Berlin, Krakow & Budapest
- London to Poland to by train via Cologne and Berlin
- 3 nights in Poland’s second city, Krakow
- Overnight sleeper trains Krakow to Budapest and Vienna to Amsterdam or Brussels
- 3 nights in beautiful Budapest
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 9 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Two overnight sleeper journeys in a private double compartment
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Your adventure starts at London St Pancras station where you board a Eurostar bound for Brussels. On reaching the Belgian capital, change onto a modern InterCity Express (ICE) service across the German border to Cologne, your first overnight stop. Check in at the Mondial MGallery am Dom (or similar) for a 1-night stay.
Take one of the hourly ICE services heading east from Cologne through the industrialised Ruhr area and across to Germany’s united capital, Berlin. When you arrive, make your way to the Arcotel John F (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Berlin is one of the most exciting capitals in Europe and you have a free day here to explore. Visit the attractions on Museum Island or learn more about the city’s recent history with a trip to the DDR Museum or Checkpoint Charlie. You can also take in the views from the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) on Alexanderplatz or enjoy a cruise along the River Spree.
Today it’s time to bid farewell to Berlin and take a EuroCity train named Wawel (after the castle in Krakow) which leaves at a civilised mid-morning hour from Berlin. You’ll barely notice the border crossing into Poland as you cross the Oder river, and you can then enjoy a leisurely lunch in the excellent Polish restaurant car if you choose to. When you reach Krakow Glowny (main station), take a taxi to the Golden Tulip Kazimierz Hotel (or similar), your home for the next 3 nights.
Enjoy two days at leisure in historic Krakow. The Old Town surrounds the huge Rynek Glowny (main square), with its 15th-century town hall tower and Cloth Hall at the centre. There’s a daily market in the Cloth Hall, where you can buy souvenirs and hand-made goods. Other not to be missed attractions include Wawel Royal Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
If you prefer to head out of town for a day trip, the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp has been preserved as a sobering open-air museum or the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine features grand underground chapels and rock salt sculptures.
After a final day of sightseeing in Krakow, the excitement builds as the Chopin sleeper train enters Krakow Glowny station. Settle down in your cosy cabin for your overnight journey as the train makes its way through southern Poland and into the Czech Republic, reaching Slovakia in the morning. Be sure to catch the views of the Danube Bend as you enter Hungary – this should be around 7:30am on the right-hand side. A simple breakfast will be served to your cabin before the train arrives into Budapest’s grand Nyugati station at 8:30am. Make your way to the Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Enjoy two free days at leisure in Budapest. This historic capital is dissected by the River Danube with the ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ banks connected by historic bridges including the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Along with famous landmarks such as Budapest Castle, Heroes Square and the endlessly photographed Parliament Building (pictured), you might also like to visit one or more of the city’s historic spas which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous of these is the Széchenyi Baths but there are plenty of others to choose from, including the grand Gellért Baths.
The first part of your journey home involves an easy and comfortable 3-hour journey on an excellent Austrian RailJet train to Vienna. Here, we’ll allow plenty of time for you to board your sleeper service to either Brussels, Amsterdam or Paris (depending on the day of the week) to connect with your Eurostar back to London.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Why not extend your holiday with a night in either Vienna or your sleeper’s destination city?
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Berlin
The Arcotel John F is conveniently located within walking distance of Museum Island and the famous Unter den Linden street leading to the Brandenburg Gate. Bedrooms are elegantly furnished with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and rocking chairs. There is a restaurant serving international cuisine as well as a bar, a gym and a spa area.
Krakow
Located in the historic Kazimierz district of Krakow, this hotel offers easy access to the major sights of the city. All modern bedrooms come with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and tea & coffee making facilities. There is a restaurant and bar on-site and also plenty of dining options in the local area.
Budapest
The new Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel occupies an ideal location in the centre of Budapest. The modern, spacious bedrooms are all soundproofed, with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access and en suite bathrooms. There is a lounge bar with an open fireplace as well as an outdoor terrace where you can relax with a drink. Cardio training machines such as treadmills and exercise bikes can be brought to your room free of charge on request.
