Welcome to Budapest! Hungary’s capital is a captivating blend of old and new – medieval basilicas rub shoulders with Ottoman courtyards and preserved Art Nouveau houses, and the city swirls with the steam of ancient bathhouses.
On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport or train station and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, your luxury accommodation located right on the banks of the mighty Danube. The accommodation is steeped in the Golden Age splendour of old Budapest, with wrought-iron gates, a dazzling lobby mosaic and a magnificent spa.
This evening, soak up panoramic views across the River Danube as you savour a welcome dinner at the hotel and meet your fellow travellers.
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of old Buda, located on the western banks of the Danube River. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Buda Castle, home to countless Hungarian kings and still one of the most spectacular landmarks in the city. Enjoy sweeping views over the city from atop ‘Castle Hill’ and continue your tour through the historic Castle District, stepping beneath the shadow of Matthias Church’s millennia-old spires and savouring views over the Danube from the heights of Geller Hill. Other highlights include the Citadel, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square, City Park and the city’s opera house, home to the storied Hungarian National Ballet.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure – stroll along the city’s fairytale riverbanks, sample your way across the Great Market Hall's assortment of food and wines, or take a rejuvenating soak in any of Budapest’s famed thermal baths. Alternatively, relax at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace – relax at the spa, sip cocktails at bar MUZSA, or enjoy a slice of decadent Black Forest cake in the cafe.
This morning, check out of your grand accommodation and venture to Budapest Nyugati Station. Here, enter through a patina-green door and discover a hidden gem of the station once used for royals to relax between journeys – the Royal Waiting Room. Enjoy a drinks reception in the ornate room embellished with red velvet furnishings before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
This hotel-on-rails offers new heights of luxury, with spacious, boutique cabins on board, each offering private ensuite facilities, a cosy living area and full-length picture windows so you take in every moment of your elegant journey across Eastern Europe. With an elegant dining car and a bar car that doesn’t close until the last patron leaves, a journey across Europe onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express is unlike anything else in the world.
Settle into your well-appointed cabin as the train moves towards Vienna, Austria. A vivid metropolis filled with palaces, coffee houses, classical music icons and opera halls, Austria’s capital draws millions of visitors a year for its tremendous historical significance: the city was home to Beethoven, Mozart and Sigmund Freud, among many others. Discover over a hundred food and antique stalls at the lively Naschmarkt, visit the famous Schonbrunn Palace, or enjoy the afternoon to explore the city’s treasures at your leisure.
This evening, return to the Palais Auersperg for a private concert featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra, a tremendous tribute to Vienna's contributions in elevating classical music to new heights.
Depart vibrant Vienna this morning and cross central Austria into the Alps in the comfort of the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Have your camera at the ready as the train climbs over the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Semmering Pass. Built in the mid-1800s, the 41-kilometre stretch of tunnels and viaducts has withstood the test of time. Take in the spectacular mountain vistas as you pass the famous ski village of Kitzbuhel to Jenbach.
After lunch, journey north by coach to the picturesque Lake Achen (Achensee) for a cruise on its turquoise waters. Return to shore and head onward to Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's western state of Tyrol, nestled between the mountains. Boasting a prime alpine location, this old city has long been a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Innsbruck is also known for its colourful Baroque and Gothic architecture.
In the evening, return to your cabin on the Golden Eagle Danube Express for a restful sleep.
Sit back and watch as the panoramic mountains of Vorarlberg unfold before you as you glide through the wintry village of St Anton, before travelling through Liechtenstein to Switzerland. The train traces the shores of picturesque Lake Zurich before arriving in the city at the lake's northern end.
Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is known for the winding pre-medieval lanes of its Altstadt (old town), colourful waterfront promenades and cool contemporary bars and cafes. Don't snack too much while you're exploring, though – while in the city, you will have a chance to enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue.
This evening, return to the Golden Eagle Danube Express to relax, or perhaps visit the bar car and socialise with your fellow travellers.
Pass the scenic shores of Lake Zug and Lake Lucerne as the Danube Express begins the climb to Saint Gotthard Pass. This winding route offers unparalleled views of the gorgeous Leventina district. Move through the 15-kilometre Saint Gotthard Tunnel before beginning to descend towards Lake Como in Italy.
Stop for lunch at the famous lake, surrounded by the dramatic foothills of the Alps and dotted with charming villages and towns. Renowned for its shimmering waters, manicured gardens and historic villas, it's easy to see why the lake is such a popular destination. Step aboard a boat and cruise along Lake Como to visit the lakeside town of Bellagio.
Following your stop in Bellagio, retire to your cabin for a restful evening.
Look out the stunning shores of Lake Garda on the way to Verona, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city made famous by William Shakespeare. In fair Verona, embark on a walking tour of the city and visit some of the places mentioned in 'Romeo and Juliet' as well as other scenic sights like the Verona Arena – a first-century Roman amphitheatre.
After a delicious lunch onboard the Danube Express, journey to the maritime city of Trieste. Here, see the historic Miramare Castle before stopping at the vast Piazza Unita d'Italia. Enter the Byzantine-style church of San Giusto, adorned with delicate mosaic tiles. Perched atop a hill overlooking the port town, this ancient building dates back to the 13th century.
Rise early as the Danube Express leaves Trieste for the border into Slovenia, and snap a picture as it climbs through the Julian Alps. Situated below the staggering range in the Southern Limestone Alps is Lake Bled, whose castle-topped island floating on blue waters is an iconic postcard scene.
Travel on to Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, one of Europe's smallest capital cities, known for its diverse array of ancient architecture. This afternoon, you'll visit Preseren Square at the town's centre, the Triple Bridge – a group of three bridges along the river – and Dragon Bridge, guarded by four verdigris-hued dragons.
Discover an underground wonder early this morning with a private tour of the Postojna Caves. Shaped over millions of years, the cave system is home to brilliant flowstone stalagmites around every corner, and a diverse array of fauna including the mysterious aquatic salamander.
As the train glides south toward Mestre, see the largest wetland in the Mediterranean Basin and cross the Venice lagoon into Venice Santa Lucia Station on the Grand Canal. After lunch, say farewell to the hospitable crew aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express and disembark the train. A transfer will take you by boat to your accommodation for the evening, the sumptuous Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice.
Prepare to be captivated by the romantic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Venice, a stunning city built on 118 small islands in the lagoon. Today, take a walking tour of the floating city, through winding lanes steeped in rich heritage. Stand in St Mark's Square, the ancient central gathering place for Venetians. Stop at its ornate centrepiece, St Mark's Basilica, before continuing on to the Rialto Market, the bustling market alongside the Grand Canal. Complete your visit to Venice by boarding a gondola and travelling along the famous canals.
Alternatively, move at your own pace today and explore Venice your way. Perhaps stroll through Dorsoduro – the arts district popular among youths – to take in the view from the Accademia bridge.
This evening, come together for a farewell reception dinner – a chance to reflect on your incredible journey through central Europe.
Following breakfast at your hotel, say a final goodbye to your fellow travellers before you're transferred to the airport for your onward travel.