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Our ‘Heart of Persia’ tour is aimed at those who display true pioneering spirit; a distinctive adventure by
private train allowing you to immerse yourself wholly into the fascinating culture of Persia that will
delight and enthral with the potential for a surprise or two along the way.
heart of persia
golden eagle danube express
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com20
Shiraz
Mashhad
Kerman
Rayen& Mahan
Tehran
Isfahan
Persepolis
Yazd
Kashan
Sari
Susa& Shushtar
P e r s i a nG u l f
I R A N
IRAQ
SAUDI ARABIA
JOR
DA
N
AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
QATAR
KUWAIT
UAE
OMAN
Tour Route
February 22 – March 6, 2016 (available for charter only)
September 8 – September 21, 2016
October 23 – November 5, 2016
tehranIRAND
AY
1
tehran
DA
YS
2-3
IRAN
rayen & mahan
DA
Y 7
IRAN
sari
DA
Y 4
IRAN
kerman
DA
Y 6
IRAN
Arrivals day in Tehran where you will be met and transferred to
reception dinner, whilst you meet your fellow travellers on this
highly anticipated journey.
The highlight of our stay in Tehran is undoubtedly the visit to
of Iran Building, with its vast array of crown jewels used by the
explore the city’s Grand Bazaar, situated in the southern heart
of Tehran, it is a historical market with a seemingly never-ending
maze of bustling alleyways.
Late afternoon on Day 3 we transfer to Tehran railway station
Golden Eagle Danube
Express, our home for the next ten nights. Settle in to your cabin
and later enjoy dinner as the train heads overnight to Sari.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery today as our train climbs from
the coastal plane to the Iranian Plateau. Sari is a former capital
of Iran well known for its traditional architecture and a cluster
of three 15th century tomb towers; the Imamzadeh Yahya, the
Imamzadeh Abba and the Borj-e Soltan Zein-al Abedin. Sari
is located in the north of the country, between the northern
slopes of the Elborz Mountains and southern coast of the
Caspian Sea. Mid-afternoon our train will leave Sari and follow
the Talar River Valley. View the dramatic mountain scenery
and impressive viaducts on this beautiful section of the line
as we climb from the coastal plain through eleven horseshoe
360 foot high Verkesk Bridge to get up to the Iranian Plateau. A
stunning piece of Danish railway engineering, opened in 1937.
An early morning arrival provides us with the whole day to
explore the city of Mashhad, which is home to the Imam Reza
Holy Shrine, the largest mosque in the world in terms of its
dimension, followed by a tour of the Nader Shah Museum. After
lunch in the city, we will visit the Tomb of Ferdowsi, the father of
Persian Literature who lived over 1,000 years ago. Dinner on
the train as we head south.
The city has a mud-brick core centred around the historic and
very lively bazaar, where we will have free time. We’ll also visit a
restored and transformed into a museum. Wonderful frescoes
adorn the walls and wax dummies illustrate the workings of a
traditional bathhouse.
After breakfast we alight in Rayen. The 20,000 square metre
Rayen castle is situated beneath the snow capped Mt Hezar in
it was considered second only to Bam before the 2003
earthquake. Rayen displays all the architectural elements of
a deserted citadel (it was inhabited until 150 years ago) and
is extremely well preserved. It is considered one of the most
interesting sites in Iran. We continue by road to Mayan where we
visit the 19th century Royal building, Prince Garden and tomb.
Nematollah Vali, dating back to the Mongol Era. We rejoin the
train at dusk in time for dinner as we depart for Yazd.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 21
mashhad
DA
Y 5
IRAN
Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | HEART OF PERSIA
Golestan Palace, Tehran
Rayen Citadel, near Mahan
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
Yazd is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating
back over 3,000 years, and we spend the day here. Our tour
takes in the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Silent Towers, Amir
Chakhmagh Square and the Friday Mosque, home to one of
museum. Lunch will be served in the Moshir Garden Hotel which
features a lovely Pomegranate Garden (Yazd is famous for
pomegranates). We return to the train late afternoon.
This enchanting city, which served as Persia’s capital from 1598
to 1722, is 2,500 years old and one of the oldest in Iran. As a
crossroad of international trade and diplomacy, Isfahan has a
rich mix of languages, religions and customs
of great historical monuments, and its Life-Giving River, the
Zayandeh-Rood, which has given the city its beauty. Isfahan is
packed with some of Iran’s best sights and today we spend a
whole day in the city, visiting the Vank Church in the Armenian
Palace and Shah and Sheikh Lutfullah Mosques can be found.
