Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has announced a special guest speaker to join the upcoming Paris to Istanbul journey on 23 May sharing insights and stories on the much-loved author. This magnificent eight-day odyssey traversing seven European countries on the gorgeous Danube Express train has a focus on culinary excellence and supreme wines, along with the scenery history and culture Golden Eagle is known for.

Enhancing this special departure will be presentations from distinguished academic, historian and acclaimed speaker, Dr Mark Aldridge. A world recognised authority on Agatha Christie, he has numerous publications including Agatha Christie's Marple: Expert on Wickedness (2025) and his work has featured across national UK TV and in publications such as The Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Most recently, he consulted on Netflix's new series, Agatha Christie's Seven Dials. Dr Aldridge said he is honoured to be onboard with guests discussing her life and work on the very route that inspired her. “This journey has a powerful place in literary and cultural history”.

In addition, guests will experience one night at the legendary Pera Palace Hotel where Christie famously stayed and is believed to have written parts of Murder on the Orient Express.

From Paris, guests travel to the famed Champagne region of France for private tasting and tour of a three-generation family-owned champagne house. Traversing the Alps across Switzerland into Austria where a highlight is a private classical concert by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

Like all Golden Eagle journeys, curated off-train excursions are included:

• Travel through the Semmering Pass, renowned for its 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels
• Discover the spectacular Postojna Caves by private guided tour
• In the Champagne region, enjoy a private tour and bespoke tasting at the renowned J-Lasalle champagne house, a distinguished vineyard that has been operated by three generations.
• An exclusive private concert of classical masterpieces by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra

All European tours travel on the much-loved Golden Eagle Danube Express with the elegant style, service and comfort Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is renowned for. Meals onboard are a true highlight prepared by the team of Chefs, while the bar is the social hub of the train.

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains packages are fully inclusive of private ensuite rail accommodation, all exquisite meals and drinks, personal cabin attendant service, fully guided off-train excursions, all gratuities and transfers, plus premium hotels pre and post tour and a UK registered medical doctor on board. Visit https://www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com/

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