Golden Eagle Luxury Trains - Hellenic Treasures Brochure

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is a British tour operator founded in 1989 by Tim Littler and headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire. Widely regarded as the world's leading operator of exclusive long-distance rail journeys, the company runs fully escorted, all-inclusive private trains across Europe, Central Asia, and the Silk Road. The Hellenic Treasures itinerary is one of the company's signature European voyages, carrying passengers aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express on an 11-day journey spanning six countries from Budapest to Athens. This route combines architectural splendour, classical antiquity, and the comfort of a privately chartered luxury train in a way that scheduled rail simply cannot match.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express

Golden Eagle took over the operation of the Danube Express in 2015, refitting it to the company's exacting standards. The train carries passengers in two cabin categories: Superior Deluxe cabins (approximately 93 sq ft with a double bed, two picture windows, and a full-length sofa) and Deluxe cabins (approximately 83 sq ft with twin beds and en-suite facilities). Both classes include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and in-room safes. All meals are prepared fresh on board and served in a single sitting in the Restaurant Car, while the Bar Lounge provides a convivial space for drinks and conversation throughout the journey. Gratuities, guided excursions, and all ground transfers are included in the fare.

The Hellenic Treasures Itinerary

The journey opens with a drinks reception at Budapest Nyugati station before the train departs into the Hungarian countryside. Key stops across the 11-day route have included:

• Budapest – the Citadel, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Great Market Hall, and the city's celebrated thermal baths
• Lake Balaton – a boat cruise and a visit to the Baroque Festetics Palace at Keszthely
• Ljubljana and the Karst region – Predjama Castle and the vast Postojna Cave, explored by mini-train
• Belgrade – situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, with a city tour taking in the Belgrade Fortress and Town Hall
• Athens – an overnight stay at the 5-star Hotel Grand Bretagne, with its panoramic views and luxury spa, followed by exploration of the Acropolis and surrounding classical sites

What Sets Golden Eagle Apart

Golden Eagle's model centres on access to places and experiences that are difficult to reach independently. Expert local guides accompany every excursion, and the fully inclusive pricing covers food, drinks, shore excursions, and gratuities throughout. The company has been featured in Forbes, the Daily Telegraph, The Times, and Conde Nast Traveller. Its trains have carried passengers on some of the world's most celebrated rail corridors, from the Trans-Siberian to the Silk Road, since the 1990s. The Hellenic Treasures departure sits within the European programme operated by the Danube Express, which also runs routes such as the Balkan Explorer and Castles of Transylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Golden Eagle Luxury Trains still operating?

Yes. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd (registered company number 02567148) continues to operate as of 2026, offering departures on the Danube Express across Europe as well as journeys on the Golden Eagle and Golden Eagle Silk Road Express trains in Asia and Central Asia. The company is based in Altrincham, Cheshire, UK.

What happened to the Hellenic Treasures tour?

The Hellenic Treasures itinerary was part of Golden Eagle's European programme aboard the Danube Express. As with many specialist luxury rail departures, schedules and specific named itineraries change from year to year. Travellers interested in a similar Budapest-to-Athens routing should check the company's current European programme directly for available departures.

How much does a Golden Eagle Danube Express journey cost?

At the time this brochure was produced, the Hellenic Treasures journey was priced from around 7,495 pounds per person. Golden Eagle's tours are fully inclusive (accommodation, all meals and drinks, excursions, transfers, and gratuities), which is reflected in the per-person fare. Prices vary by cabin class and departure date.

What cabin classes are available on the Danube Express?

The Danube Express offers Superior Deluxe and Deluxe cabin categories. Superior Deluxe cabins are the larger option at around 93 sq ft, with a double bed, two picture windows, and a sofa. Deluxe cabins at around 83 sq ft feature twin beds that convert to a daytime seating arrangement. Both have private en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and safes.

Is the Golden Eagle Danube Express all-inclusive?

Yes. All Golden Eagle Danube Express tours are fully inclusive, covering accommodation, all meals and beverages prepared fresh on board, guided excursions at every stop, ground transfers, and gratuities. Passengers do not typically need to budget separately for activities or dining during the journey itself.

Who founded Golden Eagle Luxury Trains?

The company was founded in 1989 by Tim Littler, who grew up near Altrincham railway station and developed a lifelong passion for rail travel. Originally trading as GW Travel Ltd, the business renamed itself Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited in June 2012 to reflect its focus on premium escorted rail holidays. Tim Littler operated the company's first Trans-Siberian tour in 1996 and launched the privately owned Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in 2007.

This travel brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and the Hellenic Treasures journey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. For current itineraries and departure dates, visit the company's official website.