Danube Express - Balkan Explorer: Venice to Istanbul
with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$19,395
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$19,395
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
Introduction
Absorb the unique blend of culture, ancient tales and architectural treasures on this fascinating voyage aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
Meandering through nine captivating countries, discover verdant landscapes and turquoise coastlines on a route rich in historical significance. This exclusive rail cruise delivers a captivating exploration of the Balkan nations and their surrounding countries.
The Train: The Golden Eagle Danube Express is your luxurious hotel-on-wheels. Unpack just the once and settle into your well-appointed and comfortable cabin as you begin this voyage of a lifetime. Your cabin attendant will be on hand to look after all of your needs. The Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and enlightening range of activities such as language lessons and engaging talks by expert lecturers on local history and culture. In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing in the Bar Lounge Car. Every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.
Superior Deluxe Cabin: 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.
Deluxe Cabin: These spacious yet intimate en-suite cabins offer 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. 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Venice
Upon arrival in Venice you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a two-night stay. Today is at leisure for all guests to explore this wonderful city. This evening we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.
Day 2 : Venice
Venice is a truly captivating city of romance; its unrivalled beauty takes away the breath of first time visitors and regulars alike. Today you will have the opportunity to take a walking tour around the highlights of this spectacular city. Walk through the winding lanes beside the Grand Canal to St Mark’s Square, which for 1,000 years was the heart of Venetian life. You will also see St Mark’s Basilica and stroll through the Rialto Market.
Day 3 : Trieste
This morning transfer from the hotel, by boat, directly to Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal. Here your private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, is ready to welcome you. Mid-morning the train will thread its way out Santa Lucia station onto the 3-mile causeway over the Venice Lagoon and on to on the first stop at the Italian port city of Trieste, for an afternoon tour. Stop at the imposing Miramare Castle and also visit the vast Piazza Unita d’Italia, the main town square. Standing on a hill overlooking Trieste is the famous Church of San Giusto built around a medieval complex and dates back to the 13th century. You will go inside the church for a close-up view of the splendid Byzantine-style architecture enriched with precious mosaics.
Day 4 : Postojna & Ljubljana
Today you will visit Postojna Cave as you ride an underground train deep into the cave and tour the network of magnificent halls, a myriad of cave formations and mysterious animals. After the visit to the caves return to Ljubljana which is the delightful capital city of Slovenia offering a combination of ancient architecture and youthful culture. Your afternoon walking tour of Ljubljana’s Old Town includes a visit to Preseren Square, the Three Bridges, Dragon Bridge and Plecnik Market.
Day 5 : Sarajevo & Mostar
Early morning arrival into the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo which is an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western culture; it has mosques and minarets, an ancient bazaar and an atmospheric old Turkish quarter. Discover the city’s poignant history through a truly absorbing tour detailing the horrors of the Balkan War. Sarajevo suffered from the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. The scars of war are still evident as you travel past war-torn buildings and make a special visit to the Tunnel Museum under Sarajevo Airport. Your guide, who lived through the 1992-1996 conflict, brings to life in touching fashion the struggles the citizens of Sarajevo faced during the siege of the city.
Following a lunch on board our private train, this afternoon travel along a very scenic line to the historic city of Mostar, the crossroads of many civilizations, cultures and three religions. Mostar was one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire. The town’s renowned stone arch bridge linking the Christian and Muslim areas was re-built in the summer of 2004. You will also visit Turkish House and the mosque before walking through the narrow, bazaar streets, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs and handicrafts.
Day 6 : Belgrade
Nestled at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade, capital of Serbia, is one of oldest and most fascinating cities in Europe. With its turbulent past it became also a city of contrasts from Communist-era buildings to Orthodox churches, from old Celtic fortresses to the ruins as a result of the Balkans wars. Today’s tour includes the ‘House of Flowers’ – the mausoleum of Josip Tito, the President of the former Yugoslavia, the Town Hall Building, Republic Square and Knez Mihajlova Street and a visit to the Belgrade ‘Kalemegdan’ Fortress.
Day 7 : Bar & Podgorica
This morning we cross the border into Montenegro, still one of Europe’s largely undiscovered locations. Blessed with glorious beaches and spectacular landscapes of rugged mountains, gentle lakes and medieval towns, Montenegro has a combination of incredible natural beauty and captivating history that makes it a fascinating place to visit. This morning we arrive into Bar where we enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the coastal town.
During lunch onboard we travel onto the capital city of Podgorica. The city has passed through the empires of the Romans, Ottomans and the Austro-Hungarians. Its streets are an interesting hotchpotch of Ottoman oddments, Austrian shopfronts, communist tower blocks and modern shopping malls.
Day 8 : Skopje
Arrive in little-visited Skopje and discover a city where the Ottoman influences are still strong. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town with tiny shops and mosques with ceramic-tiled interiors. Meander through the Old Bazaar area, brimming with things to buy, and cross the 15th-century Stone Bridge which links the bazaar to the modern town.
Day 9 : Sofia & Plovdiv
The site of Bulgaria’s modern capital, at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Sofia was first occupied by the Thracian tribe of Serdi. Your morning tour will visit sections of the Roman wall, admire the ancient church of St George, the golden domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Turkish Bashi Mosque.
Enjoy lunch on the train as we travel from Sofia to Plovdiv. The second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia, ‘The City of Seven Hills’ is one of the oldest cities in Europe with more than 200 known archaeological sites. Spend the afternoon here exploring the Roman Forum and Amphitheatre and visit the charming Old Town including its medieval walls and Ottoman baths.
Day 10 : Istanbul
This morning arrive into Istanbul for a two night stay at a five-star hotel. This fabled city that spans Asia and Europe is our final stop on our tour so there is time to see how old meets new, east meets west when you visit Istanbul’s must-see historic sites. 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.
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.
Day 11 : Istanbul
Today visit to the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi. This stunning palace is the largest and oldest in the world and was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience.
We also visit the Grand Bazaar which is one of the world’s largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. In operation since the 14th century the bazaar is especially known for its jewellery, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.
Day 12 : Istanbul
Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Istanbul for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.
Need Help?
Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | |||
Deluxe Class |
US$19,395 |
US$28,795 |
|
Superior Deluxe Class |
US$24,895 |
US$41,595 |
**2025**
Deluxe Class
Twin: from $19395
Single: from $ 28795
Superior Deluxe Class
Twin: from $24895
Single: from $ 41595
Departs
2025 |
9 May |
27 Aug |
24 Oct |
Included
- Rail journey
- Quality pre and post tour accommodation in Venice and Istanbul
- Private ensuite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- All drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits)
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- 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
Important Notes
- Please enquire for other Golden Eagle itineraries
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
Related Blogs
In search of crowds, traffic and the real Mediterranean
John
21 September 2015
Travelling at the end of the Italian Holidays I thought…