Travel in style with private en-suite, accommodation on the Golden Eagle train.  Sample delicious Georgian wine in the renowned wine-making region of Kakheti. Enjoy a private performance of Georgian Polyphonic singing in the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe.

See the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater light up the night sky in the Kara Kum desert. Explore the historic cities of Khiva, Merv, Bukhara and Samarkand. Visit the monastery of Geghard, the cultural center of medieval Armenia

Itinerary: 

Day 1 | Arrive Yerevan, Armenia

Upon arrival at Yerevan International Airport you will be met and transferred to the five-star Alexander Hotel, where we stay for two nights.

Boasting a prestigious central location the Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is located in the heart of Yerevan’s historic quarter and allows guests a relaxing stay in luxurious surroundings. Even the hotel’s facade with a history dating back to the 18th century presents a unique glimpse into the country’s fascinating past.

Armenia's colorful capital blends imposing Soviet tower blocks with wine bars and 19th-century churches. Here, visit the world’s oldest cathedral, home to important Christian relics such as a fragment of Noah’s Ark.

Tonight, we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at an authentic local restaurant – the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and look forward to the journey across six captivating countries of the South Caucasus region and Central Asia.

Day 2 | Yerevan - In the Shadow of Mount Ararat

Yerevan's skyline is dominated by the meringue-like peak of Mount Ararat, a symbol of the city's rich history. Here, visit the rock tombs of the Geghard Monastery and first-century pagan temple of Garni.

This evening we head to the Armenia Wine Company, located close to Yerevan. Here we have opportunity to explore Armenian wine making technology, walk through the factory cellars, learn about the evolution of Armenian wine making history at the special museum and try the premium wines followed by an authentic and exclusive dinner.

Day 3 | Yerevan - Lake Sevan

Continue your exploration of Yerevan at The Cascade, a vast staircase and arts center that is emblematic of the country’s reclaimed statehood.

After lunch we continue our way, by coach, to Armenian-Georgian border in Bagratashen driving through the spa town of Dilijan well known for its forest landscapes and medicinal mineral water before we make a coffee & brandy stop at Avan Dzoraget Hotel. nestled amongst the forest-covered hills and rocky slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.

This evening we arrive into the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, where we stay for the next three nights at the Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

Day 4 | Tbilisi, Georgia - Heart of the South Caucasus

Cool and cosmopolitan, Georgia’s capital is the cultural heart of the South Caucasus. Today’s walking tour delves deep into the labyrinthine alleyways of Kala, the city’s most storied neighborhood, as well as a visit to the Janashia Museum, which traces the history of Georgia all the way back to prehistoric times.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a traditional Georgian dance performance.

Day 5 | Gori, Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta - Echoes of the Past

Gori, one of Georgia’s oldest cities, is the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The city’s museum offers haunting insights into his early life. Nearby, explore the ancient rock-hewn cave city of Uplistsikhe and UNESCO-listed holy city of Mtskheta before settling into a performance of Georgian polyphonic singing.

Day 6 | Baku, Azerbaijan - Ancient Wine Country

Georgia’s terrain has lent itself to 8,000 years of winemaking, and a visit to a traditional winery reveals how the country’s vintners age their wine in ceramic egg-shaped vessels called qvevri. A seamless private jet journey to Baku offers views over the blonde planes of Azerbaijan.

Day 7 | Baku - Walls of Icherisheher

Azerbaijan’s capital hugs the Bay of Baku with its historic Old Town, Icherisheher, at its heart. The 12th-century walls cosset the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs, as well as a host of mosques and small cafes serving pomegranate wine.

Tonight, we visit the magnificent Villa Petrolea. Nearly 150 years ago, before the Nobel Peace Prizes were created, the Nobel brothers themselves played a key role in Baku’s first ‘oil boom’. The mansion that they built as their residence in the early 1880s has been preserved, restored, and turned into a fascinating museum. It is here we will be privileged to have a guided tour and treated to champagne, canapes, and a sumptuous dinner within its historic walls.

