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railtour suisse · Luxury train journey

Journey of discovery through Eastern Europe on a luxury train

Twelve-day luxury train journey from Budapest to Vienna through Eastern Europe

Illustration of Journey of discovery through Eastern Europe on a luxury train

Railtour Suisse's Journey of Discovery through Eastern Europe is a 12-day luxury train adventure aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, departing from Budapest and concluding in Vienna. The journey traverses five countries, exploring cities shaped by centuries of Central and Eastern European history. Days begin and end in your private cabin, where all meals, beverages, and onboard entertainment are included. The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with leisure: guided city tours in Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, and Salzburg are interspersed with visits to significant historical sites including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Malbork Castle, and Berlin's Cold War landmarks. A private concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra and a vintage tram ride through Prague's hills provide cultural highlights. An expert English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout, and coach transfers connect the train to each city's attractions. This trip suits luxury-seeking history enthusiasts and repeat train travellers who value guided experiences without logistical concerns.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is published: June 2027. Confirm availability and dates before booking.
  • The Budapest and Vienna hotels are listed as "or similar," meaning the final property depends on availability.
  • Single-occupancy supplements are substantial: the single Deluxe cabin costs 25% more than double occupancy, and single Superior Deluxe costs 22% more than double.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel, Budapest (or similar)

    Budapest (Hungary)

    Individual travel to Budapest. On arrival in Budapest, you are met and transferred to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel (or similar) where you spend two nights. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the elegant setting of this Art Nouveau monument with panoramic views of the Danube, and meet your fellow travelers. (A)

  2. Day 2overnight: Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel, Budapest (or similar)

    Budapest

    Budapest actually consists of two cities separated by the Danube. The old town of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace dominate the city with a breathtaking view across the Danube to the commercial center of Pest. On a city tour by coach you visit the Castle District, St. Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion. You also visit the Parliament with an audio-guided tour and have a private tour of the Opera House. The rest of the day is at your leisure - stroll along the banks of the Danube, visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious food and wine, or head to one of the city's famous thermal baths for a refreshing dip. (FMA)

  3. Day 3railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Budapest

    Enjoy a leisurely free morning. In the afternoon, you are invited to a reception in the impressive waiting hall of Budapest Nyugati station before boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Danube Express hotel train. Settle comfortably into your private compartment and make the most of the onboard amenities. In the evening, you'll be treated to a welcome dinner as the train travels toward Poland. (FMA)

  4. Day 4railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Krakow (Poland)

    In the morning, the train stops in Oświęcim, the station for Auschwitz-Birkenau, for a two-hour visit of the concentration camp and museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a poignant guided tour retracing the history of the camp and the horrors of the Holocaust. From there, you will be transferred by coach to the centre of Krakow. A former royal capital with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant university city, Krakow captivates visitors with its beauty, lively atmosphere, and trendy vibe. Lunch is served in the Old Town. In the afternoon, you explore the Wieliczka Salt Mines, an impressive underground maze listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer not to visit Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a guided walking tour of Krakow will be offered instead, including Wawel Castle and the Jewish district of Kazimierz. (FMA)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Warsaw (Poland)

    This morning you reach the Polish capital Warsaw, a city that has undergone an impressive transformation since its destruction during the war. Crossing the Vistula and looking at the old town, the unusual panorama of the city becomes clear - modern skyscrapers rise above the red roofs of the old town. Historic buildings harmonize with modern architecture and reveal Warsaw's many facets. A guided tour takes you through the Old Town and along the Royal Route to the former Warsaw Ghetto. The Old Town will delight you with its colorful town houses and the charming atmosphere of the narrow streets. The Royal Route connects three former residences of Polish rulers: the Royal Castle, the Royal Lazienki and Wilanów Castle. In the afternoon, you enjoy a delightful private Chopin piano recital before returning to the train for dinner.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Malbork & Gdansk (Poland)

    This morning you will visit Malbork, whose imposing castle dating back to 1280 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the seat of the Teutonic Order. After lunch on the train, the journey through Poland continues to Gdansk. This coastal region has a significant role in Polish history, as it was here that the Second World War began in 1939 and the independent trade union movement Solidarność was founded in 1980, symbolizing resistance to the government and heralding the fall of communism. In the afternoon, explore Gdansk and visit the European Solidarity Center, which documents the history of the 20th century and the political changes that led to the collapse of communism. You will also enjoy an organ concert and visit the Dlugi Targ (Long Market), one of the most beautiful streets in Gdansk's Old Town. (FMA)

  7. Day 7railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Berlin (Germany)

    As you enjoy breakfast on board, the train arrives in Berlin. Once divided and later reunified, Berlin now captivates with its cultural energy, outstanding museums, iconic landmarks and wide boulevards. The morning is dedicated to a panoramic tour of the must-see sights in both East and West Berlin: the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall. You then enjoy a choice of activities: A drive at the wheel of a Trabant, the iconic car of the former GDR, for an original journey through East and West Berlin – along Karl-Marx-Allee, past the East Side Gallery, over the Oberbaum Bridge and into Kreuzberg. Or a self-guided exploration of Berlin's cultural heritage, for example a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum or to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting five prestigious museums. After lunch, you have free time to soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere, go for a stroll or enjoy some shopping along the famous Kurfürstendamm. (FMA)

