golden eagle luxury trains · explore the city at your own leisure where you can stroll along the...

central europe &transylvania

golden eagle luxury trains

Introducing a new and exclusive range of European rail cruisesfrom Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

golden eagle danube express

Golden Eagle Luxury

Trains has a proud

heritage of offering

a unique range of

pioneering rail journeys

across Europe, Asia,

Africa and North

America, carrying many

thousands of delighted

travellers onboard our collection of private trains. A special

ingredient of all our tours is the exceptional level of inclusivity

that we provide, so that you do not have to worry about how

many excursions to take, the level of tipping required, or

having that extra glass of wine with your meal. We want you

to ultimately enjoy a relaxing and carefree experience.

Part of the excitement of being involved in the travel

business is developing new and fascinating itineraries. We

are continually searching out new destinations to discover

by rail and so, with this brochure, it gives me great pleasure

to announce our brand new collection of Central and

Eastern European tours, exclusive and unique to Golden

Eagle Luxury Trains, featuring the re-branded Golden Eagle Danube Express private train.

Discover some of Europe’s less explored destinations

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and Istanbul, on a Grand Rail Tour aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Featuring the signature touches of a

Golden Eagle rail cruise, these fascinating journeys now

provide the ultimate in European rail experiences.

I invite you to look through our 2016 Golden Eagle Danube Express collection and feel sure that you will be inspired by

our selection of journeys. On behalf of the team at Golden

Eagle Luxury Trains we look forward to having the pleasure

of your company and welcoming you onboard one of our

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having the opportunity to share some unforgettable travel

experiences with you.

Tim Littler

President & Founder

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited


Combining the romance of historic medieval settlements with the architectural splendour of

some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, this exclusive rail cruise through the diverse and dramatic

landscapes of Southern Europe, promises to be truly unforgettable.

Traversing over 3,000kms, across eight countries, this 14 day voyage offers the ultimate European

adventure. Relax in the elegant surroundings onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express and

admire the ever-changing landscapes of Central and Southern Europe as we glide between these

charming European cities.

Marvelling at the beauty of Istanbul and Prague, at either end of the journey, we explore the

contrasting cultures and architectural masterpieces that have been shaped by centuries of

ancient civilisations.

As we cruise through the scenic heart of Transylvania and the diverse landscapes of its neighbouring

countries, we take time to unearth some of the hidden treasures of this captivating part of the

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spectacular scenery on this grand European tour.

central europe& transylvania

istanbul - prague

turkey - bulgaria - romania - hungary - slovakia - austriapoland - czech republic

&�� Maiden Tower, Istanbul Festetics Palace, Keszthely

To book call Luxury Trains on 0333 405 0192 (Agents for Golden Eagle Luxury Trains)

Prague

Istanbul

Kecskemét

Brașov

VelikoTarnovo

Budapest

Sighişoara

Lajosmizse

BratislavaVienna

Krakow

Keszthely &Lake Balaton

Black Sea

Adriatic Sea

TyrrhenianSea

ROMANIA

HUNGARY

SERBIA

GERMANY

BULGARIA

MACEDONIA

SLOVENIACROATIA

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

POLAND

CZECH REPUBLIC

BOSNIA &HERZEGOVINA

ITALY

ALBANIA

KOSOVO

MOLDOVA

MONTENEGRO

central europe& transylvania

istanbul - prague

tour schedule daily tour itineraries

Istanbul – Prague17 – 30 June, 2016

accommodation

2 nights in Istanbul | 6 nights onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

'��| 2 nights in Prague

istanbul - veliko tarnovo - braşov - sighişoara - kecskemet - lajosmizse - budapest keszthely - bratislava - vienna - krakow - prague

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This fabled city that spans Asia and Europe deserves an extended

stay so over the next two days we will see how old meets new,

east meets west when we visit Istanbul’s must-see historic sites.

One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and

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a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style and features six

towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main

chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the

Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the

Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to

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The largest and oldest palace in the world and primary residence

of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853, Topkapi is the

crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic

buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi

promises to be a truly fascinating experience. We also visit

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markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. In operation

since the 14th century the bazaar is especially known for its

jewellery, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

Late afternoon on day 3 we join our private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, to begin our long-awaited rail adventure

through Transylvania and Central Europe.

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This morning we climb over the Shipka Pass, site of a famous

battle in 1878 when the combined forces of Russia and

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tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill

and Castle and there is free time to wander through the streets

of the ancient city.

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and head across the Romanian border.

Overnight the train twists and turns as it climbs over the

Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the

dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain streams as

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known as Dracula’s Castle, this beautiful 14th century building

is situated amongst stunning mountain scenery.

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for a walking tour of the town’s main highlights. A World

Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is

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Dinner is served as our train continues onto Hungary and

across the Great Hungarian Plain.

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Prague Castle

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budapestHungary

kecskemét & lajosmizseHungary

This morning we get the opportunity to explore Kecskemét, a

fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary before the

train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse show.

We then arrive late afternoon at the romantic and historic

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nouveau landmark which combines historical elegance with

ultra-modern comforts.

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with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart

of Pest. Our city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias

Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. We will

also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral,

Heroes Square and the City Park. There will be the opportunity to

explore the city at your own leisure where you can stroll along the

banks of the Danube, visit the historic Great Market Hall with its

endless variety of delicious foods and wines or head to one of the

city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip. Alternatively

you can relax at the hotel and indulge in the hotel’s luxurious spa

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��Q��%��Freedom of Choice wine tasting tour to Eger. Situated in the northeast, the

town is rich in historic monuments and famous for its wines such

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monument, is the site of the István Dobó Castle Museum. The

tour includes a visit to the former cellar system of the Archbishop

of Eger. Here in this cellar, wines from the vineyards from around

Eger were stored. We will taste some of the local wine.

After breakfast join the Golden Eagle Danube Express at

Nyugati station after a reception in the Imperial Waiting Room

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At Keszthely we take a tour of the Festetics Palace, a beautiful

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150 years later. Alternatively, take a relaxing boat cruise on the

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and have dinner on board as the train heads for Slovakia.

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where we stroll through the cobbled streets of 18th century

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high above the city on a hill overlooking the Danube. Close to

the castle set amongst the many hillside luxury villas is the

imposing Soviet War Memorial at Slavin as we learn about the

city’s strategic position situated just behind the Iron Curtain. We

then have lunch onboard as we travel the short distance onto

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from Mozart to Freud, this stunning city enthrals visitors with

its rich heritage. A seductive metropolis of elaborate palaces,

renowned coffee houses, classical music and enchanting opera.

With our Freedom of Choice touring option, guests can choose

a city tour with scheduled visits to the former Imperial Palace

of Hofburg, the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral and a stroll

along the main shopping street of Graben with its Holy Trinity

Column. Alternatively visit the spectacular Schonbrunn Palace

and Gardens, the former summer residence of the Habsburg

Family. This evening there will be a superb private concert at the

House of Mozart featuring the Mozart Ensemble followed by a

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Once a royal capital with an extraordinary history, and now a lively

university town with fashionable bars and restaurants, Krakow is

a fascinating city with beautiful monuments and an exuberant

atmosphere. Highlights of the city include Wawel Hill, home to the

Wawel Castle, an impressive blend of Gothic original architecture

and a Renaissance Palace and Rynek Glowny, known as the Main

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explore the city at your leisure in the afternoon and perhaps make

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Ghetto in Krakow and home to the Schindler factory - much of the

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Wawel Castle, Krakow

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On our day in Krakow we also offer a number of touring options

as part of our Freedom of Choice programme outside of the city

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museum was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps during

World War Two where an estimated 1 million people perished.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a

unique venue full of chambers excavated and sculpted in rock

salt. Descend the 360 steps in to the mines and be amazed at

the devotion of the miners who carved the incredible Chapel of

Salt, a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

A morning arrival into Prague after breakfast where we leave

the Golden Eagle Danube Express and spend time to enjoy one

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Prague is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe.

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Prague Castle, a stunning sight that can be seen almost

anywhere in the city. Our tour takes in the Old Town Square with

its many historic buildings and Astronomical Clock, the historic

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Explore Prague at your leisure and discover the hidden treasures

of this wonderful city. Stroll the medieval cobbled streets, relax

in the ancient squares and admire the many architectural

treasures of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires’.

As part of our touring programme we join a vintage tram to

travel through the city and Wenceslas Square, then up the hill

to Prague Castle, the largest medieval complex in Europe and

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architectural gems occupy a hillside overlooking the city and

river. Our tour includes the delightful Golden Lane and the

Changing of the Guard at the castle entrance.

We will also visit Municipal House, originally built to be an

administrative and cultural centre. Located just inside the Old

Town it was built on the area once occupied by the former Royal

Court before it moved to Prague Castle. We’ll have a Czech

afternoon tea here and then visit its beautiful concert hall.

Following breakfast on day 14 you will be transferred to the

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extend your stay in Prague for additional nights to explore more

of this fascinating city.

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Golden Eagle Danube Express

Rail cruising is a fantastic way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of the country. The programmes we offer are carefully designed to balance generous amounts of relaxation, while voyaging across the vast landscapes with sightseeing that opens a window into the soul and spirit of the places

and communities we visit.

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surroundings – no matter where you choose to explore.

rail cruising


Onboard Staff Onboard Staff

unique itineraries

Our rail cruise itineraries are planned and operated exclusively

by us and we never lose sight of the little things that really

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Lifetime in a relaxed and informal manner.

Our itineraries are designed to turn dreams of a lifetime into

priceless memories and take in some of the most culturally

diverse destinations the world has to offer. With these countries

changing so rapidly, it remains an immensely exciting time

to visit, not to mention that it also offers some of the most

remarkable and iconic rail journeys in the world.

freedom of choice touring

Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from

an array of Freedom of Choice touring options that best suits

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major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured

locations, you will be presented with a variety of activities from

which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience. In short,

it means that your holiday is just that, your very own, and it’s

all included in the tour price, with no more for you to pay. It is

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Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating

Freedom of Choice Touring. Freedom of Choice options may

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minimum numbers and local weather conditions.

Each rail cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places,

and each day brings a new opportunity for discovery – another

chance to explore your world in a personal and meaningful way.

On a typical day the Golden Eagle Danube Express will

travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin.

Disembarking after breakfast the following morning you will be

whisked away by coach or on foot to explore, for example, the

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end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-wheels,

greeted by your cabin attendants. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in

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Then settle down with your travelling companions in the

Restaurant Car for a meal of local specialties and international

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no need to hurry, the Restaurant Cars accommodate all the

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the adventures of the day – or return to the bar for a night-cap

and listen to the resident pianist.

Some days will be spent partly onboard the train providing an

opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold. The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers different onboard activities so you

might spend the time attending talks on the local history and

culture, trying your hand at bridge, tasting wines, improving your

photographic skills or simply soaking up the atmosphere in the

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exploring remote landsin style and comfort

A TYPICAL DAY ONBOARD YOUR PRIVATE TRAIN

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EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS

Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel

knowledge and their organisational abilities allowing you to relax

and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional passenger

comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure

you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arrival transfers from the international airport to our tour hotel, and

departure transfers from our tour hotel to the airport are included.

HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION

Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing

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a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of

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BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY

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ending with breakfast on the last day, unless otherwise stated.

All departures feature one or two Restaurant Cars where you can

enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times

during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine with

wine and a selection of drinks off the train, which is also included

in the tour price.

DRINKS WITH MEALS

A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is

included with lunch and dinner on and off the train.

ONBOARD SERVICE

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services to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your

cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are

served to you in your cabin.

GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS

The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises

will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours

include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most

of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the

culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it

is the special little touches that help create magical memories.

PERSONAL HEADSETS

On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment

and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with

a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour

guide as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means

that you do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s

commentary on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander

away from the group.

ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor

who travels with us for the entire journey, so you can rest assured

that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a

day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In

almost every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and be

registered with the General Medical Council in the UK.

PORTERAGE

As you only have to unpack once, your luggage and belongings will

stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever

necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

ALL GRATUITIES

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rail journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are

included in the tour price.

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what’s included in the tour price

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The Golden Eagle Danube Express is your luxurious hotel-on-wheels. Unpack just the once and settle into ��}��Q��

be on hand to look after all of your needs.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express is comprised of Deluxe sleeper carriages, Heritage sleeper carriages, one or two Restaurant

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elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal expenses such

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Lounge Car and laundry.

Golden Eagle Danube Express

welcome onboard

The Golden Eagle Danube Express restaurant cars are a

delightful venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by

our Executive Chef and his onboard restaurant team using the

very best in ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible.

Depending on the number of guests onboard, one or two of our

restaurant cars will be on every departure.

Enjoy the delights of an on-train breakfast each morning - a

wide selection of fruit, cereals, orange juice and cold plates

are available from our bountiful buffet. Alternatively enjoy a

cooked breakfast bought to your table by our waiting staff, all

complemented by steaming hot tea and coffee.

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attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant

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of the countries we travel through, as well as international

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All our meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an

excellent choice of wines from around the world, personally

selected by our Company Founder, Tim Littler, along with bottled

water, beer and soft drinks.

Meals onboard are a relaxed affair as the restaurant cars can

accommodate all our guests in a single sitting. Throughout the

journey there is an informal dress code, so you can enjoy our

culinary experiences in convivial and relaxed surroundings and

with our open-seating policy you can dine wherever, and with

whomever, you please.


dining onboard

Restaurant Car Onboard Cuisine

Onboard Cuisine

The social heart of the Golden Eagle Danube Express��

Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried

pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings

and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow

passengers and begin long-lasting friendships. Perhaps read

a novel to while away the time or challenge your friends to a

game of cards.

It is here that our Tour Manager will also organise a programme

of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries

throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure

timings, latest weather forecasts for the next destination

and information on the following day’s excursions and

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an entertaining and enlightening range of activities such as

language lessons and engaging talks by expert lecturers on

local history and culture.

In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing

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relax in our bar lounge car

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may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.

Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin

and toilet. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket and hairdryer.

A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are provided. Cabins have

individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches,

individual reading lights, power sockets and a safe.

Co-ordinated fabrics complement wood-panelled walls and brass

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wardrobe provide ample storage whilst the large picture window and

full length mirror enhance the spacious feel. A second window will

open for fresh air and for that perfect photo opportunity.

During dinner each evening the living room is converted into two

comfortable lower beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring

you early morning tea or coffee.

Deluxe Cabin - Day

5 x 2-bed cabins per carriage

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Private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and WC

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Remote controlled air-conditioning

Two armchairs and a free-standing chair for daytime seating

Large picture window – opens partially, perfect for

photograph opportunities

Full length wardrobe and power sockets

Deluxe Cabin – Night

Deluxe Cabin Deluxe Cabin – En-suite

Deluxe Cabins

heritage cabinsgolden eagle danube express

Each Heritage sleeper carriage has eight sleeping cabins with an upper and lower bed. A shared toilet is available at one end of the carriage and a shared shower at the other end.

Each cabin has wood-panelled walls, air-conditioning, power sockets

and hanging space. A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are

provided. A full length couch provides daytime seating. The large

picture window will open for fresh air and for that perfect photo

opportunity. During dinner each evening the cabin is converted into

two comfortable beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring

early morning tea or coffee.

Heritage Cabin – Day Heritage Cabin – Night

8 x 2-bed cabins per carriage

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Cabin area: 3.06 m2 (33 ft2Z

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Air-conditioned

Shared toilet facility and shower facility available at

opposite ends of the carriage

Full length couch provides daytime seating

Large picture window - opens partially, perfect for

photograph opportunities

Clothes hanging storage and power sockets

Heritage Carriage Corridor

Heritage Cabins


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