New Year in Vienna - Luxury Rail Journey

On arrival in Budapest, transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
for a two-night stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the
opportunity to begin exploring Budapest. In the evening, enjoy a welcome
reception dinner in the elegant surrounds of the art nouveau Four Seasons
Hotel Gresham Palace where you can meet your fellow travellers on this
celebratory journey over the New Year holidays.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Meals: Dinner

Budapest is two cities separated by the River Danube. The old city of Buda
and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views
across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Enjoy a city tour which
includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church and panoramic view from
Gellert Hill. See the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral,
Heroes Square and the City Park.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Stroll through the Christmas Markets
scattered around the city, 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.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to board the Golden Eagle Danube
Express. Settle into your luxurious cabin as the journey begins through the
winter landscapes of Hungary to Balaton Uplands National Park and the
city of Keszthely. This picture-postcard town boasts grand town houses and
the stunning Festetics Palace. After a tour of the palace, the train continues
overnight into Austria.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The day begins in the fantastic city of Graz. Transfer by coach to the
city centre for a short walking tour of Graz’s renaissance courtyards
and baroque palaces. Enjoy a pumpkin seed oil tasting, complete with
traditional, locally made bread and wine in the relaxed atmosphere of the
Gasthaus Stainzerbauer.
Savour a gourmet lunch on board as the train continues to Vienna. This
afternoon, learn how to dance the traditional Viennese waltz.
Enjoy a special New Year’s gala dinner inside the beautiful City Hall, Rathaus
Vienna, including a performance by the renowned Wiener Hofball Orchestra.
Delight in music and waltzing as the clock ticks down to midnight.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Happy New Year! The day begins with a horse-drawn carriage ride along
the cobbled streets to Palais Coburg, a stunning former Habsburg Palace,
for a celebratory brunch. From the Palais, take in the live broadcast of the
New Year concert from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
If you would rather see more of the splendid Austrian countryside, as
part of the Freedom of Choice program, there is the option to visit the
delightful Schönbrunn Palace to see the city’s famous festive market.
Later this evening, re-join the train for dinner before leaving Austria for the
Czech Republic.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today begins in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage town of Cesky
Krumlov, declared a UNESCO World Heritage destination. The old town
dusted with snow makes for a beautiful stop. After a brief introduction to
the town, some time at leisure will allow you to explore independently.
Relax with lunch on board as the train continues to Prague, one of the most
beautifully preserved cities in Europe. Spanning the Vltava River, Prague
is dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a stunning sight viewable
from anywhere in the city. An introductory tour takes in the Old Town
Square with its historic buildings and Astronomical Clock, the historic 14th
century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter.
Tonight, enjoy dinner before a private classical concert.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, the city of Prague is waiting to be explored. Begin with a vintage
tram ride through the city to Prague Castle and the gothic St. Vitus
Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a
hillside overlooking the city and river. Enjoy lunch surrounded by the
landmarks of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires.’
The rest of the day is free for you to visit more festive markets or take in
the iconic sites of the city, all within walking distance of the station. Enjoy
dinner on board as the train journeys into Slovakia.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start the final day of touring in one of the lesser known gems of Central
Europe, Kosice. The city, and its medieval-come-cosmopolitan style, is
slowly drawing more visitors to this former cornerstone of Communist
Czechoslovakia. Embark on a highlights tour which takes in the vast oval
shaped central square, filled with relics from the 15th and 16th century.
This afternoon, enjoy a final lunch on the train before arriving in Budapest.
On arrival in Budapest, transfer back to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace
for an overnight stay including a celebratory farewell dinner toasting the
success of the tour.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast and hotel check out, transfer to the airport for
onward flight departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in
Budapest for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

Meals: Breakfast