Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, founded in 1989 as GW Travel Ltd by Tim Littler and headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire, is widely regarded as one of the world's leading operators of all-inclusive, long-distance private rail voyages. Over more than three decades the company has developed a portfolio of escorted journeys spanning Europe, Russia, Central Asia, China and Iran, all operated aboard their own fleet of luxury trains. Their flagship European train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, was officially renamed and relaunched under the Golden Eagle banner in May 2015 at a ceremony attended by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, and carries up to 62 passengers in Superior Deluxe and Deluxe cabins with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant cars and a bar lounge car. The Sicilian Odyssey was one of the company's flagship Italy itineraries, showcasing the country in 12 days aboard this hotel-on-wheels.
The Sicilian Odyssey runs between Venice and Taormina, covering 15 stops across northern and southern Italy and Sicily over 12 days. Departure from Venice sets the tone with the grandeur of one of Europe's most iconic cities before the train heads south through Cremona, celebrated for its violin-making heritage, and Bologna, Italy's acknowledged culinary capital. Travellers can visit the clifftop microstate of San Marino or opt for a test drive experience at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. The route passes through Pompeii, where the preserved remains of the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius provide an extraordinary historical encounter, and continues to the ancient city of Bari with its fortified old town. Crossing into Sicily via the unique Strait of Messina ferry crossing – where the train is carefully disassembled, transported across on a ferry, and reassembled on the other side – the journey concludes amid the baroque splendour of Taormina.
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is configured as a genuine hotel on rails. Superior Deluxe cabins measure 8.6 m² and feature a king-size bed, full sofa, two picture windows, double wardrobe, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and a private en-suite bathroom. Deluxe cabins offer two comfortable lower beds, armchairs and a private en-suite with shower. Two restaurant cars serve meals prepared by an executive chef, with an emphasis on locally inspired fine dining. A bar lounge car provides a social space throughout the journey. Expert guides accompany every tour, leading excursions at each destination.
Yes. As of 2026, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd continues to operate luxury rail journeys across Europe, Turkey and Asia. The company is headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire and has been running escorted private train tours since 1989.
The Sicilian Odyssey itinerary has continued to run in subsequent years after its 2019 launch and is listed among Golden Eagle's current European departures. Check the company's official website for the latest timetable and availability.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd (company number 02567148) operates in line with UK travel industry standards and holds ATOL protection for bookings that include a flight element. Prospective travellers should confirm current ABTA and ATOL details with the company directly at the time of booking.
Because there is no fixed link across the Strait of Messina, the Golden Eagle Danube Express is carefully disassembled into individual carriages at Villa San Giovanni, which are then rolled onto a dedicated train ferry for the short crossing to Messina in Sicily. Passengers can stay aboard their cabins or go up on deck to experience the crossing in the open air.
Golden Eagle tours are fully all-inclusive. The fare covers en-suite cabin accommodation aboard the train, all meals prepared by an executive chef, guided excursions at every destination, expert tour management, and access to the lounge and dining cars. International flights and pre- or post-tour hotel nights are typically available as optional extras.
The train was known simply as the Danube Express before Golden Eagle Luxury Trains took over operations. It was officially renamed the Golden Eagle Danube Express on 2 May 2015 at a ceremony attended by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
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 Sicilian Odyssey itinerary. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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