Day 8 | Baku - Ice Age Caves

The inhabitants of Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape daubed scenes of hunting and fishing on the walls of the craggy caves they inhabited just after the last Ice Age; viewing brings the distant past thrillingly to life.

Day 9 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - Desert Oasis

Arrive by private flight to what appears to be a mirage — a modern city plonked between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag. After a tour of its National Museum and Kipchak Mosque, board your home for the next week: the magnificent Golden Eagle.

Day 10 | Darvaza - Furnace of the Kara Kum

Turkmenistan Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a glimpse into the world of the Parthian Empire. Your journey continues to Darvaza’s burning gas crater, known as the "Door to Hell," the 230-foot-wide fiery belly button of the Kara Kum.

Day 11 | Khiva, Uzbekistan - Silk Road Crossroads

Synonymous with the Silk Road, 2,500-year-old Khiva dazzles with its labyrinth of ancient walls, rambunctious bazaars and curvaceous minarets. Lying at the crossroads of Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an entrancing layer cake of ages and cultures.

Day 12 | Bukhara - Islamic Legacy Revealed

It may have buildings embodying 1,000 years of history, but Bukhara is far from a living museum. Between monuments such as The Ark and Kalyan Mosque gold mararekets, street sellers and plazas where locals sip saffron tea in the shade of mulberry trees.

Day 13 | Samarkand - Minarets and Mausoleums

Another Silk Road legend, Samarkand is made up of mosques, madrassas, minarets and mausoleums that sing of the power this city once held. Today’s tour includes Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, and culminates in a light show in Registan Square.

Day 14 | Tashkent - Sacred Relic of Islam

In this Uzbek capital rebuilt by the Soviets, visit an unassuming library that holds one of the most sacred relics of Islam: the world’s oldest Koran. Then peruse the Museum of Applied Arts before a farewell dinner on the Golden Eagle

Day 15 | Almaty, Kazakhstan - Cultural Capital

Nestling at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains among wild apple forests, the former capital of Kazakhstan is filled with quirky sights including 21 Soviet theaters, Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood.

Overnight we stay for one night at the Ritz-Carlton, Almaty.

Day 16 | Depart Almaty

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Travel in style with private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube. Delve into the history surrounding Romania’s most infamous figure, Vlad the Impaler.

Explore the UNESCO-honored medieval citadel and colorful streets of Sighisoara. 

Enjoy a private dinner inside the castle walls of 14th-century Bran Castle.

See a traditional Hungarian ‘Puszta’ equestrian show. Admire the medieval and Baroque splendor of ancient Budapest. Tour Istanbul’s magnificent historical sites.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive Istanbul, Turkey

With one foot in Europe and the other Asia, this vast, vibrant city has been the capital of no less than three great empires. Overlooking the Golden Horn, an evening in the Pera Palace Hotel’s opulent dining room sets the stage for your adventure.

Day 2 | Cape Town – Stories of a Beacon of Hope

Simply walking the Bosphorus’ banks is an immersive history lesson spanning thousands of years. The interiors of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia basilica are so sublime they demand special attention. Early afternoon we join our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, to begin our rail journey through Bulgaria and Romania to Budapest.

Day 3 | Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria | Tsarevets Fortress

After boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express and climbing the Shipka Pass, panoramic views give way to red rooftops cascading down to meet the Yantra River in the capital, Veliko Tarnovo. On a walking tour, encounter the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, the cobblestoned medieval old town and local crafts like pottery, textiles and woodwork.

Day 4 | Sinaia and Brasov, Romania | Through the Carpathians

The silver ribbon of the rails snakes through the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, home to Peles Castle, and on to Brasov. Here, Bran Castle perches atop a 200-foot-high rock. Often associated with Count Dracula, the dramatic setting makes a commanding location for a gala dinner.

