We are delighted to have joined forces with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the world’s leading operator of luxury ‘rail cruises’, to bring you this spectacular private rail journey 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.
Discover the rich tapestry of cultures, fairy-tale castles and dramatic landscapes of Transylvania on this exceptional journey. Following an overnight stay in Istanbul, with time to explore the city’s highlights, we join the Golden Eagle Danube Express for this journey through the heart of southeast Europe. En route, visit the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo, the legendary Peles Castle and Bran Castle, and the Medieval Transylvanian cities of Sighisoara and Sibiu, each offering fascinating insights into the region’s rich heritage and striking mountain scenery. Our journey concludes as we cross the Great Hungarian Plain and arrive on the banks of the Danube, where we will enjoy an overnight stay in the grand city of Budapest in a five-star hotel.
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 Istanbul, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our five-star hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception dinner and meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2 Istanbul.
Istanbul is the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. Today you can discover how old meets new and east meets west during a walking tour through the historic quarters of the city, followed by a choice of visits to two of Istanbul’s most magnificent monuments. You may choose to visit the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous landmarks in the Turkish and Islamic worlds. It is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style and features six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles. Alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia which was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent Grand Mosques in the world. Take a few moments to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. This afternoon we join our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, to begin the rail journey through Bulgaria and Romania to Budapest in Hungary.
Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
This morning we enjoy the views from our private train as we climb over the Shipka Pass and arrive at our first stop Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep banks of the Yantra River. A guided tour will include the superbly preserved Medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there will be some free time to wander through the narrow alleyways of the ancient city. This evening relax in the Bar Lounge Car before dinner is served as our train continues through the scenic landscape as we head across the Romanian border.
Day 4 Sinaia & Brasov, Romania.
Overnight the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain streams. This morning we arrive in Sinaia for a tour of Peles Castle. The castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls. Returning to our private train for lunch we continue onto Brasov in the afternoon for a visit to Bran Castle. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, the 14th century castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Following a tour of the castle and its surroundings we will enjoy a gala dinner.
Day 5 Sighisoara & Sibiu.
This morning we arrive after breakfast into Sighisoara for a walking tour of the town’s main highlights. A World Heritage Site, it is one of the best-preserved fortified Medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets. We return to the train for lunch as we continue onto Sibiu, known specifically for its Germanic architecture in the Old Town due to the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. Around the city today can be seen the remains of Medieval walls and towers, including the 13th-century Council Tower which connects the two main squares. Tonight, we enjoy a final dinner on board our private train as we travel across the Great Hungarian Plain.
Day 6 Kecskemet & Lajosmizse, Hungary.
This morning we have the opportunity to explore Kecskemet, a fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary, before the train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show. Late this afternoon arrive at the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest, located on the banks of the magnificent Danube, where we will enjoy an overnight stay in a five-star hotel. This evening’s farewell dinner provides you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe.
Day 7 Budapest to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
| 12 to 18 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Deluxe Class | £12295 | |
| Superior Deluxe Class | £15595 | |
| Deluxe Class for sole occupancy | £18295 | |
| Superior Deluxe Class for sole occupancy | £25595 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAGE121027
PRICE INCLUDES: Scheduled return air travel from London • Overnight hotel accommodation in Istanbul • Four nights aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express Train • Overnight hotel accommodation in Budapest • 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 • Gratuities • Transfers • Hotel Porterage • 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 contact us for 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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000






