Is the train travel included in the price?

Yes. Roundtrip rail from London, the OBB NightJet sleeper train from Brussels to Vienna, the EuroNight sleeper train from Budapest to Krakow, and day trains between Budapest and Krakow, Krakow and Berlin, and Berlin and Cologne are all included, as well as the return journey from Cologne to London.

Is this an escorted tour or independent?

This is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions at each major stop (Schonbrunn Palace, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau). You have leisure time to explore cities at your own pace using included hop-on hop-off sightseeing passes. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.

What accommodation is included?

Hotel stays with breakfast included in Brussels (1 night), Vienna (3 nights), Budapest (2 nights), Krakow (3 nights), Berlin (2 nights), and Cologne (1 night). Two nights are aboard sleeper trains.

What sightseeing is included?

Schonbrunn Palace tour with dinner and classical concert in Vienna, 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing passes in Vienna and Budapest, a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus and cruise experience in Berlin, a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow, and a guided group tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

When does this trip depart?

Marvellous Escapes publishes no departure dates in their standard listings; contact them directly to confirm available dates and book a custom departure.

How much walking and physical activity is involved?

The trip involves city walking using hop-on hop-off passes, guided excursions to historical sites, and leisure exploration of city centres. The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour includes descending underground, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour is a guided historical site visit.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Central Europe by Sleeper Train

Fifteen-day Central European rail loop: Brussels to Cologne via Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Berlin

Marvellous Escapes' Central Europe by Sleeper Train is a 15-day independent tailor-made rail journey from Brussels to Cologne, passing through Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, and Berlin. Two nights are spent aboard European sleeper trains, the OBB NightJet from Brussels to Vienna and the EuroNight from Budapest to Krakow, adding a distinctive travel element to the experience. The itinerary balances guided excursions with leisure time. In Vienna, a full day includes a guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace followed by dinner and a classical concert. In Krakow, you have visits to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Each city includes hotel accommodation with breakfast and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass for independent exploration. The journey suits repeat rail travellers seeking sleeper-train experiences, history lovers drawn to Central European heritage sites, and independent explorers who want structured highlights paired with free time. Roundtrip rail from London is included, as is 24-hour on-trip support.

What to know before you look closer

Two of the 15 nights are aboard sleeper trains; the remainder are hotel stays with varying night counts per city (1 to 3 nights)
The package is independent with guided excursions at each major stop, not a fully escorted tour; free time and self-exploration form a large part of the days
The itinerary includes a rail journey from London to Brussels and Brussels to Cologne to connect with the Continental portion; confirm exact London station details and any rail-pass validation requirements with Marvellous Escapes

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Brussels
Brussels
Begin your journey with a rail transfer from London to Brussels. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the historic centre or renowned cuisine.
Day 2railovernight: onboard sleeper train
Brussels
A day at leisure to explore Brussels: the Grand Place, local museums, or the city's famous cafes and chocolate shops. In the evening, board the OBB NightJet sleeper train for your overnight journey to Vienna.
Day 3overnight: Vienna
Vienna
Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel. Begin exploring the Austrian capital with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.
Day 4overnight: Vienna
Vienna
Continue discovering Vienna using your sightseeing pass, visiting famous museums, the historic centre, or a traditional Viennese cafe.
Day 5overnight: Vienna
Vienna
Visit the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by a classical concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss.
Day 6railovernight: Budapest
Budapest
Travel by rail from Vienna to Budapest. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps with an evening stroll along the Danube.
Day 7overnight: Budapest
Budapest
Discover Budapest with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass, exploring Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Day 8railovernight: onboard sleeper train
Budapest
A free day to explore Budapest at your own pace, perhaps relaxing in one of the city's famous thermal baths or visiting local markets. Later, board the EuroNight sleeper train for your overnight journey to Krakow.
Day 9overnight: Krakow
Krakow
Arrive in Krakow and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this historic city, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town.
Day 10overnight: Krakow
Krakow
A guided visit to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, descending underground to discover tunnels, chambers and intricate carvings created from salt.
Day 11overnight: Krakow
Krakow
A guided excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most important and moving historic sites in Europe, learning about the history of the Holocaust.
Day 12railovernight: Berlin
Berlin
Make your way to the station for your rail journey from Krakow to Berlin. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 13overnight: Berlin
Berlin
Discover Berlin with your included 24-hour hop on hop off sightseeing bus and cruise experience, exploring the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Museum Island and Alexanderplatz.
Day 14railovernight: Cologne
Cologne
Continue your journey by rail from Berlin to Cologne. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to visit Cologne's cathedral, the Old Town, or the Rhine.
Day 15rail
Return home
Board your train from Cologne to Brussels before continuing onwards to London, reflecting on your incredible Central European adventure.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Evening departure aboard the OBB NightJet sleeper train from Brussels, with overnight arrival in Vienna
Day 5Guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, followed by dinner and a classical concert featuring Mozart and Strauss
Day 8Evening boarding of the EuroNight sleeper train from Budapest for the overnight journey to Krakow
Day 10Guided descent into the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with underground tunnels and chambers carved from salt
Day 11Guided excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of Europe's most significant Holocaust memorial sites

Included

Overnight hotel accommodation in Brussels & Cologne with breakfast included
3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna & Krakow with breakfast included
2-nights hotel accommodation in Budapest & Berlin with breakfast included
2-nights sleeper train accommodation
Roundtrip Rail from London
Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Vienna, Budapest & Berlin
Schonbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
Krakow: Group Tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?: Yes. Roundtrip rail from London, the OBB NightJet sleeper train from Brussels to Vienna, the EuroNight sleeper train from Budapest to Krakow, and day trains between Budapest and Krakow, Krakow and Berlin, and Berlin and Cologne are all included, as well as the return journey from Cologne to London.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?: This is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions at each major stop (Schonbrunn Palace, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau). You have leisure time to explore cities at your own pace using included hop-on hop-off sightseeing passes. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.
What accommodation is included?: Hotel stays with breakfast included in Brussels (1 night), Vienna (3 nights), Budapest (2 nights), Krakow (3 nights), Berlin (2 nights), and Cologne (1 night). Two nights are aboard sleeper trains.
What sightseeing is included?: Schonbrunn Palace tour with dinner and classical concert in Vienna, 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing passes in Vienna and Budapest, a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus and cruise experience in Berlin, a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow, and a guided group tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
When does this trip depart?: Marvellous Escapes publishes no departure dates in their standard listings; contact them directly to confirm available dates and book a custom departure.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?: The trip involves city walking using hop-on hop-off passes, guided excursions to historical sites, and leisure exploration of city centres. The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour includes descending underground, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour is a guided historical site visit.