version of 6(a) shall apply instead of the standard one:
6(a) You or any member of your party may cancel your holiday at any time before departure. Notification should be made in writing or via the telephone or made on your behalf by your travel agent. Notification of cancellation will be effective when it is received by us at our offices. Since we incur costs in cancelling your holiday, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below (although please note the exceptions outlined in Part 6(c) below):
| Period before the day of departure within which cancellation notification is received by us | Amount of cancellation fee as % of total holiday price payable* |
| 90 days or more | 10%*† |
| 70 to 89 days | 40%* |
| 61 to 69 days | 60%* |
| 60 days or fewer | 100%* |
* Plus any additional amendment charges or cancellation charges for upgraded and/or connecting travel arrangements or other additional extras (see part 3(d) of these Booking Conditions).
† In the event that you cancel your holiday and in the event that notification of said cancellation is received by us 90 days or more before the commencement of your holiday, please note that (i) if the value of the payment that you made to us as a deposit for your holiday booking was less than 10% of your total holiday price, you may have to pay a further top-up amount to Noble Caledonia such that, following our receipt of said top-up payment, the total amount then paid by you as a cancellation fee equates to 10% of your total holiday price, and that (ii) if we have asked you for a deposit payment of more than 10% of your total holiday price, in accordance with section 3(a) of these Booking Conditions, that higher amount will be the value of your cancellation fee. The cancellation charges set out above have been calculated as a genuine pre-estimate of the losses we would incur in the event you cancel your holiday within the stipulated time period, taking into account the charges we will incur from our suppliers (some of which may be up to 100%) and our expected cost savings and income from alternative deployment of the travel services that comprise your holiday package. We will deduct your cancellation charges from the monies that you have already paid to us and will reimburse any remaining monies within 14 days of our receipt of your cancellation notification. Where your cancellation charges exceed the value of the monies that you have already paid to us, we will contact you for the payment of the remainder, which shall be due within 14 days of our receipt of your cancellation notification. Note: If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges and other costs that you may incur as a result of your cancellation from your insurer. You should contact your insurer for information about this at the earliest opportunity and you should double-check your terms of cover and double-check and conditions relating to time bars on claims.
Please also note that we require a 10% deposit for all bookings for this holiday and that, if you are a Commodore Club member, your usual 5% deposit benefit will not be available on this occasion.
Aside from the above exceptions, all other terms of Noble Caledonia’s standard booking conditions are unchanged.
When confirming your booking, we will ask you to acknowledge your receipt of this addendum to our standard booking conditions and confirm your acceptance of the above
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000