Danube Express - New Year in Vienna

Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Multi Country Tours - Europe, Slovenia

USD $13,995

 

Tour Description

Mark the turn of the year with an indulgent exploration of the extravagance of Central Europe.

Journeying aboard the ornate Danube Express, magnificent panoramas of Austria’s snow-capped mountains melt into Budapest’s mesmerising neo-gothic cityscape. The regal splendour continues as you trace along the captivating spires of Prague, through to the cobble clad, grandiose of Slovakia. Finally, our voyage concludes in the City of Dreams, Vienna, at the most magical time of the year.

The Train: The Golden Eagle Dunube Express is your luxuirous hotel-on-wheels. Unpack just the once and settle into your well-appointed and comfortable cabin as you begin this voyage of a lifetime. Your cabin attendant will be on hand to look after all of your needs. The Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and enlightening range of activities such as language lessons and engaging talks by expert lecturers on local history and culture. In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing in the Bar Lounge Car. Every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

Superior Deluxe Cabin: Each cabin offers comfortable daytime seating with a full length sofa and two additional chairs. The large cabin also benefits from two full-size picture windows, one of which is openable to add to the bright and airy feel of the interior. Each evening the cabin is transformed into a luxurious bedroom with a UK-standard King Size bed. All cabins have, as standard, a large double wardrobe with excellent storage space, individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches, individual reading lights, in cabin Wi-Fi and USB ports, power sockets and a safe.

Deluxe Cabin: These spacious yet intimate en-suite cabins offer every convenience and comfort so you may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by. Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin and toilet. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket and hairdryer. A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are provided. Cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches, individual reading lights, power sockets and a safe. During dinner each evening the living room is converted into two comfortable lower beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring you early morning tea or coffee.

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Luxurious Train Journey: Experience the opulence of the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a luxurious train offering an unforgettable travel experience through Eastern Europe. Enjoy elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and exceptional service as you traverse some of the most scenic routes on the continent.

Vienna, Austria: Begin your adventure in Vienna, the cultural heart of Austria. Explore the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, and enjoy a performance at the renowned Vienna State Opera.

Budapest, Hungary: Discover the stunning beauty of Budapest, often called the "Paris of the East." Visit iconic landmarks such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Parliament Building. Take a relaxing cruise on the Danube River for spectacular views of the city's illuminated skyline.

 

  • Day 1 : Budapest


    On arrivals day in Budapest, you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for a two-night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surrounds of this art nouveau landmark where you can meet your fellow travellers on this highly anticipated celebratory journey over the New Year holidays.

    Day 2 : Budapest


    Budapest is actually two cities separated by the River 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. On your first full day, the city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. See the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park. The rest of the day is at leisure where you can stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city. You may want to visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or warm up and head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating Christmas dip.

    Day 3 : Keszthely


    After breakfast transfer from your hotel to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. After settling into your luxurious cabin, we’ll make the first journey through the winter landscapes of Hungary to Balaton Uplands National Park. Emerging from the National Park we’ll arrive in Keszthely perched at the very western end of Lake Balaton. This picture-postcard town is filled with grand town houses and famously the site of Festetics Palace, a lavish baroque home fit for royalty. After a tour of the palace continue into Austria overnight by train.

    Day 4 :   New Year’s Eve in Graz & Vienna


    Arriving into Austria this morning begin your exploration of the fantastic city of Graz at the foot of the Austrian Alps. Transfer by coach to the city centre and have a short walking tour of Graz’s range of renaissance courtyards and provincial baroque palaces. before enjoying a pumpkin seed oil tasting, complete with traditional, locally made bread and wine in the relaxed atmosphere of the Gasthaus Stainzerbauer.

    After a gourmet lunch on board the train we’ll continue to Vienna to begin our New Year’s Eve celebrations. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to join in with an atmospheric Viennese waltz lesson for the group. No experience necessary! Tonight, a special New Year’s gala dinner will be served inside the beautiful City Hall, Rathaus Vienna accompanying a performance by the renowned Wiener Hofball Orchestra. Music and waltzing will take you through to midnight before enjoying incredible views of the fireworks from the city hall’s balcony.

    Day 5 : New Year’s Day in Vienna


    Happy New Year! Begin the day’s programme with a horse-drawn carriage ride along the cobbled streets to Palais Coburg, a stunning former Habsburg Palace, where you will enjoy a celebratory brunch. From the Palais take in the live transmission of the New Year concert from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. If you’d rather see more of the splendid Austrian countryside, as part of the Freedom of Choice programme, you will have the option to visit the delightful Schönbrunn Palace to see the city’s famous festive market which will be still be open to enjoy.

    Later this evening, the group will reconvene on the train for dinner before leaving Austria for the Czech Republic.

    Day 6 : Cesky Krumlov & Prague


    This morning begin the day in the stunning town of Cesky Krumlov, declared a UNESCO World Heritage destination. The town’s old town charm will be only enhanced by a dusting of snow and should make for a beautiful stop on the journey. A short introduction to the town will allow you to explore the town with allocated free-time. Perfect to grab a souvenir or two.

    Continue after a scenic lunch on board the train to Prague, one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. Spanning the Vltava River and dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a stunning sight that can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Your introductory tour takes in the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings and Astronomical Clock, the historic 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter.

    Tonight enjoy dinner followed by a private classical concert.

    Day 7 : Prague


    A full day to explore the city of Prague awaits today, beginning with a vintage tram to travel through the city up the hill to Prague Castle and the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a hillside overlooking the city and river. Lunch will be served nestled in the architectural treasures of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires.’

    The rest of the day is free for you to visit more festive markets or take in more of the iconic sites of the city all within walking distance of the station. Dinner will be served on board the train as we journey into Slovakia.

    Day 8 : Kosice


    Start your final day of touring in one of the lesser known gems of Central Europe, Kosice. The city was voted European Capital of Culture in 2013 and its medieval-come-cosmopolitan style is slowly drawing more visitors to this former cornerstone of Communist Czechoslovakia. Take a highlights tour of the city, including the vast oval shaped central square, filled with relics from the 15th and 16th century. This afternoon enjoy a final lunch on the train before arriving to Budapest. On your arrival evening in Budapest check back into the Four Seasons Gresham Palace before a celabratory farewell dinner toasting the success of the tour.

    Day 9 : Budapest


    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 Budapest for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

  • Included

    • Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
    • Private ensuite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
    • Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
    • Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
    • All drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits)
    • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
    • Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
    • Freedom of Choice touring options
    • VIP tickets to the Silvester New Year’s Eve Gala Ball in Vienna
    • Cabin attendant service including evening turndown
    • Experienced Tour Management team
    • Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
    • Arrival and departure transfers
    • All gratuities – on and off the train
    • Luggage porterage throughout the journey

  • Booking and Payments

    • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

    • Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

    Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellation by Client:

    • More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

    • 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

    • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

    • Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

    • Changes to Itinerary

    • Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

    • Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

    Travel Insurance

    • Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

    • Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

    Health and Safety

    • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

    • Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

    Liability

    • Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

    • Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

    Visas and Documentation

    • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

    • Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

    Conduct

    • Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

    • Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

    Complaints

    • Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

    • Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

    By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

 

Travellers photos