Golden Eagle Luxury Train FAQs

What is included in the price?

• All private train and hotel accommodation, as detailed in the itinerary.
• All meals, beginning with dinner on the first day and concluding with breakfast on the last day of the tour (note: this may vary slightly on some tours; please consult your specific itinerary).
• A generous selection of complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee with all lunches and dinners, both on and off the train (unless otherwise specified).
• All arrival and departure transfers.
• Guided sightseeing excursions when off the train.
• The expertise of experienced tour leaders.
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water available 24 hours a day.
• All gratuities.
• The services of an on-board doctor.

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What is not included in the price?

• International and domestic airfares
• Visas
• Excess baggage charges
• Travel insurance

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Additional Information

• Included Bar Drinks: Complimentary drinks from the bar, including local and international beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and sparkling wines. Note: Premium wines and champagnes are chargeable.
• Laundry: Complimentary laundry service is included for Imperial Suite passengers. Silver and Gold Class passengers must pay for personal expenses such as laundry.
• Optional Activities: Some tours may include occasional optional activities, which must be paid for locally.

_{Onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, all Bar Lounge drinks are inclusive at all times.}

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Who is responsible for booking flights?

LuxuryTrainTickets is a train booking service, and we do not get involved with the booking of flights; this will need to be organised by you. For your inclusive transfer, you can let us know your flight details so that we can organise a seamless transfer to your first destination.

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Is insurance needed, and do you provide it?

It is a booking requirement that you have comprehensive medical insurance to cover any expenses incurred during your trip.

We strongly advise purchasing cancellation insurance, such as through TravelEx or TravelGuard, in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from travelling. Please note that we do not offer this type of insurance.

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What kind of hotels will I stay in during the tour?

The tour price includes hotel accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, with all hotels being 5-star standard or the highest quality available. Room upgrades can be requested and are subject to both availability and an extra charge.

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Do I need to tip when I am on the tour?

The Golden Eagle team handles all gratuities on your behalf, as they are already included in the tour price. Passengers are kindly asked not to offer tips to crew, hoteliers, drivers, or other service providers.

Instead, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains encourages passengers to notify management of any exceptional service. This allows the company to appropriately reward the staff member in question.

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What currency will I need to bring?

For Golden Eagle tours, the accepted onboard currencies are US Dollars and Euros. Please note that only cash payments are accepted at this time. For Golden Eagle Danube Express tours, the onboard currency is Euros, and only cash payments are accepted.

You may run a 'tab' for onboard items and settle the total amount at the end of the tour. The only onboard expenses to budget for are laundry services, additional bar purchases, and souvenirs.

For your convenience, each cabin is equipped with a safe for storing valuables, including cash.

We advise passengers to carry small denominations and clean US dollar bills for use during excursions. Off-train spending will primarily be for souvenirs and shopping, which can typically be paid for in local currency or, in some cases, in US Dollars. Your Tour Manager or guides will provide advice on changing money, if necessary.

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Can passengers use/pay with credit cards and traveller’s cheques?

Train Payments: These must be made in cash only. ATM facilities are now available in all major towns and cities located along the train routes.

Hotel Payments: All the hotels used accept major credit cards.

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What happens when I arrive at the airport/train station

Upon arrival, a Golden Eagle Luxury Trains representative will meet you, holding a Golden Eagle sign.

For guests arriving by air, this meeting point will be located after you have gone through immigration, collected your luggage, and cleared customs.

The representative will then assist with your transfer to the hotel.

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What happens if I miss my flight, or I am delayed?

Before departing, clients will be issued a 24-hour Emergency Contact Card along with their final documentation. This card is an essential resource, providing the telephone numbers for our representatives both in their destination country and our UK office. Clients can use these contacts to call the appropriate person immediately should any problems arise.

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Is there a recommended time of arrival on the first day?

For your convenience, we suggest an arrival time between 11:00 and 16:00. This allows ample time before the Welcome Dinner, typically scheduled for 19:00-20:00.

Please note that standard hotel check-in time is usually between 14:00 and 15:00. Early check-in is subject to hotel availability and may incur an extra charge.

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Is there a recommended time of departure on the last day?

You are free to depart on the final day at any time. The standard hotel check-out time is 12 noon; however, secure luggage storage will be provided. Requests for a late check-out are subject to the hotel's availability and may incur an extra charge.

Do I need to make any special prior arrangements if I am travelling with medication?

It is strongly advised that clients obtain medical clearance before travelling and ensure they have an adequate supply of any necessary prescription medication.

If you are travelling with prescription medication, you must inform us when booking. This is so the Golden Eagle team can notify the on-board tour doctor in advance. This is especially critical for sedatives (such as sleeping pills) or strong painkillers, as these are often classified as 'narcotics' in many Central Asian and Eastern European countries.

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Are any special vaccinations required?

Clients must consult their doctor or local travel clinic for the most current advice on necessary vaccinations, if any, for overseas travel. We are not authorised to provide medical advice.

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What is the average age of the passengers?

While there are no official age restrictions for these tours, they are primarily geared toward and popular with travellers aged 55 and over, with the average age being 65.

Please note that some tours may not be appropriate for younger children; we recommend confirming suitability when you book.

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Are there any minimum passenger requirements?

