Danube Express - Christmas Markets of Central Europe

Day 1 : Budapest

Arrive in Budapest, where you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for a two-night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of this art nouveau landmark where you can meet your fellow travellers ahead of this highly anticipated journey.

Day 2 : Budapest

Today you will explore the city. Budapest is an alliance of two cities separated by the Danube. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Visit the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. Today, you will also walk through the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.

The rest of the day is at leisure where you can stroll along the banks of the Danube, visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel and indulge in the hotel’s luxurious spa with infinity-edge pool or make use of the fitness centre.

Day 3 : Budapest > Vienna

Late morning, you will be transferred to Nyugati station to enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a lifetime, our private brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and our uniformed train staff will be there to escort you to your private en-suite cabin.

As you settle in and enjoy your first delicious lunch onboard, the train will weave its way out of Budapest’s Nyugati station, before winding through Hungary’s whimsical wintery landscapes, before arriving at our first stop – Vienna, Austria. Explore this beautiful city, with a panoramic tour of Vienna’s historic quarters. From here we will enjoy a traditional ‘Fiaker’ (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the charming city streets, before sampling the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of magnificent St Stephen’s. Return to the train to indulge in a decadent dinner.

Day 4 : Vienna

A beautiful city to explore at any time of the year, but winter time in Vienna is an extra special experience. Exquisitely illuminated with hanging lights of the Christmas markets, Vienna’s squares are brimming with culinary treats, handmade gifts, and quaint ornaments. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts which is the largest art museum in Austria and located right in the heart of the city. Later, enjoy a trip to the Christmas market situated on Maria-Theresien Platz.

Hofburg Palace has been the heart of power in Vienna since 1279, so naturally it is rich with history that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Once the Habsburg’s winter residence, this massive palace complex now serves as the workplace and home of the President of Austria. During your visit you’ll meet a choir who will provide a short concert of traditional Viennese Christmas folk songs. After lunch, continue to the Schönbrunn Palace, with a tour included. Sweet, spicy, and hearty temptations are waiting on every corner and enchant the huge square in front of the palace with enticing aromas. Savour a cup of punch at the famous Café Residenz booth and enjoy some time for Christmas shopping before you head back to the train for dinner.

Day 5 : Vienna > Salzburg

Like a picture from the pages of a fairy-tale, Salzburg perfectly captures the charming cosiness of the festive season. The city sits snuggly in the northern foothills of the Alps, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, cut in half by the curves of the Salzach River. The Christmas markets, Advent concerts and local traditions continue to charm visitors in the magical city of Mozart. This afternoon explore the heart of the city, starting at Mirabell Palace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short distance from the palace you will see the former Mozart Residence, now a museum.

The rest of your time in Salzburg will be spent at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in the world, which is held on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. Its unique location in the middle of the World Heritage Old Town of Salzburg, the traditional stalls and its long history make the Salzburg Christmas market something very special. The Christkindlmarkt offers incomparable holiday ambiance.

Day 6 : Salzburg

Following a leisurely breakfast onboard our private train, we make a visit to the DomQuartier, a unique cultural highlight in the heart of Salzburg. Over 400 years ago, the powerful prince archbishops began to transform the wealthy city of Salzburg into a baroque jewel and an urban masterpiece was created, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Residenz and cathedral area, complemented by the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter can be experienced as a continuous tour.  Return to the train for lunch and from the Restaurant Cars enjoy the spectacular Bavarian scenery as we head across the border into Germany for our final stop in Munich.

Electrified by the indescribable buzz of yuletide cheer, Christmas in Munich is truly magic. One of the most famous of all the city’s Christmas markets is located on Marienplatz in the heart of the city. This centuries-old market, which had its beginnings in the 1600s, is a fresh mix of old and new – keeping to older Bavarian traditions, with mouth-watering Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts, presented alongside decadent sweet treats and intriguing electric creations. Watching over, a majestically illuminated Christmas tree casts a charismatic glow over the bustling square – perfectly adding to the festive feel.

Day 7 : Salzburg > Munich

This morning you will get to know Munich’s unique Haidhausen district. Haidhausen has developed from working-class quarter into popular residential area. When strolling along the narrow streets with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city. Haidhausen has always been extremely important for Munich’s beer tradition. The area’s former inns, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, have now been lovingly restored.

Visit also the charming and cosy Christmas market at Weißenburger Platz. The morning ends in a typical Bavarian inn where you can taste different kind of beers and enjoy traditional Bavarian White Sausage with Pretzel. This afternoon is at leisure for a last chance for shopping. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on the memories made from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe.

Day 8 : Munich

Following breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.