We have joined forces with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains to bring you a spectacular journey by private train through six fascinating countries. From the classic capital cities of Budapest and Vienna, we venture deep into the Austrian Tyrol before heading across the valleys of the Swiss Alps and onwards through the Italian Lake District before arriving into the lesser-known but equally beautiful country of Slovenia and its jewel in the crown, Lake Bled. Traverse some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as the Golden Eagle Danube Express weaves its way through tunnels, across viaducts and over mountain passes. Journey’s end will be in the stunning maritime city of Venice, an outstanding mix of Gothic and Renaissance palaces perched on the edge of the Italian coast and a perfect end to a memorable journey of alpine discovery.
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 Budapest, Hungary.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for our two night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surrounds of this Art Nouveau landmark, with its panoramic views across the River Danube.
Day 2 Budapest.
Our exploration of Budapest begins with a visit to the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building set on the banks of the Danube. From here, a scenic coach tour takes us across the river to the historic Buda side, where we explore the charming old town and admire the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, enjoying panoramic views over the city. This afternoon we visit the elegant Hungarian State Opera House for an exclusive private concert. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Budapest to Vienna & Semmering Pass, Austria.
We begin the day with a drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati Station before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express for our morning departure. Settle into the comfort of your cabin as the train glides westwards, with lunch served on board en route to Vienna. Austria’s magnificent capital captivates with its Imperial grandeur and rich cultural legacy. Today’s programme includes a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, a visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, or time at leisure to explore the city independently. Later, we continue to Palais Daun Kinsky for a spectacular classical performance from the Vienna Residence Orchestra. In the late afternoon, we depart Vienna and travel across central Austria towards the Alps. As evening falls, enjoy one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys as we climb over the Semmering Pass a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train threads its way across 16 soaring viaducts and through 15 tunnels, offering breathtaking alpine vistas.
Day 4 Lake Achen & Innsbruck.
Continuing through the Alps, we pass the renowned skiing village of Kitzbuhel before arriving at Jenbach. After lunch, we embark on a scenic drive to the idyllic Lake Achen (Achensee).Here we step back in time aboard the historic Achenseebahn, the oldest steam cog railway in Europe. This charming narrow-gauge line carries us gently upwards to the shores of Lake Achensee. On arrival we enjoy a cruise across its sparkling waters, surrounded by alpine peaks. Later we continue to Innsbruck, the charming capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol for a guided walking tour of this compact and picturesque city.
Day 5 Zurich, Switzerland.
Relax on board this morning and watch the scenery of the Vorarlberg unfold before your eyes as we pass through St Anton before crossing through Liechtenstein and then into Switzerland where we run along the whole of Lake Zurich before arriving in the city itself where a traditional Swiss fondue tasting awaits. During a walking tour explore Zurich’s historic centre, including a visit to the remarkable Fraumunster Church, renowned for its stunning stainedglass windows, followed by some time at leisure. Alternatively, those drawn to fine art may wish to join a brief guided walk followed by a visit to the distinguished Kunsthaus Zurich. Later enjoy dinner aboard the train as it continues its scenic journey through alpine landscapes.
Day 6 St Gotthard Pass & Lake Como, Italy.
Upon leaving Zurich we pass along the shorelines of Lake Zug and Lake Lucerne before starting the very scenic climb to the St Gotthard Pass. Once through the old St Gotthard tunnel we descend through Lugano towards Lake Como in Italy. We enjoy a private boat cruise across the serene waters and visit the beautiful lakeside town of Bellagio, where we stop for a scenic lunch and time at leisure to explore its cobbled lanes and boutiques. Returning by boat to Como, enjoy a guided tour of the historic town before we reboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
Day 7 Verona.
This morning after running along the south shore of Lake Garda we arrive in Verona, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. During our tour here we will visit the magnificent Verona Arena. Built in the 1st century AD, this remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre is one of the finest in the world and remains in active use today. Following a traditional Italian lunch, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre, discovering elegant piazzas, Medieval lanes and architectural treasures.
Day 8 Lake Bled & Ljubljana, Slovenia.
This morning be awake early as our train climbs away from Trieste and heads over the border into Slovenia and continues climbing through the Julian Alps to Lake Bled. With its island, church and castle, this is an incredibly picturesque alpine lake situated at the foothills of the Alps in north-western Slovenia. There will be the opportunity to step aboard a traditional Pletna boat for a tranquil trip across the lake to visit the island church. Alternatively, there is the option to explore the island and climb to Bled Castle which offers stunning views. Those seeking a more leisurely morning can choose to circle the island by boat before joining a panoramic drive to the charming Medieval village of Radovljica, including a chocolate tasting. After lunch at the elegant Tito’s villa, take a short coach ride to Slovenia’s enchanting capital, Ljubljana. Enjoy a walking tour through the historic centre, followed by a scenic boat trip along the Ljubljanica River.
Day 9 Postojna & Venice, Italy.
This morning enjoy a private visit to Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular karst cave systems. We then head south towards Mestre where our train curves to the left onto the three-mile causeway across the Venice Lagoon and into Venice Santa Lucia station located on the Grand Canal, arriving in the late afternoon. We say farewell to our train crew and transfer to a five-star hotel for a two-night stay. After dinner enjoy a private evening tour of St Mark’s Basilica, offering the chance to experience one of Venice’s most extraordinary landmarks in a more intimate setting.
Day 10 Venice.
Venice is a truly captivating and romantic city. Today, enjoy a walking tour around the highlights of this spectacular city. Walk through the winding lanes beside the Grand Canal to St Mark’s Square, followed by a short gondola ride and lunch in a local restaurant. Alternatively you may like to join an excursion to the famous Venetian islands where we will 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 celebrated lacemaker, before returning to Venice for lunch. The day concludes with a farewell dinner.
Day 11 Venice to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 1 to 11 May 2026 • 5 to 15 June 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Deluxe Class | £16995 | |
| Superior Deluxe Class | £21495 | |
| Deluxe Class for sole occupancy | £25995 | |
| Superior Deluxe Class for sole occupancy | £35995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAGRANDALPINE
PRICE INCLUDES: Scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Budapest • Six nights aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express Train • Two nights hotel accommodation in Venice • 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 • 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.
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






