9 days/8 nights
Rail
Guide Price €11,295 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Mark the turn of the year with an indulgent exploration of the extravagance of Central Europe. Journeying aboard the ornate Danube Express, experience Budapest’s mesmerising cityscape and the magnificent panoramas of Austria’s snow-capped mountains, before concluding in the City of Dreams, Vienna, at the most magical time of the year.
- Explore the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest
- Learn the Viennese Waltz
- Exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala featuring the Wiener Hofball Orchestra
- Horse-drawn carriage ride on route to a private New Year’s Day brunch at Palais Coburg
- Vintage tram ride through the historic centre of Prague
- Private classical concert at Prague’s Municipal House
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Itinerary
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 luxurious two night stay. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner offering panoramic views across the river with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 Budapest
Explore the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest, with a variety of sightseeing including the Royal Palace, St Mathias Church and the panoramic views of the city from Gellert Hill. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city or warm up with a visit to the city’s famous thermal baths.
Day 3 Budapest to Keszthely, Hungary
After breakfast, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to and begin the journey through the winter landscapes of Hungary towards Balaton Uplands National Park. Arrive in Keszthely, a city perched at the very western end of Lake Balaton, and tour the site of Festetics Palace, a lavish baroque home fit for royalty before continuing into Austria overnight.
Day 4 Keszthely, Hungary to Vienna, Austria
On arrival into Austria, begin exploring the fantastic city of Graz at the foot of the Austrian Alps with a short walking tour and a relaxed pumpkin seed oil tasting complete with traditional, locally made bread and wine in the Gasthaus Stainzerbauer. After lunch on board the train, travel to Vienna to begin the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This evening attend a special gala dinner to welcome in the New Year inside the stunning City Hall, Rathaus Vienna with a performance by the renowned Wiener Hofball Orchestra. Music and waltzing will take you through to midnight before enjoying incredible views of the fireworks.
Day 5 Vienna
Happy New Year! Start the day with a horse-drawn carriage ride along the cobbled streets to Palais Coburg for a celebratory brunch and enjoy a live transmission of the New Year concert from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. This evening, re-join the train for dinner before leaving Austria behind and heading to the Czech Republic.
Day 6 Vienna to Prague, Czech Republic
Begin your day in the stunning town of Cesky Krumlov, the town’s old charm will likely be enhanced by a dusting of snow, making for a beautiful stop on your journey. After exploring the town at leisure, return to the train for lunch and continue towards Prague, one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. An introductory tour takes in the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings, 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a private classical concert.
Day 7 Prague
Today you will have the full day to explore the city of Prague at your leisure. Perhaps, take a vintage tram to travel through the city to Prague Castle and the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, or visit the festive markets, before dinner on board the train as you journey into Slovakia.
Day 8 Kosice, Slovakia to Budapest
Spend the morning exploring, Koisce, a hidden gem within Central Europe with a vast oval shaped central square, filled with relics from the 15th and 16th century. After lunch on board the train, head back to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest for a farewell dinner this evening, the perfect time to reminisce on the amazing experiences of the last week.
Day 9 Budapest
After breakfast, this morning transfer to the airport.
Price & Inclusions
- International flights
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/12/2022 to 31/12/2023. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
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