Fay says, “The Austro-Hungarian Empire has vanished into the mists of time, leaving only fading memories, ornate architecture – and this lovingly re-created Imperial Train.  Gottfried Rieck is a self-made entrepreneur who began working life as a stoker on Austrian Railways’ steam locomotives, and who combined a passion for trains and an appreciation of Austrian history in the stroke of genius which is the Majestic Train de Luxe.”  

As you approach the train,  the atmosphere of the past is redolent of romance and mystery.  On boarding, one’s breath is taken away by the sumptuous elegance of a  bygone era.

These luxury carriages  are based on the imperial train of the Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), the Imperial Express.  Surrounded by the splendour of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, one can absorb the magic of days gone by.  Sisi’s favourite colour was blue, which is used in the carriage named after her, whilst other carriages sport rich golds or deep greens, wood-carved Italian chairs and paintings of the Royal family.  The ambiance created by these carriages during the day, turns into a romantic setting by night.

These magical  journeys are  accompanied by unforgettable Viennese waltzes and fine dining created by the famous Austrian chef, Toni Mörwald.

Special Offers

Membership is free, requiring just a subscription to our newsletter on the Club site.  Gifts secured when booking made, and sent on final payment.

-             Ask for any available discounts

-             Until 31 May:  Gift from Osprey,  from their range of small leather goods.

Accommodation

The Ambassador Car

Ambassador seats up to 36 guests for fine dining and features a beautiful piano bar. Part of the original curtain of the Emperor’s balcony at the Vienna State Opera is prominently displayed, featuring the hand woven crest of the Monarch.

The Salon Elisabeth

Salon Elisabeth has 24 dining seats in the salon and 24 luxury compartment seats in 4 private compartments and is named for the legendary Empress Elisabeth, lovingly known as “Sissy”, the travelling Empress. The original curtain from the Emperor’s balcony in the Vienna State Opera hangs in the Salon, with freshwater pearls from the Danube.

Equipage

Equipage seats 36 guests, and has a bar. The curtains are the same as at the Schönbrunn Castle, the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Tables and chairs can be moved as required, for lectures, a ballroom dance floor or other arrangement of choice.

Excelsior Car

Excelsior replicates a carriage in the original Imperial Train which took over 6000 hours to redesign, and affords a 360 degree panoramic view.  Excelsior seats up to 43 guests for dining.  There is a bar and a dance floor with a BOSE music system.  The original mirror of Empress Elisabeth’s carriage hangs in Excelsior.

Salon 1

Salon 1 is a replica of Emperor Franz Josef I.’s 1905 parlour car designed for up to 14 people.  It was manufactured in Prague by Ringhofer-Smichow, which also constructed the original Imperial Train in 1891.  Amenities include 14 dinner seats and 18 regular seats in the coupés.  There is a bar, a vcr, a cloakroom and two lavatories.  The additional 18 seats in 3 luxury compartments exude cosiness, known as “Gemütlichkeit”, for which Austria’s coffee-houses are famous.  Here too there is a 360 panoramic view.

 Itinerary

The Imperial Tour on Mother’s Day

Sisi is the affectionate name by which Elisabeth of Austria (1837 – 1898) was known.  She was Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, and loved train travel.

Following on Sisi’s tracks, this is a delightful day trip to Budapest, which includes time to explore this beautiful city and Sisi’s favourite castle, Gödöllő Palace (which is one of the world’s largest baroque castles).  Within opulent surroundings, enjoy a delicious breakfast on the way out and a gourmet dinner on the return in the evening.

Included:   A Viennese breakfast on the train; musical welcome at Budapest station before a bus transfer into the city for lunch; visit to Sisi’s castle with guided tours; transfer back to the city of Budapest for a guided city tour; return to the train for dinner on board whilst returning to Vienna; all drinks consumed on the train.

Dates and Prices

2013  -  May 12

Departure:   08:45 hrs Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

Arrival:         22:45 hrs Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

€ 348 pp.

Midsummer Festival in the Wachau – by Steam Train

Travel in the Imperial style – a steam journey to Spitz on the river Danube.  Experience  a delicious gourmet menu and enjoy the unforgettable event of the Midsummer Festival by the river Danube, culminating in a fantastic firework display that lights up the Wachauer sky.  Dinner is served onboard at a station, after which one can walk to the riverside to watch the fireworks.

Included:   Luxury steam train tour; 4 course gourmet dinner; Midsummer festival by the river Danube; all drinks consumed on the train.

Dates and Prices

2013 – June 22

Departure:    15.00 hrs Vienna, Heiligenstadt, platform 5

Arrival:          00.55 hrs  Vienna, Heiligenstadt

€ 247 pp.

