Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Europe's Imperial Heart

Europe's Imperial Heart, a rail journey with Marvellous Escapes

Explore Europe by rail from London to Prague, Vienna and Budapest, with castles in Bavaria and Romania, scenic journeys and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Travel by rail from London to Cologne via Brussels. Explore the old town or admire Cologne Cathedral before your overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Munich

    Munich

    High-speed train from Cologne to Munich, through the Rhine Valley. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Marienplatz, historic architecture, or a beer hall.

  3. Day 3overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Full-day excursion to Bavaria's fairytale landscapes: the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and the elegant Linderhof Palace.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Prague

    Prague

    Train from Munich through Bavarian and Bohemian countryside to Prague. Check in and start exploring the Old Town, the Astronomical Clock, and the Vltava River.

  5. Day 5overnight: Prague

    Prague

    First full day exploring Prague with your hop-on hop-off bus pass: the Astronomical Clock, the New Town Hall, and the Baroque Library and Mirror Chapel.

  6. Day 6overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Second day with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Scenic train journey from Prague to Vienna. Check in to your hotel and explore Austria's imperial capital at leisure: grand boulevards, historic architecture and traditional cafés.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, followed by a VIP classical concert with priority access, a welcome drink, front-row seating, coat check and an exclusive VIP programme booklet.

  9. Day 9overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Full day at leisure in Vienna: historic streets, world-class museums, elegant cafés, and the Ringstrasse.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    After breakfast, travel southeast from Vienna to Budapest by high-speed rail. Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay and begin exploring, including the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and the parliament buildings.

  11. Day 11overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    After breakfast, discover Budapest at your own pace with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass: Buda Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion, and the Central Market Hall.

  12. Day 12overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Second day of the hop-on hop-off pass: the historic streets of Buda, Castle Hill views, a Danube River cruise, or the city's thermal baths, before the final overnight stay.

  13. Day 13railovernight: Onboard sleeper train

    Overnight Sleeper Train

    Travel by rail from Budapest to Brașov aboard an overnight sleeper train, journeying east towards the Carpathian Mountains.

  14. Day 14overnight: Brașov

    Brasov

    Arrive in Brașov, a medieval city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Free time to explore the old town, the Black Church, and the mountain backdrop.

  15. Day 15overnight: Brașov

    Brașov

    Guided small-group tour of Transylvania: Bran Castle (linked to the Dracula legend), Râșnov Fortress, and Peleș Castle.

  16. Day 16railovernight: Bucharest

    Bucharest

    Travel by rail from Brașov to Bucharest. Free time to explore the city's grand boulevards, Belle Époque architecture and café culture.

  17. Day 17overnight: Bucharest

    Bucharest

    Full day at leisure in Bucharest, exploring historic neighbourhoods, museums and landmarks at your own pace.

  18. Day 18

    Return home

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

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Cologne with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Munich, Brasov & Bucharest with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Prague, Vienna and Budapest with breakfast included
  • Rail travel from London and return flights to UK from Bucharest
  • Overnight sleeper train from Budapest to Brasov
  • Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof
  • Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Small-group tour Bran, Rasnov, and Peles Castles

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