Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Ultimate Central Europe

A rich blend of guided sightseeing, classical music and iconic cities, by rail from London to Budapest.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Cologne
Cologne
Travel by rail from London to Cologne via Brussels, arriving in Germany's vibrant Rhine city. Enjoy time to explore the old town or admire the iconic Cologne Cathedral before your overnight stay.
Day 2railovernight: Berlin
Berlin
Continue east by rail to Berlin. After arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this dynamic capital, where history and modern culture sit side by side.
Day 3overnight: Berlin
Berlin
Discover Berlin at your own pace with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, allowing you to explore the city's most iconic landmarks and neighbourhoods, including the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and Checkpoint Charlie. A relaxing river cruise offers a different perspective of the city, gliding past historic and modern landmarks along the River Spree.
Day 4railovernight: Dresden
Dresden
Travel by rail from Berlin to Dresden, arriving in one of Germany's most elegant and historic cities. Known as the 'Florence of the Elbe', Dresden is celebrated for its baroque architecture and riverside setting. After arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the beautifully restored old town.
Day 5overnight: Dresden
Dresden
Enjoy a guided small-group walking tour of historic Dresden, exploring the city's beautifully restored old town and learning about its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Highlights include the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche and Semper Opera House.
Day 6railovernight: Prague
Prague
Cross into the Czech Republic by rail to Prague. After arrival, begin exploring this fairy-tale city using your included 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass.
Day 7overnight: Prague
Prague
A full day to continue discovering Prague's highlights, from the Old Town Square to Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge, using your hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.
Day 8railovernight: Vienna
Vienna
Today you'll travel by rail to Vienna, the elegant former capital of the Habsburg Empire. Spend the afternoon at leisure soaking up the city's grand architecture and cafe culture.
Day 9overnight: Vienna
Vienna
Today is dedicated to the royal and imperial delights of Vienna. Begin with an exclusive tour of Schonbrunn Palace, where the gates open especially for you after public hours, wandering through the magnificent rooms up to the stunning Great Gallery. Following the tour, enjoy a fine dining experience at a carefully selected restaurant, sampling exquisite Austrian cuisine. The evening concludes with a classical concert in the Orangery, featuring the timeless works of Mozart and Strauss.
Day 10railovernight: Bratislava
Bratislava
Travel by rail from Vienna to Bratislava, arriving in Slovakia's compact and charming capital. After checking in, enjoy time at leisure to explore the atmospheric old town, with its cobbled streets, historic squares and riverside setting along the Danube.
Day 11overnight: Bratislava
Bratislava
Enjoy a private two-hour walking tour of Bratislava, discovering the city's rich history and charming old town with the insight of a local guide, learning about Bratislava's past as a former coronation city of Hungarian kings.
Day 12railovernight: Budapest
Budapest
Travel by rail to Budapest. Begin exploring Hungary's elegant capital using your included 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.
Day 13overnight: Budapest
Budapest
After breakfast, spend the day discovering Budapest at your own pace with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass. Explore the city's highlights, from the historic Buda Castle and the stunning Fisherman's Bastion to the bustling Central Market Hall. Cross the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and admire the grand boulevards of Pest, or relax in one of the city's famous thermal baths.
Day 14
Return home
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Budapest Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Included

Overnight hotel accommodation in Cologne with breakfast included
2 nights' hotel accommodation in Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest with breakfast included
Rail travel from London and return flights to UK from Budapest
Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours in Berlin, Prague and Budapest
Schonbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
Dresden Walking Tour
Bratislava Old Town Private Walking Tour