Dalmatian Explorer - by Golden Eagle Danube Express Train

Arrive in Dubrovnik and transfer to your luxury hotel in Dubrovnik for a two-night stay. This evening, meet fellow travellers during a welcome reception. (D)

Formally known as ‘Ragusa’ until the 12th century, Dubrovnik is rich in history and is perhaps one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe, essentially unchanged for 700 years. It has a prominent position overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and across to nearby Lokrum Island. 

Enjoy a guided tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town with its massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Walk 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. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, travel by bus (130kms) from Dubrovnik to Mostar – one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Turkish House before meandering through its bazaar-lined streets, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs.

Board the Golden Eagle Danube Express and settle into your private en-suite cabin, while the train journeys across Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sarajevo. An intriguing blend of Eastern and Western culture, the Bosnian capital is a treasure trove of mosques, minarets, ancient bazaars, and an atmospheric old Turkish quarter. (B,L,D)

This morning, relax and enjoy the views of the countryside on board the Golden Eagle Danube Express as it makes its way towards Serbia. After lunch, arrive in Belgrade, located at the strategic meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers. This truly cosmopolitan city, with its tumultuous history, has fortifications from Celtic times: medieval tombs and Turkish baths. The city tour includes the ‘House of Flowers’ – the mausoleum of former Yugoslavian President Josip Tito, the Town Hall, Republic Square and Knez Mihajlova Street, as well as ‘Varos’ Gate and a visit to the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)

This morning, cross over to Montenegro and its capital city of Podgorica. Given its five name changes when passing through the empires of the Romans, the Ottomans, and the Austro-Hungarians, and twice having been wiped off the map entirely, it's little wonder that Podgorica seems permanently gripped by an identity crisis. Its streets are an interesting hotchpotch of Ottoman oddments, Austrian shopfronts, communist tower blocks, and modern shopping malls. In the afternoon arrive in Bar, where there is a short sightseeing tour of the coastal town. (B,L,D)

Travel to Sargan Vitasi for a train journey on the unique mountain railway. The Sargan Eight is an old-fashioned narrow-gauge railway that cuts through the breathtaking mountain landscape. Travel on a section of the scenic narrow-gauge heritage railway towards the town of Visegrad. The full line is an engineering marvel through the mountains of Serbia, with a system of loops and hairpin bends known as the ‘Sargan Eight’. (B,L,D)

This morning, arrive at Timisoara – a Romanian city known for its Secessionist architecture. Steeped in history, it was the first city in the country to declared itself free of the Communist regime of Ceaușescu in December 1989, following the start of the revolutionary uprising.

Enjoy lunch back on board and take time to relax, before a late afternoon arrival into Sighișoara for a walking tour. This World Heritage site, rumoured to be the birthplace of Dracula, is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval towns in Europe. (B,L,D)

This morning, arrive into Sibiu, known for its Germanic architecture in the Old Town following the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. Today, remains of medieval walls and towers, including the 13th-century Council Tower which connects the two main squares, can be seen around the city. Return to the train for lunch and continue to the university city of Cluj Napoca, located in the heart of Transylvania. Enjoy a city tour and try chimney cake (Kurtoskalacs). This pastry was created in Transylvania, and it’s baked to perfection here. (B,L,D)

Head across the Great Hungarian Plain to explore the city of Debrecen, which exudes with all the charm of a provincial town, with its colourful piazzas and spacious parks.

Continue to Tokaj, a picturesque town situated by the confluence of two rivers. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at one of the local cellars in central Tokaj-Hegyalja – the town’s wine district, where the area’s mineral-rich volcanic rock makes for strong-bodied sweet wines. Tonight, arrive at your final stop in Budapest and transfer to the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for a two-night stay. (B,L,D)

Today, enjoy a city tour of Budapest, including the Castle District, St. Mathias Church, and panoramic views of the city from Gellert Hill. There's also the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the City Park to admire. Budapest is actually two cities separated by the river Danube. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace dominate the city with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. (B,L,D)

Transfer to the airport for onward connections or speak to us about extending your stay in Budapest. (B)