Golden Eagle Danube Express – Grand Alpine Explorer

Begin your journey with a direct flight from the UK to Budapest, where you'll be greeted upon arrival at the airport. Transfer to the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for a delightful two-night stay. Indulge in a welcome reception dinner amidst the elegant ambiance of this art nouveau gem, offering stunning views of the majestic River Danube. It's the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers and embark on this eagerly awaited adventure together.

Explore the captivating city of Budapest, where the enchanting River Danube divides two distinct yet harmonious districts. Delve into the rich history of the old city of Buda, crowned by the majestic Royal Palace, offering breathtaking vistas of Pest's bustling heart across the river. Embark on a guided city tour encompassing the iconic Castle District, the historic St. Mathias Church, and a panoramic vista from Gellert Hill. Discover other landmarks such as the Citadel, the renowned Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the picturesque City Park.

Afterward, savour leisure time to immerse yourself in Budapest's charms. Take a leisurely stroll along the Danube's tranquil banks, peruse the delightful offerings of the historic Great Market Hall, or unwind with a rejuvenating soak in one of the city's famed thermal baths.

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, starting with a delightful drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati station before our morning departure. Settle into your comfortable cabin and later relish a delicious lunch as we make our way to Vienna.

Vienna, the captivating capital of Austria, beckons with its opulent history and cultural splendour. Immerse yourself in the city's allure with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a visit to the iconic Schönbrunn Palace, or the freedom to explore at your leisure. In the evening, indulge in a private concert at Palais Auersperg, serenaded by the enchanting melodies of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra, for a truly memorable experience.

Prepare for an extraordinary day ahead as we bid farewell to Vienna and embark on a breathtaking journey through central Austria and into the majestic Alps. Get your cameras ready to capture the stunning scenery as we traverse the Semmering Pass, boasting 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels, before arriving at the renowned skiing village of Kitzbuhel.

After a delightful lunch, we'll enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque Lake Achen (Achensee) for a leisurely cruise on its tranquil waters. Following this scenic interlude, we'll hop on a bus for a short ride to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and a charming Alpine city renowned for its blend of imperial and modern architecture.

In Innsbruck, marvel at the futuristic Nordkette funicular, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, which ascends to 2,256 meters from the city center, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. It's a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences amidst the beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Indulge in another wonderful morning aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express as we traverse the stunning landscapes of Vorarlberg, passing through scenic St. Anton before crossing Liechtenstein and entering Switzerland. Marvel at the beauty of Lake Zurich as we journey alongside its tranquil waters, finally arriving in the vibrant city of Zurich.

Zurich, a hub of global finance and banking, boasts a rich history reflected in its charming Altstadt (Old Town). Explore the picturesque lanes lining the Limmat River, leading to the 17th-century Rathaus (Town Hall), and soak in the city's pre-medieval charm. During our time in Zurich, savour the flavors of Switzerland with a traditional Swiss fondue tasting, adding a delicious touch to our memorable journey.

Get your cameras ready for a spectacular day ahead! Departing from Zurich, we'll journey along the scenic shores of Lakes Zug and Lucerne before embarking on a breathtaking ascent to the St. Gotthard Pass. After passing through the historic St. Gotthard tunnel, we'll descend through Lugano towards the enchanting Lake Como in Italy, where we'll pause for a delightful lakeside lunch.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and dramatic cliffs, Lake Como offers a unique charm distinct from other Italian lakes. Its narrow road winds along the western coast, offering stunning vistas of the towns nestled below. Explore the picturesque lakeside town of Bellagio and indulge in a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Como, known for its pristine public gardens and historic villas. It's no wonder Lake Como has captivated the hearts of celebrities, promising a truly unforgettable experience for all.

This morning, our journey takes us along the picturesque south shore of Lake Garda before we reach the historic city of Verona. Renowned as the setting of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Verona invites us to explore its iconic landmarks on an informative walking tour, including the impressive first-century Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Bra.

After a delightful onboard lunch, we continue our adventure to Trieste, Italy's captivating port city. Here, we embark on a brief tour, visiting the majestic Miramare Castle and the expansive Piazza Unita d'Italia, the bustling heart of the town. Perched atop a hill, the renowned Church of San Giusto beckons with its medieval charm and exquisite Byzantine-style architecture, adorned with intricate mosaics that offer a glimpse into its rich history. We delve into the captivating wonders of Verona and Trieste, promising a journey filled with cultural immersion and discovery.

Wake up early this morning to witness the breathtaking scenery as our train ascends from Trieste and crosses the border into Slovenia. As we journey through the majestic Julian Alps, we reach the enchanting Lake Bled, a picturesque alpine gem nestled at the foot of the Alps in north-western Slovenia. Admire the serene beauty of the lake, complete with its charming island, church, and castle, offering a postcard-perfect backdrop against the Alpine landscape.

Continuing our adventure, we travel onward to Ljubljana, the vibrant capital of Slovenia, where we indulge in a delightful onboard lunch. Explore the city's captivating blend of ancient architecture and youthful energy as we embark on an afternoon tour. Discover iconic landmarks such as Preseren Square, Three Bridges, and the legendary Dragon Bridge, each showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of this charming city.

After a restful overnight stay in Postojna, wake up to a private tour of the mesmerizing Postojna Caves. Then, we journey southward towards Mestre, where our train navigates the picturesque 3-mile causeway across the Venice Lagoon, arriving at Venice Santa Lucia station in time for a leisurely lunch.

Upon arrival, bid farewell to our dedicated train crew and embark on the next chapter of our adventure as we transfer to a conveniently located hotel in the heart of Venice. Enjoy a two-night stay in this enchanting city, where every corner holds the promise of unforgettable experiences and timeless beauty.

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Venice, a city steeped in romance and history, where every corner tells a story of centuries past. Today, embark on a captivating walking tour of this enchanting city, wandering through its labyrinthine lanes beside the iconic Grand Canal. Marvel at the majestic beauty of St. Mark's Square, a historic hub that has pulsated with life for over a millennium. Admire the intricate architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and meander through the vibrant stalls of the Rialto Market, soaking in the bustling atmosphere.

No visit to Venice is complete without gliding along its tranquil canals on a traditional gondola. As part of Your itinerary, indulge in a serene 30-minute gondola ride, allowing the city's charm to envelop you in its embrace. Alternatively, embrace the freedom to explore Venice at your own pace. Wander through the picturesque artists' district of Dorsoduro, pausing to savor panoramic vistas from the iconic Accademia Bridge.

In the evening, gather for a memorable farewell reception dinner, where you can reminisce on the unforgettable moments and scenic wonders discovered during our journey through this captivating part of Europe.

On the final morning following breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home to the UK, taking with you memories of this once in a lifetime trip across the Alps.