jewels of persia - guidepost tours now a museum, hagia sophia was built in the 6th century by the...

MAP

golden eagle danube express

jewels of persia

Tour Route

Eastbound Itinerary

Tour Route

Westbound Itinerary

Budapest

Shiraz

Tehran Mashhad

Isfahan

Persepolis

Zanjan

VanTatvan

Istanbul

Cappadocia

Kecskemét Sighişoara

Braşov

Veliko Tarnovo

Yazd

Black Sea

CaspianSea

Persian Gulf

LakeVan

Mediterranean SeaIRAN

IRAQ

SAUDI ARABIALIBYA

SYRIA

JORDAN

EGYPT

ISRAEL

LEBANON

TURKMENISTANTURKEY

GEORGIA

ARMENIAAZERBAIJAN

ROMANIA

HUNGARY

SERBIA

ALBANIA

MACEDONIA

BOS.&

HERZ.

MOLDOVA

UKRAINE

RUSSIA

KAZAKHSTAN

BULGARIA

GREECE

As rail tours go, Jewels of Persia is truly amazing. Travelling from the banks of the Danube to the shores of

the Bosphorus and onto the ancient land of Persia, this unique journey takes in destinations that are rarely

experienced by the Western visitor, which makes it all the more special.

March 4 – March 21, 2016 (available for charter only)

May 2 – May 19, 2016

September 19 – October 6, 2016

November 3 – November 20, 2016

Tehran - Mashhad - Yazd - Persepolis - Shiraz - Isfahan - Zanjan - Van

Lake Van - Akdamar Island - Cappadocia - Istanbul - Veliko Tarnovo

February 11 – February 28, 2016 (available for charter only)

March 27 – April 13, 2016

August 25 – September 11, 2016

October 9 – October 26, 2016

Istanbul - Cappadocia - Lake Van - Akdamar Island - Van - Zanjan

Mashhad - Yazd - Persepolis - Shiraz - Isfahan - Tehran

10

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 11

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM |

tour itinerary (eastbound)

budapestHUNGARYD

AY

S 1

-2

Arrivals day in Budapest where you will be met and transferred

to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace for a two night stay,

a unique art nouveau landmark which combines historical

elegance with ultra-modern comforts. We will enjoy a welcome

reception dinner, whilst you meet your fellow travellers on this

highly anticipated journey.

Budapest is two cities separated by the Danube. The old city of

Buda and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with

stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart

of Pest. Our city tour includes the Royal Palace, St Mathias

Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill.

We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St. Stephen’s

Cathedral, Heroes Square and City Park. Enjoy some free time

to stroll along the banks of the Danube, visit the historic Great

Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and

wines or head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a

rejuvenating dip.

We enjoy a morning drinks reception in the impressive Royal

Waiting Room at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding

the Danube Express and we begin our spectacular rail journey

to Tehran. Settle in to your cabin and later enjoy lunch as the

train heads to Lajosmizse for a spectacular ‘Puszta’ horse

fascinating city at the geographical centre of Hungary. Back

onboard, enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Lounge Car as the

train continues across the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as

we head towards Transylvania.

main highlights. A World Heritage site rumoured to be the

medieval towns in Europe. Burgher houses and ornate churches

budapest & kecskemét

DA

Y 3

HUNGARY

sighişoara & braşov

DA

Y 4

ROMANIA

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com12

line its cobbled streets. We return onboard for lunch as we

as Dracula’s Castle, this beautiful 14th century building is

situated amongst stunning mountain scenery.

Back onboard later this evening, the train twists and turns as

it climbs over the Carpathian Mountains and threads its way

through the dramatic landscape with crystal clear mountain

streams. Dinner is served as our train continues onto Bulgaria.

We arrive after breakfast in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient

houses seem perched, one above the other, on the steep banks

of the Yantra River and there is free time to wander through the

ancient city. Late afternoon relax in the Bar Lounge Car before

dinner is served as our train continues through the scenic

landscape, reaching the Turkish border late in the evening.

