Train | Charlotte's VVeb

Explore Eastern Europe on the Danube Express

26/11/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

As interest in rail holidays continues to rise, the Danube Express has introduced its most flexible service yet, with independent and fully escorted holidays both offered. Among the highlights of the train’s all-new programme for 2010 is a series of grand tours that are reminiscent of a bygone era yet boasting many of the comforts of modern day living.

Launched in the Autumn 2008, the gleaming Danube Express is a distinctive ‘hotel on wheels’ that whisks passengers on a voyage of discovery through stunning scenery to the heart of some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and destinations of architectural heritage.

The 2010 Danube Express programme will include a choice of four Fully Escorted Holidays and six Danube Express Journeys with departure dates in May, June and September. Danube Express Journeys include an itinerary with a full sightseeing programme, all meals plus complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks and the services of a Train Manager. New for 2010, guests can opt for a Combined Journey, which joins together two or more journeys to create a greater adventure. Fully Escorted Holidays additionally include rail or air travel from the UK, half-board accommodation in 4* hotels, additional sightseeing, transfers, porterage and the services of a Tour Manager throughout. There is also the option available at a supplement, to travel from or return to the UK by rail, for those who prefer not to fly.

A blend of modern comfort and traditional service, the Danube Express offers a relaxing way to tour Central Europe without the fuss of formal dress, so often required on cruise trains. Deluxe twin compartments with lower beds and an en suite shower and WC offer that touch of extra comfort. For single travellers, the nostalgia-inducing Classic compartments exude the charm and elegance of an earlier age.

Related Images:

The Danube Express Transylvanian Journey

20/10/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

With the new sequel to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Dracula The Un-Dead) published in time for Halloween, fans of all things spooky may be inspired to visit Dracula’s homeland – Transylvania. Waiting to whisk passengers on a relaxed voyage of discovery of the region is the Danube Express’ brand new Transylvanian journey which includes a visit to Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle.

Passengers will experience a Transylvanian journey very different to that of Jonathan Harker’s in Dracula, with deluxe twin compartments offering lower beds and en suite shower and WC facilities, breakfasts cooked to order and delicious dinners served each evening. Travelling in the comfort of a gleaming hotel-on-wheels, passengers encounter stunning scenery and ancient architecture as they embark on a journey from Budapest to Istanbul.

En route guests explore Sighişoara, a preserved medieval town and rumoured birthplace of Dracula, and Braşov, home to Bran Castle, one of many locations in Romania linked to the Dracula legend. Journeying through the Carpathian Mountains and through rural Bulgaria, further highlights ahead of arrival in Istanbul include the ancient capital city of Veliko Turnovo, and the capital of the Valley of Roses, Kazanlak.

Related Images:

Greenbee Classic Russia Tour

07/04/200917/10/2016 by Charlotte J

Greenbee was launched by John Lewis to provide insurance for your home, car, holidays, weddings and even your pets. However, the website www.greenbee.com offers much more than just insurance and offers a specialist travel service including group tours to Russia. From just £1630, Greenbee will whisk you off on an 8-day, flying to Moscow from London Heathrow with British Airways.

The tour group then stays at the Marriott Tverskaya Hotel for three nights. During the first full day in Moscow, the tour group visits Red Square, Moscow State University, Novodevichy Convent, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and St Basil’s Cathedral. If you want some time off in the afternoon there is the option of personal leisure time or a visit to Tretyakov Gallery.

On the third day, the tour visits Sergiev Posad, built around the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, one of Russia’s most important religious and historical landmarks. The final day in Moscow is spent at the Kremlin, Russia’s apex of political power. Here you visit the Patriarch’s Palace, Cathedral Square and the Armoury Museum which contains the greatest collection of British silver in the world, in addition to treasures accumulated by the Russian state and church.

A four hour train journey takes you to St. Petersburg where the tour group stays at the Ambassador Hotel for four nights. The following day, a tour visiting sights such as Nevsky Prospekt, Vasilevsky island, Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the Peter and Paul Fortress, is provided. During the afternoon, the tour goes to the Yusupov Palace and attends a canal boat cruise.

The sixth day of the tour is dedicated to one of the largest museums in the world, the Hermitage, which contains a vast collection of European masterpieces. The penultimate day in Russia is spent at Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin, followed by an afternoon visit to Peter the Great’s Summer Palace and gardens. Finally, before jetting back to London’s Heathrow, a brief visit to St Issac’s Cathedral is made.

During the trip, should any of the tour desire to see an opera or ballet performance in either Moscow or St. Petersburg, tickets can be pre-booked through Greenbee Specialist Travel.

Fore more information, visit Greenbee.