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Rail Escape

Central Europe Tour: Berlin, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna

Nine-day rail tour of Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna by first-class train.

Illustration of Central Europe Tour: Berlin, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna

Rail Escape's Central Europe Tour is a 9-day first-class rail journey connecting four of Central Europe's most significant capitals. Beginning in Berlin, the tour explores the city's Prussian heritage, museums, and remnants of divided history before traveling by train to Munich, where baroque palaces and vast gardens await. From Munich, rail continues to Salzburg, home to Mozart's birthplaces and a UNESCO-listed Old Town beneath a fortress perched above the city. The journey concludes in Vienna, where the imperial Ringstrasse showcases grand museums, palaces, and the grandeur of Habsburg rule. Each city offers two nights in a 4-star hotel near the train station, daily breakfast, and a balance of guided highlights and independent wandering. This pace suits history lovers, first-time rail travellers, and couples seeking an introduction to Central European culture without rushing between destinations.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package excludes lunches, dinners, local transportation within cities, entrance fees to museums and attractions, and local tourism taxes.
  • Some regional trains may offer second-class seating only, despite the package describing first-class rail travel throughout.
  • Airport transfers are provided, but flights to and from Europe are not included and must be booked separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Arrive in Berlin

    Welcome to the German capital! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Get your bearings by exploring the area around the iconic Brandenburg Gate and visiting the moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. [Night in Berlin]

  2. Day 2overnight: Berlin

    Discover Berlin

    Today, experience Berlin's most famous sights like the Reichstag, Berliner Dom cathedral, the East Side Gallery portion of the Berlin Wall, and grand museums like the Pergamon on Museum Island. You could also explore vibrant neighborhoods like Kreuzberg or the Turkish district along the Landwehr Canal. [Night in Berlin]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Munich

    Travel to Munich

    After breakfast, depart Berlin and take the train to the Bavarian city of Munich. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Get your first taste of Munich at the famous Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall glockenspiel clock show. [Night in Munich]

  4. Day 4overnight: Munich

    Munich's Top Attractions

    Today, explore highlights like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek museum housing a renowned collection of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden, one of the world's largest city parks. [Night in Munich]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Salzburg

    Journey to Salzburg

    Leave Munich after breakfast and travel by train into Austria to the city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend the afternoon strolling through Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town, visiting sites like Salzburg Cathedral and seeing some of the filming locations from "The Sound of Music." [Night in Salzburg]

  6. Day 6overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg's Highlights

    Today, continue exploring Salzburg's top attractions like the incredible Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest preserved castles in Europe. You can also visit Mozart's birthplace and residence, and sample delicious local food specialties like kasnocken pasta. [Night in Salzburg]

  7. Day 7railovernight: Vienna

    Travel to Vienna

    After breakfast, depart Salzburg and take the train to the Austrian capital of Vienna. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend the evening strolling along the grand Ringstrasse and seeing sights like the Hofburg Palace and Rathaus (Town Hall). [Night in Vienna]

  8. Day 8overnight: Vienna

    Vienna's Ringstrasse

    Devote today to experiencing the incredible architecture lining Vienna's Ringstrasse including the Opera House, Burgtheater, Volksgarten park, and magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral in the historic center. You may also want to visit one of the city's excellent museums. [Night in Vienna]

  9. Day 9

    Depart Vienna

    On your final morning in Vienna, consider visiting the sumptuous Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. If time allows, you could also stop at one of Vienna's famed coffee houses like Cafe Central before departing for your next destination.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Berlin and explore the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
  • Day 3Train to Munich and see the Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall glockenspiel clock show.
  • Day 5Train to Salzburg and walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and Salzburg Cathedral.
  • Day 6Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest preserved castles, and Mozart's birthplace.
  • Day 7Train to Vienna and stroll the grand Ringstrasse, viewing the Hofburg Palace and Rathaus.

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the package price?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel between Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. Some regional trains may offer only second-class seating.
What hotels are included?
The package includes 4-star hotels: Adina Apartment Hotel Hackescher Markt in Berlin, 25 hours the royal bavarian in Munich, Dorint City Hotel Salzburg in Salzburg, and Hotel Imlauer Vienna in Vienna. Each hotel has two-night stays.
What meals are included?
Daily full breakfast is provided at all hotels. Lunch, dinner, and other meals are not included.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure are included in the package.
What is not included?
International airfare, entrance fees to attractions and museums, local transportation within cities, meals beyond breakfast, local taxes, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, and excursions are not included.
How much time do I have in each city?
Two full days and nights in each of the four cities, allowing time to explore independently or join optional activities.

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