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Golden Eagle Danube Express: Eastern Europe Discovery
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Golden Eagle Danube Express: Eastern Europe Discovery (Tour code: 13634)

Starts and Ends
Budapest to
Vienna
Travel Periods
03 Sept 24 & 18 Aug 25
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Journeys
Centuries of influential empires have shaped the captivating countries of Eastern Europe, leaving a lasting impression on the cultures, languages and religions seen here today.

Highlights

Explore the vibrant streets of Budapest

Discover the poignant history of the former Warsaw Ghetto as you delve into its past

Delight in the mesmerizing sounds of an organ concert at Oliwa Cathedral in Gdansk

Stroll along the enchanting Long Market, a picturesque and historic street in old Gdansk

Explore Berlin by either taking a bike ride or a bus tour during your visit to the city

Ascend through the city to Prague Castle and the enchanting Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, situated on a picturesque hillside with commanding views of the city and river

Leisurely cruise on the Vltava River aboard a private boat and savour cocktails and take in the scenic beauty of Prague

A private concert at the House of Mozart, featuring the talented Vienna Supreme Orchestra

12 days
From
AUD 29,126
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Over the course of this 12-day journey, you'll immerse yourself in the world of ancient architectural marvels, including the medieval magnificence, baroque refinement, and gothic majesty found in some of Europe's most magnificent cities.

Inclusions

Private ensuite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
Freshly prepared meals on board
Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from standard bar list
Arrival and departure transfers
Expertly guided off-train excursions
24-hour cabin attendant service
Experienced Tour Management team
Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
All gratuities
Luggage porterage throughout the journey

Day 1 Budapest

On arrivals day in Budapest, you will be met at the airport, train station or river ship landing port and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for a two-night stay.

Savour a welcoming dinner within the refined ambiance of this Art Nouveau masterpiece, boasting breathtaking panoramas overlooking the River Danube. It's the perfect opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers as you embark on this eagerly awaited journey.
 

Dinner

Day 2 Budapest

Budapest is 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. 

Your city tour includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church, and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. You will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the City Park.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure – stroll along the banks of the Danube, visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel and indulge in the hotel’s luxurious spa with infinity-edge pool or make use of the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Budapest

This morning in Budapest is at leisure.

Later, enjoy a drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express for your afternoon departure.

Settle in to your well-appointed private ensuite cabin and later enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard as the train makes it way to Poland.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Krakow

Once a royal capital with an extraordinary history, and now a lively university town with fashionable bars and restaurants, Krakow is a fascinating city with beautiful monuments and an exuberant atmosphere.

This morning the train makes a scheduled stop at Oswiecim, the station for Auschwitz-Birkenau where guests will make a 2-hour visit to the location of the evocative concentration camp and museum. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, guests will embark upon a deeply moving guided tour which stands as a stark reminder of the horrors that took place here. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is preserved as a museum allowing visitors to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and learn of the camp’s history.

From here you will continue by coach into the centre of stunning Krakow, where you will enjoy lunch overlooking the beautiful Old Town Square. After lunch, walk the streets of the Old Town including a visit to Wawel Royal Cathedral, followed by a panoramic tour of the Kazimierz Jewish district.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Warsaw

This morning, the train arrives at the Polish capital of Warsaw. Here you will appreciate the extraordinary transformation of a place once almost destroyed by war. When you cross the Vistula River and look at the Old Town from a distance, you are struck by how unusual the panorama of the city is – skyscrapers rise above the red roofs of the Old Town. Historical buildings blend in harmoniously with modern architecture.

Your guided tour takes you on a journey through the Old Town and along the Royal Route before heading into the area of the former Warsaw Ghetto. The Old Town boasts a nostalgic charm with its colourful townhouses and the exceptional atmosphere of its narrow streets. The Royal Route connects three former residences of Polish rulers: Royal Castle, Royal Lazienki and Wilanów Palace. 

The tour ends at Lazienki Royal Park where you will enjoy lunch at the Belvedere Restaurant situated in the park. After lunch, privileged guests will be presented to a private Chopin piano recital at one of the historical palaces in the park before returning to the train for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Malbork & Gdansk

This morning visit Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the seat of the Teutonic State from 1280. Teutonic Knights originally built a fortified monastery here, later known as the Upper Castle. In the 13th century a huge brick fortress was completed and stands overlooking the River Nogat. The museum houses valuable collections of artistic amber wares, old weapons, and military equipment.

Guests will return to the train for lunch and the journey continues through Poland towards Gdansk.
The coastal region of Poland has an important place in Polish consciousness as a key location at the start of World War II in September 1939. This is also where the famous Solidarity independent trade union movement started in 1980 for the protection of worker’s rights, which later became the symbol of resistance against the government and where the fall of Communism in Central Europe began.

