Balkans

Upon arrival in Venice, transfer to our hotel, located a short stroll from St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Walk through the winding lanes beside the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square for a look at the exquisite interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, which was constructed in the 11th century to house the relics of St. Mark, purportedly stolen from Alexandria by Venetian merchants. Afterward, stroll through the Rialto Market before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.

Depart the hotel by boat for Santa Lucia station to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express and embark on our grand journey. Our first stop is Trieste, an Italian port city nearly surrounded by Slovenia that was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Visit the Unity of Italy Square and climb to the Cathedral of San Giusto with its filigreed Gothic rose window. Return to the train for dinner and overnight on board.

Arrive this morning in Slovenia and venture to Postojna Cave Park, an underground world of caverns adorned with glittering stalactites and stalagmites. This afternoon in Ljubljana, stroll Prešeren Square in the medieval Old Town and cross Triple Bridge to the Ljubljana Central Market, which stretches along a covered colonnade to Dragon Bridge. Sample fresh fruits and Slovenian cheeses from the brightly colored stalls and handcarts of the open-air market. Continue our journey on board this evening.

Early this morning, arrive in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the place where Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, setting off World War I. Visit the Tunnel Museum under Sarajevo Airport, which served a critical role during the Bosnian War, when Serbian and Yugoslav forces besieged and shelled the city of Sarajevo for over 1,000 days, the longest siege in the history of modern warfare. Return to the train for lunch as we ride to Mostar. Visit the Old Town, with its famous bridge, Stari Most, and tour the rooms and private gardens of Kajtaz House, a representation of how the upper class lived in the 16th century. Continue by road to Dubrovnik and check in to our hotel for a one-night stay. 

Begin our exploration of Dubrovnik with a tour of the Franciscan Monastery and its church. Then visit the Museum of Dubrovnik in the Rector’s Palace with its artifacts, furniture, and paintings. Return to Mostar to reboard the train and depart for Serbia.

Today we call at Belgrade, which was once the capital of a united Yugoslavia. Visit the House of Flowers, built in 1975 as a retreat for Josip Broz Tito and which now serves as his burial place. Continue to Kalemegdan Fortress, named by the Turks and meaning “fortress amid battlefields.” This ancient citadel includes what is left of the Roman fort of Singidunum and the Byzantine fortifications that followed. Return to the train for overnight.

Arrive this morning in Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital and the town where Mother Teresa (now Saint Teresa) was born and raised. See the monument that stands in her honor, then stroll the flagstone streets of the Old Bazaar, teeming with displays of hand-loomed carpets, antique silver, and spices, as well as old caravanserais that have been transformed into restaurants and cafés. Located in the Turkish quarter where it has operated since the 12th century, Skopje’s Old Bazaar is the largest in the Balkans. Return to the train for dinner on board and the journey overnight to Bulgaria.

Embark on a city tour this morning to see Sofia’s major landmarks, including the 4th-century St. George Rotunda, the 6th-century St. Sofia Church, and the 19th-century Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its world-famous icons and frescoes. At the National History Museum, take in an incredible collection of Bulgarian artifacts, jewelry, costumes, and works of art. Stop at the Banya Bashi Mosque, one of the oldest in Europe, before returning to the train for lunch. We continue to Plovdiv to visit its Old Town, filled with Bulgarian Revival architecture, and its 2nd-century Roman amphitheater.

Bid farewell to the Golden Eagle Danube Express this morning and check in to our hotel in Istanbul. Today we see Topkapi Palace, the palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. Wander the four main courtyards, which include the treasury and the palace kitchens, where an extensive collection of Chinese celadon porcelain is on display.

Marvel at the legendary Blue Mosque with its six minarets and layered domes, before continuing to Hagia Sophia, which is decorated with colored stone from around the world and adorned with some 30 million mosaic tiles. We also head below the city to the Cistern of Theodosius and enjoy free time at the Spice Bazaar. Conclude our epic journey with an afternoon cruise along the Bosphorus and a festive farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights bound for home.