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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Heart of Europe by Rail

12-day rail journey through Cologne, Munich, Prague, Vienna and Budapest

Illustration of Heart of Europe by Rail

Marvellous Escapes' Heart of Europe by Rail is a 12-day tailor-made journey beginning in Cologne and ending in Budapest, with stops in Munich, Prague and Vienna. Each city receives multiple nights, allowing genuine time for exploration. You travel by high-speed train between cities, and the itinerary balances structure with independence: hop-on hop-off bus passes let you set the pace in Prague and Budapest, while day 7 includes a guided visit to Schönbrunn Palace culminating in a classical concert. Most days are unguided, ideal for couples and independent travellers seeking Europe's imperial capitals without the rigidity of a large group tour. The itinerary begins with a flight from London to Cologne; you return to the UK by air on day 12.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 includes a flight from London to Cologne, not rail; the UK return flight on day 12 is included, so total journey time is longer than the 12 days on the continent.
  • The from-price of GBP 2,199 covers the package; confirm whether rail fares London to Cologne are included or booked separately.
  • Marvellous Escapes publishes no departure calendar; contact the operator to check availability for your preferred dates.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Begin your Central Europe adventure with a comfortable rail journey from London to Cologne, passing through Brussels. Check in to your centrally located hotel, then explore the historic old town or the iconic Cologne Cathedral at your own pace.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Munich

    Munich

    Travel by high-speed train from Cologne to Munich through the scenic Rhine Valley. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Marienplatz and this vibrant Bavarian city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Prague

    Prague

    Board your train from Munich and journey through the scenic Bavarian and Bohemian countryside to Prague. Check in to your hotel and start exploring the charming streets of the Old Town and the Astronomical Clock.

  4. Day 4overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Spend your first full day exploring Prague’s iconic landmarks with your hop-on, hop-off bus pass, including the famous Astronomical Clock and the Baroque Library and Mirror Chapel.

  5. Day 5overnight: Prague

    Prague

    On your second day exploring Prague, continue enjoying your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass, from Prague Castle and Charles Bridge to the vibrant Old Town Square.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Board the train from Prague and enjoy a scenic journey through the Czech and Austrian countryside, arriving in Vienna in the afternoon and checking in to your centrally located hotel.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today, experience the grandeur of Vienna with a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, followed by a VIP classical concert with priority access, a welcome drink and front-row seating.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today enjoy a full day at leisure in Vienna to explore the city at your own pace, from world-class museums to the grand architecture of the Ringstrasse.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    After breakfast, continue your journey southeast from Vienna to Budapest by high-speed rail, checking in to your hotel for a three-night stay and beginning to explore Budapest’s elegant streets.

  10. Day 10overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    After breakfast, spend the day discovering Budapest with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass, from the historic Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion to the Central Market Hall.

  11. Day 11overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Continue your exploration of Budapest with the second day of your hop-on hop-off pass, perhaps a cruise along the Danube River or a visit to the city’s famous thermal baths.

  12. Day 12

    Return home

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2High-speed train from Cologne to Munich passes through the scenic Rhine Valley.
  • Day 3Train journey from Munich through Bavarian and Bohemian countryside arrives in Prague; explore the Astronomical Clock and charming Old Town on arrival.
  • Day 7Guided visit to Schönbrunn Palace followed by a VIP classical concert with welcome drink and front-row seating.
  • Day 9High-speed rail from Vienna to Budapest; check in for a three-night stay and begin exploring Budapest's elegant streets.
  • Day 11Optional Danube River cruise during the second day exploring Budapest with the 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Cologne & Munich with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Prague, Vienna & Budapest with breakfast included
  • 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
  • Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes seamless rail travel throughout the holiday across all five cities. The initial journey from London involves a flight to Cologne.
Is this escorted or independent?
This is a tailor-made holiday with independent exploration. You have unguided days to explore each city at your own pace, though hop-on hop-off bus passes and the Schönbrunn Palace concert are guided experiences.
Which trains are used?
The itinerary uses high-speed trains from Cologne to Munich, Munich to Prague, Prague to Vienna, and Vienna to Budapest. Specific train names are not published.
What hotels are included?
Centrally located hotels with breakfast: one night in Cologne, one in Munich, three nights each in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking to explore each centre and use stairs at hotels and stations. Hop-on hop-off bus passes in Prague and Budapest reduce the need for sustained walking.
What is not included?
Lunches, dinners (except the Schönbrunn Palace dinner on day 7), local transport beyond the hop-on hop-off passes, entry fees to attractions beyond Schönbrunn Palace, and personal expenses are not included.

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