Uniworld added a second "cruise and train" (cruisetour package) itinerary in Europe in 2022, a combination growing in popularity for travelers in Europe but offered by few river shipping companies.
Finding success with its "Cruise & Rail" program (via partnership with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains), Uniworld launched the new itinerary "Castles of Transylvania and Enchanting Danube", with 2 departures - one 12-days, and the other 13-days, enabling tourists to explore Eastern Europe.
Uniworld's Cruise & Rail program was launched in 2021. The company's CEO Ellen Bettridge said that the partnership with Golden Eagle Trains (UK's "Trans-Siberian Express" operator) was a new way to give passengers the chance to explore various destinations across several countries in one trip with a variety of modes of transport.
"Every year, we focus on innovation in the river cruise space. To bring this programming to life, we needed a partner that aligned with our five-star standards, and we're fortunate to find that in Golden Eagle Luxury Trains through existing industry relationships."
Even though various luxury train travel options are available (day trains/overnight sleepers in Uniworld-operated destinations - like India and Peru) the company said Europe was the best choice to lean into its rail venture.
The first Cruise & Rail itineraries complement Uniworld's newly transformed SS La Venezia/fka River Countess, venturing to destinations not visited by the company before.
The 13-day version of Uniworld's newest Cruise & Rail itinerary starts with an overnight hotel in Budapest (Hungary), followed by 4 nights on the Golden Eagle train and a return to Budapest to embark on a 7-day Danube River voyage through Austria before ending in Passau (Germany Bavaria).
The 12-day "Enchanting Danube & Castles of Transylvania" voyage is in the opposite direction and doesn't include an overnight hotel in Budapest.