Champagne Express (Westbound)

Venice is a truly captivating city of romance; its unrivaled beauty takes away the breath of first-time visitors and regulars alike. Included in our time in Venice is two nights at the iconic five-star Hotel Danieli. The hotel enjoys a spectacular location and is only a short stroll from St Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.

Today we will have the opportunity to take a walking tour around the highlights of this spectacular city. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Villa Sandi Winery. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring this magnificent city at your leisure, maybe taking an iconic gondola ride in the basin of St. Mark’s or see St Mark’s Basilica. On our first evening, we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel, giving you the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and learn more about your journey through this fascinating part of Europe.

Today we arrive into the pretty Italian city of Verona, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. A walking tour of the city’s famous sites combined with a trio of tasting sessions at various local delicacies will serve as lunch including wine for us. With Freedom of Choice touring options available this afternoon you could visit a Verona wine cellar complete with archeological excavations, or take a short journey out to a nearby Olive Mill to learn how to make olive oil with a hands-on demonstration.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the Golden Eagle Danube Express winds its way along the Côte d’Azur and arrives into the fashionable principality of Monaco. Today you have a choice of either visiting Monte Carlo and Grasse; or Monte Carlo and one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, St Paul de Vence.

Grasse is the Perfume capital of France and late afternoon we take a visit to Parfumerie Fragonard. There you’ll have a hands-on experience creating your very own perfume. The guided tour of St Paul de Vence will include a 14^thcentury wine cellar visit, allowing you to sample the Rhône Valley’s best bottles, as well as a wide range of Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Eaux-de-Vie, Liqueurs. This evening we return to the train for dinner hosted by our on board staff.

Today we travel on to the Provence region of France. We start the day exploring Chateau d’Esclans on elevated land near the beautiful Gorges de Pennafort. Here we will enjoy a private tasting of the Whispering Angel and its classic Côtes de Provence rosé. An exclusive lunch at the elegant, Michelin stared Restaurant Bruno will cap off our visit to the region.

This morning we will follow the scenic Thone Valley to Tain L'Hermitage. With Freedom of Choice touring options available, this afternoon either take a visit to the winery and vineyards of Paul Jaboulet Ainé or cross the river for a special steam-hauled train on the narrow gauge Vivarais Railway.

Overnight our train will travel from the Rhône Valley to Burgundy and we will awake in Beaune, situated in the heart of the Côte d’Or.  Today we will have a tutored tour of the unique and prestigious cellars of the Drouhin family, coupled with a visit with private access to the Hospices de Beaune, including areas not normally open to the public; based on the true story of Maurice Drouhin and his courageous activities during the Second World War.

Overnight we head north through the rolling hills of the Côte de Nuits and Dijon on our way to Champagne. Mid-afternoon we arrive in Épernay for an exclusive visit to Hautvillers Abbey. Here, you will learn all about the history of Dom Pérignon with a Champagne tasting.

A tour of the world-famous Champagne Moët & Chandon cellars followed by a truly memorable gastronomic 4 course Champagne tasting lunch on the Moët Estate.

Take in more stunning scenery of the French countryside as you enjoy a delicious, locally sourced breakfast on the train as we pass through the Montagne de Reimson our way to the Roman city of Reims. H

ere we begin the day with a visit to the awe-inspiring 13^th century gothic cathedral and the cellars of Krug. A tour of the beautiful Montagne du Reims will follow, travelling down the scenic ‘Route du Champagne’ meandered among the vineyards and picturesque villages, offering a charming rural landscape.

After breakfast, we will arrive at the Gare de l’Est station in Paris where you will transfer for a two-night stay at the five-star Intercontinental. After check-in, you have the morning to get settled in. We will reconvene for lunch at the hotel before taking a Freedom of Choice touring option to enjoy either a visit to Château de Chantilly or the fun Musee des Arts Forains.

Our first evening will be a very special occasion at the ornate and recently restored Restaurant Train Bleu at the Gare du Lyon. Gildings, carvings, mouldings, chandeliers and frescoes adorn its walls along with dozens of paintings illustrating the views of the cities and sceneries passengers have seen from trains departing the station since 1849. This restaurant is a designated 'historic monument'. 

Today we offer a city tour of Paris passing famous sights such as the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Lunch will be served on board our private yacht as we sail on the Seine complete with canapes and champagne.

This afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel or do some shopping for some last-minute souvenirs. Tonight, we toast the success of the tour at our farewell dinner at the hotel, complete of course with champagne.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward departure. There is the option to extend your stay in Paris to explore more of the city at your leisure.