Day 5 | Sighisoara and Sibiu | Transylvanian Tales

This morning, stroll through Sighisoara, a fortified medieval town steeped in gothic myth and Transylvanian tales. On to Sibiu, where there’s intriguing architecture around every corner, from the folkloric Burgher houses and the homes with eyes to the open-air Astra Museum’s traditional thatched buildings.

Day 6 | Budapest, Hungary | Kecskemet and Lajosmizse

After a pit stop in central Hungary and a stroll around Kecskemét’s, travel to Lajosmizse to watch Hungarian cowboys put their steeds through their paces in the Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain’s traditional horse show. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this fascinating part of Europe.

Day 7 | Depart Budapest, Hungary

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Discover Cape Town, taking in stunning views from Table Mountain, walking the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, visiting the Constantia Winelands and exploring rugged Cape Point

Traverse majestic mountain ranges and grassy savannas on a three-day train journey by elegant Rovos Rail. Stay at the only safari lodge inside Chobe National Park, a privileged location that affords you the opportunity to start game watching ahead of other visitors

Observe Botswana’s amazing animals up close, as handpicked safari guides use their in-depth tracking skills to lead you to exceptional wildlife encounters. Set out on a privately guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Finish your journey at Chief’s Camp, an A&K Sanctuary — one of Africa’s finest — located in the Okavango Delta’s premier Moremi Game Reserve. Enjoy the option to visit a project supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Touchdown in Cape Town, a cosmopolitan city perched at the southwestern tip of Africa that is a vibrant tapestry of life, culture and diversity. Trendy restaurants, bars and design studios imbue the atmosphere with a hip, creative vibe, all overlooked by Table Mountain.

Day 2 | Cape Town – Stories of a Beacon of Hope

Make your way to the top of Table Mountain via cable car to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Proceed to the colorful and distinctive Bo-Kaap neighborhood for a walking tour. After lunch, view other historical landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, St. George’s Cathedral and the District Six Museum. Take in the richness of the Constantia Winelands, nestled below Table Mountain, with a visit to Constantia Glen. Tour their cellar and vineyards with a winemaker followed by a tasting. A captivating storyteller then shares inspiring stories of the region over a drink before your welcome dinner.

Day 3 | Cape Town – Cape Point and Boulders Beach

Cape Point unfurls around you as you journey past the “bikini beaches” at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at blustery Cape Point. At Boulders Beach, visit its raucous colony of endangered African penguins. Take some free time to explore on your own.

Day 4 | Riding the Rovos Rail – The Romance of Africa by Rail

Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you board the wood-paneled coaches of the luxurious Rovos Rail. Depart Cape Town Station as you settle into your suite and eat lunch on board. Wind through mountains and rolling green hills of the Cape Winelands as the sun sets, and sip South African vintages as the stunning scenery scrolls by.

Day 5 | Riding the Rovos Rail – Vintage Victorian Charm

This morning, stop for a charming look at Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian village. Roll on to the Great Karoo, admiring its arid beauty.

Day 6 | Riding the Rovos Rail – Diamond Mine Museum

Arrive in Kimberley to tour the Diamond Mine Museum and view the large, hand-dug excavation site. Proceed into the grasslands of gold-rich Highveld landscape.

Day 7 | Johannesburg – Heart of South Africa

Disembark and visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation for an after-hours tour and a talk hosted by a foundation member. Continue to your hotel near Johannesburg, a vital hub for finance with a dynamic arts scene that also witnessed pivotal historic events.

Day 8 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Tales of David Livingstone

Fly to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Check into your hotel on the Zambezi River, very near the famous falls. Before dinner, hear from a special guest speaker who shares tales of celebrated Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone on an A&K-exclusive experience.

Day 9 | Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, Botswana – Design Your Day

Set out on a guided walking tour of breathtaking Victoria Falls, and then enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

-Walk the Victoria Falls Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning the Zambezi River, for stunning views of the waterfalls and gorge.

