Day 1 : Venice

Upon arrival in Venice you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a two-night stay. Today is at leisure for all guests to explore this wonderful city. This evening we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.

Day 2 : Venice

Venice is a truly captivating city of romance; its unrivalled beauty takes away the breath of first time visitors and regulars alike. Today you will have the opportunity to take a walking tour around the highlights of this spectacular city. Walk through the winding lanes beside the Grand Canal to St Mark’s Square, which for 1,000 years was the heart of Venetian life. You will also see St Mark’s Basilica and stroll through the Rialto Market.

Day 3 : Trieste

This morning transfer from the hotel, by boat, directly to Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal.  Here your private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, is ready to welcome you.  Mid-morning the train will thread its way out Santa Lucia station onto the 3-mile causeway over the Venice Lagoon and on to on the first stop at the Italian port city of Trieste, for an afternoon tour.  Stop at the imposing Miramare Castle and also visit the vast Piazza Unita d’Italia, the main town square. Standing on a hill overlooking Trieste is the famous Church of San Giusto built around a medieval complex and dates back to the 13th century. You will go inside the church for a close-up view of the splendid Byzantine-style architecture enriched with precious mosaics.

Day 4 : Postojna & Ljubljana

Today you will visit Postojna Cave as you ride an underground train deep into the cave and tour the network of magnificent halls, a myriad of cave formations and mysterious animals. After the visit to the caves return to Ljubljana which is the delightful capital city of Slovenia offering a combination of ancient architecture and youthful culture. Your afternoon walking tour of Ljubljana’s Old Town includes a visit to Preseren Square, the Three Bridges, Dragon Bridge and Plecnik Market.

Day 5 : Sarajevo & Mostar

Early morning arrival 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 you travel past war-torn buildings and 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.

Following a lunch on board our private train, this afternoon travel along a very scenic line 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. You will also visit Turkish House and the mosque before walking through the narrow, bazaar streets, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs and handicrafts. From here, travel onto Dubrovnik by coach where for a one night stay.

Day 6 : 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. 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.  Enjoy lunch overlooking the Adriatic and have free time to wander the narrow streets.  Mid-afternoon head back to the train which positioned close to the Croatian border in Capljina, and enjoy dinner as you depart towards Serbia.

Day 7 : Belgrade

Arrive this morning in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, the former Yugoslavian capital. Located at the strategic meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers, this truly cosmopolitan city has fortifications from Celtic times, medieval tombs and Turkish baths. Spending a full day here your city tour includes the ‘House of Flowers’ – the mausoleum of Josip Tito, the Town Hall, Republic Square and Knez Mihajlova Street, as well as ‘Varos’ Gate and a visit to the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.

Day 8 : Skopje & Thessaloniki

This morning arrive in the little-visited Skopje and discover a city where the Ottoman influences are still strong. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town with tiny shops and mosques with ceramic-tiled interiors. Meander through the Old Bazaar area, brimming with things to buy, and cross the 15th-century Stone Bridge which links the bazaar to the modern town.

Return to the train for lunch on board and continue through the afternoon crossing into Greece for an early evening arrival into Thessaloniki. Soak up the evening atmosphere of this vibrant city by heading to Aristotelous Square, and enjoy an al-fresco Mediterranean seafood dinner.

Day 9 : Sofia & Plovdiv

The site of Bulgaria’s modern capital, at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Sofia was first occupied by the Thracian tribe of Serdi. Your morning tour will visit sections of the Roman wall, admire the ancient church of St George, the golden domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Turkish Bashi Mosque.

Enjoy lunch on the train as we travel from Sofia to Plovdiv. The second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia, ‘The City of Seven Hills’ is one of the oldest cities in Europe with more than 200 known archaeological sites. Spend the afternoon here exploring the Roman Forum and Amphitheatre and visit the charming Old Town including its medieval walls and Ottoman baths.

Day 10 : Istanbul

This morning arrive into Istanbul for a two night stay at a five-star hotel. This fabled city that spans Asia and Europe is our final stop on our tour so there is time to see how old meets new, east meets west when you visit Istanbul’s must-see historic sites. 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.

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 Grand Mosques in the world. Take a few moments to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.

Day 11 : Istanbul

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

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 jewellery, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

Day 12 : Istanbul

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Istanbul for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

Included

• Quality pre and post tour accommodation in Venice and Istanbul
• Private ensuite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
• Overnight stay at the Hilton Pucic Palace hotel, Dubrovnik (or similar)
• Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
• Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
• All drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits)
• 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
• Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
• Freedom of Choice touring option
• 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

Booking and Payments

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

• Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellation by Client:

• More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

• 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

• Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

• Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

• Changes to Itinerary

• Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

• Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

• Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

Health and Safety

• Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

• Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

Liability

• Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

• Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

Visas and Documentation

• Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

• Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

Conduct

• Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

• Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

Complaints

• Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

• Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.