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Danube Express Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Europe, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey Danube ext
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Fay says, “The Danube Express combines luxury rail travel with fascinating off-train excursions in parts of Europe that are less-visited, at a reasonable price.” Members of the Club (free to join) benefit from: - discount off the published prices of any journey; - a thank-you gift for every booking; - the gift from the train of a case of Hungarian wine for booking any September departure. ABOUT THE TRAINThe Danube Express only carries 50 passengers, serving freshly prepared meals using traditional menus and served at a single sitting in the elegant Restaurant car. The Lounge enables you to enjoy relaxing drinks, and whilst dinner is served, your cabin is transformed into a cosy sleeping area. Your steward is on hand to bring drinks to your cabin at any time. All cabins have air conditioning and are ensuite, with a shower. So once on board, guests can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of – from champagne receptions and delicious regional cuisine to engaging guides and sightseeing at every stop.
AccommodationSuites Each newly reconstructed Deluxe sleeping car has just five spacious yet intimate en suite compartments offering every convenience and comfort so you may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by. A subtle blend of modern technology, décor and fixtures create an ambience, evocative of a bygone era, when elegance and style were quintessential elements of travel. Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin and WC. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket (230v/110v) and a hairdryer. Fresh white towels and some toiletries are also provided. Full air-conditioning has individual temperature control and lighting can be adjusted spotlights and personal reading Each compartment can be locked and a personal safe is provided. There are also power sockets for recharging batteries. Co-ordinated fabrics complement wood panelled walls and brass fittings. Two comfortable armchairs provide daytime seating and a free-standing chair adds flexibility. Cupboards and a full-length wardrobe provide ample storage whilst the large picture window and full-length mirror enhance the spacious feel. A second window opens for that perfect photo opportunity or simply to let in some fresh air. During dinner each evening, your living room is transformed into a cosy bedroom with two comfortable lower beds by your sleeping car attendant. A final touch, your Sleeping Car attendant is on hand to bring early morning tea or coffee and perhaps later, a glass of wine. Lounge Car Settle in to the unhurried pace of life on board, amongst the wood panelled walls, softly toned décor, comfortable sofas and seating. A member of staff is on hand from mid-morning until the early hours to assist or serve you with welcome refreshment. The warm and friendly atmosphere of the Lounge makes it the ideal place to rendezvous with new friends, perhaps to enjoy relaxed conversation over a coffee or pre-dinner drink. The Lounge also offers an inviting place to sit and unwind after the day’s programme, to sit and watch the ever-changing landscape drift by…. Dining Car One of the highlights of a journey is the experience, ever rarer in today’s world, of dining well on a train in good company. The elegant yet unpretentious Restaurant car offers a comfortable and informal atmosphere. Friendly, efficient waiters serve all meals in a single sitting and there is time to relax and enjoy the sense of occasion. Time to delight in the ever-changing scene beyond the window as cityscapes give way to countryside, as wide plains crossed by mighty rivers give way to mountains and fast running streams. Tempting dishes and regional specialities with a Central European theme are freshly prepared and cooked on board by experienced chefs using local and seasonal ingredients. Menus are composed with care to ensure they appeal to all tastes. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated though should always be advised in advance.
ItinerariesThe TransylvanianEast from Budapest to Istanbul, via Lajosmize, Kecskemet, Sighişoara, Braşov, Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak. West from Istanbul to Budapest.
Take in four countries in this four day memorable land cruise travelling East from the banks of the Danube to the shores of the Bosphorus, encountering the stunning scenery and ancient architecture of Transylvania and rural Bulgaria along the way or vice versa.