-Meet with a Member of the Monde Community for a tour of a local homestead and visit their community school, supported by A&K Philanthropy.

-Join the Take Action Trust for an interactive canine anti-poaching demonstration.

-Drive to your safari lodge, the only one located inside Botswana’s world-renowned Chobe National Park, and settle into your spacious, river-facing accommodations. 

-Set out on a Chobe River safari, watching as elephants line the water’s edge, hippos congregate in lagoons and predators come down to quench their thirst.

Visit the nearby village of Monde to see how the local community is building a brighter future for their children through education.

Day 10 | Chobe National Park – Plentiful Wildlife Viewing

Enjoy morning and afternoon game viewing, starting with an early morning safari in Chobe National Park to see wild animals at their most active, arriving ahead of most visitors thanks to your lodge’s ideal location. Explore along the Chobe River as your guide interprets the bush signs and tracks resident wildlife such as wild dogs and leopards.

Day 11 | Okavango Delta – Africa’s Predator Hub

Fly to the Okavango Delta via Kasane Airport and arrive at amazing Chief’s Camp in the vast Moremi Game Reserve. Often called the “Predator Capital of Africa,” this reserve is home to only a handful of camps, which makes for a unique and highly prized gameviewing experience, free of crowds. Observe how the lush delta draws remarkable birds and wildlife on a late-afternoon game drive capped by a refreshing cocktail.

Day 12 | Okavango Delta – Game Drives in the Lush Delta

Rise early for a game drive on the reserve where the game viewing is magnificent. Afternoon activities include a chef-led experience offering you a taste of traditional local cuisine. Set out on another safari with your expert guide, whose well-honed tracking skills may lead you off the beaten trail for an up-close look at a cheetah with a fresh kill or a glimpse of a leopard emerging from the dense foliage. Gather for a special farewell dinner.

Day 13 | Depart Johannesburg, South Africa

Fly to Johannesburg via Maun, where you enjoy access to the Premier Lounge, compliments of A&K, before your departing flight.

Begin with an exploration of Peru’s vibrant culinary capital, Lima. Cruise for three nights aboard Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary, spotting wildlife on shore with your expert onboard guides for a guided forest walk, swim or fish along the way.

Our local experts reveal Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán, as well as the colonial legacy of Cusco. Cross one of the world’s highest rail routes aboard Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train.

Cruise Lake Titicaca to meet the islanders of the Uros and visit Taquille Island. Watch the sunrise by the Lake Lagunillas before delving into the Sumbay Caves to see paintings dating back some 8,000 years. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 | Arrive Lima, Peru

The capital of Peru and world-renowned culinary epicenter, Lima is a delightful mix of indigenous and colonial history, natural beauty and a Pacific-Coast vibe that’s laidback by day and electric by night.

Day 2 | Lima – Pursuing Peru’s Flavors

Huaca Pucllana is an ancient clay-and-adobe pyramid sprawled in the midst of Lima’s urban Miraflores District. View its ongoing excavation before joining a local chef on a visit to a popular food market. Afterward, stop for a coffee tasting before strolling the city’s colorful Barranco and visit the Osma Museum. Later, help the chef prepare your dinner. 

Day 3 | Iquitos & Nauta – Cruising The Amazon Basin

The Amazon Basin is one of the greatest remaining wildernesses on earth and the best way to explore it is aboard A&K Sanctuary’s boutique riverboat, Pure Amazon. Starting at remote Nauta, on the banks of the Marañón River, embark on a three-night river adventure in state-of-the-art comfort, with a staff-to-guest ratio of over 1:1 ensuring exceptional, personalized attention. In this paradise for birders, where vividly colored macaws may be seen gliding over the river, set out on an expert-led birding excursion at dawn’s first light. Don’t miss the long-limbed spider monkey or an endearingly slow-moving sloth that may see in the forest canopy. Later, as the equatorial sun dips behind the treetops, you may opt for night safari by skiff, watching for the glowing eyes of caimans.

