railtour suisse · Luxury train journey

Paris - Istanbul or vice versa

Luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express train journey, Paris to Istanbul

Paris - Istanbul or vice versa, a rail journey with railtour suisse

railtour suisse runs this eight-day, seven-night luxury train journey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, travelling between Paris and Istanbul in either direction. The trip opens with a welcome dinner at a five-star hotel in Paris, then moves onto the train the next morning after a champagne reception at Gare de Lyon. From there, the days settle into a rhythm of overnight travel paired with an evening event in each destination, such as a private classical concert in Vienna, an underground visit to the Postojna Caves with live saxophone, a demonstration of Tito's blue train in Belgrade, and a choir performance in Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The journey ends with a farewell dinner on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. This suits travellers who want a fully escorted, single-cabin style trip through six countries, with meals, drinks, excursions and a tour guide built into the price throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • Arrival and return travel are not included in the price; the tour covers the train journey, transfers to and from the airport or station on the first and last day, and one hotel night at each end, per the operator's exclusions list.
  • Travel and cancellation insurance are not included, per the operator's exclusions list.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris (five-star hotel)

    Paris (France)

    Individual arrival in Paris. On arrival you will be picked up and taken to a centrally located five-star hotel, where you will spend the night. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow guests.

  2. Day 2railovernight: On board the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Champagne (France)

    In the morning, all guests are transferred to Gare de Lyon, where the day starts with a champagne reception before boarding the elegant Golden Eagle Danube Express. Travel through the picturesque French countryside to the first destination - Champagne, a harmonious blend of flavor, history and elegance.

  3. Day 3overnight: On board the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Vienna (Austria)

    A wonderful afternoon cruise through the picturesque Austrian countryside, crossing the imposing Alps. Enjoy your cabin, your personal cabin attendant, or the bar-lounge car with pianists and cocktails. As dusk falls, reach Vienna; indulge in a sumptuous dinner and a private classical concert with the renowned Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

  4. Day 4railovernight: On board the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Vienna & Postojna

    Continue exploring Vienna's palaces, coffee houses, classical music and opera. After lunch, an exclusive pastry master class with catering manager Krisztian and head pastry chef Rebeka. In the evening, a journey into the depths of the Postojna Caves via underground train, with a saxophonist's soulful sounds echoing through the cave rooms.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Belgrade (Serbia)

    Discover the hidden treasures of Belgrade, starting with an exclusive demonstration of Tito's legendary blue train. Enjoy a sumptuous traditional Serbian feast, taste rakija at the city's oldest brewery, stroll the lively streets, and enjoy an exquisite gala dinner presented by chef Ramon Batta.

  6. Day 6overnight: On board the Golden Eagle Danube Express

    Sofia (Bulgaria)

    A relaxing morning in the Bar Lounge Car en route to Bulgaria. In Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe, explore the Roman city of Serdica, the Ivan Vazov National Theater and the Presidential Palace. At the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an exclusive performance by the 'Cosmic Voices' of the Vanya Moneva Choir, known from the Tokyo Olympic Games.

  7. Day 7overnight: Istanbul (five-star hotel)

    Istanbul (Turkey)

    Reach the last destination of the journey, Istanbul, spanning both Asia and Europe. The rest of the day is at leisure before a magnificent farewell dinner on the atmospheric banks of the Bosphorus.

  8. Day 8

    Istanbul (Turkey)

    After an overnight stay in a centrally located five-star hotel, enjoy the last breakfast on this trip. Individual departure back to Switzerland.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A champagne reception at Gare de Lyon precedes boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express, which then travels through the French countryside toward Champagne.
  • Day 3The train crosses the Alps into Austria during the afternoon, and the evening in Vienna includes a private classical concert with the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
  • Day 4An evening visit to the Postojna Caves is made by underground train, with a saxophonist performing in the cave rooms.
  • Day 5In Belgrade, an exclusive demonstration of Tito's historic blue train precedes a traditional Serbian feast and rakija tasting at the city's oldest brewery.
  • Day 6At Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Vanya Moneva Choir, known from the Tokyo Olympic Games, gives a performance.

Included

  • Journey including overnight stay on the Golden Eagle Danube Express in the booked category
  • Excursions including entrance fees as per the travel itinerary
  • Knowledgeable, experienced, English-speaking tour guide
  • Catering on board (all meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages)
  • Transfers to and from the airport/train station on the first and last day
  • Entertainment program on board
  • Gratuities for tour guides and onboard staff
  • Wi-Fi on board

Not included

  • Arrival and return travel
  • Hotel stays on-site, if desired before or after the trip
  • Personal expenses
  • Cancellation and travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The entire journey is aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, in a Deluxe or Superior Deluxe cabin, with all onboard catering, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages included.
Is it escorted or independent?
Escorted, with a knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guide included throughout.
Which train is used?
The Golden Eagle Danube Express, travelling between Paris and Istanbul and reversible in either direction.
What hotels are used?
A five-star hotel for one night in Paris before boarding, and a five-star hotel for one night in Istanbul at the end of the journey.
When does it run?
The operator lists 8 departures, in September 2025, May 2026, September 2026 and October 2026.
What is not included?
Arrival and return travel, any hotel stays before or after the trip, personal expenses, and cancellation and travel insurance.

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