Here, the time is yours to enjoy the huge square and pick up a
Following breakfast onboard we arrive in Sadat Shaha,
for the nearby ruins of Persepolis, another World Heritage
Site. Perhaps Iran’s most important archaeological site, this
ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire dates back to the
6th century. Even now, the ruins are extremely impressive.
Rustam. After lunch we continue by road to Shiraz.
Shiraz is Persia’s cultural Capital. Dating back over 4,000
years it is also known as the city of poets, literature, wine and
Citadel are the highlights of our afternoon tour.
the Fin Garden, Iran’s oldest garden dating from 1590 (a
World Heritage Site), and nearby Sialk Hills archaeological site,
dating back almost 8,000 years and Brojerdi and Taba Tabaei -
restaurant we can visit the impressive and ancient bazaar
most important centre for Persian carpets. As dinner is served
Zagros Mountains around midnight.
yazd
DA
Y 8
IRAN
persepolis & shiraz
DA
Y 1
0
IRAN
isfahan
DA
Y 9
IRAN
kashan
DA
Y 1
1
IRAN
22
a spectacular journey through the mountains before arriving in
Shushtar after an early lunch.
and still provides water to the town of Shushtar. We move on to
the Choghazanbil site dating back to 1250 BC and then tour the
ancient city of Susa before rejoining the train for dinner and a
of our journey on the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
This morning we visit the Golestan Palace (a UNESCO World
Heritage Site) with its renovated Versailles-inspired mirror-
encrusted Marble Throne Hall used for the coronation of the last
Shah. Most of the remaining brick and tile buildings date back
In the afternoon there is free time before our Farewell Gala
Dinner and an overnight at the Espinas Hotel.
Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your
Choghazanbil
Fin – Persian Gardens
Isfahan - Royal Square (Median Emam)
Persepolis
Shushtar ancient Hydraulic System
Tehran - Golestan Palace, Tehran
unesco world heritage sitesvisited on our tours
shustar, choghazanbiland susa
DA
Y 1
2
IRAN
tehran
DA
Y 1
3
IRAN
tehran
DA
Y 1
4
IRAN
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 23
Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | HEART OF PERSIA
Ruins at Shushtar
Choghazanbil
Tehran
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 3
Rail cruising is a fantastic way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of the country. The programmes we offer
are carefully designed to balance generous amounts of relaxation, while voyaging across the vast landscapes with sightseeing
that opens a window into the soul and spirit of the places and communities we visit.
– no matter where you choose to explore.
rail cruising
golden eagle luxury trains
Golden Eagle Danube Express Onboard Staff Golden Eagle Danube Express
unique itineraries
Some days will be spent partly onboard the train providing
an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold.
The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers different onboard
activities so you might spend the time attending talks on the
local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, tasting
wines, improving your photographic skills or simply soaking up
the atmosphere in the Bar Lounge Car.
Our rail cruise itineraries are planned and operated exclusively
by us and we never lose sight of the little things that really
matter to you so that you can experience our Voyages of a
Lifetime in a relaxed and informal manner.
Our itineraries are designed to turn dreams of a lifetime into
priceless memories and take in some of the most culturally
diverse destinations the world has to offer. With these countries
changing so rapidly, it remains an immensely exciting time
to visit, not to mention that it also offers some of the most
remarkable and iconic rail journeys in the world.
Each rail cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places,
and each day brings a new opportunity for discovery – another
chance to explore your world in a personal and meaningful way.
On a typical day the Golden Eagle Danube Express will
travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin.
Disembarking after breakfast the following morning you will be
whisked away by coach or on foot to explore, for example, the
sights and sounds of Cappadocia, Isfahan or Mashhad and at
the end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-
wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants. Enjoy pre-dinner
drinks in the Bar Lounge Car as we set off again to our next
destination. Then settle down with your travelling companions
in the Restaurant Car for a meal of local specialities and
There is no need to hurry, the Restaurant Cars accommodate
all the guests in a single sitting – so linger over coffee and
night-cap and listen to the resident pianist.
exploring remote landsin style and comfort
A TYPICAL DAY ONBOARD YOUR PRIVATE TRAIN
Budapest Istanbul Isfahan
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golden eagle luxury trains
what’s included in the tour price
EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS
Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel
knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities
allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive
exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and
their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION
Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing
a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY
ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one
or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the
excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour
we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection
of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price.
DRINKS
A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is
included with lunch and dinner on and off the train. Drinks are
also included in the Bar Lounge Car from the standard bar list.
No alcoholic drinks will be served on or off the train in Iran but
a range of non-alcoholic beers and soft drinks will be available.
PORTERAGE
As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will
stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever
necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.
