.jpg?auto=format)
.jpg?auto=format)
Overview
Mark the turn of the year with an indulgent exploration of the extravagance of Central Europe. Journeying aboard the ornate Danube Express, magnificent panoramas of Austria’s snow-capped mountains melt into Budapest’s mesmerising neo-gothic cityscape. The regal splendour continues as the train traces along the captivating spires of Prague, through to the cobble clad, grandiose of Slovakia. Finally, the voyage concludes in the City of Dreams, Vienna, at the most magical time of the year.
Itinerary
Day 1 Budapest, Hungary
Enjoy a transfer upon arrival into Budapest taking you 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 where you can meet your fellow travellers on this highly anticipated celebratory journey over the New Year holidays.
Day 2 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is actually two cities separated by the River 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. On the first full day, enjoy a city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church, and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. 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 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.
Day 3 Keszthely, Hungary
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. After settling into your luxurious cabin, the train makes its first journey through the winter landscapes of Hungary to Balaton Uplands National Park.
Emerging from the National Park the train will arrive in Keszthely perched at the very western end of Lake Balaton. This picture-postcard town is filled with grand town houses and famously the site of Festetics Palace, a lavish baroque home fit for royalty. After a tour of the palace, reboard the train as the tour continues into Austria.
Day 4 New Year's Eve in Graz & Vienna, Austria
Arrive into Austria this morning and begin your exploration of the fantastic city of Graz at the foot of the Austrian Alps. Transfer by coach to the city centre and have a short walking tour of Graz’s range of renaissance courtyards and provincial baroque palaces, before enjoying a pumpkin seed oil tasting, complete with traditional, locally made bread and wine in the relaxed atmosphere of the Gasthaus Stainzerbauer.
Continue to Vienna while enjoying lunch on the train, to begin your New Year’s Eve celebrations. This afternoon there is an opportunity to join in with an atmospheric Viennese waltz lesson for the group. No experience necessary!
Tonight, a special New Year’s gala dinner will be served inside the beautiful City Hall, Rathaus Vienna accompanying a performance by the renowned Wiener Hofball Orchestra. Music and waltzing will take you through to midnight.
Day 5 New Year's Day in Vienna, Austria
Happy New Year! Begin the day's programme with a horse-drawn carriage ride along the cobbled streets to Palais Coburg, a stunning former Habsburg Palace, to enjoy a celebratory brunch. From the Palais you can take in the live transmission of the New Year concert from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
If you’d rather see more of the splendid Austrian countryside, as part of our Freedom of Choice programme, you will have the option to visit the delightful Schönbrunn Palace to see the city’s famous festive market which will still be open to enjoy.
Later this evening, the group will reconvene on the train for dinner before leaving Austria for the Czech Republic.
Day 6 Cesky Krumlov & Prague, Czech Republic
This morning, begin your day in the stunning town of Cesky Krumlov, declared a UNESCO World Heritage destination. The town’s old town charm will be only enhanced by a dusting of snow and should make for a beautiful stop on your journey. A short introduction to the town will allow you to explore the town with allocated free time. Perfect to grab a souvenir or two.
Continue after a scenic lunch on board the train to Prague, one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. Spanning the Vltava River and dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a stunning sight that can be seen almost anywhere in the city. An introductory 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.
Tonight, we have dinner followed by a private classical concert.
Day 7 Prague, Czech Republic
A full day to explore the city of Prague awaits today. Begin with 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. Lunch will be served nestled in the architectural treasures of this 'City of a Hundred Spires.'
The rest of the day is free for you to visit more festive markets or take in more of the iconic sites of the city all within walking distance of the station. Dinner will be served on board the train as it travels into Slovakia.
Day 8 Kosice, Slovakia
The final day begins with a tour of one of the lesser known gems of Central Europe, Kosice. The city was voted European Capital of Culture in 2013 and its medieval-come-cosmopolitan style is slowly drawing more visitors to this former cornerstone of Communist Czechoslovakia. Take a highlights tour of the city, including the vast oval shaped central square, filled with relics from the 15th and 16th century.
This afternoon enjoy the final lunch on the train before arriving to Budapest. Upon arrival evening in Budapest, check back into the Four Seasons Gresham Palace before a celebratory farewell dinner toasting the success of the tour.
Day 9 Budapest, Hungary
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 Budapest 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.
.jpg?auto=format)
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.
.jpg?auto=format)
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
.jpg?auto=format)
.jpg?auto=format)
.jpg?auto=format)