All rail tours are subject to a minimum passenger requirement to operate. If this minimum is not met, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains reserves the right to make modifications, which may include offering a reduced service by attaching carriages to regular service trains for smaller groups, or proposing an alternative tour. A full refund will be provided if a suitable alternative cannot be arranged.

The Golden Eagle train has a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, although many tours will operate with fewer numbers, resulting in a shorter train and more intimate group settings as unfilled cars are left behind.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express can accommodate a maximum of 62 passengers.

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On Board The Train

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Are there any luggage restrictions?

Due to limited space inside the cabins on the Golden Eagle, we recommend using soft-topped luggage as it is easier to store. Please note that luggage cannot be stored under the beds.

A dedicated luggage storage area is available at the end of each carriage. Your cabin attendants will be happy to assist you with unpacking and storing your empty luggage in this area.

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What is the dress code on board?

Daytime: The dress code for both on and off the train (Golden Eagle and Golden Eagle Danube Express) during the day is casual.

Evening: For the evenings, we recommend smart casual attire.

Winter Tours (Golden Eagle): For winter tours, we advise bringing ski-type jackets and trousers, along with thermal underwear. The train itself is kept warm, so normal indoor clothing can be worn while aboard. Hats, gloves, and warm boots can be provided by the train, provided passengers inform us of their shoe size in advance.

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What type of footwear is required?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for all tours, as some walking is required. We suggest footwear with a rubber sole to help prevent slipping.

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Do I need to take my own toiletries?

Each cabin is equipped with a hairdryer, towels, bathrobes, and slippers. Luxury toiletries, such as shower cream, shampoo, and conditioner, are also provided.

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What language are the tours conducted in?

The primary language for the tour will be English. Guides in other languages may be available for selected departures where specified (subject to minimum participant numbers) or can be requested at an extra charge. For details, please contact us.

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Can you cater to my dietary requirements?

The Golden Eagle will be happy to accommodate most dietary requirements. You will be contacted after booking to provide details of any specific needs.

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Where can I socialise on board?

The Golden Eagle and the Golden Eagle Danube Express both feature the Bar Lounge Car, which serves as the train's social hub. This popular space is open for all passengers to enjoy for as long as they desire.

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What activities are available on board?

Guests aboard the Golden Eagle can select reading materials from the Bar Car Library. Depending on the specific journey, there might also be lectures and presentations given by a featured Guest Expert. For in-cabin entertainment, each cabin offers an on-demand library of TV documentaries and films.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers some afternoon activities onboard, though most afternoons will be dedicated to off-train excursions and exploring each destination.

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Is there a set time for dinner?

The daily programme, which will be provided in your cabin each evening, will specify the scheduled meal times. Guests may dine at their convenience within the designated time windows.

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Can I dine in my cabin?

Guests aboard all Golden Eagle trains have the option of a full dining service in the Restaurant Car. Alternatively, lighter dining options can be enjoyed in the privacy of their cabin.

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Can I smoke on board?

The Golden Eagle and the Golden Eagle Danube Express are non-smoking trains.

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Is WiFi available on the train?

There is WiFi available on board the Golden Eagle and Golden Eagle Danube Express, which is powered by a router

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What is the mobile phone coverage like?

In areas with low population density, mobile phone service may be limited or restricted. Please contact your service provider for details regarding coverage.

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Will I need a plug adaptor?

Golden Eagle:

• Each cabin is equipped with 110 V (DC) and 220 V (AC) sockets.
• These are suitable for recharging video camera batteries and for use with electric shavers.
• We recommend packing extra camera batteries for your journey.

Golden Eagle Danube Express:

• Each Deluxe cabin features two 220 V European two-pin sockets.
• It is advisable to bring a suitable adaptor if you plan to use multiple electrical appliances simultaneously.

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Are beauty treatments available on board?

These amenities are not offered on either train. However, they may be available at the hotels you stay at during off-train periods.

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What opportunities are there for exercise during the tour?

Most of the hotels used on the tour provide gym facilities. While neither of the trains has on-board exercise facilities, the tours themselves do involve a moderate amount of walking.

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Booking Information

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How do I book?

You can book online, call us on +44 203 608 1621 or email us at info@luxurytraintickets.com. If there is a journey you are interested in booking, we can hold a provisional space for you for 7 days, after which the booking will expire. If you wish to proceed, we will send you an invoice or a payment link for a deposit payment (if you are booking far enough in advance. Refer to the deposit terms below.) A deposit payment will hold your cabin.

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When is my deposit due?

Once you have confirmed that you are ready to proceed, we will send you an invoice or a payment link for a 25% deposit. The deposit payment will need to be paid within 24 hours of receiving the invoice. Deposits are non-refundable.

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When is my remaining balance due?

Your remaining balance will be due 60 days before departure. Our team will set a reminder to contact you just before this date comes up. Once the balance has been paid, a cancellation made less than 60 days before your journey will result in a 100% loss of your booking

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When will I receive my travel documents?

Your important information guide, including specific tour details and any necessary visa information, will be sent to you by email approximately 3-4 months before your departure date.

Your final itinerary and travel documents will follow 4 weeks before departure. These will be received electronically.

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Do you issue tickets?

The Golden Eagle does not issue physical tickets. All boarding information and timings will be printed on our final itinerary and travel documents, and the details of your transfer will be organised before you arrive in your starting country.

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Can I extend my holiday?

Yes! There are pre- and post-journey extensions for all tours. Just get in touch with us to find out more.

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