Golden Eagle Danube Express: Christmas Markets of Central Europe

Begin your trip with complimentary airport lounge access before flying to Budapest, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel 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.

Stay: Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest (Deluxe)

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. Enjoy an included city tour including the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. You will also see the Parliament, Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Make sure to take the opportunity to stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city. You perhaps visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines.

Stay: Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest (Deluxe)

Late morning, a transfer will see you to Nyugati station to enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. A private brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and uniformed train staff will be there to escort you to your private en-suite cabin. 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 the first stop – Vienna.

In the afternoon explore this beautiful Austrian city, with an included tour of the grand boulevard encircling Vienna’s historic quarters. From here 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 – freshly prepared, using the finest local sourced ingredients and local delicacies.

Stay: Golden Eagle Danube Express (Deluxe Class)

Vienna in winter 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. This morning visit the Museum of Fine Arts which is the largest art museum in Austria and located right in the heart of the city. Also enjoy a trip to the Christmas market situated on Maria-Theresien Platz. You will continue to the Hofburg Palace, once the Habsburg’s winter residence, and home of the President of Austria. During ther visit 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. The palace also provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market and is perhaps the most classically stylish of all the Vienna markets. The exclusive assortment of booths includes traditional handicrafts, pretty Christmas decorations and toys. Sweet, spicy, and hearty temptations are waiting on every corner and enchant the huge square in front of the palace with enticing aromas.

Stay: Golden Eagle Danube Express (Deluxe Class)

Salzburg perfectly captures the charm of the festive season. The city sits 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, 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.

The rest of our 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 – bells ring out from onion-domed churches, the scent of fresh pine mingles with the aroma of cinnamon-sprinkled mulled wine in the crisp winter air, and cheerful groups huddle around festive market stalls.

Stay: Golden Eagle Danube Express (Deluxe Class)

Following a leisurely breakfast onboard your private train, 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. The terrace above the Cathedral Arches reveals stunning views of the Salzburg historic district as well as the mountains surrounding the city. A special view to end our time in Salzburg.

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.

Stay: Bayerischer Hof Hotel, Munich (Deluxe)

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.

This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on the memories made from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe.

Stay: Bayerischer Hof Hotel, Munich (Deluxe)

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