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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Continental Capitals

Nine-day rail journey through Cologne, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Illustration of Continental Capitals

Marvellous Escapes' Continental Capitals is a 9-day tailor-made rail holiday connecting five major European cities: Cologne, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Beginning in Cologne, the itinerary moves eastward by train through Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, with overnight stays in each city. You travel independently at your own pace, using hop-on-hop-off bus passes to explore Prague and Vienna's museums, palaces and historic squares, and walking the Danube riverbanks in Budapest. Train journeys between cities occupy roughly three days; the remaining five days are spent discovering each destination's architecture, culture and landmarks. The pace feels relaxed with two-night stays in the three largest cities, allowing time to rest between rail segments. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a structured but unguided multi-country journey, couples looking for leisurely city exploration, and history enthusiasts drawn to Central European capitals.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1,649 includes the return UK flight and rail fares, but final cost depends on hotel tier chosen for each city.
  • Day 3 and Day 4 are both overnight in Prague; you visit the same destination across two days rather than moving to a new city.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Journey from London to Cologne, travelling via Brussels. After checking in, explore the city, perhaps Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River or a traditional beer hall.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Berlin

    Berlin

    After breakfast, continue by train from Cologne to Berlin. Explore the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, remains of the Berlin Wall and the city's neighbourhoods.

  3. Day 3overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Spend a full day exploring Prague at your own pace with the 48-hour hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus pass, taking in Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square.

  4. Day 4overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Continue exploring Prague's landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock, the New Town Hall, and the Baroque Library and Mirror Chapel.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, board a high-speed train from Prague to Vienna for a two-night stay. Explore at leisure, perhaps trying Sachertorte or visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, a full day exploring Vienna with a city card: the Museumsquartier, Wiener Staatsoper, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Spanish Riding School, a Danube scenic cruise, and the Belvedere and Schönbrunn Palaces.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Leisurely morning in Vienna before a high-speed train southeast into Hungary, arriving in Budapest for a two-night stay. Explore the Danube riverbank and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

  8. Day 8overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Explore the 'City of Spas' at your own pace: the Széchenyi Baths, the House of Terror Museum, the Inner-City Franciscan Church, the Aquincum Roman ruins, and the Funicular up to Castle Hill. In the evening, unwind on a Danube River cruise with buffet dinner, drinks and live music from the Rajkó Folk Orchestra.

  9. Day 9

    Return home

    After breakfast, a private transfer from your hotel to Budapest Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Train journey from Cologne to Berlin, then explore the Brandenburg Gate and remains of the Berlin Wall.
  • Day 5High-speed train from Prague to Vienna for a two-night stay in Austria's capital.
  • Day 8Evening Danube river cruise in Budapest with buffet dinner, drinks and live music from the Rajkó Folk Orchestra.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Cologne & Berlin
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Prague, Vienna & Budapest
  • Seamless rail travel throughout your holiday
  • Private transfer to Budapest Airport
  • Return flight to the UK
  • Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours in Prague, Vienna and Budapest

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Train travel from London to Cologne via Brussels, Cologne to Berlin, Prague to Vienna (high-speed), and Vienna to Budapest (high-speed). All rail fares are included in the package price.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Marvellous Escapes describes it as a tailor-made rail holiday. You explore each city at your own pace, though hop-on-hop-off bus passes and a Danube river cruise with dinner are included.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation in all five cities, rail travel throughout, return flight to the UK, private transfer to Budapest Airport, hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Prague, Vienna and Budapest, and a Danube river cruise with buffet dinner and live music in Budapest.
How long do you stay in each city?
One night each in Cologne and Berlin, two nights each in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.
What is the starting price?
From GBP 1,649 per person (approximately USD 2,202).

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