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Railbookers · Luxury train vacation

Golden Eagle Danube Express – Istanbul to Paris and London

Twelve-day luxury train journey from Istanbul to Paris and London

Illustration of Golden Eagle Danube Express – Istanbul to Paris and London

Railbookers operates this 12-day, 11-night rail vacation from Istanbul to London, combining five nights aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express with hotel stays in Istanbul, Paris, and London. After two nights in Istanbul, the trip boards the train at Istanbul Halkali Station for the Danube Express portion, stopping in Sofia, Belgrade, Postojna, and Vienna, with excursions such as the Semmering Pass and a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The train continues through Champagne's vineyards into Paris for two nights, including a Moulin Rouge show, before a Eurostar crossing through the Channel Tunnel to London. The final two nights in London include a guided tour of the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and a Westminster walking tour ending at the London Eye. The pace alternates between structured onboard days and independent city time, suiting travelers who want an escorted rail journey across several countries framed by free exploring in three capital cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • Istanbul, Paris, and London hotel nights are each drawn from a list of hotel options depending on the package tier booked, rather than one hotel fixed at booking, so the specific property can vary.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this itinerary; confirm current departures with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Istanbul

    Your Journey Begins in Istanbul

    Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury 5* hotel accommodation for a two-night stay. Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side or climb to the top of the byzantine Galata Tower.

  2. Day 2overnight: Istanbul

    Istanbul

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning and a formal welcome reception dinner with your fellow travelers.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Istanbul

    Escorted to Istanbul Halkali Station for a drinks reception before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express, winding through Türkiye's landscapes into Bulgaria, with a sumptuous Welcome Dinner aboard.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Sofia

    Immerse yourself in Sofia, exploring the ruins of the Roman city, the City Garden, and the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for the 'Cosmic Voices' performance.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Belgrade

    Visit Tito's legendary blue train, feast on traditional Serbian flavors, and sample Rakija at the city's oldest brewery.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Postojna & Vienna

    Explore the Postojna Caves and the Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before a luxurious dinner in Vienna with a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Vienna

    Continue exploring Vienna's grand palaces and coffee houses. In the afternoon, journey through the Austrian countryside crossing the Alps toward Switzerland.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Paris

    Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Champagne & Paris

    Explore Champagne's vineyards and historic cathedrals, then reboard the train through France's countryside, arriving in Paris for a Farewell Dinner.

  9. Day 9overnight: Paris

    Paris

    A day of independent exploring - the Eiffel Tower or Louvre. In the evening, enjoy the famous Moulin Rouge show with half a bottle of champagne.

  10. Day 10railovernight: London

    Paris to London

    Board a direct high-speed train to London across the channel tunnel. Transfer to your luxury 5* hotel accommodation for a two-night stay.

  11. Day 11overnight: London

    London

    A guided tour of the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, a Thames River cruise, Westminster Abbey, and a walking tour through Westminster taking in Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Horse Guards, and Big Ben, ending with the London Eye.

  12. Day 12

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boards the Golden Eagle Danube Express at Istanbul Halkali Station after a drinks reception, then a Welcome Dinner onboard as the train crosses into Bulgaria.
  • Day 6Explores the Postojna Caves, then the train climbs the Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra in Vienna.
  • Day 8Explores Champagne's vineyards and historic cathedrals, then the train continues through France's countryside into Paris for a Farewell Dinner.
  • Day 10Boards a direct high-speed Eurostar train across the Channel Tunnel from Paris to London.
  • Day 11A guided tour of the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, a Thames River cruise, Westminster Abbey, and a walking tour through Westminster ending with the London Eye.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights 5* hotel accommodation with breakfast in Istanbul
  • 2 nights 5* hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights 5* hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 5 nights of all-inclusive accommodation onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express in Deluxe class including: 24-hour onboard service, complimentary tea, coffee, and water, all meals and accompanying drinks, guided off-train excursions as listed, personal headsets with audio commentary, on-board doctors and medical facilities, all gratuities
  • Moulin Rouge tickets in Paris with Champagne
  • Private London city tour including the London Eye
  • Transfers as per itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included on this trip?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel as per the itinerary, including 5 nights of all-inclusive accommodation onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express in Deluxe class, covering meals, drinks, guided off-train excursions, and gratuities.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is escorted onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, with dedicated staff and guided excursions, combined with independent time to explore Istanbul, Paris, and London at your own pace.
Which trains are used?
The Golden Eagle Danube Express in Deluxe class from Istanbul to Paris, then the Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London through the Channel Tunnel.
What hotels are used?
Istanbul, Paris, and London nights are each at one of several 5-star hotel options. Istanbul options include Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel, and Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus; Paris options include Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera and Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel; London options include Kimpton Fitzroy London, InterContinental London Park Lane, and Conrad London St. James.
How much walking does this trip involve?
London includes a guided walking tour through Westminster covering Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Horse Guards, and Big Ben, plus city excursions in Istanbul, Sofia, Belgrade, and Vienna; the operator does not state a specific fitness or walking level.

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