the transylvanian

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Old Entrance into Citadel of Sighişoara

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Join us on this medieval voyage through the heart of Transylvania as we sample a delectable blend of colourful culture and ancient architecture, amidst the forested and mountainous landscapes of

this intriguing region.

The majestic cities at either end of this spectacular voyage bless us with completely contrasting yet equally as magnificent architecture, with the exquisite mosques of Istanbul and the elegant baroque buildings of Budapest. Whilst here, we explore the fascinating histories and age-old

cultures of these intriguing cities, shaped by the empires of times gone by.

Relaxing in our elegant surroundings onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, our voyage meanders through stunningly beautiful countryside and awe-inspiring mountain ranges on our exploration of mythical Transylvania. Encompassing the fabled birthplace and gothic residence of Dracula we explore the enchanting medieval towns of Sighişoara and Braşov, adorned by their 16th century houses, fairy-tale turrets and historic cobble-stoned streets. Our medieval voyage continues as we venture across the spectacular Stara Planina Mountains to the charming Bulgarian town of Veliko Tarnovo. Teeming with over 7,000 years of history we discover the magic

of its medieval fortress and ancient orthodox churches.

central european andthe transylvanian

istanbul - budapest (westbound)budapest- istanbul (eastbound)

turkey - bulgaria - romania - hungary

The Chain Bridge, Budapest Braşov Old Town Carpathian Mountains

Istanbul

Budapest

Kecskemét

Brașov

VelikoTarnovo

Sighişoara

Kazanlak

Lajosmizse

Black Sea

Adriatic Sea

AegeanSea

IonianSea

TURKEY

ROMANIA

HUNGARY

SERBIA

BULGARIA

GREECE

MACEDONIA

SLOVENIA

CROATIA

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

POLAND

CZECH REPUBLIC

BOSNIA &HERZEGOVINA

ITALYALBANIA

KOSOVO

MOLDOVA

MONTENEGRO

the transylvanianistanbul - budapest budapest - istanbul

tour schedules daily tour itineraries

Istanbul - Budapest (Westbound)June 10 – June 17, 2015

accommodation

2 nights in Istanbul | 3 nights onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

2 nights in Budapest

istanbul - kazanlak - veliko tarnovo - braşov - sighişoara - kecskemét - budapest

Istanbul - Budapest (Westbound)Day 1 IstanbulDay 2 IstanbulDay 3 IstanbulDay 4 Kazanlak & Veliko TarnovoDay 5 Braşov & SighişoaraDay 6 Kecskemét, Lajosmizse & BudapestDay 7 BudapestDay 8 Budapest

Budapest – Istanbul (Eastbound)Day 1 BudapestDay 2 BudapestDay 3 Budapest & KecskemétDay 4 Sighişoara & BraşovDay 5 Veliko Tarnovo & KazanlakDay 6 IstanbulDay 7 IstanbulDay 8 Istanbul

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Budapest – Istanbul (Eastbound)June 29 – July 6, 2015May 23 - May 30, 2016July 18 - July 25, 2016

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERSOur experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel knowledge and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERSArrival transfers from the international airport to our tour hotel, and departure transfers from our tour hotel to the airport are included.

HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train’s public areas, you will find your hotel room or cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILYAll meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. We will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection of drinks off the train, which are also included in the tour price.

DRINKS WITH MEALSA generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is included with lunch and dinner on and off the train.

ONBOARD SERVICEYou can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your car attendants provide housekeeping and bedding turndown services to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are served to you in your cabin.

GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONSThe history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.

PERSONAL HEADSETSOn all the off-train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.

ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIESTo give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us for the entire journey, so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. The doctor scheduled onboard will be English-speaking and registered with the General Medical Council in the UK.

PORTERAGEAs you only have to unpack once, your luggage and belongings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

ALL GRATUITIESYou will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your rail journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included in the tour price.

7

Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest

golden eagle danube express

what’s included in the tour price

Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul

This fabled city that spans Asia and Europe deserves an extended stay so over two days we will see how old meets new, east meets west, when we visit Istanbul’s must-see historic sites.

The largest and oldest palace in the world and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience.

Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine architecture.

One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style and features six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

We also visit the Grand Bazaar which is one of the world’s largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. In operation since the 14th century the bazaar is especially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

We spend two nights at the iconic five-star Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah. The hotel was built in 1892 to cater for guests taking the Orient Express and it was here that Agatha Christie wrote her famous book ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. A fitting grand hotel in which to start or end our tour.

istanbulTurkey

Istanbul Sunset

Note: Continuing engineering works associated with the new Bosphorus tunnel could mean that the train terminates (or starts, on Westbound tours) on the outskirts of Istanbul and we will be transferred by coach.

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | THE TRANSYLVANIAN

kecskemétHungary

Kazanlak, situated in the Valley of the Roses, produces rose oil prized by perfumers worldwide. Here we visit the Shipka Memorial Church and a Thracian tomb with vaulted brickwork dating back to the 4th century BC.

Veliko Tarnovo is Bulgaria’s ancient capital. Nestled in a magnificent mountain setting, the stone houses seem perched, one above the other, on the steep banks of the Yantra River. A tour includes the superbly preserved medieval Tsarevets Hill and Castle and there is free time to wander through the ancient city.

The train twists and turns as it travels between Veliko Tarnovo and Braşov. It climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way through the dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain streams. At Braşov we tour Bran Castle. Popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, this beautiful 14th century building is situated amongst stunning mountain scenery.

At Sighişoara we take a walking tour of the town’s main highlights. A World Heritage site rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, it is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches line its cobbled streets.

At Kecskemét we get the opportunity to take a guided walk through this fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary. Lying halfway between the Danube and the Tisza Rivers, Kecskemét is a city ringed with vineyards and orchards that has developed into the economic, educational and cultural centre of the region.

In Lajosmizse, horse drawn buggies meet the train and transport us to watch a thundering horse parade, as the thrilling “Puszta” show demonstrates great horsemanship.

kazanlakBulgaria

sighişoaraRomania

veliko tarnovoBulgaria

braşovRomania

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Bran Castle, Braşov

lajosmizseHungary

EASTBOUND ONLY

budapestHungary

Budapest is actually two cities separated by the 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.

Our city touring includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park. One evening we will take in a beautiful dinner cruise along the Danube.

Spend some time to relax at our luxurious hotel, or at leisure to stroll along the banks of the Danube, 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.

Included in our time spent in Budapest is two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, a unique art nouveau landmark which combines historical elegance with ultra-modern comforts.

There is also an option to extend your stay in Budapest for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | THE TRANSYLVANIAN

Budapest

Heroes Square, Budapest

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Denzell House, Denzell Gardens, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4QF, United KingdomTel: +44 (0)161 928 9410 Fax: +44 (0)161 941 6101 Email: mail@goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

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golden eagle luxury trains limited

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains