The Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe features six luxurious rail carriages, which have been rebuilt from the original plans of the legendary train of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Elisabeth or 'Sisi' as she was popularly known was the 'Queen of Hearts' of her day.

We cater almost exclusively to private and corporate client groups ranging from only 20 (or less) to up to 180 guests -- we can also accommodate larger groups with additional nostalgic carriages.

Our carriages are built to the most modern standards, allowing them to be attached to regular trains in the case of smaller groups. We are therefore very flexible and able to adapt to your time preferences. If you are looking for exclusive city transfers, unforgettable day/evening excursions, incentive ideas, or other special events in this area of the world, we invite your to further explore our website or contact us directly

We do offer on occasion special journeys for individual travelers. You can find out more information about these events in our FIT section listed under Journeys.

To clarify something for some of our readers, we are not the Imperial Express, the train featured in the PBS Special, which ran between Budapest and Prague. That train was made up of old Hungarian carriages but has since gone out of business

ECHOES OF THE PAST
CULTURE AND CUISINE
PROGRAMME DEPARTING BUDAPEST
PRICE

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Echoes of the Past
The Original Imperial Train of the Austro-Hungarian Empire built in 1891 destroyed during WW I

A century ago, to travel by luxury steam train through the scenic splendor and ancient cities of Europe was to savor life at its finest - to feel and sense something intangible and unforgettable. These magnificent trains - with their exquisite carriages and luxurious decor - became as much a part of the traveling experience as the venerable cities and majestic countryside through which they rolled.

Lavishly designed for the nobility of Europe, the trains recall a bygone era when craftsmen labored for the sake of excellence and reputation, and when those endowed with life's privileges were certainly not averse to displaying their privilege. It was a quest for mechanical and aesthetic perfection that led to one of the most exquisite palaces on wheels ever, the Imperial train of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

The history of the Imperial train dates back to Pre-World War I Europe, a time when no expense was spared by members of ruling families and when high-ranking statesmen traveled by train in order to assure the utmost in comfort and luxury. It was also a time where the political make-up of Central Europe demanded extensive diplomatic travel on the highest levels. Most of the ruling Houses of Europe had their own elaborate royal carriages. These expensive carriages were of different design and from different manufacturers, and lacked the kind of continuity desired by Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria. It was his quest for perfection and consistency that led to the construction of one of the most exquisite jewels on wheels ever created, the Imperial Train of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Costing a true fortune, the Waggon and Tender Company Franz Ringhoffer & Smichow of Prague, was given the order by the ruling Habsburgs to build what would be known for decades as a state-of-the-art legend both in terms of luxury and technology. Sadly, all but one of these carriages was destroyed during WWI. The sole survivor displayed in the Technical Museum of Prague.

In the life story of this fabled train, one legendary name looms large. Claudius von Klaudy was his Majesty's Train Engineer, and always saw to it that the imperial couple traveled in the lap of luxury. This included slowing the train down to walking speed at exactly 5:30 am because this was the time the Emperor shaved. Even after having received 40 medals of Honor and being knighted by His Majesty, Klaudy never hesitated to climb on the steam engine and personally drive the locomotive through the night to assure safe passage. After five decades of hard service, he died in 1903 of a painful nerve condition, the loyal and humble servant to the end. His position was never replaced. Eyewitness accounts about this loyal servant are legion. The personal valet of the Emperor recorded the following incident.

"When we arrived in France, I asked the Honorable Klaudy for some French change to give to the porter, to which he simply replied, 'My dear friend, the Emperor of Austria only pays in gold.' He then proceeded to give the porter a gold coin."

After an elegant dinner on the train, the Emperor would retire to the smoking salon with his staff generals, and all of whom would literally "disappear in smoke." His personal physician, very concerned about the health effects of this habit, had servants keep exact records of the smoking activity. The Emperor never wanted bodyguards, and to the vexation of court security, always wandered freely among the people, claiming: "They'll do me no harm!" Often security officers dressed up as pedestrians, workers or hunters so that the Emperor could be shadowed for protection without him knowing it.

Empress Elisabeth of Austria loved to travel. Her beauty cast a powerful spell on those around her and her fame soon spread far beyond the frontiers of the Habsburg monarchy. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes passing by her window and the feelings they evoked, she frequently spent her time on the train reading and writing poetry. She affectionately captured these experiences, "...a destination only becomes desirable because the journey lies in between."

