The iconic Golden Eagle Danube Express luxury train will showcase the finest European Christmas markets during an exclusive adventure this winter.
Lovers of train travel can take a fairy-tale adventure through Central Europe and experience some of Europe’s finest Christmas Markets this northern winter, with a journey that includes spectacular Alpine scenery, and the chance to explore the 600-year-old holiday spirit of “Christkindlesmarkts” in Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich.
Journeying aboard the nostalgically appointed Golden Eagle Danube Express, guests will weave through the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps before enjoying the joys of the season with this expertly curated itinerary, signature highlights of which include a magical concert of Viennese Christmas folk songs, a traditional Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) ride along Vienna’s grand boulevard, and a tasting session of the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral.
The itinerary (December 3-10 Budapest to Munich & December 7-14 Munich to Budapest) including two night’s hotel accommodation in the Hungarian capital, followed by three nights aboard the train, and two nights in Munich.
In Budapest, guests will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) where they’ll enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of this art nouveau landmark. The next day a city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church, and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill, as well as the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the City Park. There will be plenty of time to see the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city, including the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines. Alternatively, warm up at one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating Christmas dip.
The next morning Nyugati station, train staff will escort guests to their private en-suite cabins after a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room, and be farewelled by the train’s private brass band. As guests enjoy lunch onboard, the train will weave its way out of the city and wind through Hungary’s whimsical wintery landscapes, before arriving at its first stop – Vienna, Austria.
In the afternoon you’ll explore this beautiful city with a panoramic tour of the breath-taking grand boulevard encircling Vienna’s historic quarters, followed by a traditional Fiaker ride through the charming city streets, before returning to the train for a dinner laced with the finest local sourced ingredients and local delicacies.
On day four, you’ll explore Vienna further, with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, the largest art museum in Austria and located right in the heart of the city. Opened to the public in 1891, the main part of the museum’s collection is made up of artworks acquired by the Habsburg dynasty. There will also be a chance to explore the Christmas market situated on Maria-Theresien Platz.
Hofburg Palace has been the heart of power in Vienna since 1279, so naturally it is rich with history that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Once the Habsburg’s winter residence, this massive palace complex now serves as the workplace and home of the President of Austria. During the itinerary, you’ll meet a choir who will provide a short concert of traditional Viennese Christmas folk songs and then, after lunch, you’ll continue on to Schönbrunn Palace, which provides the perfect backdrop for the adjacent Christmas Market, perhaps the most classically stylish one in the city. The exclusive assortment of booths includes traditional handicrafts, pretty Christmas decorations and toys. Sweet, spicy, and hearty temptations are waiting on every corner and enchant the huge square in front of the palace with enticing aromas. Savour a cup of punch at the famous Café Residenz booth and enjoy some time for Christmas shopping before we head back to the train for dinner.
Like a picture from the pages of a fairy-tale, Salzburg perfectly captures the charming cosiness of the festive season. The city, which you’ll discover on day five, sits snuggly in the northern foothills of the Alps, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, cut in half by the curves of the Salzach River. The Christmas markets, Advent concerts and local traditions continue to charm visitors in the magical city of Mozart.
That afternoon you’ll explore the heart of the city, starting at 17th century baroque-styled Mirabell Palace, easily one of the most stunning landmarks in the city and made famous in more modern times as a location used in The Sound of Music.
A short distance from the palace on Market Square (Marketplatz) you’ll discover Mozart’s former residence, now a museum before crossing the Makartsteg bridge into the Old Town and walking along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous street which is renowned for its wrought-iron trade signs and the birthplace of Mozart.
The rest of the time in Salzburg will be spent at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in the world, which is held on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. Its unique location in the middle of the World Heritage Old Town of Salzburg, the traditional stalls and its long history make the Salzburg Christmas market something very special. The Christkindlmarkt offers incomparable holiday ambiance – bells ring out from onion-domed churches, the scent of fresh pine mingles with the aroma of cinnamon-sprinkled mulled wine in the crisp winter air, and cheerful groups huddle around festive market stalls.
Following a leisurely breakfast onboard the train train, you’ll make a visit to the DomQuartier, a unique cultural highlight in the heart of Salzburg. Over 400 years ago, the powerful prince archbishops began to transform the wealthy city of Salzburg into a baroque jewel and an urban masterpiece was created. The Residenz and cathedral area, complemented by the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter can be experienced as a continuous tour while the terrace above the Cathedral Arches reveals stunning views of the Salzburg historic district as well as the mountains surrounding the city.
After returning to the train you’ll spy the Bavarian landscapes from the Restaurant Cars as you cross the border into Germany for the final stop in Munich.
Electrified by the indescribable buzz of yuletide cheer, Christmas in Munich is truly magic. One of the most famous of all the city’s Christmas markets is located on Marienplatz in the heart of the city. This centuries-old market, which had its beginnings in the 1600s, is a fresh mix of old and new – keeping to older Bavarian traditions, with mouth-watering Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts, presented alongside decadent sweet treats and intriguing electric creations. Watching over, a majestically illuminated Christmas tree casts a charismatic glow over the bustling square – perfectly adding to the festive feel.
On day seven, you’ll get to know Munich’s unique Haidhausen district, which has developed from a working-class quarter into a popular residential area. When strolling along the narrow streets with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city. Haidhausen has always been extremely important for Munich’s beer tradition. The area’s former inns, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, have now been lovingly restored. There’s time to visit the charming and cosy Christmas market at Weißenburger Platz before finishing up at a typical Bavarian inn, where you can taste different kinds of beers and enjoy traditional Bavarian white sausage with pretzels.
That evening you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on the memories made from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe, before departing the train the next morning.