Grand Alpine Express

Day 1 Budapest, Hungary          
Arrive into Budapest and transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace situated on the banks of the Danube for a two night stay. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner offering panoramic views across the river with your fellow travellers.    

Day 2 Budapest    
Explore both halves of the city through a variety of sightseeing this morning, including the Royal Palace, St Mathias Church, Opera House and the panoramic views of the city from Gellert Hill. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, perhaps take time to explore the Great Market Hall and taste some local delicacies or indulge in some relaxing treatments at the hotel’s luxurious spa.        

Day 3 Budapest to Vienna, Austria    
Enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room of Budapest Nyugati Station this morning, before departing for Vienna on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. On arrival, explore the lively Naschmarkt, home to over 100 food and antique stalls and the famous Schonbrunn Palace. This evening, watch a private concert featuring the incredible Vienna Supreme Orchestra.  

Day 4 Vienna to Innsbruck    
Depart Vienna this morning for the scenic journey across the Alps. Take in the beautiful views as the train climbs over the Semmering Pass, through the famous skiing village of Kitzbuhel before taking a scenic drive to the picturesque Lake Achen where you can enjoy a cruise on the water. Continue to Innsbruck, known for its winter sports and imperial architecture.      

Day 5 Innsbruck to Zurich, Switzerland    
Sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular scenery of the Vorarlberg as the train passes through St Anton, iechtenstein and into Switzerland where it continues to run along the banks of the Lake of Zurich. This evening enjoy a traditional and decadent Swiss fondue.

Day 6 Zurich to Milan, Italy    
Pass the shorelines of the Lake of Zug and Lake Lucerne before climbing the scenic St Gothard Pass. Descend through Lugano to Lake Como and enjoy lunch and a cruise on the beautiful waters. Explore the surrounding towns of Como, gardens and historic villas before travelling to Milan, Italy’s business capital.  This evening visit at the magnificently restored Gothic Duomo and the Teatro La Scala followed by a delicious pizza tasting.    

Day 7 Milan to Trieste    
Travel along the southern shore of Lake Garda to Verona this morning and embark on an informative walking tour of Verona’s famous sites, including the first Century Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Bra. After lunch on board the train, travel to the Italian port of Trieste and tour the famous Church of San Giusto.        

Day 8 Trieste to Ljubljana, Slovenia    
Early this morning, the train journeys over the border into Slovenia and climbs the Julian Alps to Lake Bled, with its incredibly picturesque central island and castle. After lunch on board the train, continue to Ljubljana where you will enjoy an afternoon city tour to see Preseren Square, Three Bridges and Dragon Bridge.    

Day 9 Ljubljana to Venice, Italy    
Head south towards Mestre and travel along the three mile causeway en route to Venice Lagoon. Transfer by boat to the Danieli Hotel for a two night stay and spend the rest of the afternoon making the most of the hotel’s spectacular location, just a short stroll from St Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.

Days 10-11 Venice    
Enjoy a walking tour through the winding lanes of this floating city towards St Mark’s Square and the Basilica. For the rest of the day, perhaps take an iconic gondola ride along the Grand Canal before a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers this evening. On the morning of day 11, transfer to the airport for your onward travels after breakfast.