Overview
Absorb the vibrant cultures, ancient castles and spectacular scenery of Transylvania on this exclusive rail cruise aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
ISTANBUL - VELIKO TARNOVO - SINAIA (PELES CASTLE) - BRASOV (BRAN CASTLE) - SIGHISOARA - SIBIU - KECSKEMET - LAJOSMIZSE - BUDAPEST
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Tour Istanbul’s magnificent historical sites
- Delve into the history surrounding Romania’s most infamous figure, Vlad the Impaler
- Explore the UNESCO-honoured medieval citadel and colourful streets of Sighisoara
- Enjoy a private dinner inside the castle walls of 14th century Bran Castle
- See a traditional Hungarian ‘Puszta’ equestrian show
- Admire the medieval and Baroque splendour of ancient Budapest
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
ISTANBUL
Arrive into Istanbul where you will be met and transferred to the iconic five-star Four Seasons Sultanahmet hotel for a one-night stay. A century-old neoclassical home located in the tranquil sanctuary of the Old City and steps away from the top historic attractions of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, this boutique hotel offers a calming space filled with charm and sophistication.
This evening we will enjoy a welcome reception dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.
Why not extend your stay in Istanbul to explore more of the city at your leisure? Please contact us for hotel options, touring programmes and rates.
ISTANBUL
Istanbul is the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. Today see how old meets new, east meets west when we visit a selection of Istanbul’s must-see historic sites. One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style and features six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world.
VELIKO TARNOVO
This morning we enjoy the views from our private train as we climb over the Shipka Pass and arrive at our first stop Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep banks of the Yantra River.
A tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there is free time to wander through the narrow alleyways of the ancient city.
This evening relax in the Bar Lounge Car before dinner is served as our train continues through the scenic landscape as we head across the Romanian border.
SINAIA
Overnight the train twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain streams. This morning we arrive in Sinaia for a tour of Peles Castle. The castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.
Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls.
SIGHISOARA
This morning we arrive after breakfast into Sighisoara for a walking tour of the town’s main highlights. A World Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets. We return to the train for lunch as we continue onto Sibiu, known specifically for its Germanic architecture in the Old Town due to the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers.
Around the city today can be seen the remains of medieval walls and towers, including the 13th-century Council Tower which connects the two main squares.
KECSKEMéT & LAJOSMIZSE
This morning we get the opportunity to explore Kecskemét, a fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary before the train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show.
We then arrive late afternoon at the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest, located on the banks of the magnificent Danube, where we will enjoy a one-night stay in the five-star Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel (or similar), a unique art nouveau landmark which combines historical elegance with ultra-modern comforts.
BUDAPEST
This morning, after an overnight stay at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, we enjoy our final breakfast on the tour.
Why not extend your stay in Budapest to explore the Hungarian capital at your leisure? Please contact us for hotel options and rates.
Book This Tour
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Terms & Conditions
PAYMENT TERMS:
- 25% of the total tour cost due at booking
- 75% or the balance due no later than 95 days prior to departure
- For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
CANCELLATION FEES:
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96 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
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95 - 65 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
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less than 65 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee
Cancellations should be intimated by FAX to the corporate office in Miami FL.
The above times are based on European time. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on any monies paid by the client will be charged prior to refund.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Accommodation
- Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
- Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
Service
- Cabin attendant service including evening turndown
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list
- 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Freedom of Choice touring options
Accommodations
LIFE ABOARD OUR LUXURY TRAIN ACCOMMODATION
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 of your needs.
We pride ourselves in offering the very best experience on our journeys, and in addition to our luxury sleeping cabins we offer a first class Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
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.
RELAXING ON BOARD
The social heart of the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the Bar Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and watch the world go by.
DINING ON BOARD
The Golden Eagle Danube Express Restaurant Cars are a delightful venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by our Executive Chef and his onboard restaurant team.
SUPERIOR DELUXE CLASS
Our Superior Deluxe Class 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.
- Cabins per car: 4
- Cabin length (inc. bathroom): 454cm (14’9”)
- Cabin width: 190cm (6’2”)
- Cabin area (inc. bathroom): 8.6 m2 (93 ft2)
- Bed size: 190cm x 152cm (6’2” x 5’0”)
- King Size bed (UK standard)
- Additional daytime seating with table
- Individually controlled air-conditioning and heating
- Two large picture windows
- Adjustable lighting
- Double wardrobe
- Personal safe
- Wi-Fi & two USB ports
- Private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and WC
Media Gallery
Photo gallery coming soon.