You will spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront shipbuilding city of Gdansk. Your visit will include a tour of the remarkable European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk, which presents the 20th century history of the political changes leading to the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union.

Guests will enjoy an organ concert at Oliwa Cathedral stroll along the enchanting Long Market, a picturesque and historic street in old Gdansk. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Berlin

Whilst enjoying breakfast on board, you will arrive in Berlin for a full day’s programme. After years of division, Berlin has risen once again to become one of Europe’s most glamorous capital cities, with superb museums, fine churches, wide boulevards, and a thriving cultural life.

You have the choice this morning to see the city either by bicycle or by bus. Both tours include highlights of both East and West Berlin and the Reichstag, the famous Renaissance style building that once again houses Germany’s parliament. After the tour, enjoy lunch with the stunning views of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.

This afternoon, you Freedom of Choice option includes taking in more of the city’s sights including the East Side Gallery Berlin Wall memorial with the opportunity to drive a VEB Trabant, your very own authentic East German vehicle. A unique hands-on experience across the once-divided city of Berlin!

For guests not taking the driving experience option, there will be free time this afternoon with the opportunity to visit the museum of your choice such as the Topography of Terror; or take time for reflection and contemplation at the poignant Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. There will also be time for shopping along the elegant Kurfürstendamm boulevard.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Dresden & The Elbe Valley

This morning you arrive in the city of Dresden, located in the region of Saxony. Today you leave the city behind to enjoy a visit to nearby Wackerbarth Castle, nestled in the delightful landscapes of the Elbe Valley. 

Guests will get an opportunity to tour of the vineyard and experience a wine tasting where you will be introduced to three of the estate’s own wines.

Rejoin the train for a late lunch while it makes its way to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the late afternoon. There, you will savour dinner at a local restaurant and have the opportunity to stroll through the Old Town in the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Prague

Prague is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. It spans the Vltava River and is dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a stunning sight that can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Your city tour takes in the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings and Astronomical Clock, the historic 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter.

Lunch will be served overlooking the architectural treasures of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires’.

After lunch, guests will join a vintage tram to travel through the city up the hill to Prague Castle and the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a hillside overlooking the city and river. From here, you will take a relaxing cruise up the river Vltava by private boat with cocktails on board.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Salzburg

Today, you will explore Salzburg, starting at Mirabell Palace located in the heart of the city. 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.

A short distance from the palace on Market Square you will see the former Mozart Residence, now a museum. From here, cross the Makartsteg bridge into the Old Town and walk along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous street which is renowned for its wrought-iron trade signs and the birthplace of Mozart.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Vienna

This morning, enjoy your final breakfast onboard as you leave Salzburg on a majestic morning’s journey over the breath-taking Semmering Pass before your lunchtime arrival into Vienna.

A seductive metropolis of elaborate palaces, renowned coffee houses, classical music and enchanting opera, Vienna is a magnificent city which continues to enthral. Today’s programme will allow you to sample the lively Naschmarkt, home to over 100 food and antique stalls, the famous Schönbrunn Palace, or free time to explore on your own.

This evening, guests will enjoy a private concert at the House of Mozart, featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Vienna

Following breakfast on the final morning you will be transferred to the airport for onward flight departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Vienna for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Golden Eagle Danube Express

Upgrade available

LIFE 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.

Deluxe Cabin (Day)
Deluxe Cabin (Night)

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.

Superior Deluxe Cabin

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

•    The bar lounge: Unwind in comfortable surroundings and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers and begin long-lasting friendships. It is here that your Tour Manager will also organise a programme of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure timings, latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information on the following day’s excursions and activities. 

•    The Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and enlightening range of activities such as language lessons and engaging talks by expert lecturers on local history and culture. In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing in the Bar Lounge Car. Every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

•    The restaurant car: Enjoy the delights of an on-train breakfast each morning - a wide selection of fruit, cereals, orange juice and cold plates are available from the bountiful buffet. 

•    For lunch and dinner, you will enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant car. On offer are culinary experiences that reflect the very essence of the countries the train travels through, as well as international cuisine. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.

•    Meals onboard are a relaxed affair as the restaurant cars can accommodate all guests in a single sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code, so you can enjoy your culinary experiences in convivial and relaxed surroundings and with an open-seating policy you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.

Departure dates:
•    03 Sep – 14 Sep, 2024
•    18 Aug – 29 Aug, 2025 

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED
AWARD WINNING
TRAVEL SUPPORT
50 YEARS EXPERIENCE
HANDPICKED SUPPLIERS
UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCES