On arrival in Budapest, you will be met at the airport, train station, or river ship landing stage and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for a two-night stay.

This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception Dinner in the elegant surroundings of this Art Nouveau landmark, renowned for its panoramic views across the River Danube. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and begin your highly anticipated journey in refined style.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Budapest

Budapest is formed from the historic union of two cities divided by the River Danube. On the Buda side, the old town and the imposing Royal Palace dominate the skyline, offering sweeping views across the river to the commercial heart of Pest.

We begin the day with a guided visit to the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece set on the banks of the Danube and one of Europe’s most iconic legislative buildings. From here, a scenic coach tour takes us across the river to the historic Buda side, where we explore the charming old town and admire the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, enjoying panoramic views over the city.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Stroll along the banks of the Danube, visit one of Budapest’s renowned thermal baths for a rejuvenating soak, or return to the hotel to unwind in the luxurious spa, complete with an infinity-edge pool, or make use of the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Budapest

We begin the day with a drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati Station before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express for our morning departure. Settle into the comfort of your cabin as the train glides westwards, with lunch served on board en route to Vienna.

Austria’s magnificent capital captivates with its imperial grandeur and rich cultural legacy. A city of opulent palaces, celebrated coffee houses, classical music and world-renowned opera, Vienna offers a wealth of experiences. Today’s programme includes a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, allowing us to soak up the city’s historic atmosphere. Later, we continue to Palace Daun Kinsky for a spectacular classical performance from the Vienna Residence Orchestra.

In the late afternoon, we depart Vienna and travel across central Austria towards the Alps. As evening falls, enjoy one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys as we climb over the Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cameras at the ready as the train threads its way across 16 soaring viaducts and through 15 tunnels, offering breathtaking alpine vistas at every turn.

Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express

Continuing through the Alps, we pass the renowned skiing village of Kitzbühel before arriving at Jenbach. After lunch, we embark on a scenic drive to the idyllic Lake Achen (Achensee).

Here, we step back in time aboard the historic Achenseebahn, the oldest steam cog railway in Europe. This charming narrow-gauge line carries us gently upwards to the shores of Lake Achensee, often described as the “Tyrolean Sea.” On arrival, we board a boat to cruise across its crystal-clear alpine waters, framed by dramatic mountain scenery, while enjoying coffee and traditional strudel onboard.

Later, we continue to Innsbruck for a guided walking tour of this compact and picturesque city. Nestled in a dramatic Alpine setting and twice host of the Winter Olympic Games (1964 and 1976), Innsbruck effortlessly blends imperial heritage with a celebrated sporting legacy.

Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express

Another fantastic morning on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express allows you to simply sit back, relax, and watch the scenery of Vorarlberg unfold as we pass through St. Anton, before crossing into Liechtenstein and then into Switzerland. Here, the train traces the entire length of Lake Zürich, offering stunning views of shimmering waters framed by mountains, before arriving in the city itself. A classic Swiss fondue lunch awaits, offering an authentic taste of local heritage in the heart of the city.

Zürich, a global centre for banking and finance, lies at the northern end of Lake Zürich. The Altstadt (Old Town), with its picturesque lanes on either side of the Limmat River, evokes the city’s pre-medieval history. This afternoon, guests may tailor their experience with one of three curated options. A comprehensive guided walking tour explores Zürich’s historic centre, including a visit to the remarkable Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, followed by some free time at leisure. Alternatively, for those drawn to fine art, a brief guided walk is followed by a visit to the distinguished Kunsthaus Zürich.

Later, we return to the Golden Eagle Danube Express, where you can relax and enjoy dinner on board as the train continues its scenic journey towards Italy, winding through breathtaking Alpine landscapes and offering a perfect conclusion to a day of immersive travel and cultural discovery.

Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express

Today promises some of the most spectacular scenery of the journey. Departing Zürich, we travel along the shores of Lake Zug and Lake Lucerne before beginning the dramatic ascent towards the Gotthard Pass. Passing through the historic Gotthard Tunnel, we descend southwards through Lugano and cross into Italy, where the landscape softens into the unmistakable beauty of Lake Como.

