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Golden Eagle Luxury Trains · Escorted tour

Christmas Markets of Central Europe

Eight-day escorted train journey through Central European Christmas markets, Budapest to Munich

Illustration of Christmas Markets of Central Europe

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains operates this eight-day escorted Christmas markets tour from Budapest to Munich, combining stays at luxury five-star hotels with three nights aboard the private Golden Eagle Danube Express. The journey weaves through Hungary, Austria, and Germany, visiting four of Central Europe's oldest Christmas markets. Days begin in Budapest at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace with a panoramic city tour and time to explore the markets. The train departs on day 3 with a champagne reception and private brass band send-off, passing through the snow-capped Austrian Alps. In Vienna, travellers ride a horse-drawn fiaker carriage through grand boulevards and attend a private classical concert at Palais Daun-Kinsky. Salzburg offers visits to Mirabell Palace and Fortress Hohensalzburg, with extended time at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt and a private brass performance. The journey concludes in Munich with visits to Marienplatz Christmas market and a traditional brewery dinner. All meals, beverages, transfers, guided excursions, and gratuities are included. The tour suits luxury travellers, repeat rail enthusiasts, couples seeking a romantic winter escape, and those who prefer the comfort of a fully guided itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a luxury-tier trip with a high entry price (from EUR 9,900 per person, twin occupancy); single supplements are substantial at EUR 14,900 to EUR 20,900.
  • Only two confirmed departures are listed (December 2026 and December 2027); verify availability well in advance.
  • The hotel in Munich on days 6 and 7 is not named in the itinerary, listed only as 'Hotel in Munich'; confirm the specific property with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest

    Budapest

    Arrivals day in Budapest; transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for a two-night stay. Welcome reception dinner in the art nouveau landmark.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest

    Budapest

    Panoramic city tour including the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen's Bastion, the Parliament, Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, Heroes Square and City Park. Leisure time to visit Christmas markets and thermal baths.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (on board)

    Vienna

    Transfer to Budapest's Nyugati station for a drinks reception before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express with a private brass band send-off. Evening exclusive after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (on board)

    Vienna

    Fiaker horse and carriage ride through the city; private classical concert at Palais Daun-Kinsky; panoramic city tour with options including the Museum of Fine Arts, Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market or Hofburg Palace.

    Meals: Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (on board)

    Salzburg

    Visit Mirabell Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Fortress Hohensalzburg. Free time at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt; lunch in a local restaurant; guided visit to the Residenzgalerie Salzburg and Domorgel Empore, concluding with a private Turmblasen brass performance.

    Meals: Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Hotel in Munich

    Salzburg & Munich

    Panoramic coach tour to Hellbrunn Palace and its Christmas market, and the Sound of Music Gazebo. Transfer to Oberndorf bei Salzburg for a guided visit to the Stille Nacht Chapel and Museum. Lunch on board en route to Munich; evening guided tour and dinner at Paulaner am Nockherberg brewery.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Hotel in Munich

    Munich

    Visit to Motorworld Munich; lunch at Golding Restaurant; Munich's Christmas markets at Marienplatz. Evening Farewell Dinner.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Munich

    Breakfast in the hotel before transfer to the airport for onward departures.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Champagne reception and private brass band send-off at Budapest's Nyugati station before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express; exclusive after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
  • Day 4Horse-drawn fiaker carriage ride through Vienna's grand boulevards followed by a private classical concert at Palais Daun-Kinsky.
  • Day 5Visit to Mirabell Palace and Fortress Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, with extended time at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt and a private Turmblasen brass performance.
  • Day 6Coach tour to Hellbrunn Palace and its Christmas market, Sound of Music Gazebo, and the Stille Nacht Chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg; dinner at a traditional Bavarian brewery in Munich.

Included

  • Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
  • Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
  • 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
  • Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
  • Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
  • Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Three nights aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express (days 3, 4, 5) are included in the package price, along with all meals, beverages, and cabin attendant service on board.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains provides an Experienced Tour Management team throughout the journey, a UK-registered Doctor on board, and guides for all off-train excursions listed in the itinerary.
What trains are used?
The Golden Eagle Danube Express, a private luxury train operated by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, running from Budapest to Munich.
What hotels are included?
The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) in Budapest for two nights (days 1 and 2), and a hotel in Munich for two nights (days 6 and 7). Nights 3, 4, and 5 are spent on board the train.
When does this tour run?
Departures run in December 2026 and December 2027 only.
What meals and beverages are included?
All meals on board the train are freshly prepared using local ingredients. Dinners in Budapest, Vienna, and Munich at selected restaurants are included, as are all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the journey.

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