Habsburg Express

Habsburg Express

Vienna - Chiemsee - Salzburg - Lake Bled - Ljubljana - Postojna - Rijeka - Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik

A captivating journey on the Danube Express from the capital of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna, to the historic Croatian port city of Dubrovnik through the Balkans.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS, Habsburg Express

• Dine with a dazzling view of the Adriatic at 2-star Michelin restaurant, Nautika, Dubrovnik
• Discover Sarajevo’s poignant history through a truly absorbing guided tour of the city
• Explore the ethereal Postojna Cave network of limestone caverns and monuments
• Take in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bled on a private boat cruise
• Travel on the heritage Chiemsee steam railway to Lake Chiemsee and visit the elegant Herrenchiemsee New Palace

DATES & PRICES, Habsburg Express

2022 and 2023 DATES

2022 May 18 to May 25

2023 October 7 to October 14

2022 and 2023 PRICES

In USD $*, PER PERSON

*We quote in EUR, GBP, AUD, YEN, or ZAR, depending on residency.

ITINERARY, Habsburg Express

DAY 1 VIENNA, AUSTRIA

On arrivals day in Vienna, you will be met and transferred to a luxury hotel for a one-night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of your hotel where you can meet your fellow travellers and tour staff.

DAY 2 VIENNA, AUSTRIA

The stunning capital city of Austria enthrals visitors with its rich heritage. A seductive metropolis of elaborate palaces, renowned coffee houses, classical music and enchanting opera. Today’s programme will allow you to sample the lively Naschmarkt, home to over 100 food and antique stalls, the famous Schönbrunn Palace, or free time to explore yourself.

This evening we board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Settle into your private en-suite cabin before enjoying a Welcome Dinner on board as we head through the Alps to Southern Bavaria.

DAY 3 CHIEMSEE & SALZBURG, GERMANY & AUSTRIA

This morning we travel on the metre-gauge Chiemsee-bahn, dating back to 1887 and one of the world’s last operating steam* tramways from the station at Prien to the shore of Lake Chiemsee. We will then cross the lake by boat to visit the Herrenchiemsee New Palace. The palace was commissioned in the late 19th century by Bavarian king, Ludwig II. Designed to echo Versailles and pay homage to Louis XIV, the palace is one of the most lavish royal buildings in Germany.

After lunch we return the short distance over the border into Austria for an afternoon in delightful Salzburg. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and divided by the flowing river Salzach, Salzburg is an elegant city with ornate baroque architecture and also famous in the world of music as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and more recently as the setting for the film The Sound of Music. We will enjoy dinner tonight in a local restaurant.

*Steam haulage is subject to availability.

DAY 4 LAKE BLED, LJUBLJANA & POSTOJNA, SLOVENIA

Today, the train climbs through the Julian Alps to Lake Bled which, with its island, church and castle is an incredibly picturesque alpine lake situated at the foothills of the Alps in north-western Slovenia.

After lunch we make the short journey across to Ljubljana. Slovenia’s capital is a delightful city which blends a combination of ancient architecture and youthful culture. Our short city tour includes visits to Preseren Square, Three Bridges, Dragon Bridge and Plecnik Market.

Then we continue to nearby Postojna Cave where we have exclusive evening entry as we ride an underground train deep into the cave and tour the network of magnificent halls, a myriad of cave formations and mysterious animals.

DAY 5 RIJEKA, CROATIA

This morning we arrive in the port of Rijeka, situated on Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic, where we make a short visit to the Maritime Museum. Returning to the train for lunch we enjoy time on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express this afternoon as we travel across the beautiful Croatian countryside towards the border with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

DAY 6 SARAJEVO & MOSTAR, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

This morning we arrive into the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo which is an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western culture; it has mosques and minarets, an ancient bazaar and an atmospheric old Turkish quarter. Discover the city’s poignant history through a truly absorbing tour detailing the horrors of the Balkan War. Sarajevo suffered from the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. The scars of war are still evident as we travel past war-torn buildings and we make a special visit to the Tunnel Museum under Sarajevo Airport. Your guide, who lived through the 1992-1996 conflict, brings to life in touching fashion the struggles the citizens of Sarajevo faced during the siege of the city.

After our final lunch on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express we arrive this afternoon to the historic city of Mostar, the crossroads of many civilizations, cultures and three religions. Mostar was one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire. The town’s renowned stone arch bridge linking the Christian and Muslim areas was re-built in the summer of 2004. We also visit Turkish House and the mosque before walking through the narrow, bazaar streets, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs and handicrafts.

Tonight we have dinner in Mostar and spend our final night on our private train.

DAY 7 DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Shortly after breakfast we disembark from the Golden Eagle Danube Express at the station of Capljina and make the short bus journey to Dubrovnik.

Since its foundation in the 13th century Dubrovnik has been attacked many times but it is now restored as one of the great cities of the Mediterranean, essentially unchanged for 700 years. We will tour the city travelling through Ploce Gate to visit the Franciscan Monastery with one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, the Old Harbour, St Laurence Fortress and the Rector’s Palace.

Tonight we spend one night at a luxury hotel in Dubrovnik.

DAY 8 DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Following breakfast on the final morning you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION

Five-star pre and post tour accommodation

Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train

DINING

Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients

Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants

Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list

6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners

EXCURSIONS

Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary

Freedom of Choice touring options

SERVICE

Cabin attendant service including evening turndown

Experienced Tour Management team

Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board

Arrival and departure transfers

All gratuities – on and off the train

Luggage porterage throughout the journey

Contact The Club

Please contact us to book the Habsburg Express, or to ask any questions.