ONBOARD SERVICE
You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive.
Your car attendants provide housekeeping and bedding turndown
services to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your
cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are
served to you in your cabin.
GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS
The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will
come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a
wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time
you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people
and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little
touches that help create magical memories.
PERSONAL HEADSETS
On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment
and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a
lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide
as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you
do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary
on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.
ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES
To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor
who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured
that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a
day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In
almost every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and be
ALL GRATUITIES
You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your
rail journey as all gratuities are included in the tour price.
As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements
which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal
insurance and laundry.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 5
golden eagle luxury trains
The Golden Eagle Danube Express restaurant cars are a delightful
venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by our Executive
Chef and his onboard restaurant team using the very best in
ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible. Depending on the
number of guests onboard, one or two of our restaurant cars will
be on every departure.
Enjoy the delights of an on-train breakfast each morning - a wide
selection of fruit, cereals, orange juice and cold plates are available
from our bountiful buffet. Alternatively enjoy a cooked breakfast
bought to your table by our waiting staff, all complemented by
steaming hot tea and coffee.
attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant
car. We offer a culinary experience that is a mixture of Hungarian
as well as international cuisine throughout the journey. Vegetarian
and other dietary options are also available.
All our meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an
excellent choice of wines from around the world, personally
selected by our Company Founder, Tim Littler, along with bottled
water, beer and soft drinks. Meals onboard are a relaxed affair as
the restaurant cars can accommodate all our guests in a single
sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code,
so you can enjoy our culinary experiences in convivial and relaxed
surroundings and with our open-seating policy you can dine
wherever, and with whomever, you please. No alcoholic drinks will
be served on and off the train in Iran.
dining onboard
Restaurant Car Onboard Cuisine
Onboard Cuisine
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golden eagle danube express
The social heart of the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the Bar
Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried
pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and
watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers
and begin long-lasting friendships. Perhaps read a novel to while
away the time or challenge your friends to a game of cards.
It is here that our Tour Manager will also organise a programme
of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries
throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure timings,
latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information
on the following day’s excursions and activities. The Bar
Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and
enlightening range of activities and engaging talks.
In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing
in the Bar Lounge Car. Every night the bar stays open until the
last person leaves.
golden eagle danube express
relax in our bar lounge car
Bar Lounge Car Bar Lounge Car
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 7
deluxe cabinsgolden eagle danube express
Deluxe Cabin – Ensuite
Deluxe Cabin - Day Deluxe Cabin – Night
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com8
may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.
Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin
and toilet. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket and hairdryer.
A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are provided. Cabins have
individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches,
individual reading lights, power sockets and a safe.
Co-ordinated fabrics complement wood-panelled walls and brass
wardrobe provide ample storage whilst the large picture window and
full length mirror enhance the spacious feel. A second window will
open for fresh air and for that perfect photo opportunity.
During dinner each evening the living room is converted into two
comfortable lower beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring
you early morning tea or coffee.
Deluxe Cabins
5 x 2-bed cabins per carriage
Cabin size (inc. ensuite): 15’6” x 6’4” (474cm x 195cm)
Cabin area (inc. ensuite): 99.4 ft2 (9.24m2)
Bed size (each): 6’1” x 2’7½” (185cm x 80cm)
Private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and WC
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Two armchairs and a free-standing chair for daytime seating
Large picture window – opens partially, perfect for
photograph opportunities
Full length wardrobe and power sockets
Day
Night
Each Heritage sleeper carriage has nine sleeping cabins with an upper and lower bed. A shared
toilet is available at one end of the carriage and a shared shower at the other end.
9 x 2-bed cabins per carriage
Cabin size: 6’4” x 5’2” (194cm x 158cm)
Cabin area: 33 ft2 (3.06m2)
Upper bed size: 5’10” x 2’5” (176cm x 74cm)
Lower bed size: 6’1” x 2’5½” (185cm x 75cm)
Air-conditioned
Shared toilet facility and shower facility available at
opposite ends of the carriage
Full length couch provides daytime seating
Large picture window - opens partially, perfect for
photograph opportunities
Clothes hanging storage and power sockets
Heritage Cabins
Heritage Cabin – Day Heritage Carriage Corridor Heritage Cabin – Night
cabins may vary
Each cabin has wood-panelled walls, air-conditioning, power sockets
and hanging space. A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are
provided. A full length couch provides daytime seating. The large
picture window will open for fresh air and for that perfect photo
opportunity. During dinner each evening the cabin is converted into
two comfortable beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring
early morning tea or coffee.
heritage cabinsgolden eagle danube express
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 9