Imagine gliding through the heart of Europe, the landscape unfolding like a tapestry of history and charm. Aboard the Danube Express, journeys transform into elegant sojourns, where meticulously restored carriages whisper tales of a bygone era. Days are spent immersed in the vibrant cultures and breathtaking vistas that line the legendary Danube River. Picture yourself savoring exquisite cuisine in the opulent dining car, the gentle rhythm of the rails a soothing soundtrack to your adventure.
With Palace Tours, these moments transcend the ordinary. Our decades of expertise and unparalleled network of local partners unlock doors to exclusive experiences. Private concerts in grand palaces, behind-the-scenes tours of historic landmarks, and encounters with artisans who carry on centuries-old traditions – these are the hallmarks of a Palace Tours journey. Our relationships with premier hotels and knowledgeable guides ensure every detail is flawlessly orchestrated, offering you seamless travel and unparalleled access.
The Danube Express becomes more than just a train; it's a gateway to a world of refined adventure, curated with the discerning traveler in mind. Let Palace Tours elevate your next exploration. Discover the art of travel, redefined.
Experience the elegance of the Danube Express this holiday season. Indulge in luxury as you explore enchanting Christmas markets across Central Europe.
Fourteen days from Paris to Cappadocia aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The longest journey the Danube Express runs, and the most complete: the classic Paris to Istanbul route joined end to...
Our 12-day voyage is enriched with ancient architectural masterpieces, encompassing the medieval splendor, baroque elegance, and gothic grandeur of some of Europe’s most spectacular cities.
Eight days from Istanbul to Paris aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The classic Orient Express route in reverse, beginning where the old line ended. Start with two days in Istanbul among the...
Embark on a breathtaking 9-day luxury train journey through Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, culminating in a New Year celebration in enchanting Vienna.
Eight days from Paris to Istanbul aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The route the original Orient Express made famous, travelled at a pace that lets you see it properly. From Paris the train...
Nine days from Istanbul to Cappadocia aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Begin where Europe meets Asia, with two full days in Istanbul taking in the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and...
Join us for an exquisite rail journey through Italy, with luxurious accommodations and subtly elegant dining as you traverse the country's most iconic destinations.
Fares are in US dollars per person sharing a cabin, for the lowest-priced upcoming departure, and change with date and cabin. Open a journey for every date and cabin fare.
About the Golden Eagle Danube Express
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a private luxury hotel train that runs set-departure journeys across Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Italy and Turkey. You unpack once: the train is your hotel between cities, with some journeys adding hotel nights at the start or end. Palace Tours offers 12 Danube Express journeys, listed above with live dates and fares.
Cabins
Deluxe Class — private en-suite cabin with a cabin attendant and evening turndown.
Superior Deluxe Class — the most spacious cabins on board, also en-suite, with more room to sit during the day.
What is included
Meals on board in the dining car and drinks from the bar list in the bar lounge car, the guided excursions in each itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, luggage porterage, a tour manager and a doctor on board, and gratuities. Inclusions vary slightly by journey, so check the tour page for the one you choose.
Where does the Danube Express go?
Classic routes include Paris to Istanbul (and the reverse), the Balkan Explorer from Venice to Istanbul, the Castles of Transylvania, Eastern Europe Discovery through Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, the Grand Alpine Express, Sicilian Odyssey and a short Italy journey, plus Christmas Markets and New Year in Vienna departures in winter.
How do I book?
Choose a journey above to see its departures and fares by cabin class, then book online or ask a specialist to hold a cabin: call 1-800-724-5120, WhatsApp +1-786-408-0610 or email travel@palacetours.com.
Golden Eagle Danube Express: frequently asked questions
How much does the Danube Express cost?
Danube Express fares currently start from $11,237 per person sharing a cabin for a 7-night journey. The fare depends on the journey, the departure date and the cabin class. The fares table on this page shows the current starting fare for each journey, and each journey page lists the fare for every departure and cabin class.
What is included in the Danube Express fare?
The fare covers your private en-suite cabin with cabin attendant service, meals, beverages from the standard list on board, the guided excursions in the itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, luggage porterage and all gratuities on and off the train. Journeys that begin or end with hotel nights include that accommodation. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Where does the Danube Express go?
Routes include Paris to Istanbul and the reverse, the Balkan Explorer from Venice to Istanbul, Castles of Transylvania, Eastern Europe Discovery, the Grand Alpine Express, the Sicilian Odyssey and a shorter Italian journey, plus Christmas Markets and New Year in Vienna departures in winter. The fares table on this page lists every journey.
How long are Danube Express journeys?
Journeys run from 5 to 13 nights. Some include hotel nights at the start or end as well as nights on board, and the day-by-day itinerary on each journey page shows the pattern night by night.
Which cabin classes are available?
Two classes are offered: Deluxe Class and Superior Deluxe Class. Both are private and en-suite, with cabin attendant service and evening turndown. Superior Deluxe is the more spacious of the two.
Is there a doctor on board the Danube Express?
Yes. A UK-registered doctor and medical facilities on board are included during the rail journey, alongside an experienced tour management team. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended.
Are flights and airport transfers included?
Arrival and departure transfers are included. International flights are not. Many journeys are one-way, starting in one city and ending in another, so book flights to match the first and last days of the itinerary. Our specialists can help with timings.
What deposit is required and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 30 percent of the tour cost confirms your cabin and is non-refundable. The balance is due 125 days before departure, and bookings made within 125 days of departure are payable in full at the time of booking. Your written confirmation shows the exact amounts and dates.
Can solo travellers and children book?
Single occupancy is available on request and is limited on a private train, so ask early. Child fares are set by age at departure. A specialist will confirm fares and cabin options for your party.
How do I ask a question or book the Danube Express?
Choose a journey on this page to see its departures and fares by cabin class, then book online or ask a specialist to hold a cabin. Email travel@palacetours.com, call 1-800-724-5120 or +1 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp.