Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is a UK-based operator, headquartered in Altrincham, that runs private charter train journeys aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express – widely regarded as one of the finest luxury trains in mainland Europe. The company was founded by Tim Littler, who personally selects the wines served on every voyage, and the Danube Express officially became the Golden Eagle Danube Express in May 2015 in a renaming ceremony attended by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent. The New Year in Vienna journey is one of the company's signature departures: a 9-day itinerary running from 28 December to 5 January, taking up to 62 guests through the cultural heartland of Central Europe in style and comfort that rivals the finest boutique hotels.
The journey begins and ends in Budapest, travelling through Keszthely, Graz, Vienna, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, and Kosice. Each stop is carefully chosen to offer a blend of imperial architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and living musical tradition. In Vienna, guests enjoy Viennese waltz instruction at the prestigious Elmayer Dance School and a horse-drawn carriage tour on New Year's Day. In Prague, a vintage tram climbs to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, followed by a private classical concert at the Municipal House. The lesser-visited city of Kosice – a former European Capital of Culture – adds a distinctive off-the-beaten-track dimension to the itinerary.
The centrepiece of the tour is the New Year's Eve gala held at Vienna's magnificently Neo-Gothic City Hall, the Rathaus. Guests receive VIP tickets to an exclusive gala dinner and dancing event accompanied by the Wiener Hofball Orchestra, masters of the legendary Viennese sound. At midnight, the private balcony offers a front-row view of Vienna's fireworks display over the Ringstrasse. This is not a public event – access is reserved for Golden Eagle guests as part of the fully inclusive fare.
The train accommodates a maximum of 62 passengers across two cabin classes. Deluxe cabins offer en-suite facilities at 7.74 m², with seating that converts to two lower beds each evening. Superior Deluxe cabins (8.6 m²) feature a king-size bed, full-length sofa, two armchairs, two large picture windows, and a private en-suite bathroom. All cabins include individually controlled air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging, a personal safe, and L'Occitane toiletries. The Bar Lounge Car – the social heart of the train – hosts a resident pianist each evening, while the Restaurant Car serves multi-course meals prepared by an executive chef using regionally sourced ingredients. All meals, beverages, guided excursions, transfers, and gratuities are included in the fare.
Yes. As of 2026, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains continues to operate the Golden Eagle Danube Express and run its New Year in Vienna departure, alongside other European and global itineraries. Current schedules and pricing are available on the company's official website.
The tour is fully inclusive: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners aboard the train or at hotels, all beverages including wines selected by founder Tim Littler, guided excursions, transfers, gratuities, cabin service, onboard medical facilities, and VIP access to the New Year's Eve gala at Vienna's Rathaus. Pre-tour accommodation at Budapest's Four Seasons Hotel is also included.
There are two classes: Deluxe (en-suite, 7.74 m², converts to two lower beds) and Superior Deluxe (8.6 m², king-size bed, full-length sofa, two armchairs, and two large picture windows). Both classes are en-suite and include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and L'Occitane amenities.
There is no formal dress code during the day – guests are encouraged to wear casual clothing. Smart casual attire is suggested for evenings in the Restaurant Car and Bar Lounge. For gala events such as the New Year's Eve ball at the Rathaus, formal or black-tie dress is appropriate.
Yes. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains actively welcomes solo travellers, and single-occupancy cabins are available in both Deluxe and Superior Deluxe classes, though a single supplement applies. The average guest age is around 65, and the small group size of up to 62 passengers makes for a sociable atmosphere suited to independent travellers.
The 9-day journey (28 December – 5 January) visits Budapest, Keszthely, Graz, Vienna, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, and Kosice, before returning to Budapest. Each destination is accompanied by included guided excursions ranging from castle visits and river cruises to classical concerts and UNESCO World Heritage town walks.
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 their New Year in Vienna tour aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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