Golden Eagle Danube Express: Paris to Istanbul

Your journey begins in Paris, as a private transfer whisks you from the airport to your luxury hotel. Settle into your five-star surroundings and take some time to relax or explore the elegant boulevards nearby. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner. It's a chance to share in the anticipation of the days ahead and enjoy a first taste of French hospitality in one of the world’s most romantic capitals.

Stay: 5 star Paris hotel

This morning, you’ll be transferred to Paris Gare de Lyon where your private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, awaits. Begin your rail odyssey in style with a champagne reception on the platform before stepping aboard to find your beautifully appointed cabin. As the train glides through the pastoral landscapes of northern France, relax in the Bar Lounge Car or simply watch the scenery unfold from your window.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Champagne, a region renowned for producing the world’s finest sparkling wines, where rolling vineyards stretch across golden hills, dotted with grand estates and Gothic cathedrals. Here you'll enjoy a curated experience that delves into the region’s storied winemaking heritage. There’s also time to explore the area’s elegant architecture and rich medieval history before returning to the comfort of the train.

Awake to views of the changing landscape as you make your way east through the Alps into Switzerland and Austria. This is a day for pure relaxation and indulgence – whether you're enjoying breakfast in your cabin or joining fellow travellers in the Lounge Car to sip expertly mixed cocktails as the countryside rolls by. As always, your cabin attendant is on hand to ensure every comfort.

By early evening, the train pulls into Vienna, one of Europe’s most elegant capitals. Tonight, enjoy a true cultural highlight: a private classical concert by the acclaimed Vienna Supreme Orchestra. Held in a grand venue befitting the city’s musical legacy, the performance is paired with a gourmet dinner in an evening that captures Vienna’s imperial charm and its enduring passion for the arts.

Begin your day with a guided exploration of Vienna’s historic heart. From the opulent Schönbrunn Palace to the glittering halls of the Musikverein and the grand coffee houses that inspired generations of artists and composers, the city is a living museum of European culture.

After lunch, return to the train for an exclusive onboard experience: a dessert masterclass hosted by the Golden Eagle’s esteemed Catering Manager, Krisztian, alongside Head Pastry Chef Rebeka. From delicate pralines to Viennese strudels, it’s a decadent glimpse into the art of European patisserie.

This evening, you’ll arrive in Slovenia for a very different kind of wonder. At Postojna, step aboard a miniature underground train and journey deep into one of Europe’s largest cave networks.

Arriving in Serbia's vibrant capital Belgrade today, you'll begin with a private tour of Tito’s legendary Blue Train, a fascinating relic that echoes the grandeur of Yugoslavia’s past. After a traditional Serbian lunch, enjoy tastings of Rakija – Serbia's famed fruit brandy – paired with stories and legends that bring the city’s colourful past to life. Before boarding the train, explore Belgrade’s bustling streets at your leisure, discovering lively markets, charming cafés and architectural gems.

Tonight’s gala dinner is presented by the train’s head chefs, Csaba Végh and Pavel Zelenin, with their innovative menu capturing the essence of each destination, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Relax this morning in the luxurious Bar Lounge Car, as the train makes its way into Bulgaria towards its capital Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Explore the Roman ruins of Serdica, stroll the lush City Garden and admire the stunning architecture of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the Presidential Palace.

But the excitement does not end there. Brace yourself for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience as you descend into the hallowed crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Here, in this sacred space, you’ll be enraptured by the mesmerising melodies of the “Cosmic Voices” a transcendent vocal masterpiece that stirred hearts at the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Today marks the culmination of your rail adventure as the train arrives in Istanbul, a city that bridges Europe and Asia. With the afternoon free to explore, wander the bustling bazaars, visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, or simply soak in the vibrant street life that defines this historic metropolis.

As night falls, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner on the atmospheric banks of the Bosphorus. Enjoy refined cuisine paired with shimmering views of the city’s iconic skyline, a perfect celebration of your journey’s end.

Stay: 5 star Istanbul hotel

Following a restful night at your centrally located five-star hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you reflect on the extraordinary experiences of your journey. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport as your trip comes to an end.