golden eagle luxury trains central european classics
Charles Bridge, Prague
golden eagle danube express central european classics budapest - prague HUNGARY - AUSTRIA - SLOVAKIA - POLAND - CZECH REPUBLIC Prague Vienna Keszthely Unearth the vast wealth of architectural treasures as we journey through the enchanting cities and picturesque landscapes of Central Europe, aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. This eight-day exploration combines intriguing history and architectural masterpieces from some of Europe s most poignant periods, with a fascinating insight into modern Europea n culture and traditions. The city of Budapest is our starting point for this remarkable journey, laced with a beautiful collection of medieval and Baroque buildings. Before boarding our exclusive private train, we take time to discover the absorbing history of the once divided cities of Buda and Pest and explore some of its modern day customs. Venturing through lush patchwork landscapes we first encounter the enchanting city of Vienna, where Imperial elegance complements its vibrant musical heritage and coffee house culture. From here we continue to the equally captivating city of Kraków where we admire its beautiful assortment of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and absorb its exuberant atmosphere, with the opportunity to explore some of its harrowing past. Continuing west across the Polish border, we complete this unforgettable journey in the mesmerising city of Prague. The City of a Hundred Spires is perfectly expressed with its beautifully preserved historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the unmistakable 9th century Prague Castle, dominating the city s landscape.
central european classics budapest - prague POLAND Prague Krakow GERMANY CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA Vienna Bratislava AUSTRIA Budapest HUNGARY Keszthely & Lake Balaton SLOVENIA ROMANIA ITALY CROATIA tour schedule daily tour itinerary Budapest - Prague May 29 June 5, 2015 accommodation 2 nights in Budapest 3 nights onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express 2 nights in Prague Budapest - Prague Day 1 Arrive Budapest Day 2 Budapest Day 3 Keszthely & Lake Balaton Day 4 Vienna & Bratislava Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Kraków Prague Prague Depart Prague budapest - keszthely - lake balaton - vienna - bratislava - kraków - prague
golden eagle danube express what s included in the tour price Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel knowledge and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival transfers from the international airport to our tour hotel, and departure transfers from our tour hotel to the airport are included. HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train s public areas, you will find your hotel room or cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. We will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection of drinks off the train, which are also included in the tour price. DRINKS WITH MEALS A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is included with lunch and dinner on and off the train. ONBOARD SERVICE You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your car attendants provide housekeeping and bedding turndown services to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are served to you in your cabin. GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories. PERSONAL HEADSETS On all the off-train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you do not need to worry about missing any of the guide s commentary on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group. ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us for the entire journey, so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. The doctor scheduled onboard will be English-speaking and registered with the General Medical Council in the UK. PORTERAGE As you only have to unpack once, your luggage and belongings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations. ALL GRATUITIES You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your rail journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included in the tour price.
Voyages of a Lifetime by Private Train TM CENTRAL EUROPEAN CLASSICS Bratislava at Sunrise budapest Hungary vienna Austria Budapest is actually 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. Our city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park. Enjoy some free time to 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. Savour the captivating baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. Our tour of Austria s capital city includes the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and the awe-inspiring St Stephen s Cathedral. Have some free time to stroll along the Kartnerstrasse, sample Vienna s famous cakes in the historic coffee houses or join a tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner where you can meet your fellow travellers on this highly anticipated journey. On the second evening we take in a beautiful dinner cruise along the Danube. Included in our time spent in Budapest is two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, a unique art nouveau landmark which combines historical elegance with ultra-modern comforts. Vienna keszthely & lake balaton Hungary bratislava Slovakia The train is scheduled to be steam-hauled for the first part of our journey between Budapest and Keszthely on the western shore of Lake Balaton. At Keszthely there is a visit to the Festetics Palace, a beautiful Baroque palace built on castle ruins in 1745 and expanded 150 years later. Alternatively take a relaxing boat cruise on the calm waters of Lake Balaton. A short distance from Vienna across what was the Iron Curtain is Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Our tour there includes the medieval Old Town (Starý Mesto) where we stroll through the cobbled streets of 18th century pastel buildings and the stunning Bratislava Castle perched high above the city on a hill overlooking the Danube.
Wieliczka Salt Mines, Near Kraków kraków Poland Once a royal capital with an extraordinary history, and now a lively university town with fashionable bars and restaurants, Kraków is a fascinating city with beautiful monuments and an exuberant atmosphere. Highlights of the city include Wawel Hill, home to the Wawel Castle, an impressive blend of Gothic original architecture and a Renaissance Palace and Rynek Glowny, known as the Main Market Square, which is Europe s largest medieval square. Wawel Castle, Kraków You can explore the city at your leisure and perhaps make the trip across the River Vistula to Podgórze, site of the Jewish Ghetto in Kraków and home to the Schindler factory - much of the film Schindler s List was shot here. On our day in Kraków we also offer a number of included touring options outside of the city environs as part of our Freedom of Choice programme. Close to Kraków is Auschwitz-Birkenau, now a poignant museum which was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps during World War Two where an estimated one million people perished. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a unique venue full of chambers, stairs, altars, pulpits and statues excavated and sculpted in rock salt. Descend the 360 steps in to the mines and be amazed at the devotion of the miners who carved the incredible Chapel of Salt, which has a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Vitava River, Prague prague Czech Republic Our final stop and one of Europe s most magnificent cities. Prague is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. It spans the Vltava River and is dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a stunning sight that can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Our tour takes in the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings and Astronomical Clock, the historic 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Ghetto. Astronomical Clock, Prague We will join a vintage tram to travel through the city and Wenceslas Square, then up the hill to Prague Castle, the largest medieval complex in Europe and the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a hillside overlooking the city and river. Our tour includes the delightful Golden Lane and the Changing of the Guard at the castle entrance. There will be plenty of leisure time for you to discover the hidden treasures of this wonderful city. Stroll the medieval cobbled streets, relax in the ancient squares and admire the many architectural treasures of this City of a Hundred Spires. You have the option to join our included Freedom of Choice tour to Municipal House, originally built to be an administrative and cultural centre. Located just inside the Old Town it was built on the area once occupied by the former Royal Court before it moved to Prague Castle. We ll have a Czech afternoon tea here and then visit its beautiful concert hall. Our hotel in Prague, where we stay for two nights, is the luxurious Four Seasons. Located in the UNESCO-protected historic Prague city centre our hotel is just steps away from the iconic Charles Bridge. There is also an option to extend your stay in Prague for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.
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