Day 5 | Peru Amazon – Village Visit and Piranha Fishing

Each day along the ever-changing river brings with it new possibilities. You may spot the Amazon’s fabled pink dolphins or go ashore to visit a local village to learn about daily life deep in the Amazon. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner on board.

Day 6 | Lima – Market and Museum Visits

Disembark and drive to Iquitos, where you visit a local project supported by A&K Philanthropy before flying to Lima.

Day 7 | Sacred Valley – Elevating Your Journey

The former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Venture from here into the Sacred Valley to visit the village of Lamay.

Day 8 | Sacred Valley – Elevating Your Journey

The Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the Peruvian Andes near Cusco. Deemed a spiritual epicenter by the Inca people, the valley is home to remote Quechua-speaking communities whose traditional way of life endures. Begin with a light trek — escorted by llamas — on a trail that overlooks a lake, and then proceed to the Village of Flowers to meet with members of the local community and learn about some of the projects sponsored there by A&K Philanthropy.

Day 9 | Machu Picchu – Bingham’s Stunning Find

Explore the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Inca Rail First-Class Train for a journey to Machu Picchu through the verdant Peruvian countryside. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, explore the ruins in depth with your expert guide. Return to Cusco via the Hiram Bingham train, savoring dinner en route.

Day 10 | Cusco – Design Your Day

Discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple. Listen as a local expert explains how clashes between the Incas and the Spanish formed today’s Peruvian culture. Later, visit Sacsayhuamán, a testament to Incan architectural skill, with a stop at Sulca workshop en route. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

-Visit the San Pedro Market and Inca Museum to view daily life among the locals and learn more about the Incas.

-Explore the Bohemian San Blas Neighborhood and visit Sapantiana, a hydraulic architecture.

-Stroll the Streets of Cusco with a photographer who shares tips for good shots.

Tonight, eat dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant, where the chef’s recipes carry on Peru’s culinary traditions.

Day 11 | Andean Explorer – Walking in Incan Footsteps

Step aboard Andean Explorer, the first luxury sleeping train in South America, to begin a relaxing trek across the Andean plains backdropped by Peru’s lofty landscapes. Get comfortable in your deluxe cabin as the train rolls southeast to Tinta Station. Disembark to discover Raqch’i, an Incan archaeological site. Back on board, view the La Raya mountain range en route to Lake Titicaca.

Day 12 | Andean Explorer – Secrets of the Floating Islands

Absorb the eclectic beauty and rich biodiversity of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. Ride by traditional boat to the islands of the Uros to view extraordinary floating manmade isles created from woven reeds. Eat lunch on Taquille Island, where many locals are Quechuan, followed by a visit to the sparkling sands of Collata Beach.

Day 13 | Andean Explorer – Ancient Cave Artwork

Step inside the Sumbay caves, home to fascinating paintings estimated to be over 8,000 years old. Return to Arequipa by train before flying to Lima.

Day 14 | Depart Lima

Enjoy breakfast before your short walk to the airport to board your departing flight.

Visit one of the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheaters in Plovdiv. Tour Istanbul’s magnificent Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque)

Explore the otherworldly Postojna Cave network of limestone caverns and monuments. Travel in style with private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express

Discover Sarajevo’s poignant and turbulent history through an absorbing guided tour of the city. See St Mark’s Basilica and stroll through the Rialto Market.

Itinerary:

Day 1 | Venice, Italy

Begin your journey with a two-night stay at the five-star San Clemente Palace Kempinski, a private island retreat just minutes from Piazza San Marco by complimentary boat. Overlooking the Venice Lagoon, this historic estate features a 12th-century chapel, tranquil gardens, and elegant courtyards.