Day 1 Budapest, Lajosmizse, Kecskemét. After a mid-morning champagne reception in the fabulous baroque multi-mirrored Royal Waiting Room at Nyugati station (designed by Emperor Josef II for his wife, Sissy), we board the Danube Express, settling in to enjoy lunch en route to Lajosmizse for a ”Puszta” horse show. As the train draws up the csikosok – Hungarian cowboys in theatrical blue robes – crack giant whips. Guests are transported by gypsy caravan to a ranch where palinka and pogacsa (salty bread) are served, whilst watching a thundering horse parade and daredevil racing, as the thrilling “Puszta” show demonstrates great horsemanship. Later there is free time in Kecskemét, which features an art nouveau town hall in the main square, the Luther-Palace, and the Hungarian Museum of Photography. Back on board, enjoy a drink in the Lounge car as the train crosses the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues. Day 2 Sighişoara, Braşov. On awaking one is treated to a picturesque fairy tale town. This is Sighişoara, rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, burgher houses and ornate churches line its streets. Luncheon is served whilst the train travels to Braşov, for an afternoon tour of Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle. This castle was the family home of Queen Marie of Romania, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the British-born consort of the Romanian King, from 1914-27. Whilst dining the train climbs over the Carpathian Mountains on the way to Bulgaria. Day 3 Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak. Arrive in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital on the steep banks of the Yantra River. Here we visit the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Castle before rejoining the train to lunch, as we climb over the Shipka pass to Kazanlak, where the rose oil, grown in the rose valley, is prized worldwide. We visit the Valley of the Thracian Kings; Golyamata Kosmatka, the Tomb of the Thracian Tsar Sevt III, is perfectly intact and was discovered as recently as 2004. We dine as the Danube Express continues through scenic landscapes towards Turkey. Day 4 Istanbul. Awake in Istanbul Sirkeci station and disembark after breakfast, to enjoy the heady atmosphere of this magical city with its mosques, churches and bazaars. Included
Dates and Prices Eastbound: 2013 - May 22. June 12. September 18 Westbound: 2013 - May 26. June 16. September 22 Deluxe Twin Compartment £2,790 per person Sole Occupancy £3,990
The Central European Tour 2013Budapest, Keszthely, Vienna, Bratislava, Cracow, Prague
Four days’ travelling 1000 miles from Hungary, into Austria, Slovakia, Poland and finishing in the Czech Republic. The romance of the scenery and the historical buildings and venues cannot fail to absorb you into this tour.
Day 1 Budapest. After a welcome reception in the beautiful Royal Lounge at Budapest Nyugati Station, your attendant will show you to your cabin on the train. Enjoy luncheon as the train skirts Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Arriving in Keszthely there is a tour of the baroque Festetics Palace, a beautiful building that resembles a French Chateau, sitting amongst pretty parterres. Once back on board dinner is served as the train travels overnight to Austria. Day 2 Vienna. During breakfast the train travels through wonderful scenery as it arrives in Vienna. There is a morning tour that includes beautiful buildings such as – St Stephens Cathedral with its white stone and marvellous roof ornately patterned with 230,000 richly coloured glazed tiles; the Opera (where if one is lucky one may overhear some singing practice) and the Schönbrunn Palace, a magnificent Rocco building set in beautiful grounds, all of which illustrate the tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. Rejoin the train for lunch before arrival in Bratislava, the only national capital that borders two independent countries (Austria and Hungary). A sightseeing tour includes the Old Town and Bratislava Castle, rebuilt mostly in its former Theresian style in the 1950′s, after a fire in 1881 destroyed it. Dine on board as the train travels overnight to Poland. Day 3 Cracow. This is a beautiful city, with its Old District that is home to about six thousand historic sites and more than two million works of art, and a rich variety of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural buildings. Following breakfast, there is a tour to the Wawel Castle, an architectural complex erected over many centuries atop a limestone outcrop on the left bank of the Vistula River, and the magnificent Renaissance Cloth Hall. Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by an afternoon visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a World Heritage Site. Dine on board as the train travels overnight to the Czech Republic. Day 4 Prague. After breakfast, disembark in Prague, a city of Romanesque and Art Nouveau buildings, where almost every street one enters, there are little gems. Included
Dates and Prices 2013 – May 11. June 1, 22. September 28 Deluxe Twin Compartment £2,790 per person Sole Occupancy £3,990
The Istanbul TourIstanbul to Prague, via Bulgaria, Transylvania, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and Poland, with three hotel nights in Budapest.