  8. Day 8railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Dresden (Germany) and Prague (Czechia)

    In the morning, the train arrives in Dresden, capital of Saxony, a city that has risen brilliantly from the devastation of the Second World War and the decades behind the Iron Curtain. Restored to its full splendour, it now reveals its baroque palaces, rococo façades and artistic treasures. The visit begins at the Frauenkirche, a baroque masterpiece and symbol of the city's rebirth, whose seven centuries of history reflect remarkable resilience. The tour continues to the Dresden Castle, an emblematic landmark at the heart of Saxony's cultural heritage. Those who wish may then enjoy a refined pause over a hot drink at the luxurious Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski. Your group then returns to the train for a late lunch as the journey continues toward Czechia. Arrival in Prague is scheduled for late afternoon. Considered one of Europe's best-preserved cities, Prague stretches across both banks of the Vltava, dominated by its imposing 9th-century castle. The city tour leads to the Old Town Square and its Astronomical Clock, the 14th-century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter, all witnesses to a millennium of history. In the early evening, you attend an opera performance at the magnificent Municipal House, a superb Art Nouveau gem, before ending the day with a refined dinner in its restaurant. (FMA)

  9. Day 9railovernight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Prague (Czech Republic)

    Today you join a vintage tram to travel through the city up the hill to Prague Castle area and a visit to the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a hillside overlooking the city and river. Following lunch there will be the opportunity for free time in the Old Town district, before returning to the train. (FMA)

  10. Day 10overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express (train)

    Salzburg (Austria)

    Today you will explore the heart of the city of Salzburg, Mirabell Palace. The 17th century baroque palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is certainly one of the city's most impressive landmarks. Not far from the palace, on the market square, is Mozart's former residence, now a museum. From here you cross the Makartsteg into the old town and walk through the Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous street, known for its wrought-iron trade signs and Mozart's birthplace. Hellbrunn Palace has been enchanting visitors with its trick fountains for more than 400 years. Behind the baroque exterior lies a lavish interior. The real attraction, however, are the trick fountains in the gardens. (FMA)

  11. Day 11railovernight: Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

    Vienna (Austria)

    This morning, enjoy your last breakfast on board as the train leaves Salzburg on a majestic morning journey over the breathtaking Semmering Pass before arriving in Vienna at midday. Vienna is a metropolis of magnificent palaces, famous coffee houses, classical music and enchanting operas. This afternoon, the programme includes a private concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra and a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace, unless you prefer to enjoy some free time to explore on your own. In the evening, you check in at the Ritz-Carlton, an exquisite hotel housed within four beautifully restored 19th-century palaces, just moments from the city centre. You may unwind in the opulent spa or take in the panoramic views from the eighth-floor rooftop terrace. The day concludes with a Farewell Dinner shared with your fellow travellers – an ideal way to bring this extraordinary journey to a close.

  12. Day 12

    Vienna

    After breakfast, this journey comes to an end. Individual return trip to Switzerland. (F)

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Welcome dinner at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel overlooking the Danube in Budapest.
  • Day 3Board the Golden Eagle Danube Express at Budapest Nyugati station and settle into your private cabin as the train departs toward Poland.
  • Day 4Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and museum in Oświęcim with a guided tour.
  • Day 5Guided tour of Warsaw exploring the old town rebuilt after World War II destruction.
  • Day 10Explore Mirabell Palace and walk through Salzburg's famous Getreidegasse street.
  • Day 11Morning journey over the Semmering Pass into Vienna; private concert with the Vienna Supreme Orchestra and visit to Schönbrunn Palace.

Included

  • Travel incl. overnight stay in the Golden Eagle Danube Express in the booked category
  • Excursions incl. entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Expert, experienced, English-speaking tour guide
  • Catering on board "all inclusive" (all meals, all soft drinks and all alcoholic drinks)
  • Transfers from and to the airport/train station on the first and last day
  • Entertainment program on board
  • Gratuities for tour guide and crew
  • Wifi on board

Not included

  • Arrival and return journey
  • Hotel accommodation on site, if required before or after the trip
  • Personal expenses
  • Cancellation costs and travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Eight nights aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express are included in the price, along with all meals, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and onboard entertainment.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. An expert, experienced, English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the journey.
What is the duration and route?
Twelve days and eleven nights, departing Budapest and ending in Vienna, with stops in Krakow, Warsaw, Malbork, Gdansk, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague.
What excursions are included?
City tours with entrance fees, visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau, Malbork Castle, guided tours of Berlin and Prague, a private concert in Vienna, and coach transfers at each destination.
What are the accommodation options?
Deluxe cabins (double or single occupancy) or Superior Deluxe cabins (double or single occupancy) aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, plus one night at the Ritz-Carlton in Vienna.
What is not included?
Arrival and return travel to Budapest, hotel accommodation before or after the trip, personal expenses, cancellation costs, and travel insurance.

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