Balkan Explorer: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Welcome to Venice - San Clemente Palace Kempinski five-star luxury urban resort on a private island, just minutes from Piazza San Marco via regular complimentary boat. Offering impressive views of Venice Lagoon, the 900-year-old property features a 12th century chapel and expansive stately gardens and courtyards. 

This evening we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Venice Sightseeing 

Meet your private guide in the lobby and enjoy a wonderful walking city tour of all the must-see places.

During the tour you visit St. Mark's Basilica, where you can see the astonishing Pala D'Oro altar as well as the Treasury with numerous exhibits surviving from Venice's notorious raid on Constantinople back in 1204. Next you go up to Loggia dei Cavalli to enjoy the best panoramic views of St. Mark's Square. Next on your list is the tour of the Doges Palace that includes crossing the Bridge of Sighs, visiting the old prisons and lushly decorated chambers of the Palace.

Your tour will finish in the city center. However, you can ask your guide for assistance if you need help getting to your hotel.

Train Embarkation 

This morning, a transfer by boat will take you directly from the hotel to Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal. At the station, the private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, will be ready for boarding. 

The iconic European Grand Tour journey between Venice and Istanbul visiting nine countries in twelve days by private train This voyage of a lifetime transports you from the enchanting “City of Water” to the jewel of the Byzantium Empire. Evocative of the refinement and sumptuous elegance of a by-gone era, our trains capture the vintage charm of the golden era of travel. 

Begin your journey in Venice before meandering through the captivating Balkan Region. Experience exclusive excursions across this iconic route before arriving in the magical city of Istanbul. Relax in private en-suite cabins, thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and luxury throughout your journey. Savor freshly prepared meals crafted from the finest local ingredients, complemented by a generous selection of international wines. Enjoy authentic dining experiences both onboard and in select local establishments. 

Benefit from 24-hour cabin attendant service, an experienced tour management team, and the presence of a UK-registered doctor with onboard medical facilities. Participate in expertly guided off-train excursions, delving deep into the cultural and historical essence of each destination. Enjoy arrival and departure transfers, all gratuities, and seamless luggage porterage throughout the journey. 

This unparalleled expedition offers a harmonious blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and luxurious comfort, inviting you to explore the cradle of civilization in an entirely new light. By mid-morning, the train will depart from Santa Lucia station, crossing the three-mile causeway over the Venice Lagoon before continuing to the first stop at the Italian port city of Trieste.

Welcome to Trieste 

Upon arrival embark on a guided tour of Trieste's notable landmarks. Begin with a visit to Miramare Castle, a 19th-century residence commissioned by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, the castle is renowned for its eclectic architecture and expansive parkland. Next, proceed to Piazza Unità d'Italia, Trieste's principal town square and one of Europe's largest sea-facing plazas. This vast open space is surrounded by historic buildings and offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. For those interested in exploring further, there's an option to ascend the hill to the Cathedral of San Giusto Martire. This cathedral, dating back to the 14th century, was formed by merging two earlier churches. Inside, visitors can admire splendid Byzantine-style architecture adorned with precious mosaics.

Welcome to Slovenia 

Today, embark on an exploration of the remarkable Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia's most captivating natural wonders. Your journey begins with a thrilling ride on the world's only double-track cave railway, transporting you deep into the subterranean labyrinth. As you traverse approximately 3.5 kilometers by train, marvel at the intricate network of karst corridors, galleries, and halls adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. The guided tour continues on foot for about 1.5 kilometers along a slip-resistant path, offering close encounters with the cave's most iconic formations, including the towering 16-meter-high stalagmite known as the Skyscraper and the crystal-white Brilliant. Keep an eye out for the elusive olm, or "human fish," an endemic amphibian residing in these depths. The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with the cave's constant temperature around 10°C (50°F), so dressing warmly is advisable. 