This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner — a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2 | Venice, Italy

Embark on a walking tour that taps into Venice’s 1,000-year heritage, revealing hidden bridges, travelling along the glorious Grand Canal and through the Rialto Market where fishmongers hawk the freshest seafood available in the city.

Day 3 | Trieste, Italy

Board the majestic Golden Eagle Danube Express and set off for Trieste. With one foot in Mitteleuropa and the echoes of Austro-Hungarian rule still rippling through its cuisine, this Italian city on the border with Slovenia has a sophisticated, multicultural air best enjoyed on an afternoon walking tour.

Day 4 | Postojna & Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a subterranean train journey through Postojna’s mysterious karst caves before lingering in Ljubljana’s leafy, cobblestoned Old Town, where its proliferation of urban beehives and plant-based restaurants feed into its sustainable reputation.

Day 5 | Sarajevo & Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exploring the network of tunnels that allowed key supplies to enter Sarajevo during the siege in the Nineties is a deeply moving experience, while above ground lies a kaleidoscope of cultures cradled by the dramatic peaks of the Dinaric Alps.

Following Sarajevo, this afternoon we travel onto the historic city of Mostarby coach, the crossroads of many civilizations, cultures and three religions.

Day 6 | Belgrade, Serbia

Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade — the capital of Serbia — is one of Europe’s oldest and most intriguing cities. A place of striking contrasts, it blends Communist-era architecture with grand Orthodox churches, ancient Celtic fortresses, and remnants of the Balkan conflicts. During our full-day visit, enjoy a guided tour featuring the 'House of Flowers' (mausoleum of former Yugoslav President Josip Tito), the Town Hall, Republic Square, Knez Mihajlova Street, and the historic Kalemegdan Fortress.

Day 7 | Bitola & Lake Ohrid

Arriving in Bitola mid-afternoon, we visit the ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis before a guided walk through the town’s Ottoman-influenced centre. Alternatively, choose a visit to UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, with a tour of the historic town and ancient theatre offering stunning views. In the evening, both groups reunite for a traditional Macedonian dinner overlooking the lake before returning to the train.

Day 8 | Skopje, Macedonia

This little-explored destination is constantly renewing itself without losing touch with its complicated past. Our visit focuses on the honeycomb streets of the Ottoman-era Old Town and spice-scented Old Bazaar area.

Day 9 | Sofia & Plovdiv, Bulgaria

A morning tour of Bulgaria’s buzzing capital – which crouches at the foot of Mount Vitosha – is followed by an afternoon spent seeing the most fascinating of Plovdiv’s 200 archaeological sites including its Roman forum and Ottoman bathhouses.

Day 10 | Istanbul, Turkey

We conclude our journey in the legendary city of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia and centuries of history unfold at every turn. During our two-night stay at a five-star hotel, discover the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, with its rich treasury and commanding views of the Golden Horn. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, originally a 6th-century basilica and now one of the world’s most renowned mosques. Marvel at the striking exterior of the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and grand scale.

Day 11 | Istanbul, Turkey

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise along the Bosphorus and time to explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar. The journey ends with a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant — a perfect close to an unforgettable adventure.

Day 12 | Istanbul, Turkey

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. For those wishing to explore more of this captivating city, extended stays in Istanbul are also available.

Travel in style with private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Travel over the spectacular Semmering Pass with its 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels. 

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bled on a special boat experience. Visit stunning Lake Como and enjoy a boat excursion. Explore the ethereal Postojna Cave network of limestone caverns and monuments

Enjoy a gondola ride through the iconic waterways of romantic Venice. Enjoy a private concert at Vienna’s Palais Auersperg featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra

Itinerary:

Day 1 | Arrive 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 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 travelers on this highly-anticipated journey.

Day 2 | Budapest - A Walk Along the Danube

The Hungarian capital is compact enough to explore on a walking tour. On the west side of the river, find whimsical Fisherman’s Bastion and soak in the healing hot springs at the Gellért Baths; on the east, song bursts forth from castles, churches and opera houses.

