Golden Eagle Danube Express Unveils 2016 Program

To mark this year’s golden anniversary, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has unveiled its 2016 collection of voyages on the Golden Eagle Danube Express, one of the most sought-after private, luxury trains in Europe. Launched last year by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, there can be no better way to tour Central and Eastern Europe than on board this gleaming hotel-on-wheels.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers an exclusive exploration of some of Europe’s most captivating destinations, hosting up to 65 passengers on any one journey. Guests come across places that they would find hard to see by any other means of transport, discovering both the bigger picture and the little-known delights of the regions. The nostalgia of rail travel is combined with modern comforts from fine dining to the option of private bathrooms. Each carriage has a personal cabin attendant, there to look after passengers retreating to the privacy of their cabin, a generous living space by day and a cosy bedroom by night.

Signature touches of the Golden Eagle Danube Express service include a champagne reception, live musical performances, fine wines, an on-board doctor at passengers’ service, a piano bar car and 5-star hotels before and after the rail journey, including the world renowned Danieli in Venice.

The romance of rail travel is back - and it's not just confined to the usual rail destinations like London to Venice. Highlights of this year’s European adventures include:

Treasures of Eastern Europe: Uncover the poignant past of some of Eastern Europe’s most influential cities on this 12-day voyage which, new for 2016, will start from Venice. The Treasures of Eastern Europe voyage travels from Venice to Budapest weaving its way north into Germany to explore the locations forever associated with World War II. Discover the rich and moving history of Berlin; and visit the sites of Gdansk and Kaliningrad, the latter a unique Russian enclave surrounded by the EU - to retrace the course of Imperial Germany, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. From Krakow passengers can choose to visit Auschwitz and pay their respects to those who perished or visit the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mines. Later, head south through Slovakia to its capital city Bratislava to learn about its strategic position behind the Iron Curtain and onward to Vienna for a private concert in the House of Mozart. The final leg of the route skirts Lake Balaton, where there is an opportunity for a boat cruise, ahead of arrival in Budapest. Price: The all-inclusive 14-day Treasures of Eastern Europe costs from $11,595pp sharing. Upgrade to Deluxe from $18,695. Departs 12 July 2016.

The Balkan Explorer: Journey from Venice to Istanbul on a route that no other luxury private train has ever offered. Exploring eight countries over 12 days, this hotel-on-wheels heads into a raft of territories including Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia. The Balkan Explorer showcases the fascinating history, verdant landscapes and turquoise coastlines of the Balkan nations and their neighbors. Bookended by the magical cities of Venice and Istanbul, the rail tour ventures through the intriguing countries of former Yugoslavia to witness the lasting influences of recent and ancient conflicts in the cities of Sarajevo, Belgrade and beautifully restored Dubrovnik. Other highlights include Bulgaria’s capital of Sofia; the ancient site of Plovdiv (one of Europe’s oldest inhabited cities); vibrant Thessaloniki; a scenic drive along the Dalmatian Coast; and a city tour of Ljubljana. Price: The all-inclusive 12-day Balkan Explorer Eastbound costs from $9,995pp sharing. Upgrade to Deluxe from $15,995. Departs 9 June 2016.

Central Europe & Transylvania: For an unforgettable rail adventure through the dramatic landscapes of Central and Southern Europe, opt for this epic 14-day, 3,000kms passage between Istanbul and Prague which discovers an incredible eight countries. From Istanbul, the Central Europe & Transylvania land cruise climbs through the Carpathian Mountains and criss-crosses rural Bulgaria. Passengers later enjoy sightseeing stops in the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Turnovo - the centre of rose oil production. Visit Brasov for a tour of 14^th Century Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle; witness a spectacular Puszta horse show when the famous Magyar horsemen greet the train with an exciting demonstration of their riding skills; and arrive in Budapest for a culture-packed three nights in Hungary’s capital. Moving on, see the medieval Old Town of Bratislava and explore Vienna, a seductive metropolis of palaces, coffee houses, and classical music. Tour the architectural gems including Hofburg and the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace and spend the evening at a private concert at the House of Mozart. A new day brings yet another new destination: Poland and the city of Krakow. The overland passage continues west overnight, traversing the Czech border en route to Prague, the historical capital of Bohemia, and the journey’s end. Price: The all-inclusive 14-day Central Europe & Transylvania costs from $11,595pp sharing. Upgrade to Deluxe from $18,695. Departs 17 June 2016.

The Balkan Odyssey: Discover a host of fascinating cities and the delightful landscapes of Transylvania and the Balkans on the Balkan Odyssey, travelling to Venice from the Baroque splendor of Budapest. Taking in an amazing eight countries in just 12-days, the luxury train journey starts in Hungary. It then twists and turns as it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains of Romania and Bulgaria, before heading north west through Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, and around Slovenia and into Italy. Among the many highlights along the way are Sighisoara, a World Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula; the Serbian capital of Belgrade with its Celtic fortifications, medieval tombs and Turkish baths; Sarajevo with its poignant history; and the city of Mostar, one the most important in the Ottoman Empire. Gently winding through stunning landscapes, the route takes guests into the Italian port of Trieste before journeying languidly up the Adriatic Coast and finishing with a boat transfer into Venice for two nights at the sumptuous Danieli. Price: The all-inclusive 12-day Balkan Odyssey costs from $9,995pp sharing. Upgrade to Deluxe from $15,995. Departs 1 June and 4 July 2016.

PRICES are per person, based on two sharing a Heritage cabin on the Golden Eagle Danube Express, and include all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks, fully guided off-train excursions programme, porterage throughout, arrival and departure transfers, the services of a Tour Manager and all gratuities. Deluxe en suite cabins are also available at a supplement. Hotel accommodation is 5-star. Flights are extra.

For further information contact Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

goldeneagleluxurytrains.com +44 (0)161 928 9410.