Search

Railbookers · Luxury train vacation

Golden Eagle Danube Express - Paris to Istanbul

Ten-day luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express journey from Paris to Istanbul

Illustration of Golden Eagle Danube Express - Paris to Istanbul

Railbookers operates this 10-day, 9-night rail vacation from Paris to Istanbul aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The trip opens with two nights in Paris, including a Moulin Rouge show on arrival evening and a welcome reception dinner, then boards the train at Gare de Lyon Station with a champagne reception for five nights onboard in Deluxe class. The train travels through Champagne, the Austrian Alps into Vienna for a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra, Postojna for cave excursions and a confectionary masterclass, Belgrade for a Serbian feast and Gala Dinner, and Sofia for a private performance in the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The journey ends with two independent nights in Istanbul, including a Farewell Dinner along the Bosphorus on arrival. The pace mixes structured onboard days with free time in both bookend cities, suiting travelers who want a fully escorted train experience framed by independent city exploring.

What to know before you look closer

  • Paris and Istanbul 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: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury 5* hotel accommodation for a two-night stay. In the evening, enjoy the famous Moulin Rouge show with half a bottle of champagne.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning, before 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 - Champagne

    Welcomed aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express with a champagne reception at the Gare de Lyon Station. The train glides through the French countryside towards Champagne, celebrated for its sparkling wines and medieval architecture.

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

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Vienna

    Journey through the Austrian Alps into Switzerland aboard the train. As evening falls, arrive in Vienna for a lavish dinner followed by a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

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

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Postojna

    A relaxed morning onboard, then an exclusive confectionary masterclass led by the train's culinary team. This evening, venture into the Postojna Caves by train.

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

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Belgrade

    Visit Tito's legendary blue train, a traditional Serbian feast, and a Rakija tasting session at the city's oldest brewery. The day culminates with a Gala Dinner by Head Chef Ramon Batta.

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

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Sofia

    Explore the ancient Roman city of Serdica, majestic Orthodox churches, and Sofia's landmarks. Highlight: a private performance by the 'Cosmic Voices' of the Vanya Moneva Choir in the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Istanbul

    Istanbul

    The culmination of the European rail journey, reaching Istanbul. The remainder of the day is free, leading up to a Farewell Dinner along the banks of the Bosphorus.

  9. Day 9overnight: Istanbul

    Istanbul

    Today is to enjoy at your leisure - cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side or climb to the top of the byzantine Galata Tower.

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Istanbul

    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 with a champagne reception at Gare de Lyon Station, then travels through the French countryside towards Champagne.
  • Day 4Arrives in Vienna for a lavish dinner followed by a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
  • Day 6Visits Tito's legendary blue train in Belgrade, joins a traditional Serbian feast and Rakija tasting, and closes with a Gala Dinner by Head Chef Ramon Batta.
  • Day 7Explores the ancient Roman city of Serdica and Sofia's Orthodox churches, with a private performance by the 'Cosmic Voices' of the Vanya Moneva Choir in the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
  • Day 8Reaches Istanbul, the culmination of the European rail journey, closing with a Farewell Dinner along the banks of the Bosphorus.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights 5* hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights 5* hotel accommodation with breakfast in Istanbul
  • 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
  • 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 Paris and Istanbul at your own pace.
Which train is used?
The Golden Eagle Danube Express, in Deluxe class, running from Paris to Istanbul.
What hotels are used in Paris and Istanbul?
Paris nights are at one of several 5-star hotels, including Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Holiday Inn Paris Gare De Lyon Bastille, and Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel. Istanbul nights are at one of several 5-star hotels, including Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel, and Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.
How much walking does this trip involve?
The itinerary includes city excursions such as exploring Sofia's Roman ruins and churches, Belgrade sightseeing, and Vienna, plus optional activities like climbing the Galata Tower in Istanbul; the operator does not state a specific fitness or walking level.

Similar journeys