Eastern Europe Discovery

Day 1  Budapest, Hungary      
On arrivals day 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 (or similar) for a two-night stay.
Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surrounds of this art nouveau landmark, with its panoramic views across the River Danube, where you can meet your fellow travellers on this highly-anticipated journey.

Day 2  Budapest      
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 panoramic city tour by coach includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. We will also visit the Parliament with an audio-guided tour and have a private tour of the Opera House with drinks reception.

Day 3  Budapest      
This morning in Budapest is at leisure.
We join our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, for an afternoon departure from Budapest. We enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding our private train. 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. Settle in to your well-appointed accommodation and later enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard as the train makes it way towards Poland.

Day 4  Budapest to Krakow, Poland      
This morning the train makes a scheduled stop at Oswiecim, the station for Auschwitz-Birkenau where we will make a 2-hour visit to the location of the evocative concentration camp and museum. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site we embark upon a deeply moving guided tour which stands as a stark reminder of the horrors that took place here. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is preserved as a museum allowing visitors to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and learn of the camp’s history. (For ticketing purposes please advise at the time of booking if you wish to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau). From here we will continue by coach into the centre of stunning Krakow, where we will enjoy lunch in the Old Town.

Day 5  Krakow to Warsaw  
This morning we arrive to the Polish capital of Warsaw and where we will appreciate the extraordinary transformation of a place once almost destroyed by war. When you cross the Vistula River and look at the Old Town from a distance, you are struck by how unusual the panorama of the city is – skyscrapers rise above the red roofs of the Old Town. Historical buildings blend in harmoniously with modern architecture, and the city surprises us by revealing its second face.

Day 6  Warsaw to Gdansk      
This morning we visit Malbork whose castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the seat of the Teutonic State from 1280. Teutonic Knights originally built a fortified monastery here, later known as the Upper Castle. In the 13^th century a huge brick fortress was completed and stands overlooking the River Nogat. The museum houses valuable collections of artistic amber wares, old weapons, and military equipment. We return to the train for lunch and continue our journey through Poland towards Gdansk. The coastal region of Poland has an important place in Polish consciousness as a key location at the start of World War Two in September 1939. This is also where the famous Solidarity independent trade union movement started in 1980 for the protection of worker’s rights, which later became the symbol of resistance against the government and where the fall of Communism in Central Europe began.

Day 7  Gdansk to Berlin, Germany      
Whilst enjoying breakfast on board, we will arrive in Berlin for a full day’s programme with a number of options to choose from.
After years of division, Berlin has risen once again to become one of Europe’s most glamorous capital cities, with superb museums, fine churches, wide boulevards, and a thriving cultural life. Today we will see the highlights of both East and West Berlin including the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, the famous Renaissance style building that once again houses Germany’s parliament. Following lunch, enjoy further free time to embrace the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating city, perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll or a luxury shopping experience along the iconic Kurfürstendamm.


Day 8  Berlin to Prague, Czech Republic      
This morning we arrive in the city of Dresden, located in the region of Saxony. Following its destruction in World War Two and stagnation behind the Iron Curtain, Dresden has now been restored to its former enchanting glory, with baroque architecture, rococo palaces and an amazing array of Renaissance art. As part of our morning city tour, we delve into the 700-year history of the iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), a symbol of Dresden’s remarkable rebirth. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to resilience, its stunning Baroque design meticulously restored to its former glory.

Day 9  Prague      
Today we join a vintage tram to travel through the city up the hill to Prague Castle area and a visit to the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a hillside overlooking the city and river. Following lunch there will be the opportunity for free time in the Old Town district, before returning to the train.

Day 10  Prague to Salzburg, Austria      
Today we explore Salzburg, starting at Mirabell Palace located in the heart of the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the baroque 17th century palace is easily one of the most stunning landmarks in the city and made famous in more modern times as a location used in The Sound of Music. For more than 400 years Hellbrunn Palace has enchanted its visitors with its ‘trick’ fountains. The idyllic location in the south of Salzburg served as a summer retreat for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. Its baroque exterior conceals an exuberant interior made for entertaining, though the real draws are the whimsical trick fountains (Wasserspiele) in the gardens, which spew water from unexpected places.

Day 11  Salzburg to Vienna      
This morning we enjoy our final meal onboard as we leave Salzburg on a majestic morning’s journey over the breath-taking Semmering Pass before our lunchtime arrival into Vienna.
The stunning capital city of Austria enthrals visitors with its rich heritage. A seductive metropolis of elaborate palaces, renowned coffee houses, classical music and enchanting opera. This afternoon’s programme will include a private concert featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra and a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace, or free time to explore yourself.

Day 12  Vienna      
Following breakfast on the final morning you will be transferred to the airport for onward flight departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Vienna for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.