How much does it cost?

From £1,649 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,227 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

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.

How long do you stay in each city?

One night each in Cologne and Berlin, two nights each in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Continental Capitals

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

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.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at £1,649 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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

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.
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.
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.
Day 4overnight: Prague
Prague
Continue exploring Prague's landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock, the New Town Hall, and the Baroque Library and Mirror Chapel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

How much does it cost?: From £1,649 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,227 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
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.
How long do you stay in each city?: One night each in Cologne and Berlin, two nights each in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.