This morning we arrive into Istanbul. This fabled city that spans

Asia and Europe deserves an extended stay so over the next two

days we will see how old meets new; east meets west when you

visit Istanbul’s must-see historic sites. One of the most famous

monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan

Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the

classical Ottoman style and features six towering minarets

and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is

decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the

Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to

Byzantine mosaics.

The largest and oldest palace in the world and primary residence

of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853, Topkapi is the

crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic

buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi

promises to be a truly fascinating experience.

We also visit the Grand Bazaar which is one of the world’s

largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops.

In operation since the 14th century the bazaar is especially

known for its jewellery, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

as the train re-positions to Derince by train ferry for the next stage

of the journey. Late afternoon on Day 7 after the conclusion of

our city tour, we leave Istanbul and travel by train ferry to Derince

to re-board the Danube Express and continue our journey

through Asian Turkey. Engineering work in connection with the

Bosphorus Tunnel project (on both sides of the Bosphorus)

will involve the train stopping outside Istanbul with the onward

journeys by coach when leaving and re-joining the train.



istanbul

DA

YS

6 -

7

veliko tarnovo

DA

Y 5

BULGARIA

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Akdamar Island

Cappadocia is an area of Central Anatolia best known for its

“fairy chimney” volcanic rock formations and unique landscape

honeycombed with networks of ancient underground settlements.

We visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a complex of cave

churches, chapels and monasteries carved out of the mountain

rock by Orthodox monks between 900 and 1200AD. The beautiful

frescos inside are an outstanding example of Byzantine art.

You can enhance the Cappadocia experience and stay

overnight (optional and at extra charge) in a unique cave hotel

located in the ancient village of Urgup, which features cave

houses dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries before taking

the following morning. We return to the train for the day as we

journey across central Turkey.

Today as the train cars are uncoupled for a six-hour crossing

by ferry from Tatvan to Van, you may choose to observe the

intricate mechanical manoeuvres and accompany the train

by ferry or drive along the southern coast of the lake to Van,

stopping en-route at Akdamar Island to visit the stunning

Armenian cathedral whose walls are adorned with elaborate

bas-relief carvings of mostly biblical scenes.

Onward into Van we will navigate the old streets of the town

and marvel at the beautiful silver and hanging kilims (woven

carpets) made from natural dyes.

We head into Iran by night via the border crossing at Razi. The

arrival in Zanjan, with its 13th century mausoleum of Oljeitu, the

A morning arrival provides us with the day to explore the city

of Mashhad, which is home to the Imam Reza Holy Shrine, the

largest mosque in the world in terms of its dimension, followed

by a tour of the Nader Shah Museum. Following lunch in the

city, we will visit the Tomb of Ferdowsi, the father of Persian

literature who lived over 1,000 years ago.

cappadocia

DA

YS

8-9

van, lake van & akdamar island

DA

Y 1

0

zanjan

DA

Y 1

1

IRAN

mashhad

DA

Y 1

2

IRAN


yazd

DA

Y 1

3

IRAN

persepolis & shiraz

DA

Y 1

4

IRAN

Yazd is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world and a

centre of Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic faith founded in Iran

3,500 years ago. Our tour takes in the Zoroastrian Fire Temple,

Amir Chakhmagh Square and the 14th century Friday Mosque,

Following breakfast onboard we stop at Sadat Shaha, for the

home of Persepolis, another World Heritage Site. Perhaps Iran’s

most important archeological site, this ceremonial capital of

the Persian Empire dates back to the 6th century. Even now,

the ruins are extremely impressive. We also view the Necropolis

(Naghshe Rustam). After lunch we continue by bus to Shiraz.

Shiraz has many strings to its bow: poetry, literature, wine,

Gate, Hafez Tomb and the Vakil Citadel are the highlights of our

afternoon tour.

This enchanting city, which served as Persia’s capital from

1598 to 1722, is 2,500 years old and one of the oldest in Iran.