Day 3 | Vienna, Austria - Private Concert

We enjoy a drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express for our morning departure. Settle in to your cabin and later enjoy lunch as the train heads to Vienna. There’s an effortless elegance to the place Beethoven called home. An afternoon spent walking through the pyramidic Palm House and citrus-scented orangery of the Schönbrunn Palace flows into a private concert at Palais Auersperg performed by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

Day 4 | Innsbruck - Semmering Pass, Lake Achen

Peer through your private cabin’s picture window at the Alps, arguably Europe’s most beautiful highlands. Cross the Semmering Pass, cruise crystalline Lake Achen and spend the night in the stately, mountain-ringed city of Innsbruck.

Day 5 | Zurich, Switzerland - Altstadt Landmarks

A private walking tour of the country’s largest city is a fabulous way to get beneath its surface, from the history of its pre-medieval Altstadt (Old Town), to a cheese fondue tasting using alpine staples such as Gruyère and Emmental.

Day 6 | Lake Como, Italy - Through the St. Gotthard Pass

Sit back as your sleeper train chugs along the shores of Alpine lakes, climbs the vertiginous St. Gotthard Pass and dips into a joyful descent through gorgeous Lugano. Slow to a stop on Lake Como, for a private boat cruise across the serene water and visit the beautiful lakeside town of Bellagio, where we stop for a scenic lunch and an opportunity for souvenir shopping. Lake Como is surrounded by high mountains and dramatic cliffs, so it is quite different from the other Italian lakes. A narrow road runs up its western coast towards Switzerland and sits up high above the water, with the towns dropping down beneath it. Renowned for its beautifully kept public gardens and historic villas, it is easy to see why so many celebrities love Lake Como.

Day 7 | Verona and Trieste - Romeo and Juliet

This morning after running along the south shore of Lake Garda we arrive in Verona. The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a romantic place for a morning’s guided tour among Roman ruins. Then, it’s on to Trieste to visit Miramare Castle, a historic seaside residence rich in art, culture, and imperial legacy. Cap things off with a spritz in sprawling Piazza Unita d’Italia.

Day 8 | Ljubljana, Slovenia - Views of Lake Bled

Early risers will be rewarded as the tracks snake through the emerald heart of the Julian Alps and past Lake Bled’s picturesque island. Next up is Ljubljana, as we have lunch on board and discover a delightful combination of ancient architecture and a youthful culture. Our afternoon tour includes visits to Preseren Square, Three Bridges and Dragon Bridge.

Day 9 | Venice, Italy - Postojna and Slovenia

The strange, stalactite-ridden lunarscape of the Postojna Caves is even more ethereal on an echoey private tour, followed by a multi-course lunch on the train with views over Venice’s lagoon.

We say farewell to our train crew and transfer to the San Clemente Palace Kempinski for a two-night stay, a five-star luxury urban resort on a private island, just minutes from Piazza San Marco via regular complimentary boat. Offering impressive views of Venice Lagoon, the 900-year-old property features a 12th century chapel and expansive stately gardens and courtyards.

Day 10 | Venice - Walking the Canals

Venice’s heady dream of Carnival, canals, basilicas and Byzantine relics are as bewitching as the palaces that appear to float on the Adriatic. Life in these salt-scented passageways has ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of the water for centuries, and reveal themselves on a walking tour. Walk through the winding lanes beside the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square, which for 1,000 years was the heart of Venetian life. We also see St. Mark’s Basilica and can choose to stroll through the Rialto Market. A trip to Venice would not be complete without a gondola ride along Venice’s famous canals (we include a 30-minute gondola in the programme).

Alternatively enjoy the city at your own pace today. Perhaps stroll through the artists’ district of Dorsoduro, stopping to take in the city’s most breath-taking views from the Accademia Bridge.

In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell reception dinner, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this beautifully scenic part of Europe.

Day 11 | Depart Venice

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.