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Overview
From the classic capital cities of Budapest and Vienna, venture deep into the Austrian Tyrol before heading across the valleys of the Swiss Alps and onwards through the Italian Lake District before heading 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. Journeys 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. A perfect end to a memorable journey of alpine discovery.
Itinerary
Day 1 Budapest, Hungary
Upon arrival into Budapest, you will be transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for a 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, where you can meet your fellow travellers on this highly-anticipated journey.
Day 2 Budapest, Hungary
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 to the commercial heart of Pest. The city tour includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.
The rest of the day is at leisure where you can 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.
Day 3 Vienna, Austria
Enjoy a drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express for a morning departure. Settle into your cabin and later enjoy lunch as the train heads to Vienna.
The stunning capital city of Austria enthrals visitors with its rich heritage. A seductive metropolis of elaborate palaces, renowned coffee houses, classical music and enchanting opera. 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 yourself.
This evening, we will enjoy a private concert featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
Day 4 Semmering Pass, Lake Achen & Innsbruck, Austria
Today will be one of the real highlights of the journey as you depart from Vienna in the morning and travel across central Austria and into the Alps on an incredibly scenic morning.
Cameras at the ready as you climb over the Semmering Pass with its 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels, through the famous skiing village of Kitzbuhel to Jenbach, where after lunch you take a scenic drive to the picturesque Lake Achen (Achensee) for a cruise on the water.
From here you will travel by bus the short distance to Innsbruck, capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, a city in the Alps that's long been a destination for winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial and modern architecture. The Nordkette funicular, with its futuristic stations designed by architect Zaha Hadid, climbs up to 2,256m from the city centre for stunning bird eye views of the surrounding Alpine terrain.
Day 5 Zurich, Switzerland
Another fantastic morning on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to simply sit back, relax and watch the scenery of the Vorarlberg unfold in front of your eyes as we pass through St. Anton before crossing through Liechtenstein and then into Switzerland where the train travels n along the whole of the Lake of Zürich before arriving in the city itself.
The city of Zürich, a global centre for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zürich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (Town Hall). Whilst in the city enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue tasting.
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Day 6 St. Gotthard Pass & Lake Como and Milan, Switzerland & Italy
Today is one for the cameras! Upon leaving Zürich you pass along the shorelines of Lakes Zug and 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, where you stop for lunch on the Lake.
Lake Como is surrounded by high mountains and dramatic cliffs, so it is quite different from the other Italian lakes. A narrow road runs up its western coast towards Switzerland and sits up high above the water, with the towns dropping down beneath it. Renowned for its beautifully kept public gardens and historic villas, it is easy to see why so many celebrities love Lake Como. Enjoy boat cruise on Lake Como and visit the beautiful lakeside town of Bellagio.
From Como, travel to nearby Milan, for a short visit of this city famous for fashion and football but also its magnificently restored Gothic Duomo and the Teatro La Scala, followed by a delicious pizza tasting.
Day 7 Verona & Trieste, Italy
This morning after running along the south shore of Lake Garda you will arrive in Verona. Famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, enjoy an informative walking tour of Verona’s famous sites, including the first century Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Bra.
Enjoy lunch on board and later in the afternoon you will arrive into Trieste, the Italian port for a short tour. Stopping at the imposing Miramare Castle and also visit the vast Piazza Unita d’Italia, the main town square. Standing on a hill overlooking Trieste is the famous Church of San Giusto built around a medieval complex and dates back to the 13th century. Enter the church for a close-up view of the splendid Byzantine-style architecture enriched with precious mosaics.
Day 8 Lake Bled & Ljubljana, Slovenia
This morning be awake early as the train climbs away from Trieste and heads over the border into Slovenia and continues climbing through the Julian Alps to Lake Bled which, with its island, church and castle is an incredibly picturesque alpine lake situated at the foothills of the Alps in north-western Slovenia.
From here you travel onto Ljubljana, enjoying lunch onboard while discovering a delightful combination of ancient architecture and a youthful culture. An afternoon tour includes visits to Preseren Square, Three Bridges and Dragon Bridge.
Day 9 Postojna, Venice, Slovenia & Italy
As the train stays overnight in Postojnia, enjoy with the included a private visit to Postojnia Caves in the morning. Then head south towards Mestre where our train curves to the left onto the 3-mile causeway across the Venice Lagoon and into Venice Santa Lucia station located on the Grand Canal, arriving after lunch.
Say farewell to the train crew and transfer to the five-star Baglioni Hotel Luna for a two-night stay. Housed in a magnificent 12th century Venetian palazzo and set just steps away from St Mark's Square, the hotel offers impressive interiors with original frescoes and stunning views across the lagoon.
Day 10 Venice, Italy
Venice is a truly captivating and romantic city; its unrivalled beauty takes away the breath of first-time visitors and regulars alike. 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, which for 1,000 years was the heart of Venetian life. Also see St. Mark’s Basilica and stroll through the Rialto Market. A trip to Venice would not be complete without a gondola ride along Venice’s famous canals (a 30 minute gondola in the programme).
Alternatively enjoy the city at your own pace today. Perhaps stroll through the artists’ district of Dorsoduro, stopping to take in the city’s most breath-taking views from the Accademia Bridge.
In the evening enjoy a farewell reception dinner, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this beautifully scenic part of Europe.
Day 11 Venice, Italy
On the final morning following breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Venice for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.
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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