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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

European Grandeur by Rail

13-day Central Europe rail journey from Prague to Budapest via four capitals

Illustration of European Grandeur by Rail

Marvellous Escapes operates a 13-day rail and escorted holiday through the capitals and historic towns of Central Europe. Departing from the UK, the journey begins in Prague, where three nights allow exploration via a hop-on-hop-off bus pass of Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and the castle. From there, four RailJet trains carry you south through Bohemia to Český Krumlov (a UNESCO-listed medieval town on the Vltava River), then onward through Austria: the Danube valley town of Linz, and Vienna, where an exclusive after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace includes a concert in the Orangery and fine dining. The final leg brings you to Budapest for three nights, where another hop-on-hop-off pass provides access to the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and the Fisherman's Bastion. The itinerary balances guided experiences and private time, suiting couples, first-time rail travellers, and history enthusiasts who prefer logistical support alongside leisure.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 includes arrival by flight from the UK; rail travel begins on day 4, making the first three days Prague-based before the rail journey proper commences.
  • The final hotel tier in each city depends on the selected accommodation option; the pack lists no specific hotel names, only star ratings and breakfast inclusion.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Fly from the UK to Prague. Private transfer to your hotel, with time to settle in and perhaps a gentle stroll through the historic streets or a first taste of Czech cuisine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Prague

    Prague

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

  3. Day 3overnight: Prague

    Prague

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

  4. Day 4railovernight: Český Krumlov

    Český Krumlov

    After breakfast, travel south by rail into South Bohemia, arriving in Český Krumlov. Check in and explore this UNESCO-listed town, with views of the Vltava River beneath the hilltop castle.

  5. Day 5overnight: Český Krumlov

    Český Krumlov

    Private guided walking tour of Český Krumlov's Old Town, then free time to visit the castle grounds, browse local shops, or relax by the river.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Linz

    Linz

    After breakfast, continue by rail from Český Krumlov to Linz, crossing into Austria via České Budějovice through the Danube Valley. Free time to explore the riverfront and the Hauptplatz.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, board the train from Linz to Vienna. Check in for a two-night stay and explore the city's historic streets, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Exclusive after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace, culminating in the Great Gallery, followed by fine dining and a classical concert of Mozart and Strauss in the Orangery.

  9. Day 9overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, a full day at leisure to explore Vienna, perhaps using the hop-on hop-off pass, visiting the Belvedere Palace, or strolling along the Danube, before a second overnight stay.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    After breakfast, travel southeast from Vienna to Budapest by high-speed rail. Check in to your hotel and begin exploring Budapest's grand architecture, including the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and 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, the Central Market Hall and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge.

  12. Day 12overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

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

  13. Day 13

    Return home

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4After breakfast, travel south by RailJet into South Bohemia, arriving in Český Krumlov with views of the Vltava River beneath the hilltop castle.
  • Day 5Private guided walking tour of Český Krumlov's Old Town, then free time to visit the castle grounds or relax by the river.
  • Day 8Exclusive after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace, culminating in the Great Gallery, followed by fine dining and a classical concert of Mozart and Strauss in the Orangery.
  • Day 10Travel southeast from Vienna to Budapest by high-speed RailJet, then explore the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and parliament buildings.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Linz
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Český Krumlov with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Prague, Vienna & Budapest with breakfast included
  • Flights from UK to Prague and return from Budapest
  • Train travel from Prague to Budapest
  • Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours in Prague and Budapest
  • SCHÖNBRUNN Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Český Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes all four RailJet journeys (Prague to Český Krumlov, Český Krumlov to Linz via České Budějovice, Linz to Vienna, and Vienna to Budapest), plus flights from the UK to Prague and return from Budapest.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. The package includes private guided walking tours in Český Krumlov and an exclusive after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace with dinner and a concert in Vienna. Many days offer free time to explore using hop-on-hop-off bus passes.
Which trains are used?
Four RailJet services: Prague to Český Krumlov, Český Krumlov to Linz (via České Budějovice), Linz to Vienna, and Vienna to Budapest.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Prague: 3 nights. Český Krumlov: 2 nights. Linz: 1 night. Vienna: 2 nights. Budapest: 3 nights.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included at all hotels. One special dinner is included with the Schönbrunn Palace tour and concert in Vienna.
What sightseeing is included?
48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus passes in Prague and Budapest, a private guided walking tour of Český Krumlov's Old Town, an exclusive after-hours Schönbrunn Palace tour with dinner and a classical concert, and private airport transfers.

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