Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Poland & Prague by Rail

Prague to Warsaw via Krakow by rail through Central Europe

Illustration of Poland & Prague by Rail

Marvellous Escapes' Poland & Prague by Rail is a 9-day independent journey from Prague through Krakow to Warsaw, blending self-directed city exploration with guided cultural immersion. The package opens in Prague with three nights and a 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass, letting you discover the Old Town, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle at your own rhythm. A scenic rail journey on Day 4 carries you to Krakow, where three nights include a guided descent into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site famous for its salt chambers and underground chapels, and a guided group visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of Europe's most significant Holocaust memorials. The final leg by train reaches Warsaw, where a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour reveals the capital's contrasts from the restored Old Town to modern architecture and the Vistula River. Throughout, Marvellous Escapes provides flights from the UK, hotels with breakfast, all rail fares, and 24-hour on-trip support. This suits history-minded travellers, first-time rail passengers, and couples seeking a mix of guided insight and independent leisure time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour includes flights and rail fares; confirm the exact flight times and rail schedules with Marvellous Escapes before booking.
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau is a concentration and extermination camp memorial; the visit is emotionally intense and not suitable for all travellers.
  • Hotel details are not specified in the operator's package information; enquire about the specific properties you will stay in and their precise amenities.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Your journey begins as you fly from London to Prague. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Today, discover Prague at your own pace with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. This flexible way to explore allows you to visit the city's key landmarks while enjoying informative commentary along the way. You may wish to stop at highlights such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, or simply relax and take in the views as you travel through the city's historic streets.

  3. Day 3overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Today, continue exploring Prague using your hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass. Take the opportunity to visit any remaining highlights or revisit your favourite spots, from the historic Old Town to the banks of the Vltava River.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Today, travel by rail from Prague to Kraków, enjoying a comfortable journey through the scenic landscapes of Central Europe. On arrival in Kraków, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to begin exploring this historic city, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, lively squares and rich cultural heritage.

  5. Day 5overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Today, enjoy a guided visit to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Kraków. Descend underground to discover a fascinating world of tunnels, chambers and intricate carvings, all crafted from salt over centuries. Marvel at the mine's unique underground chapels, including the spectacular St. Kinga's Chapel.

  6. Day 6overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Today, join a guided group excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most important and moving historic sites in Europe. Travel from Kraków to the former concentration and extermination camps, where you will learn about the history of the Holocaust and the events that took place here during World War II.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    Today, travel by rail from Krakow to Warsaw, enjoying a journey through Poland's changing landscapes. On arrival in Warsaw, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

  8. Day 8overnight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    Today, use your 24-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Warsaw to explore the city's key highlights. Discover the striking contrasts of the Polish capital, from the colourful Old Town and Royal Castle to grand boulevards and contemporary architecture. Along the way, you may visit Łazienki Park, learn about Poland's history at the POLIN Museum, and take in views across the Vistula River.

  9. Day 9

    Return home

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Explore Prague's Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle using your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.
  • Day 5Day 5: Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see tunnels, chambers, and the intricate St. Kinga's Chapel carved from salt.
  • Day 6Day 6: Join a guided group visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of Europe's most important Holocaust memorial sites.
  • Day 8Day 8: Tour Warsaw's contrasts on the 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus, from the restored Old Town to the Royal Castle, Łazienki Park, and the Vistula River.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Prague and Krakow with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Warsaw with breakfast included
  • Flights from UK to Prague and return from Warsaw
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
  • Guided visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • 48-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Prague
  • 24-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Warsaw

Questions travellers ask

Which trains connect the three cities?
The package includes rail travel from Prague to Krakow on Day 4 and from Krakow to Warsaw on Day 7. Specific train names and times are not listed in the operator's details; confirm these directly with Marvellous Escapes.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a tailor-made independent journey between destinations with selected guided experiences: tours of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau, plus hop-on hop-off sightseeing in Prague and Warsaw. You explore the cities at your own pace with 24-hour on-trip support.
What is included in the price?
Flights from UK to Prague and return from Warsaw, 8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, rail travel between the three cities, guided tours of Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau, 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour in Prague, and 24-hour hop-on hop-off tour in Warsaw.
How much walking is involved?
The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour includes descending into underground tunnels and chambers. The Auschwitz-Birkenau visit involves walking the historic site. City exploration is at your own pace via hop-on hop-off sightseeing; walking distance varies depending on which landmarks you choose to visit.
When does this tour operate?
The operator has not published specific departure dates in the available information; contact Marvellous Escapes directly to confirm availability.

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