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Regent Holidays

Four Capitals by train from the UK

11-day rail journey from London through Cologne, Berlin, Prague, Bratislava to Budapest

Illustration of Four Capitals by train from the UK

Regent Holidays operates this 11-day train journey connecting four Central European capitals: Cologne, Berlin, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest. Departing from London St Pancras via Eurostar, travelers cross the Channel Tunnel and transfer to German ICE trains through to Cologne, then continue by regional rail across Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary to Budapest. The trip includes 10 nights in four-star hotels with breakfast, and all train fares in 2nd class. Each city receives a two-night stay, allowing one full day of independent exploration after arrival. Days showcase the Cologne Cathedral (a UNESCO site), Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag, Prague's Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, Bratislava's Old Town and Danube views, and Budapest's Buda Castle and thermal baths. The pace is relaxed, with no group activities beyond accommodation and rail; travelers are responsible for arranging flights to and from London.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels listed are marked 'or similar'; your final accommodation depends on availability and the tier selected
  • International flights to London are not included; you must arrange these separately
  • No guided tours are mentioned in the itinerary; free days in each city mean you explore independently

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Courtyard by Marriott Cologne or similar

    London to Cologne

    Begin your train adventure with a Eurostar journey from London St. Pancras to Brussels, traversing the Channel Tunnel into continental Europe. In Brussels, transfer to a German ICE (InterCity Express) bound for Cologne. Upon arrival check in to your hotel such as Courtyard by Marriott Cologne or similar for 2 nights. This evening marvel at the majestic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the charming Old Town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Cologne or similar

    Cologne

    Today enjoy a free day to explore Cologne or add a guided brewhouse walking tour. Visit the Roman-Germanic Museum, stroll along the Rhine River promenade, and experience the vibrant Belgian Quarter in the evening.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hampton by Hilton Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz or similar

    Cologne to Berlin

    Today take the train to Berlin (around five hours). Check in to the Hampton by Hilton Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz or similar for two nights. Enjoy panoramic views from the Berlin TV Tower, or stroll to Hackescher Markt.

  4. Day 4overnight: Hampton by Hilton Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz or similar

    Berlin

    Discover the dynamic energy of Berlin: the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building's glass dome, the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, and Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Falkensteiner Hotel Prague or similar

    Berlin to Prague

    Today take the train from Berlin to Prague (approximately four hours), with views of rolling hills and the Elbe near the Czech border. Upon arrival check in to the Falkensteiner Hotel Prague or similar for two nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Falkensteiner Hotel Prague or similar

    Prague

    Enjoy a free day to explore Prague: Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and the Lesser Town.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Hotel Arcadia Boutique Hotel or similar

    Prague to Bratislava

    This morning take the train to Bratislava (just over four hours). Check in to the Hotel Arcadia Boutique Hotel or similar for two nights. This evening enjoy a stroll through the historic Old Town and a glass of wine while watching the SNP Bridge's UFO Observation Deck.

  8. Day 8overnight: Hotel Arcadia Boutique Hotel or similar

    Bratislava

    Enjoy a free day in Bratislava: Bratislava Castle, the Old Town, St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, and quirky sculptures such as Cumil the Workman. Consider a side trip to Devin Castle or a sunset Danube cruise.

  9. Day 9railovernight: K&K Opera Hotel or similar

    Bratislava to Budapest

    Today board your train to Budapest (approximately two hours 20 minutes), passing Esztergom Basilica near the Slovakian border. After arriving, check in to K&K Opera Hotel or similar for a two-night stay. Unwind with an evening soak in a thermal bath such as Gellért or Széchenyi.

  10. Day 10overnight: K&K Opera Hotel or similar

    Budapest

    Spend the day exploring Budapest: Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square, the Hungarian Parliament, and a river cruise or the Great Market Hall.

  11. Day 11rail

    Depart Budapest

    Your journey comes to an end today in Budapest. You may choose to return to the UK by flight, continue your travels onward, or take the train back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar crosses the Channel Tunnel from London St Pancras to Brussels, then ICE train continues to Cologne
  • Day 2Free day in Cologne to view the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll the Rhine River promenade
  • Day 3ICE train from Cologne to Berlin (around five hours), followed by views from the Berlin TV Tower
  • Day 5Train from Berlin to Prague (approximately four hours) with views of rolling hills and the Elbe near the Czech border
  • Day 9Two-hour 20-minute train ride to Budapest, passing Esztergom Basilica near the Slovak border, then a thermal bath soak at Gellért or Széchenyi

Included

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast
  • Train tickets: London to Brussels, Eurostar Standard
  • Train tickets: ICE Brussels to Cologne, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: ICE Cologne to Berlin, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Berlin to Prague, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Prague to Bratislava, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Bratislava to Budapest, 2nd class

Not included

  • International flights - please contact us for best available prices
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions

Questions travellers ask

What trains are included?
Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels (Standard class), ICE trains from Brussels to Cologne and Cologne to Berlin (both 2nd class), and regional rail services from Berlin to Prague, Prague to Bratislava, and Bratislava to Budapest (all 2nd class).
What is included in the price?
Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast, and all train tickets from London to Budapest. International flights, travel insurance, and optional excursions are not included.
How much time do you spend in each city?
Two nights in each of the five cities: Cologne, Berlin, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest. This gives one full free day plus arrival and departure days in most stops.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Regent Holidays provides accommodation and rail transport; you explore each city independently on the free days listed in the itinerary.
When does the trip run?
Specific departure dates are not provided in the available information. Contact Regent Holidays for current schedules.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary does not specify physical activity levels. Expect typical city exploration involving walking through historic districts, museums, and landmarks in each capital.

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