Golden Eagle Luxury Trains - Grand Alpine Express Brochure

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, founded by Tim Littler in 1989 as GW Travel Ltd and rebranded in 2012, is the world's leading provider of luxury long-distance rail journeys. Based in Altrincham, Cheshire, England, the company took over operation of the Danube Express in 2015, establishing one of Europe's most celebrated private luxury trains. The Grand Alpine Express is an 11-day itinerary aboard the Danube Express, sweeping through the dramatic mountain scenery of Central Europe and combining capital cities, alpine lakes, and the Italian Lake District into a single all-inclusive journey. Prices historically started from £7,495 per person, reflecting the premium five-star service provided throughout.

The Grand Alpine Express Route

The Grand Alpine Express connects some of Central Europe's most captivating destinations across eleven days. Passengers travel through Budapest and Vienna, two of the region's great classical capitals, before continuing into the valleys of the Swiss Alps. The journey takes in the Italian Lake District and the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia, where a medieval island castle rises from the water against a backdrop of the Julian Alps. Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, offers Baroque architecture and a compact old town. The itinerary concludes with time in Milan, a city renowned for its fashion, design, and culture.

Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express

The Danube Express carries up to 62 passengers, giving it an intimate character quite different from conventional rail travel. Accommodation is offered in two cabin grades:

• Superior Deluxe cabins – king-size bed (190 cm x 152 cm), two large picture windows, full-length wardrobe, and an en-suite bathroom with shower
• Deluxe cabins – convertible beds for two guests, armchairs, and an en-suite shower room with hot water

All cabins include individually controlled air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, a personal safe, and reading lights. The Bar Lounge Car serves as the social heart of the train, with a resident pianist, while dedicated restaurant cars feature menus crafted by an executive chef using locally inspired cuisine and wines personally selected by the company founder.

All-Inclusive Luxury Rail Travel

Golden Eagle journeys are fully inclusive: meals, drinks, gratuities, expert-guided shore excursions, and transfers are all covered in the fare. The company's approach centres on slow, immersive travel – passengers spend nights on the train as it moves between destinations, waking to new landscapes each morning. Expert guides accompany every departure, and excursions are arranged at each stop so travellers can explore at a managed pace without the logistics of independent travel.

About Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

Founded by Tim Littler, whose love of railways began watching steam trains at Altrincham station as a child in 1958, the company ran its first Trans-Siberian tour in 1996 and officially launched its flagship Golden Eagle train at a ceremony presided over by HRH Prince Michael of Kent in 2007. In addition to European routes on the Danube Express, Golden Eagle operates the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express and the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, with itineraries spanning Central Asia, India, and China. The company's head office remains in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Golden Eagle Luxury Trains still operating?

Yes. As of 2026, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd continues to operate luxury rail journeys across Europe, Central Asia, India, and China. The company runs scheduled departures each year aboard the Danube Express, the Golden Eagle, and the Silk Road Express. Current timetables and availability are listed on their official website at goldeneagleluxurytrains.com.

What is the difference between Deluxe and Superior Deluxe cabins on the Danube Express?

Superior Deluxe cabins are larger (around 8.6 m² including the bathroom) and feature a fixed king-size bed, two picture windows, and a full-length wardrobe. Deluxe cabins use convertible beds that transform between daytime seating and sleeping configuration, and are slightly more compact. Both grades include an en-suite shower room.

What is included in the Grand Alpine Express fare?

All Golden Eagle Danube Express journeys are fully inclusive. The fare covers all meals and drinks on board, expert-guided excursions at every stop, transfers, gratuities, and accommodation in your chosen cabin grade. Flights to and from the start and end points are not included.

How many passengers does the Golden Eagle Danube Express carry?

The train accommodates a maximum of 62 passengers per departure. This deliberately small capacity keeps the experience intimate and allows for personalised service from the cabin attendants, who are on call around the clock.

Which countries does the Grand Alpine Express visit?

The 11-day Grand Alpine Express itinerary passes through Hungary (Budapest), Austria (Vienna), Slovenia (Lake Bled and Ljubljana), Switzerland (the Alps), and Italy (the Lake District and Milan). Exact routing and stop durations can vary slightly by departure date.

Is the Golden Eagle Danube Express ABTA or ATOL protected?

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd is a UK-based tour operator. Customers booking through UK travel agents should confirm ABTA membership and ATOL protection at the time of booking. For current protection details, contact Golden Eagle Luxury Trains directly via their official website.

This 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 Grand Alpine Express itinerary. For current details, visit the company's official website.