Journey of discovery through Eastern Europe on a luxury train

Individual travel to Budapest.
On arrival in Budapest, you are met and transferred to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel, where you spend two nights. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the elegant setting of this Art Nouveau monument with panoramic views of the Danube, and meet your fellow travelers. (A)

Budapest actually consists of two cities separated by the Danube. The old town of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace dominate the city with a breathtaking view across the Danube to the commercial center of Pest. On a city tour you will see the Castle District, St. Matthias Church and have a panoramic view from Gellert Hill of the city, the Citadel, the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Heroes' Square and the City Park.
The rest of the day is at your leisure - stroll along the banks of the Danube, visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious food and wine, or head to one of the city's famous thermal baths for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, relax at the hotel and pamper yourself in the luxurious spa with infinity pool or make use of the state-of-the-art fitness center. 

Free day at your disposal.
In the evening you board the private train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, in Budapest. 

In the morning, the train makes a scheduled stop in Oswiecim, the station for Auschwitz-Birkenau. There you will enjoy a two-hour visit to the concentration camp and museum. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a moving guided tour that recalls the horrors of the Holocaust and conveys the history of the camp.
Afterwards, we travel by bus to the center of Krakow and enjoy lunch with a view of the beautiful Old Town Square. Afterwards, you will explore the Old Town on foot, visit the royal Wawel Cathedral and take a panoramic tour of the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.
Once a royal capital with a rich history, today a vibrant university city with chic bars and restaurants - Krakow impresses with its beautiful monuments and lively atmosphere. (FMA)

This morning you reach the Polish capital Warsaw, a city that has undergone an impressive transformation since its destruction during the war. Crossing the Vistula and looking at the old town, the unusual panorama of the city becomes clear - modern skyscrapers rise above the red roofs of the old town. Historic buildings harmonize with modern architecture and reveal Warsaw's many facets.
A guided tour takes you through the Old Town and along the Royal Route to the former Warsaw Ghetto. The Old Town will delight you with its colorful town houses and the charming atmosphere of the narrow streets. The Royal Route connects three former residences of Polish rulers: the Royal Castle, the Royal Lazienki and Wilanów Castle. The morning ends in the Royal Park of Lazienki, where you will have lunch in the Belvedere Restaurant.
After lunch, we enjoy a private Chopin piano concert in one of the historic palaces in the park before returning to the train for dinner. 

This morning you will visit Malbork, whose imposing castle dating back to 1280 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the seat of the Teutonic Order. 
After lunch on the train, continue your journey through Poland to Gdansk. This coastal region has a significant role in Polish history, as it was here that the Second World War began in 1939 and the independent trade union movement Solidarność was founded in 1980, symbolizing resistance to the government and heralding the fall of communism.
In the afternoon, explore Gdansk and visit the European Solidarity Center, which documents the history of the 20th century and the political changes that led to the collapse of communism.
You will also enjoy an organ concert in the Oliwa Cathedral and visit the Dlugi Targ (Long Market), one of the most beautiful streets in Gdansk's Old Town. (FMA)

While you enjoy breakfast on board, the train arrives in Berlin, where a full-day program has been prepared. After years of division, Berlin has re-emerged as one of Europe's most glamorous capitals, with grand museums, beautiful churches, wide boulevards and a thriving cultural life. 
This morning you have the choice of exploring the city either by bike or by bus. On both tours you will see the highlights of East and West Berlin as well as the Reichstag, the famous Renaissance-style building where the German parliament meets again today. After the tour we enjoy lunch with a breathtaking view of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit other sights of the city, including the East Side Gallery Berlin Wall memorial with the chance to drive a VEB Trabant. 
For guests who do not opt for the driving experience, the afternoon is at leisure. You have the opportunity to visit a museum of your choice, e.g. the Topography of Terror, or take time to reflect at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. There will also be time for a shopping spree on the elegant Kurfürstendamm. (FMA)

This morning you reach the city of Dresden in Saxony. You will visit the nearby Wackerbarth Castle, nestled in the charming landscape of the Elbe Valley. The castle has always stood for fine wines, sparkling wine and Saxon joie de vivre and today presents the 800-year-old tradition of Saxon viticulture in its most stylish form. A guided tour of the vineyard and a tasting session await you here, during which you will get to know three of the estate's wines.
After a late lunch, you return to the train and continue your journey to the Czech Republic. In the late afternoon, the train arrives in Prague, where you will have dinner in a local restaurant and then have time to stroll through the old town. (FMA)

Prague lies on the Vltava River and is dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a breathtaking sight that can be seen almost everywhere in the city. On our walking tour you will see the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings and the Astronomical Clock, the 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter.
Lunch will be served with a view of the architectural treasures of the “City of a Hundred Spires”.
After lunch, we take a historic streetcar through the city up to Prague Castle and the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. From here we take a relaxing boat trip on the Vltava River with cocktails on board. (FMA)

Today you will explore the heart of the city of Salzburg, Mirabell Palace.  The 17th century baroque palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is certainly one of the city's most impressive landmarks.
Not far from the palace, on the market square, is Mozart's former residence, now a museum. From here you cross the Makartsteg into the old town and walk through the Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous street, known for its wrought-iron trade signs and Mozart's birthplace.
Hellbrunn Palace has been enchanting visitors with its trick fountains for more than 400 years. Behind the baroque exterior lies a lavish interior. The real attraction, however, are the trick fountains in the gardens. (FMA)

This morning, enjoy your last breakfast on board as the train leaves Salzburg on a majestic morning journey over the breathtaking Semmering Pass before arriving in Vienna at midday.
Vienna is a metropolis of magnificent palaces, famous coffee houses, classical music and enchanting operas. Today's program offers you the opportunity to explore the lively Naschmarkt with its over 100 food and antique stalls, visit the famous Schönbrunn Palace or have time to explore on your own. 
In the evening, a private concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra awaits you at Haus Mozart. 

After breakfast, this journey comes to an end. Individual return trip to Switzerland.