Imagine an iconic 10 day journey that takes one through Turkey to the Czech Republic, via six countries, across stunning landscapes, visiting fabulous historic cities. This tour includes everything that a romantic could wish for, and will leave one with a lasting impression of the history of these countries. Day 1 Istanbul. Assemble at Istanbul Sirkeci station for a late afternoon departure. The Danube Express follows the Bosphorus as you settle in to your compartment. Later on enjoy a drink in the Lounge prior to dinner whilst the train travels to the Bulgarian border. Day 2 Kazanlak & Veliko Turnovo. Breakfast is served as the train travels through the Bulgarian countryside, arriving at Kazanlak, where a tour includes the Shipka Memorial Church and a 4th Century BC Thracian tomb, that of Golyamata Kosmatka, the Tomb of the Thracian Tsar Sevt III, which is perfectly intact and was discovered as recently as 2004. During lunch, the train climbs the scenic Shipka pass. In Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital, houses perch above the Yantra River. Stroll the narrow streets and visit the medieval strongholdof Tsarevets Castle. Dine as the train heads for Romania. Day 3 Brasov & Sighişoara. Wake amidst the dramatic Carpathian Mountains and breakfast as we arrive in Braşov and visit Bran Castle, known as Dracular’s Castle. In its stunning mountain setting this castle was the family home of Queen Marie of Romania, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the British-born consort of the Romanian King, from 1914-27. Luncheon is served back on the train whilst passing through spectacular scenery on the way to medieval Sighişoara, rumoured birthplace of Dracula. As one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, a walking tour meandering through the cobbled streets passing well-preserved buildings is a delight. Enjoy dinner en route to the Hungarian border. Day 4 Kecskemté & Budapest. Continuing across the Northern Plain, arrive in Kecskemét with free time to explore an art nouveau town hall in the main square, the Luther-Palace, and the Hungarian Museum of Photography. Later, as the train draws up at Lajosmizse, the csikosok – Hungarian cowboys in theatrical blue robes – crack giant whips. Guests are transported by gypsy caravan to a ranch where palinka and pogacsa (salty bread) are served, whilst watching a thundering horse parade and daredevil racing as the thrilling “Puszta” show demonstrates great horsemanship. Lunch on the way to Budapest, arriving at Nyugati station mid- afternoon. Transfer for three nights at the centrally situated Hotel Astoria (4-star). Day 5 and 6 Budapest. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore Budapest. Absorb the Gothic, Art Nouveau and Bauhaus buildings in Pest. Visit Heroes’ Square, the Cathedral or the Parliament building or cross the Danube to Buda for St Matthias Church and breathtaking views from Gellert Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion. Day 7 Budapest to Vienna. Return to Budapest Nyugati station for a reception in the fabulous baroque multi-mirrored Royal Waiting Room (designed by Emperor Josef II for his wife, Sissy). We board the Danube Express for lunch as the train heads south west towards Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Arriving in Keszthely there is a tour of the baroque Festetics Palace, a beautiful building that resembles a French Chateau, sitting amongst pretty parterres. Back on board dinner is served as the train heads for Austria. Day 8 Vienna and Bratislava. Breakfasting as one travels through the spectacular scenery of Austria, one arrives in Vienna for a tour of this dazzling city including Schönbruun Palace, a magnificent Rocco building set in beautiful grounds, all of which illustrate the tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. Rejoin the train for lunch as it travels through Slovakia, arriving in Bratislava, the only national capital that borders two independent countries (Austria and Hungary). A sightseeing tour includes the Old Town and the stunning Bratislava Castle that overlooks the Danube. Dinner is served back on the train as it travels through pretty mountain scenery towards the Polish border. Day 9 Cracow and Wieliczka. As one takes breakfast the train arrives in Cracow, a beautiful city, with its Old District that is home to about six thousand historic sites and more than two million works of art, and a rich variety of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural buildings. There is a tour to the Wawel Castle, an architectural complex erected over many centuries atop a limestone outcrop on the left bank of the Vistula River, and the magnificent Renaissance Cloth Hall. Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by an afternoon visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a World Heritage Site where artworks are sculptured in salt. During dinner the train travels towards the Czech Republic. Day 10 Prague. After breakfast, disembark in Prague, a city of Romanesque and Art Nouveau buildings, where almost every street one enters, there are little gems. Included
Dates and Prices 2013 - May 26. June 16. September 22 Deluxe Twin Compartment £4,990 per person Sole Occupancy £7,490
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