Geographic Expeditions

Paris to Istanbul Aboard the Golden Eagle

Switzerland countryside with train tracks

Experience Europe's Grand Passage

Traverse the heart of Europe aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, traveling in elegant comfort through France, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Türkiye. This rail journey links great capitals with lesser-known cultural treasures, offering meaningful access to the history, artistry, and landscapes that shape the region. From the elegance of Paris and Vienna to the vibrant energy of the Balkans, each stop reveals a distinct chapter of Europe’s story.

Vienna, Austria
Istanbul, Turkiye
Champagne, France
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Paris, France

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What to Expect

This journey is operated by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, award-winning specialists in luxury rail experiences and our premier rail collaborator. You’ll join a broader group of travelers, with Golden Eagle overseeing the trip. Throughout the journey, revel in rare access visits, expert guiding, and thoughtful immersion into the region's cultural treasures.

This itinerary is also available in reverse, traveling from Istanbul to Paris.

Trip Highlights

Sample world-renowned Champagne in the vineyards and historic cellars of France’s celebrated Champagne region

Attend private performances by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra and Bulgaria’s acclaimed Vanya Moneva Choir

Explore Slovenia’s extraordinary Postojna Caves, a vast underground world of limestone formations

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Belgrade and Sofia, where Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences converge

Upcoming Departures

  • May 17 – May 24, 2026
    Istanbul to Paris
  • May 23 – May 30, 2026
    Paris to Istanbul
  • September 6 – September 13, 2026
    Istanbul to Paris
  • September 12 – September 19, 2026
    Paris to Istanbul (This departure offers a continuing journey to Cappadocia; please call for details.)
  • October 11 – October 18, 2026
    Istanbul to Paris
  • May 16 – May 23, 2027
    Istanbul to Paris
  • May 22 – May 29, 2027
    Paris to Istanbul
  • October 6 – October 13, 2027
    Paris to Istanbul

Trip Pricing

  • Group Trip: From $19,800

    Based on double occupancy

Inclusions

All handpicked accommodations, ground transportation, and airport transfers

All guided sightseeing, events, and experiences

Top-tier expedition leader and lecturers

Most meals

All gratuities

Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance

Dedicated support from GeoEx’s travel experts and in-house air reservations team

Your Route Through Europe

Journey at a Glance

  1. Pouring Champagne in France
    Day 1 – 2

    From Paris to Champagne

    Arrive in the City of Lights and settle in before gathering for a welcome dinner. The next morning, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express and travel into the rolling hills of the Champagne region, exploring vineyards, cathedrals, and estates while savoring world-class sparkling wine.

  2. Golden Eagle Danube Express
    Day 3

    Journey Across the Alps

    Travel through the Austrian countryside and over the Alps. Arrive in Vienna for dinner, followed by a private classical concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

Why Book with GeoEx

Luxury rail journeys demand expertise. Every border crossed, timetable met, and transfer arranged shapes how the journey unfolds. With GeoEx, that care begins long before you step aboard. Our team supports you with required visas, thoughtfully planned international flights, and a 24-hour global safety net that remains in place throughout the trip. Settle into your rail journey with confidence, knowing every detail is expertly managed.

Safety Net

All GeoEx travelers are covered by 24/7 emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and advisory services.

Learn More

Travel Support

We guide you through the travel visa process to ensure smooth travels and can coordinate your international flights at no additional cost.

No Hidden Fees

We never charge credit card fees. When you book with GeoEx, transparency is part of the relationship, from the first conversation through the journey home.

Ready for adventure?

Let's bring the trip you've been dreaming of to life.