Some winters, to the delight of the Empress Sisi, both Franz Joseph and Elisabeth would "sneak" away together to the Riviera for some private time together. In order to remain incognito, they would simply attach their carriages to regular scheduled trains and travel as Count and Countess of Hohenems. This way they would not have to be officially received by the local Head-of-State. Of course the news that the Austrian Emperor was in town would spread like wildfire.

WELLNESS, CULTURE AND CUISINE TAKE THE IMPERIAL SALOON CAR TO A MANOR HOUSE BALL

DREI HUSAREN RESTAURANT
Founded by a member of the nobility in 1933, this restaurant offers everything that makes good living what it is in Vienna - the grandeur of a palace, the
charm of top-class service and the pleasures of a cuisine with unique traditions

MAJESTIC IMPERATOR
Turn back the clock to a bygone era on a faithful replica of the imperial court train. Experience a luxury railway journey amid the splendors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Enjoy an unforgettable trip from Vienna to Budapest in the same style as the court of their Majesties Elisabeth and Franz Joseph I.

SZIDONIA MANOR HOUSE
A heaven of leisure and relaxation. Who wouldn't want to turn back the clock, switch of and be pampered in the fairytale atmosphere of a centuries-old mansion? This dream comes true at the Szidónia Manor House. Relax in a stately home surrounded by glorious parkland, and if you're feeling active benefit from a comprehensive wellness program.

TRAVEL LIKE THE EMPEROR
Experience a unique journey in total comfort with Imperial City Tour. The Majestic Imperator luxury train takes you to heritage locations for holidays in elegant surroundings. The kind of travel that was once the preserve of the European nobility and the moneyed classes can now be a reality for you. Get to know the best of Vienna and Budapest, and threat yourself to stay at the Szidónia Manor House Hotel en route.

RADISSON SAS PALAIS HOTEL
This 5-star hotel on the historic Park ring boulevard gives you the best of both worlds - the elegance of two Rig strasse palaces and modern standards of comfort Sights of the city like the State Opera and St. Stephen's Cathedral are just a few minutes' walk away

GERBEAUD
The Gerbeaud is more than just coffeehouse; it is Budapest's most time-hallowed meeting place. Enjoy the splendid surroundings and let yourself be transported in time to the days when European aristocracy congregated here. No one who has missed the Gerbeaud has seen Budapest.

SZENTENDRTE AND GODOLO
Szentendre is a town of arts and museums. It gives home to the Hungarian open Air Museum exhibiting the folklore architecture and culture of the Carpathean basin. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Kovács Margit Museum, is also located here.

The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy's ruling couple Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Queen Elizabeth built this castle and its 71-acre park. They frequently stayed in the Grassalkovich Mansion built in " Hungarian Baroque" style in the 18th century.

PROGRAMME DEPARTING BUDAPEST

Sunday

• 12 noon
  Welcoming cocktail and lunch at the Gerbeaud restaurant
  Transfer to Keleti Station
  Departure on then Majestic Imperator luxury train
• 3.30 pm
  Cocktail on the train
  Arrival at the Vienna Westbahnhof (Western Station)
  Transfer to the Radisson SAS Palais Hotel
• 8.30 pm
  Welcoming cocktail and dinner

Monday

Guided tour of central Vienna, including a tour to the Hofburd an the Lipizzaner Museum and visit to the Imperial Hofzuckerbäcker (patisserie), Demmel's Free time for museums, opera, theatre and shopping

Tuesday

• 3.41 pm
  Lunch at Drei Husaren restaurant
  Departure from Vienna Südbahnhof (South Station) on the Majestic Imperator
• 7.37 pm
  Arrival at Fertöszentmiklós
  Transfer to the Szidónia Manor House
  Welcoming cocktail and candlelight dinner

Wednesday

Swimming-pool and sauna included
Wellness and beauty treatments on request
Evening ball in the Manor House ballroom, with banquet and live music

Thursday

• 10 am
  Brunch
• 11.45 am
  Departure from Fertöszentmiklós on the Majestic Imperator
  Farewell cocktail on the train
• 3.48 pm
  Arrival at Keleti Station

Friday

• 9am
  Departure from your hotel to Szentendre and Godollo
  Privet car guide, lunch and entry fees are include
  This is on all day programs.

PRICE

DANUBIUS HOTEL GELLERT (one night stay)

• The room includes buffet breakfast, admission to the famous Gellért pools and spa area, local tax and VAT. The use of bathrobes and safe deposit boxes are free of charge. Children under 12 sharing the parents' room are free of charge.
• complete program six (6) days in the past and present: The first tour from Budapest to Vienna starts on May 26, 2002 From Sunday to Friday.
• double room from €1974 /person
• Additional single rooms from €1931 /person