World Cultural Heritage – The Semmering Railway

This interesting event is a journey on the scenic Semmering railway, visiting the historical station of Mürzzuschlag where one can study the history of the Semmering railway. It has been in  use  for 150 years and still impresses the traveller with its varied landscape, the typical style of its mansions and the characteristic sequence of viaducts and tunnel constructions.

Included:  Luxury train journey; guided tour of Mürzzuschlag station; gourmet dinner on the return journey; all drinks consumed on the train.

Dates and Prices

2013 – August 3

Departure:    14.00 hrs Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

Arrival:          22.00 hrs  Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

€ 275pp.

Loisium – Celebrating its 10th Anniversary 

Enjoy a fascinating journey to the 10th anniversary of the Loisium World of Wine. Situated  on the edge of Langenlois, in the midst of rolling vineyards, these 900 year old cellars received a modernisation made possible by three families combining together to produce a unique complex of contemporary architecture, around ancient buildings, with traditional viniculture.

Full programme details for the celebration ceremony to follow.

Included: Train journey to Langenlois; traditional musical welcome; guided tour for all events and locations at the Loisium; lunch at Loisium; all drinks on the train and at Loisium; wine tasting on the return journey to Vienna,

Dates and Prices

2013 – September 8

Departure:     09.30hrs Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

Arrival:           18.30hrs  Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

€ 275pp.

Vienna to the Adriatic Coast 

A luxurious five-day voyage that is full of nostalgia as the Majestic Imperial Train travels from Vienna to Opatija (Croatia).  This historical route across the Semmering mountains to the Adriatic coast is an experience not be to missed. On arrival in the ancient town of Opatija, one has four days to explore this area and relax on the beach

Included:  Welcome drinks (sparkling wine) and a light meal on the way to Opatija;  luggage transfer to the hotel; 4 nights at the Hotel Miramar (according to booking category with half board); luggage transfer and a gourmet dinner on the return journey to Vienna.

Dates and Prices

2013 – October 27 to 31

Departure:   08.00hrs on 27 October, Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

Arrival:         22.45hrs  on 31 October,  Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

Minimum price:  € 1,090 pp– according to hotel category

Castle Hof in the Advent Season

What better way to arrive at a Christmas market than by a luxurious train.  The historical Meierhof of the imperial castle Hof presents itself as the venue for a traditional Christmas market with a wonderful festive atmosphere. The imperial Schloss Hof, which was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.  A Christmas concert of the Marchfeld philharmonic orchestra will get you in the mood for the peaceful season of the year.

Included: Christmas journey to Bad Deutsch Altenburg; bus transfer to the castle; lunch at the Meierei; guided tour in the castle with concert in the castle´s main hall; visit to the Christmas market; return journey to Vienna whilst enjoying a delicious dinner; all drinks consumed on the train.

Dates and Prices

2013 – December 8

Departure:    11.00hrs    Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

Arrival:          20.15hrs    Vienna, Franz-Josef-Station

€ 275pp.

The Majestic New Year

What an evening to remember!  What a way to celebrate the dawning of 2014!   Vienna, the city of light and of waltzes, of past glories and present celebrations – the Christmas markets are still in full swing.

Can there be a better way to enjoy New Year in Vienna than on the Majestic Train de Luxe.

The elegance of evening dress lends to the magical setting, whilst to the  accompaniment of Strauss waltzes, we circle Vienna with a multi-course gala dinner.

The Majestic stops on a bridge over the Danube, just before the clocks chime midnight, to watch the fantastic firework displays in the skies over this wonderful Austrian city.  Finally with the traditional “Alles Walzer” being called out and the music of the inspired waltz  ’By the Beautiful Blue Danube’ starting up, dancing into the New Year is the perfect start to 2014, as the train slowly returns to Franz-Josefs station.

Dates and Prices

31st December 2013

Departure:     19:30hrs Vienna Franz-Josef-Station

Arrival:           02.15hrs   Vienna Franz-Josef-Station

€ 385pp.

Private Train Charters

The Train caters for private and corporate groups from 20 (or less) to up to 150 guests. Larger groups can be accommodated with additional heritage carriages. The carriages are built to modern standards, allowing one or more to be attached to regular scheduled trains for smaller groups.

Picture Gallery

In addition to the  photos in the gallery at the top of this page, there are  many more images here showing the Majestic Imperator in its full glory. Photos include layouts of cabins and seating. See more Majestic Imperator images

Booking & Reservations

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates.

We will be happy to answer any questions and make the booking for you, as well as bookings for corporate and private train charters  -  contact us in the UK : +44 (0)1249 890205 or info@luxurytrainclub.com      Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.

Calendar

• 22/06/2013AUSTRIA Majestic Train de Luxe: Midsummer Festival by Steam Train
• 03/08/2013AUSTRIA Majestic Train de Luxe: Semmering Railway, World Heritage