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Overview
Delve into the history surrounding Romania’s most infamous historical figure, Vlad the Impaler – or as he is more commonly known, Count Dracula – on this 7-day rail cruise of Transylvania. Enjoy a walking tour of the beautifully preserved town of Sighisoara where he was born, discover Sibiu’s Evangelic Cathedral where Vlad’s son was buried after his assassination, and, visit the impressive Bran Castle - the setting made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel as the residence of the vampire count.
Absorb the vibrant cultures, ancient castles and spectacular scenery of Transylvania on this exclusive rail cruise aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive in Istanbul where you will be met and transferred to the iconic five-star Pera Palace Hotel, overlooking the magnificent view of the Golden Horn.
This evening enjoy a welcome reception dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Why not extend your stay in Istanbul to explore more of the city at your leisure? Please contact us for hotel options, touring programmes, and rates.
Day 2 Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. Today see how old meets new, east meets west when we visit a selection of Istanbul’s must-see historic sites.
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) 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.
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia 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 moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine architecture.
The largest and oldest palace in the world and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience.
Late afternoon we join the private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, to begin the rail journey through Bulgaria and Romania to Budapest.
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Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
This morning enjoy the views from the private train as it climbs over the Shipka Pass and arrive at the 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 tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there is 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 the train continues through the scenic landscape as we head across the Romanian border.
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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 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 the 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 Stocker's Dracula. Following a tour of the castle and its surroundings enjoy a gala dinner tonight inside the castle walls.
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Day 5 Sighisoara & Sibiu, Romania
Arrive into Sighisoara after breakfast and experience a walking tour of the town’s main highlights. A World Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets.
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, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board the train and travel across the Great Hungarian Plain.
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Day 6 Kecskemet & Lajosmizse, Hungary
This morning explore Kecskemét, a fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary before the train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show.
Arrive late afternoon at the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest, located on the banks of the magnificent Danube. Enjoy a one-night stay in the five-star Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel (or similar), a unique art nouveau landmark which combines historical elegance with ultra-modern comforts.
This evening enjoy a farewell reception dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe.
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Day 7 Budapest, Hungary
Enjoy your final breakfast on tour - and bid farewell to fellow travellers as your tour ends today.
Accommodation
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Budapest
In the centre of Budapest, our art nouveau royal Hotel captures the glitz and glamour of the city's Golden Age. Enjoy the recognisable wrought-iron peacock gates as you enter, walk through the Lobby's over two million mosaic tiles that are lit up by its eye-catching chandelier, and let inspiration to wash over you. The magnificent Buda skyline and views of the Danube are visible outside. Spend the day sightseeing, rejuvenate in our spa that draws on the city's wellness tradition, and then sip a creative drink in our recently launched lobby bar MÚZSA.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Upgrade availableLIFE ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is your luxurious hotel-on-wheels. Unpack just the once and settle into your well-appointed and comfortable cabin as you begin this voyage of a lifetime. Your cabin attendant will be on hand to look after all your needs.
In addition to our luxury sleeping cabins, we offer a first class Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars.
DELUXE CABIN
Travel in some of the finest rail accommodation available in Europe.
Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin and toilet. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket and hairdryer. A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are provided. Cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches, individual reading lights, power sockets and a safe.
Co-ordinated fabrics complement wood-panelled walls and brass fittings. Two comfortable armchairs provide daytime seating, and a free-standing chair adds flexibility. Cupboards and a full-length wardrobe provide ample storage whilst the large picture window and full-length mirror enhance the spacious feel. A second window will open for fresh air and for that perfect photo opportunity.
During dinner each evening the living room is converted into two comfortable lower beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring you early morning tea or coffee.
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Room Upgrades
Superior Deluxe Cabin
Superior Deluxe cabins, with private en-suite facilities, offer the ultimate in European rail accommodation in terms of space, facilities, and comfort.
With 12 cabins per departure, each cabin offers comfortable daytime seating with a full-length sofa and two additional chairs. The large cabin also benefits from two full-size picture windows, one of which is openable to add to the bright and airy feel of the interior.
Each evening the cabin is transformed into a luxurious bedroom with a UK-standard King Size bed. All cabins have, as standard, a large double wardrobe with excellent storage space, individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches, individual reading lights, in cabin Wi-Fi and USB ports, power sockets and a safe.
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Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
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