Ever since I first read Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, I’ve thought a long train journey–the kind that takes several days, where you get your own sleeper compartment and mingle with intriguing strangers in a restaurant or observation car–would be very romantic. Sans the murder, of course. I tried train travel once, many years ago, from Vermont to Delaware. It was a 14 hour overnight journey. But without the sleeper car, let’s just say it wasn’t quite the positive experience I was hoping for.
Why am I telling you this? Because Danube Express Journeys is offering the kind of romantic train trips so many of us have dreamed of aboard the Danube Express. Travel through the Central European countryside in style enjoying your own Classic Single compartment. The part that should be very appealing to solo travelers is that they’re not charging a single supplement. According to the press release:
New for 2010, solo passengers can travel onboard this gleaming hotel-on-wheels without paying a surcharge. . . .
Once part of the Hungarian government fleet, these historic cars were used by officials and visiting dignitaries. Now fully refurbished, they retain original features such as wood panelling and elegant furniture.
With just five compartments per car, they are ideal for single travellers, providing them with their very own onboard haven. . . .
As the ever-changing scenery glides by, kick back in the privacy of your own compartment or join fellow passengers in the Lounge car for relaxed conversation. Without the fuss of formal dress, so often required on cruise trains, join other passengers for a drink before dinner, always a sociable and informal affair.
I don’t know about you, but that just sounds so great to me. And get this: They offer a Transylvanian Journey, where you get to visit sites associated with the legend of Dracula. How cool is that? (The 6 day Hapsburg trip looks outstanding, too.) I wish I could afford it, because it really appeals to my geeky little heart. Which brings us to the cost.
A Transylvanian Journey costs £2,490 per person for three nights on board the Danube Express in a Classic Single compartment with all meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, as well as a full sightseeing program. Obviously, these tours are not geared toward the budget traveler. But for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it sounds pretty awesome.
To learn more about DEJ’s destinations, journeys, and prices as well as how to book, go to the Danube Express Journeys website.
on Feb 11th, 2010 at 2:06 am
Awww… we would have LOVED to do that but the price tag makes it unreachable…unless we hop on board when the train is heading out. We could provide the mystery of the “extra guests!”
I took an overnight train trip that had a sleeper car and diner from Shanghai to Beijing. I would highly recommend that trip! (much more affordable too)
on Feb 11th, 2010 at 2:34 am
Nice to see you here, Aly! Thanks for the tip on the Shanghai train. Sounds good!
on Feb 14th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Wow- for 3 days! A handful of people I know have talked about doing a Transylvania route… One luxury train experience I have on my wishlist is the Palace on Wheels or Deccan Odessey (in India) where you get to tour the country like a Maharaja. The package seems affordable- 7-8 days for a similar cost or less (but not sure how much it is for single occ.) For now, i'm pretty budget but one can dream…
on Feb 14th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Exactly, Christine. We can all dream. That Maharaja tour sounds pretty cool! Nothing like being treated like royalty. :-)