Paris to Istanbul by Rail

Upon arrival in Paris, transfer to our luxury hotel, situated across from the Louvre. Meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Spend the day exploring the city with a visit to the recently refurbished Notre-Dame after the 2019 fire that caused extensive damage to the interiors and destroyed the roof and spire. Afterwards, walk the narrow cobblestone streets of the Marais neighborhood with its well-preserved medieval architecture, timber-framed houses, and grand mansions from the 17th century. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or to rest before our dinner cruise along the Seine.

Venture along the charming streets of Montmartre, home to the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Explore the artistic legacy of this neighborhood once frequented by renowned painters such as Picasso and Van Gogh. After lunch, discover the covered passages of Paris, historic shopping arcades dating back to the 19th century and boasting intricate ironwork and elegant glass roofs. Many have been restored to their former glory and now serve as home to trendy cafes, artisanal shops, and independent galleries. Later this evening, meet with Golden Eagle staff and fellow train passengers for a welcome orientation followed by dinner together at the hotel.

Depart for the Paris Gare de Lyon Station, where we board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Settle into life onboard our private train as we journey across the serene countryside towards our first stop—the picturesque vineyards of the Champagne region. Disembark in Reims and drive to the historic estate of Champagne J. Lassalle for a tour, lunch, and champagne tasting.

Spend today taking in breathtaking scenery as we journey through the Swiss and Austrian countryside and traverse the majestic Alps. This evening, arrive in the imperial city of Vienna, where we enjoy a private classical concert by Wiener Residenz Orchestra at the Palais Daun-Kinsky. After the concert, dine in one of the city’s restaurants, set in the shadow of the imperial Burgtheater.

This morning, we take a scenic coach ride from Nova Gorica to the Postojna Caves. There, board an underground train to traverse more than two miles of tunnels. See captivating formations formed over millennia and marvel at the sixteen-feet-tall bright-white stalagmite called Brilliant. Return to the Danube Express in the late afternoon.

After arriving in Belgrade, delve into the history of this capital city during a tour that includes Church of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, and Kalemegdan Fortress, situated atop a hill overlooking the city and the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. In the afternoon, sample traditional fruit brandy, rakija, during a tasting at the city’s oldest brewery. Finally, we pay homage to the past with a visit to Tito’s legendary Blue Train.

Relax aboard the train this morning as we head towards Bulgaria. Arrive in Sofia in the early afternoon and head out on a walking tour. Begin with the ruins of the Serdica, a metropolis from the 1st century that served an important administrative and military hub in the Roman Empire. Next, visit the 4th-century Church of Saint George, famed for its remarkable brickwork and exquisite frescoes; the Presidential Palace; and the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We cap off our visit with a private performance by the renowned Vanya Moneva Choir of “Cosmic Voices,” a transcendent vocal masterpiece that stirred hearts at the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Conclude our train journey early this afternoon with our arrival in Istanbul. Enjoy some free time for rest or independent exploration, followed by dinner near our hotel.

After breakfast, set out for the Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and majestic domes. From there, walk to the Hippodrome, where the echoes of ancient chariot races still resonate amidst its historical monuments. Next, descend into the depths of the Underground Cistern, a mesmerizing subterranean structure that once supplied water to the city. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Begin today with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now museum. Next, embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, taking in stunning views of palaces and historic fortresses. Gather this evening to toast our journey at a farewell dinner.

Check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for flights returning home.