Golden Eagle Danube Express: Christmas Markets of Central Europe (Budapest - Munich) (Tour code: 13632)

Arrivals Day in Budapest, where you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for a two-night stay.

Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of this art nouveau landmark where you can meet your fellow travellers ahead of this highly anticipated journey.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Budapest is an alliance of two cities separated by the Danube. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Today, enjoy a city tour that includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. You will also see the Parliament, Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Make sure to take the opportunity to stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city. You may want to visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or warm up and head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating Christmas dip.

Budapest, Hungary

Late morning, you will be transferred to Nyugati station to enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a lifetime, a private brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and uniformed train staff will be there to escort you to your private ensuite cabin.

As you settle in and enjoy your first delicious lunch onboard, the train will weave its way out of Budapest’s Nyugati station, before winding through Hungary’s whimsical wintery landscapes, before arriving at your first stop – Vienna, Austria.

This evening, travel to Schönbrunn Palace where an exclusive after-hours private entrance awaits. With the palace bathed in soft golden light, enjoy a guided tour reserved solely for the group – a rare opportunity to wander through the opulent halls and staterooms in serene evening quiet, once the residence of the Habsburg emperors.

Later, guests will return to the train to indulge in a decadent dinner – freshly prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients and regional delicacies.

Schönbrunn Palace

A beautiful city to explore at any time of the year, but wintertime in Vienna is an extra special experience. Exquisitely illuminated with hanging lights of the Christmas markets, Vienna’s squares are brimming with culinary treats, handmade gifts, and quaint ornaments.

Today, enjoy a ‘fiaker’ horse and carriage ride through the heart of the city, arriving in style for a private classical concert at Palais Daun-Kinsky – an elegant Baroque palace setting the perfect scene for an intimate musical performance. Afterwards, embark on a panoramic city tour, with the option to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Austria’s largest art museum and a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. Opened in 1891, its vast collection showcases works once owned by the illustrious Habsburg dynasty.

Alternatively, you may wish to explore the Christmas market at Maria-Theresien-Platz, or visit the magnificent Hofburg Palace, the historic seat of Habsburg power since 1279. Once the dynasty’s winter residence, this grand complex now serves as the official home and workplace of the President of Austria – a fascinating glimpse into the city’s imperial past and vibrant present.

Afterwards, return to the Golden Eagle Danube Express, where a decadent dinner awaits. Enjoy a glass of fine wine as the train’s elegant dining car becomes your sanctuary for the night, the rhythmic sound of the rails accompanying a perfect close to your magical Viennese adventure.

Streets of Vienna, Austria

Like a picture from the pages of a fairy-tale, Salzburg perfectly captures the charming cosiness of the festive season. The city sits snuggly in the northern foothills of the Alps, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, cut in half by the curves of the Salzach River. The Christmas markets, Advent concerts and local traditions continue to charm visitors in the magical city of Mozart.

This morning, explore the heart of the city, starting at Mirabell Palace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the baroque 17th century palace is easily one of the most stunning landmarks in the city and made famous in more modern times as a location used in The Sound of Music.

Later, embark on a visit to the illustrious Fortress Hohensalzburg, one of Austria’s most iconic landmarks and a proud symbol of Salzburg’s rich medieval heritage. Perched majestically atop the Festungsberg hill, this formidable fortress has stood watch over the city for more than 900 years — a lasting testament to Salzburg’s power and prestige. During the guided tour, uncover its fascinating history, from its origins as an archbishop’s residence to its later transformation into a mighty military stronghold.

Afterwards, enjoy free time at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in the world, which is held on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. Its unique location in the middle of the UNESCO honoured Old Town of Salzburg, the traditional stalls and its long history make the Salzburg Christmas market something very special.

Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing with a guided visit to the Residenzgalerie Salzburg, where seasonal paintings and the opulent State Rooms offer a refined glimpse into Salzburg’s artistic and courtly legacy. Ascend to the Domorgel Empore (Cathedral Organ Gallery) for a privileged perspective within the cathedral, concluding with an exclusive Turmblasen performance — a traditional Advent brass ensemble played from the cathedral towers, reserved privately for this group.

Mirabell Palace

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour by coach through the outskirts of Salzburg to Hellbrunn Palace, where a pause to visit the charming Christmas market set within the palace grounds. For admirers of The Sound of Music, there is also a stop at the iconic Gazebo, immortalised in the beloved film.

Later, transfer to the village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg (approximately 35 minutes), wherea guided visit to the Stille Nacht Chapel. Built on the site where “Silent Night” was first performed in 1818, the chapel provides a poignant setting for a private highlight: a live performance of Stille Nacht exclusively for this group. Also visit the nearby Stille Nacht Museum and its intimate Christmas market before returning to Salzburg station.

Back on board, lunch is served in the Restaurant Cars as you admire the sweeping Bavarian landscapes en route to Germany. Crossing the border, arrive in Munich, where you'll be transferred to your hotel and check in.

This evening, visit Paulaner am Nockherberg for a guided tour of the brewery, including a tasting and a traditional Bavarian dinner. Bavaria — and Munich in particular — is synonymous with beer and brewing heritage, proudly upholding Germany’s oldest food regulation, the Reinheitsgebot. Enacted on 23 April 1516 by Duke Wilhelm IV, the law stipulated that beer may contain only water, barley and hops. An expert guide leads guests through the brewing facilities, explaining each stage of the production process from raw ingredients to finished beer.

Hellbrunn Palace

Electrified by the indescribable buzz of yuletide cheer, Christmas in Munich is truly magical. The city’s festive spirit shines brightest at its famous Christmas market on Marienplatz, in the very heart of Munich. This centuries-old market, dating back to the 1600s, perfectly blends timeless Bavarian tradition with contemporary charm — sizzling Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts stand alongside decadent sweet treats and dazzling artisan creations. Overlooking it all, a magnificently illuminated Christmas tree casts a warm golden glow across the bustling square, wrapping the city in festive enchantment.

Begin the day with a visit to Motorworld Munich, a haven for automotive enthusiasts featuring luxury and classic car showrooms, expert workshops, and immersive exhibition spaces celebrating the world of motoring. During your guided tour, explore its exhibition spaces and gain insight into the craftsmanship, heritage and innovation behind some of the world’s most celebrated marques.

Lunch is taken at Golding Restaurant, followed by a visit to Munich’s enchanting Christmas markets, where festively adorned stalls, artisanal gifts and seasonal specialities evoke the warmth and tradition of Advent in Bavaria.

This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on the memories made from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe.

Munich

Following breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.