All aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express! I was lucky enough to join this luxurious private train as they welcomed 45 travel professionals from all over the world aboard a shortened version of their "Castles of Transylvania" itinerary, travelling from Istanbul to Budapest through four different countries in three days. 

Golden Eagle Trains share a similar history to Trailfinders, starting out, and remaining a family operated business. The founder and CEO Tim Littler - who joined us on our voyage - was an early pioneer for long-distance travel in the 1960s. The Trans-Siberian journeys are the company's most well-known routes, but they also now offer tours through the Silk Road and Europe on the original Orient Express routes. 

A welcome party was held on the sun-soaked rooftop terrace at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet for drinks and canapés overlooking Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. We were presented with leather document wallets and hand-written tickets tied with gold ribbons before we travelled by coach to Halkali station. The excitement and anticipation continued to build as we saw the red carpet rolled out on the platform, the glossy blue and white carriages awaiting passengers and the impeccably presented crew who were lined up to welcome us onboard as the train's resident saxophonist serenaded the group.  

The dress code for the first night onboard was black and gold, so everyone donned their finest dresses and tuxedos for a champagne reception in the saloon car, before a delicious eight course gala dinner.

The second day began with a leisurely breakfast as the Danube Express wound its way through Bulgaria's spectacular autumnal forests. We had an educational training session before lunch, then we got to participate in a confectionery master class led by the train's Head Pastry chef. This offered a behind-the-scenes insight into the craftsmanship that goes into every dish prepared on board. Later than afternoon, we arrived in Brasov, Romania.

We returned back to our sleeping carriages in the evening and continued our journey through the night to Hungary. Upon arrival in Kecskemét, we enjoyed a morning of traditional performances, a Puszta horse show and a horse-and-cart ride. After a another delicious three course lunch onboard, the train arrived into Budapest-Nyugati Station, the end point of our adventure. We were given a royal welcome with a 15-piece brass band performing on the platform as heartfelt good-byes were exchanged with new friends from far and wide.

In Brasov, we transferred to the iconic Bran Castle for an after-hours feast in the castle's turret, complete with a string quartet playing and a visit from Count Dracula himself. This was a unique and memorable experience not available to the public. 

I stayed in a Deluxe Cabin which was ornately decorated with wood panelled walls and plush L-shaped sofas that convert to single beds at night. Signature Deluxe Cabins offer double beds, and all are ensuite. On arrival, our bags were already in our rooms which made it a seamless and effortless start to the journey. 

All Golden Eagle journeys are fully inclusive of fine-dining, premium drinks, and off-train excursions, so the bar (which remains open until the last guest leaves) is the perfect place to while away the hours over conversations, cocktails and live music. 

Look out for special seasonal departures, such as "New Year in Vienna" which includes visits to Christmas markets, a waltzing lesson, and an off-train Gala Dinner in Vienna's City Hall. Also, if you would like to explore Turkey as a part of this rail journey, a new 9-day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia is being launched in 2026.

It is easy to see the appeal of luxury rail trips: waking up in a new destination every day, without the need to keep repacking bags, in much more comfort than a flight, while also being better for the environment. Far more than just a mode of transport, the Golden Eagle offers cultural immersion, slow meaningful travel and exceptional onboard hospitality.