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Luxury Train Club · Luxury rail journey

Danube Express Golden Eagle

Luxury sleeper train from Istanbul to Budapest via Transylvania castles

Illustration of Danube Express Golden Eagle

The Danube Express, operated by Luxury Train Club, is a 50-passenger private sleeper train that journeys over 7 days from Istanbul to Budapest through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. Guests stay in Deluxe or Superior Deluxe cabins with private bathrooms, enjoying single-sitting dining featuring freshly prepared regional cuisine at every meal. The itinerary includes stops at Transylvania's most prominent castles, Peles, Bran, and the medieval town of Sighisoara, along with excursions in Veliko Tarnovo, Brasov, Sibiu, and Kecskemet, each led by expert local guides. Experienced Tour Managers accompany the journey throughout, and all beverages except premium wines, guided tours, and on-board services including turn-down service and an on-board doctor are included. This journey suits luxury-seekers, repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and food-and-wine focused travellers seeking an immersive multi-day sleeper experience through Eastern Europe.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator publishes no day-by-day itinerary for this package; confirm the exact route and excursion sequence before booking
  • Single supplement from GBP 14,700 is substantially above half the twin price (GBP 9,800); solo travellers should confirm availability of guaranteed single cabins
  • International and internal flights, visas, travel insurance, and laundry are not included

Included

  • Experienced Tour Managers
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Hotel and on-board accommodation
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Route guide, itinerary and information pack
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
  • All drinks except premium wines
  • On-board housekeeping, turn-down service, complimentary tea/coffee/water in cabin
  • Guided off-train excursions with expert local guides
  • Personal headsets on off-train excursions
  • On-board doctor and medical facilities
  • Porterage between hotel and stations
  • All gratuities

Not included

  • International and internal flights
  • Visa costs
  • Travel insurance
  • Laundry

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Accommodation on board the Danube Express, all meals, drinks except premium wines, guided excursions, Tour Manager services, and transfers are included from Istanbul to Budapest.
What cabin types are available?
Deluxe Class with twin beds 1.85m x 0.8m (from GBP 9,800) and Superior Deluxe Class with king-size bed and 8.6 sqm (from GBP 12,700). Both have private bathrooms.
How many passengers travel on the train?
The Danube Express carries a maximum of 50 passengers.
What is included in meals and drinks?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily are freshly prepared in the Restaurant Car. All drinks except premium wines are included. Welcome and farewell dinners are provided in hotels at the start and end.
When do departures run?
The Castles of Transylvania itinerary departs in May, September, and October 2026 (as confirmed in the pack). Other named itineraries (Balkan Explorer, Eastern Europe Discovery, Christmas Markets, New Year in Vienna) may have different seasons.
What are the main highlights?
The Castles of Transylvania itinerary visits Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and Sighisoara (associated with Vlad the Impaler history). Guided off-train excursions with expert local guides and personal headsets are provided at each stop.

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