As a crossroad of international trade and diplomacy, Isfahan

has a rich mix of languages, religions and customs. The city

historical monuments, and its Life-Giving River, the Zayandeh-

Rood, which has given the city its beauty.

Isfahan is packed with some of Iran’s best sights and today we

spend a whole day in the city, visiting the Chehel Sotoon Palace

Square, a World Heritage Site and the second largest man-

Shah and Sheikh Lutfullah Mosques can be found. Here, the

time is yours to enjoy the huge square and pick up a bargain at

disembark the Golden Eagle Danube Express and transfer to

and the legendary Peacock Throne. Also we visit the Golestan

Palace with its renovated Versailles-inspired mirror-encrusted

Marble Throne Hall used for the coronation of the last Shah.

Most of the remaining brick and tile buildings date back to the

pioneering journey from Central Europe to the heart of Persia.

After breakfast the following morning you will be transferred to

the airport for onward departures.

tehran

DA

YS

16

-18

IRAN

Yazd

Ruins of Persepolis

Chehel Sotoon Palace, Isfahan

isfahan

DA

Y 1

5

IRAN




Rail cruising is a fantastic way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of the country. The programmes we offer

are carefully designed to balance generous amounts of relaxation, while voyaging across the vast landscapes with sightseeing

that opens a window into the soul and spirit of the places and communities we visit.

– no matter where you choose to explore.

rail cruising

golden eagle luxury trains

Golden Eagle Danube Express Onboard Staff Golden Eagle Danube Express

unique itineraries

Some days will be spent partly onboard the train providing

an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers different onboard

activities so you might spend the time attending talks on the

local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, tasting

wines, improving your photographic skills or simply soaking up

the atmosphere in the Bar Lounge Car.

Our rail cruise itineraries are planned and operated exclusively

by us and we never lose sight of the little things that really

matter to you so that you can experience our Voyages of a

Lifetime in a relaxed and informal manner.

Our itineraries are designed to turn dreams of a lifetime into

priceless memories and take in some of the most culturally

diverse destinations the world has to offer. With these countries

changing so rapidly, it remains an immensely exciting time

to visit, not to mention that it also offers some of the most

remarkable and iconic rail journeys in the world.

Each rail cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places,

and each day brings a new opportunity for discovery – another

chance to explore your world in a personal and meaningful way.

On a typical day the Golden Eagle Danube Express will

travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin.

Disembarking after breakfast the following morning you will be

whisked away by coach or on foot to explore, for example, the

sights and sounds of Cappadocia, Isfahan or Mashhad and at

the end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-

wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants. Enjoy pre-dinner

drinks in the Bar Lounge Car as we set off again to our next

destination. Then settle down with your travelling companions

in the Restaurant Car for a meal of local specialities and

There is no need to hurry, the Restaurant Cars accommodate

all the guests in a single sitting – so linger over coffee and

night-cap and listen to the resident pianist.

exploring remote landsin style and comfort

A TYPICAL DAY ONBOARD YOUR PRIVATE TRAIN

Budapest Istanbul Isfahan



what’s included in the tour price

EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS

Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel

knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities

allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive

exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and

their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arrival and departure transfers are included.

HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION

Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing

a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY

ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one

or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the

excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour

we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection

of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price.

DRINKS

A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is

included with lunch and dinner on and off the train. Drinks are

also included in the Bar Lounge Car from the standard bar list.

No alcoholic drinks will be served on or off the train in Iran but

a range of non-alcoholic beers and soft drinks will be available.

PORTERAGE

As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will

stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever

necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

ONBOARD SERVICE

You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive.

Your car attendants provide housekeeping and bedding turndown

services to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your

cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are

served to you in your cabin.

GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS

The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will

come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a

wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time

you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people

and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little

touches that help create magical memories.

PERSONAL HEADSETS

On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment

and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a

lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide

as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you

do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary

on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.

ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor

who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured

that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a

day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In

almost every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and be

ALL GRATUITIES

You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your

rail journey as all gratuities are included in the tour price.

As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements

which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal

insurance and laundry.



