Golden Eagle Danube Express: Castles of Transylvania

Make the most of complimentary UK airport lounge access before your flight to Istanbul, where you’ll be met for a private transfer to your five-star hotel. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a delicious welcome dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.

Stay: Five-star Istanbul hotel accommodation (tbc)

Today, you’ll have some time to explore the historic centre of Istanbul, a fascinating city on the banks of the Bosphorus at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. After a guided walking tour, you’ll have a choice between visiting one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – either the Blue Mosque, renowned for its distinctive minarets and intricate Iznik tiles, or Hagia Sophia, formerly one of the largest Christian basilicas in the world before being transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman Era in 1453.

In the early afternoon, it’s time to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to begin your luxury rail journey towards Bulgaria and Romania. Settle into your private cabin and savour your first sumptuous gourmet meal in the elegant dining car as you watch the ever-shifting scenery roll by.

Awake to magnificent views this morning as you wind through the Balkan Mountains, traversing the Shipka Pass en route to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital from 1185 to 1393. On a guided tour, you’ll visit the hilltop Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval bastion that once served as the centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire, followed by a leisurely wander among the city’s beautifully preserved cobbled lanes. Back on the train, unwind over a drink or two in the bar lounge car before dinner as your journey continues towards the Romanian border.

Overnight, the train crosses into Romania and meanders through the Carpathian Mountains in the direction of Sinaia. This charming mountain town is home to a 17th-century monastery and the Neo-Renaissance-style Peles Castle, a former royal residence that’s widely considered to be one of Europe’s most majestic castles. Built between 1873 and 1883, its 160 rooms are adorned with fine European art, Murano glass chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls.

Enjoy lunch back on the train as you continue your journey towards Brasov for an afternoon visit to Bran Castle. Often associated with Count Dracula, this imposing 14th-century castle is among Romania’s most famous landmarks, dramatically situated on a rocky cliff overlooking a forested valley. After a guided tour of the castle and its surroundings, an exclusive gala dinner is served tonight within the castle walls – an evening that’s sure to live long in the memory. 

Shortly after breakfast you’ll arrive in Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe, founded by the Transylvanian Saxons (a group of German craftsmen and merchants) in the 12th century. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with pastel-coloured burgher houses, which you’ll explore on a guided walking tour.

In the afternoon, you’ll move on to Sibiu, another historic city renowned for its picturesque medieval architecture and postcard-worthy squares. For the best views overlooking Sibiu, be sure to climb the 13th-century Council Tower that looms over the Old Town. Back on board the train, it’s full steam ahead as you approach the Great Hungarian Plain. 

This morning, you’ll have time to explore Kecskemét, a city in central Hungary known for its laid-back ambience and elegant Art Nouveau architecture, before witnessing a traditional Hungarian ‘Puszta’ horse show in rural Lajosmizse. Finally, in the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most romantic cities, on the banks of the Danube.

Here, you’ll bid farewell to the Golden Eagle Danube Express and check into the five-star Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel (or similar), a grand Art Nouveau masterpiece just across from the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner as you reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe – the perfect way to round off your trip. 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before a private transfer brings you to the airport in time for your flight home. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay in Budapest, feel free to speak to one of our experts to discuss the options available.