Central Europe Christmas Markets by Rail

Arrivals day in Budapest, where you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for a two-night stay.

Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of this art nouveau landmark where you can meet your fellow travellers ahead of this highly anticipated journey.

Budapest is an alliance of 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 panoramic city tour includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. We will also see the Parliament, Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Make sure to take the opportunity to stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city. You may want to visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or warm up and head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating Christmas dip.

Late morning, you will be transferred to Budapest’s Nyugati station to enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a lifetime, our private brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and our uniformed train staff will be there to escort you to your private en-suite cabin.

As you settle in and enjoy your first delicious lunch onboard, the train will weave its way out of the station, before winding through Hungary’s whimsical wintery landscapes, and arriving at our first stop ? Vienna.

This evening, we travel to Schönbrunn Palace where an exclusive after-hours private entrance awaits. With the palace bathed in soft golden light, enjoy a guided tour reserved solely for our group ? a rare opportunity to wander through the opulent halls and staterooms in serene evening quiet, once the residence of the Habsburg emperors.

We will then return to the train to indulge in a decadent dinner ? freshly prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients and regional delicacies.

A beautiful city to explore at any time of year, Vienna becomes truly enchanting in winter. Exquisitely illuminated by twinkling lights and the charm of its Christmas markets, the city's grand squares come alive with the scent of roasted chestnuts, spiced pastries, and mulled wine, while stalls overflow with handcrafted gifts and delicate ornaments.

Today, we will enjoy a ?fiaker' horse and carriage ride through the heart of the city, arriving in style for a private classical concert at Palais Daun-Kinsky ? an elegant Baroque palace setting the perfect scene for an intimate musical performance. Afterwards, we will embark on a panoramic city tour, with the option to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Austria's largest art museum and a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. Opened in 1891, its vast collection showcases works once owned by the illustrious Habsburg dynasty.

Alternatively, you may wish to explore the Christmas market at Maria-Theresien-Platz, or visit the magnificent Hofburg Palace, the historic seat of Habsburg power since 1279. Once the dynasty's winter residence, this grand complex now serves as the official home and workplace of the President of Austria ? a fascinating glimpse into the city's imperial past and vibrant present.

Afterwards, we return to the Golden Eagle Danube Express, where a decadent dinner awaits. Enjoy a glass of fine wine as the train's elegant dining car becomes your sanctuary for the night, the rhythmic sound of the rails accompanying a perfect close to your magical Viennese adventure.

Like a picture from the pages of a fairy-tale, Salzburg perfectly captures the charming cosiness of the festive season. The city 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.

This afternoon we explore the heart of the city, starting at Mirabell Palace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the baroque 17th century palace is 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) we will see the former Mozart Residence, now a museum. From here we will cross the Makartsteg bridge into the Old Town and walk 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 our 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.

After a leisurely breakfast onboard our private train, we embark on a visit to the illustrious Fortress Hohensalzburg, one of Austria’s most iconic landmarks and a proud symbol of Salzburg’s rich medieval heritage. Perched majestically atop the Festungsberg hill, this formidable fortress has stood watch over the city for more than 900 years — a lasting testament to Salzburg’s power and prestige. During our guided tour, we’ll uncover its fascinating history, from its origins as an archbishop’s residence to its later transformation into a mighty military stronghold.

Afterwards, enjoy free time in the heart of Salzburg, where baroque streets, elegant boutiques, and charming cafés invite you to linger. Stroll through the atmospheric old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perhaps pausing for a slice of the city’s famous Sachertorte or a warm coffee as church bells echo across the rooftops.

We then return to the train for lunch, savouring a freshly prepared meal in the elegant Restaurant Cars as we journey through spectacular Bavarian scenery, crossing the border into Germany en route to our final stop — Munich.

By late afternoon, we arrive and check in to our centrally located five-star hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, experience true Bavarian hospitality with a private visit to Paulaner am Nockherberg, one of Munich’s most legendary beer halls and breweries. Hosted personally by the owner, our group will enjoy an exclusive beer tasting and dinner, pairing Paulaner’s finest brews with a curated menu of traditional Bavarian delicacies — the perfect finale to a day steeped in history, culture, and culinary delight.

Electrified by the indescribable buzz of yuletide cheer, Christmas in Munich is truly magical. The city’s festive spirit shines brightest at its famous Christmas market on Marienplatz, in the very heart of Munich. This centuries-old market, dating back to the 1600s, perfectly blends timeless Bavarian tradition with contemporary charm — sizzling Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts stand alongside decadent sweet treats and dazzling artisan creations. Overlooking it all, a magnificently illuminated Christmas tree casts a warm golden glow across the bustling square, wrapping the city in festive enchantment.

We begin the day with a visit to Motorworld Munich, a haven for automotive enthusiasts featuring luxury and classic car showrooms, expert workshops, and immersive exhibition spaces celebrating the world of motoring. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walking tour of the celebrated Christmas market, where you can sample local delicacies, admire handcrafted gifts, and absorb the joyful spirit of the season.

For those who prefer to savour the festive atmosphere at their own pace, there will also be time for leisurely shopping in Munich’s elegant boutiques — the perfect opportunity to find a final keepsake from your unforgettable journey.

This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on the memories made from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe.

Following breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.