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Railbookers · Luxury train vacation

Golden Eagle Danube Express - Paris to Istanbul from London

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

Illustration of Golden Eagle Danube Express - Paris to Istanbul from London

Railbookers operates this 12-day, 11-night rail vacation from London to Istanbul, opening in London before joining the Golden Eagle Danube Express in Paris. The trip begins with two nights in London, including a guided tour of the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and a Westminster walking tour ending at the London Eye. A Eurostar crossing through the Channel Tunnel reaches Paris for two nights, including a Moulin Rouge show, before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express at Gare de Lyon Station with a champagne reception for five nights onboard in Deluxe class. The train travels through the French countryside, the Austrian Alps into Vienna for a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra, Postojna for a confectionary masterclass and cave excursion, Belgrade for a Serbian feast and Gala Dinner, and Sofia for a private crypt performance. The journey ends with two independent nights in Istanbul, including a Farewell Dinner along the Bosphorus on arrival. The pace suits travelers who want a fully escorted rail journey across several countries, framed by independent time in three capital cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • London, 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.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this itinerary; confirm current departures with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to London! Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury 5* hotel accommodation for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: 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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    Board a direct high-speed train to Paris across the channel tunnel. 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.

  4. Day 4overnight: Paris

    Paris

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

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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.

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

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Vienna

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

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

    Overnight Onboard The Golden Eagle Danube Express - Postojna

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

  8. Day 8railovernight: 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. The day culminates with a Gala Dinner by Head Chef Ramon Batta.

  9. Day 9railovernight: 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.

  10. Day 10railovernight: 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.

  11. Day 11overnight: 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.

  12. Day 12

    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 2A 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.
  • Day 3Boards a direct high-speed train across the Channel Tunnel to Paris, then enjoys the Moulin Rouge show with champagne that evening.
  • Day 6Arrives in Vienna after crossing the Austrian Alps, for a lavish dinner followed by a private concert from the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
  • Day 9Explores 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 10Reaches 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 London
  • 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
  • Private London city tour including the London Eye
  • 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 London, Paris, and Istanbul at your own pace.
Which trains are used?
The Eurostar high-speed train from London to Paris through the Channel Tunnel, then the Golden Eagle Danube Express in Deluxe class from Paris to Istanbul.
What hotels are used?
London, Paris, and Istanbul nights are each at one of several 5-star hotel options. London options include Kimpton Fitzroy London, InterContinental London Park Lane, and Conrad London St. James; Paris options include Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera; Istanbul options include Pera Palace Hotel and Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.
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 Vienna, Belgrade, and Sofia; the operator does not state a specific fitness or walking level.

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