On arrival, we embark on a private boat cruise across the lake’s serene waters, framed by towering mountains and elegant villas. We disembark in the enchanting lakeside town of Bellagio for a scenic lunch and time at leisure to explore its cobbled lanes and boutiques.

Returning by boat to Como, we enjoy a guided tour of this historic town before rejoining the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Dinner is served on board as the train continues its onward journey.

Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express

This morning, after travelling along the scenic south shore of Lake Garda, we arrive in Verona, famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Our focus this morning is the city’s most extraordinary monument: the magnificent Verona Arena. Built in the 1st century AD, this remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre is one of the finest of its kind in the world and remains in active use today, hosting internationally acclaimed opera performances beneath the open sky. Standing within its vast stone arches offers a powerful sense of Verona’s enduring cultural legacy.

Following a traditional Italian lunch, we enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre, discovering elegant piazzas, medieval lanes and architectural treasures that reveal the city’s layered past. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace — perhaps relaxing with a coffee in a sunlit square or browsing the boutiques that line Verona’s charming streets.

Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express

This morning, rise early as the Golden Eagle Danube Express crosses the border into Slovenia. The train climbs through the Julian Alps, offering ever-changing views of alpine peaks, verdant valleys, and rushing rivers, before arriving at the stunning Lake Bled. Famous for its island church and medieval castle perched on a cliff, Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most picturesque alpine lakes, set against the dramatic backdrop of the north-western Slovenian Alps.

Guests can step aboard a traditional Pletna boat for a tranquil trip across the lake to its iconic island church. For the more active, there is the option to explore the island and climb to Bled Castle, perched above the water, for breathtaking views over the lake and towards Slovenia’s highest mountain. Those seeking a more leisurely experience can simply circle the island by boat before rejoining the bus for a panoramic drive to the charming medieval village of Radovljica, including a visit to a renowned chocolate shop for a delightful tasting.

Lunch is served at the elegant Tito’s Villa, after which we take a short coach ride to Slovenia’s enchanting capital, Ljubljana. Here, guests may enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre, followed by a scenic boat trip along the Ljubljanica River, winding directly through the heart of the city. Time permitting, there will also be an opportunity to explore at leisure and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant, picturesque capital.

Overnight onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express

After an overnight journey to Postojna, we begin the morning with a private visit to the famous Postojna Caves, marvelling at one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular karst cave systems.

Following this captivating excursion, we continue south as the train winds toward Mestre. The route then curves onto the three-mile causeway across the Venice Lagoon, arriving at Venice Santa Lucia Station, situated on the Grand Canal, in the late afternoon.

Here, we bid farewell to our Golden Eagle Danube Express crew and are transferred by private boat to a centrally located hotel for a two-night stay, providing the perfect base from which to explore the city of canals, bridges, and timeless Venetian charm.

After dinner, we treated to a private evening tour of St Mark’s Basilica, offering a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience one of Venice’s most extraordinary landmarks in a more intimate setting.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Venice

Venice is a truly captivating and romantic city; its unrivalled beauty takes away the breath of first-time visitors and regulars alike. You may choose to join a guided walking tour beginning at the iconic Rialto Bridge. Stroll through Venice’s winding streets and across its many bridges, uncovering the city’s hidden corners and everyday life. The walk is followed by a short gondola ride, before enjoying lunch at an authentic Venetian restaurant.

Alternatively, embark on an excursion to the famous Venetian islands. Visit Murano for a traditional glassblowing demonstration and time to browse local workshops, before continuing to Burano, a charming group of small islands renowned for their brightly coloured houses and centuries-old lacemaking tradition. Enjoy a guided walk through the island and a visit to a celebrated lacemaker, before rejoining the group back in Venice for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure, or continued the guided discovery with a walking tour of the magnificent St Mark’s Square, the historic and cultural heart of the city.

The day concludes with a Farewell Dinner at the hotel, a perfect end to your alpine adventure.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Venice

On the final morning, following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.