After exploring the wonders of Postojna Cave, return to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. This delightful city seamlessly blends ancient architecture with a vibrant, youthful culture. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through Ljubljana's Old Town, beginning at Prešeren Square, the city's main square named after the esteemed poet France Prešeren. Here, admire the iconic Franciscan Church of the Annunciation with its distinctive pink façade. Proceed across the famed Triple Bridge, a unique architectural gem designed by Jože Plečnik that connects the historical and modern parts of the city. As you stroll along the Ljubljanica River, you'll encounter the Dragon Bridge, adorned with its famous dragon statues, symbolizing strength and courage. The tour also includes a visit to Plečnik's Covered Market, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and perhaps sample local delicacies. This enriching experience offers a comprehensive insight into Ljubljana's rich history, architectural splendor, and dynamic cultural scene.

Welcome to Bosnia

Arrive early in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western culture, where mosques and minarets stand alongside an ancient bazaar and an atmospheric old Turkish quarter. Discover the city’s poignant history through an absorbing tour detailing the horrors of the Balkan War. Sarajevo endured the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare, and the scars of war remain visible as you pass war-torn buildings. A special visit to the Tunnel Museum under Sarajevo Airport offers deeper insight into the city's past. Your guide, who lived through the 1992-1996 conflict, brings to life the struggles faced by Sarajevo’s citizens during the siege.

In the afternoon, travel by coach to the historic city of Mostar, a crossroads of civilizations, cultures, and three religions. Once one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire, Mostar is home to the renowned stone arch bridge, which links the Christian and Muslim areas and was rebuilt in the summer of 2004. Visit the Turkish House and the mosque before strolling through the narrow, bazaar-lined streets, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs and handicrafts.

Welcome to Serbia 

Nestled at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, stands as one of Europe's oldest and most captivating cities. Its rich history is reflected in a tapestry of contrasts, from Communist-era buildings to Orthodox churches, ancient Celtic fortresses, and remnants of the Balkan wars.

During your full-day exploration, you'll embark on a comprehensive city tour that includes the 'House of Flowers,' the mausoleum of Josip Tito, former President of Yugoslavia. The itinerary also features notable landmarks such as the Town Hall Building, Republic Square, and Knez Mihajlova Street. A visit to the historic Belgrade Fortress, known as 'Kalemegdan,' offers panoramic views and a deep dive into the city's storied past.

This journey through Belgrade provides a unique opportunity to experience its diverse architectural styles, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, offering a profound understanding of the city's enduring legacy.

Welcome to North Macedonia 

Today, you arrive in the little-visited city of Skopje, where Ottoman influences remain strong. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, filled with tiny shops and mosques adorned with ceramic-tiled interiors. Wander through the Old Bazaar area, bustling with a variety of goods, and cross the 15th-century Stone Bridge, which connects the bazaar to the modern part of the city. 

Welcome to Bulgaria

This morning, you will arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria's modern capital, located at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Originally settled by the Thracian tribe of Serdi, Sofia boasts a rich history. Your morning tour includes visits to sections of the Roman wall, the ancient Church of St. George, the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Turkish Bashi Mosque.

After lunch on the train, you will journey to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, often referred to as the 'City of Seven Hills.' One of Europe's oldest cities, Plovdiv features more than 200 known archaeological sites. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Roman Forum and the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. The tour also includes the charming Old Town, with its medieval walls and Ottoman baths.

Istanbul Discovery

Included in your two-night stay is a visit to the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace. This stunning palace, the largest and oldest in the world, was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be an unforgettable experience.

You will also explore Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Once one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest and remains one of the most magnificent Grand Mosques in the world today.

You will marvel at the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque), one of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds. This superb creation in the classical Ottoman style features six towering minarets and 260 windows, lighting up its vast main chamber.

As part of your Istanbul tour, you’ll enjoy an afternoon cruise on the legendary Bosphorus and visit the Grand Bazaar.

On your final evening, you will be treated to a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.