Castles Of Transylvania
Golden Eagle Danube Express

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

Tour Istanbul’s magnificent historical sites
See a traditional Hungarian ‘Puszta’ equestrian show
Admire the medieval and Baroque splendour of ancient Budapest
Enjoy a private dinner inside the castle walls of 14th century Bran Castle
Dive into the history surrounding Romania’s most infamous figure, Vlad the Impaler
Explore the UNESCO-honoured medieval citadel and colourful streets of Sighisoara

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: 100 cm x 190cm 1.9 m2 (20 ft2)

Deluxe Class

Travel in some of the finest rail accommodation available in Europe. Each deluxe sleeper carriage has just five spacious yet intimate en-suite cabins offering every convenience and comfort so you may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.

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.

5 x 2-bed cabins per carriage
Cabin size (inc. bathroom): 397cm x 195cm
Cabin area (inc. bathroom): 7.74m2 (83 ft2)
Bed size (each): 185cm x 80cm (6ft 1″ x 2ft 7.5″)
Private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower & wc: 77cm x 195cm 1.5 m2 (16 ft2)
Remote controlled air-conditioning
Two armchairs and a free standing chair for daytime seating Large picture window – opens partially, perfect for photograph opportunities Full length wardrobe and power sockets

Arrive into Istanbul where you will be met and transferred to a five-star hotel. This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.

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Istanbul

Istanbul is the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. Today we see how old meets new, east meets west when we enjoy a walking tour through the old central quarters of Istanbul, followed by the choice of visiting one of Istanbul’s two magnificent mosques.

Freedom of Choice Option 1: 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.

Freedom of Choice Option 2: Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent Grand Mosques in the world. Take a few moments to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.

Late afternoon we join our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, to begin our rail journey through Bulgaria and Romania to Budapest.

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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.

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

Veliko Tarnovo

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. Returning to our private train for lunch we continue onto Brasov in the afternoon for a visit to Bran Castle. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, the 14th century castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker’s Dracula. Following a tour of the castle and its surroundings we will enjoy a gala dinner tonight inside the castle walls.

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Peles Castle

Bran Castle

Bran Castle

Bran Castle

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. Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board our private train as we travel across the Great Hungarian Plain.

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Sighisoara

Sibiu Town Square

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. This evening we will enjoy a farewell reception dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe.

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This morning, after an overnight stay at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, we enjoy our final breakfast on the tour.

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