Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd, founded in 1989 by Tim Littler and headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire, is widely regarded as one of the world's leading providers of long-distance luxury rail journeys. Originally operating as GW Travel Ltd, the company rebranded as Golden Eagle Luxury Trains in June 2012 to reflect its focus on premium rail travel across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Heart of Persia brochure presented one of the company's most ambitious itineraries: a two-week private train journey through Iran aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, exploring the country's extraordinary historical and cultural landscape from Tehran to Shiraz and beyond.
The Heart of Persia itinerary is a 14-day journey designed for travellers who wish to experience Iran's most celebrated destinations in comfort and style. The tour begins in Tehran and takes in cities including Mashhad, home to the revered Imam Reza shrine, Yazd, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kashan, Arak, Shushtar, and the ancient ruins of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Rayen, passengers could explore the enormous medieval mud-brick castle set against the snow-capped peak of Mount Hezar, while the gardens and royal tomb complex at Mahan offered a vivid introduction to Persia's royal heritage. The journey also included a visit to Tehran's Crown Jewels Museum, one of the most remarkable collections of gemstones and imperial regalia in the world.
The Heart of Persia tour operated aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a privately chartered train that Golden Eagle took over in 2015 following a handover ceremony attended by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. The train offers en-suite cabins, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive service – described by passengers as carrying a five-star hotel through the landscape. Meals feature regional and international cuisine, and the train accommodates between 35 and 65 passengers per departure, ensuring an intimate group experience. Overnight travel between destinations means passengers wake each morning in a new city, maximising sightseeing time while sleeping in comfort.
Beyond Iran, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains operates itineraries across some of the world's most iconic rail routes. The company's wider programme has included the Trans-Siberian Railway across Russia, the Silk Road through Central Asia and China, and journeys through the Indian subcontinent and across Europe. Its fleet includes the flagship Golden Eagle train for Trans-Siberian routes and the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for journeys through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and western China. The company's itineraries typically run between 6 and 22 days and are fully all-inclusive, with expert guides, excursions, and cultural programme included in the fare.
The Heart of Persia is a two-week luxury private train journey through Iran, operated by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The itinerary covers major cultural and historical destinations including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, and Persepolis, travelling overnight between cities to maximise time ashore.
The Heart of Persia tour runs aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a privately chartered luxury train that Golden Eagle Luxury Trains took over in May 2015. The train features en-suite sleeping cabins, restaurant and lounge cars, and all-inclusive dining and drinks throughout the journey.
At the time this brochure was published, prices for the Heart of Persia started from around 11,795 per person. As with all Golden Eagle itineraries, the fare was all-inclusive, covering accommodation on board, meals, excursions, and the services of expert guides. Prices vary by cabin grade and departure date.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd, founded in 1989 and based in Altrincham, Cheshire, has continued to operate luxury rail journeys. However, availability of specific itineraries such as the Heart of Persia depends on the current political and travel environment. For the latest departure dates and brochures, visit the company's official website.
Yes. Iran requires a visa or travel authorisation for most Western nationals, including British and American citizens. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains advises that Iranian entry authorisations can only be applied for approximately three months before travel and typically take a minimum of three weeks to process. The company's team provided guidance to passengers on the visa application process as part of the booking service.
The Heart of Persia itinerary includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire near Shiraz, is one of the most significant. The historic city centres of Isfahan and Yazd, as well as the ancient water management systems at Shushtar, are also recognised UNESCO sites visited during the journey.
This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd and their Heart of Persia Iran rail journey. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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