The Golden Eagle Danube Express restaurant cars are a delightful

venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by our Executive

Chef and his onboard restaurant team using the very best in

ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible. Depending on the

number of guests onboard, one or two of our restaurant cars will

be on every departure.

Enjoy the delights of an on-train breakfast each morning - a wide

selection of fruit, cereals, orange juice and cold plates are available

from our bountiful buffet. Alternatively enjoy a cooked breakfast

bought to your table by our waiting staff, all complemented by

steaming hot tea and coffee.

attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant

car. We offer a culinary experience that is a mixture of Hungarian

as well as international cuisine throughout the journey. Vegetarian

and other dietary options are also available.

All our meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an

excellent choice of wines from around the world, personally

selected by our Company Founder, Tim Littler, along with bottled

water, beer and soft drinks. Meals onboard are a relaxed affair as

the restaurant cars can accommodate all our guests in a single

sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code,

so you can enjoy our culinary experiences in convivial and relaxed

surroundings and with our open-seating policy you can dine

wherever, and with whomever, you please. No alcoholic drinks will

be served on and off the train in Iran.

dining onboard

Restaurant Car Onboard Cuisine

Onboard Cuisine



The social heart of the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the Bar

Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried

pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and

watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers

and begin long-lasting friendships. Perhaps read a novel to while

away the time or challenge your friends to a game of cards.

It is here that our Tour Manager will also organise a programme

of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries

throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure timings,

latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information

on the following day’s excursions and activities. The Bar

Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and

enlightening range of activities and engaging talks.

In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing

in the Bar Lounge Car. Every night the bar stays open until the

last person leaves.


relax in our bar lounge car

Bar Lounge Car Bar Lounge Car


deluxe cabinsgolden eagle danube express

Deluxe Cabin – Ensuite

Deluxe Cabin - Day Deluxe Cabin – Night


may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.

Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin

and toilet. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket and hairdryer.

A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are provided. Cabins have

individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches,

individual reading lights, power sockets and a safe.

Co-ordinated fabrics complement wood-panelled walls and brass

wardrobe provide ample storage whilst the large picture window and

full length mirror enhance the spacious feel. A second window will

open for fresh air and for that perfect photo opportunity.

During dinner each evening the living room is converted into two

comfortable lower beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring

you early morning tea or coffee.

Deluxe Cabins

5 x 2-bed cabins per carriage

Cabin size (inc. ensuite): 15’6” x 6’4” (474cm x 195cm)

Cabin area (inc. ensuite): 99.4 ft2 (9.24m2)

Bed size (each): 6’1” x 2’7½” (185cm x 80cm)

Private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and WC

Individually controlled air-conditioning

Two armchairs and a free-standing chair for daytime seating

Large picture window – opens partially, perfect for

photograph opportunities

Full length wardrobe and power sockets

Day

Night

Each Heritage sleeper carriage has nine sleeping cabins with an upper and lower bed. A shared

toilet is available at one end of the carriage and a shared shower at the other end.

9 x 2-bed cabins per carriage

Cabin size: 6’4” x 5’2” (194cm x 158cm)

Cabin area: 33 ft2 (3.06m2)

Upper bed size: 5’10” x 2’5” (176cm x 74cm)

Lower bed size: 6’1” x 2’5½” (185cm x 75cm)

Air-conditioned

Shared toilet facility and shower facility available at

opposite ends of the carriage

Full length couch provides daytime seating

Large picture window - opens partially, perfect for

photograph opportunities

Clothes hanging storage and power sockets

Heritage Cabins

Heritage Cabin – Day Heritage Carriage Corridor Heritage Cabin – Night

cabins may vary

Each cabin has wood-panelled walls, air-conditioning, power sockets

and hanging space. A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are

provided. A full length couch provides daytime seating. The large

picture window will open for fresh air and for that perfect photo

opportunity. During dinner each evening the cabin is converted into

two comfortable beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring

early morning tea or coffee.

heritage cabinsgolden eagle danube express


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