Fall of the Iron Curtain
- Visit six key capital cities in the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989
- Discover the sights of Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava and Budapest
- Spend time in Berlin, literally split in half between 1961 and the fall of the Soviet Union
- End in Bucharest, scene of the uprising against Nicolae Ceaușescu
- Return to the UK via overnight sleeper and a night in Nuremberg
- 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
- Travel out to Poland and back from Romania by train
- Standard class rail travel with seat reservations (where required)
- 15 nights hand-picked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private 2-berth sleeper accommodation between Budapest and Bucharest
- Private 2-berth sleeper accommodation between Bucharest and Vienna
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Travel to Brussels by Eurostar, connect onto a German ICE train to the cathedral city of Cologne. Catch a glimpse of the mighty gothic cathedral before you connect with your evening ICE train to the capital, Berlin.
Check into the centrally-situated Titanic Hotel Chaussee (or similar) for a 3-night stay, and then perhaps head out for dinner in one of the vibrant districts close to the hotel.
Nowhere exemplifies the fall of the Iron Curtain more than Berlin. Divided by its notorious Wall from 1961 to 1989, on 9 November 1989, the Communist Party spokesman in East Germany broadcast a change in the city’s relations with its western neighbour. Starting at midnight that day, East Germans were free to cross the country’s borders. This paved the way for the end of the East German state, the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification in October of the following year.
You have another free morning in Berlin today before your onward journey across the Polish border to Warsaw. Arrive into the Polish capital in the evening and make your way to the Polonia Palace (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Poland’s capital was a key focal point in the fall of Communism around the end of the 1980s, after the Solidarity Movement of Lech Wałęsa. Also on the historical theme, the excellent Warsaw Uprising Museum is well worth a visit and gives an unparalleled insight into life under Nazi occupation during World War II. The Old Town area, like much of the city, was destroyed during the war but was meticulously reconstructed in the 1960s.
Enjoy another morning at leisure in Warsaw, leaving your bags at the hotel for safe keeping. At lunchtime, return to the main station in the centre of town where you’ll catch a direct train to Prague.
On arrival, check in at the Clement Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Known as the Velvet Revolution, the period between 17 November and 29 December 1989 was vital in ending 41 years of one-party rule in Czechoslovakia. The city also played a role in the fall of the Berlin Wall, as demonstrators from East Germany took refuge in the West German embassy in the Mala Strana district close to Prague’s castle. Czechoslovak authorities eventually gave in, permitting all East Germans to travel directly to West Germany.
Your train today links the capital of modern-day Czech republic and modern-day Slovakia. During the Eastern Bloc years, the country was united as Czechoslovakia, but the two parted ways peacefully in 1993 following the fall of Communism. Thanks to the Schengen Zone, you will barely notice crossing the border once again as all formalities have been withdrawn.
You move at a leisurely pace into Slovakia’s capital, where your home is the Falkensteiner Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.
During the March 1988, Slovak dissidents anticipated the mood of the subsequent year by holding the Candle demonstration of Bratislava, the first mass demonstration since 1969 against the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. 5000 protesters met Hviezdoslav Square with candles, along with 6000 others in nearby streets – it was the first important step towards removing the Czechoslovak communist regime of Ladislav Adamec.
Today’s journey takes you out across the plains of southern Slovakia, and alongside the Danube at the town of Sturovo, where you can see Hungary across the river. The train then hugs the mighty Danube as it sweeps round from east to south, eventually reaching the impressive 19th-century Nyugati station in the heart of Budapest. Make your way to the excellent K+K Opera Hotel (or similar) where you will be spending the next two nights.
The first visible cracks in the Iron Curtain appeared in May 1989 when Hungary started dismantling its 150-mile long border fence with Austria, the country’s only border with a western power. Budapest’s government adopted a “democracy package”, taking Poland’s lead as the second Warsaw Pact country to install a non-communist government.
After a day exploring all that Budapest has to offer, you board the Ister Overnight Train in the evening shortly after 7pm, which makes its way at a sedate pace across the plains of eastern Hungary. Settle into your private compartment for a night’s sleep, awaking the next morning to picturesque Transylvanian scenery as the train winds its way towards Bucharest. On arrival in Bucharest, check in at the Grand Hotel Continental (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
During December 1989, Bucharest was the centre of a revolution against the leadership of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, who had ruled with an iron fist for 22 years. Famously, Ceaușescu made his final speech at what is now Revolution Square on 21 December, before fleeing by helicopter and being captured and executed on Christmas Day. His face on the balcony while suffering heckling and booing from the once-fearful crowds was one of the most powerful images of the downfall of Communism in eastern Europe.
Spend another day enjoying the sights of Bucharest and then, in the evening, return to your hotel to collect your luggage and head back to the station for an overnight sleeper service to Vienna.
Arrive the next morning into the Austrian capital and board a train to Nuremberg, arriving at lunchtime. Check in for an overnight stay at the NH Collection Nuremberg City (or similar). You may prefer to spend an extra night in Vienna to break your journey. Just let us know if you would like to add this to your package.
Depart Nuremberg on a sleek German ICE train today and connect in Frankfurt to reach the Eurostar terminal at Brussels. Eurostar will then whisk you back to the UK at speeds of up to 186mph.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Take the slower, more scenic route by leaving Nuremberg earlier and taking in a spectacular journey along the Rhine Gorge, passing the Loreley Rock and hillside vineyards.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
The Titanic Hotel Chaussee is a contemporary hotel, located within walking distance of Berlin’s main station. All bedrooms feature Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom with rainforest shower. The hotel also offers an on-site restaurant and lobby bar as well as an indoor swimming pool and spa area.
This historic hotel is ideally situated, just opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and within walking distance of the main station. The Polonia Palace features spacious air-conditioned rooms with a minibar and heated bathroom flooring. Enjoy Polish and European cuisine at the Strauss Restaurant.
The Clementin Hotel boasts a great location in the centre of Prague, between Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. The hotel occupies a unique building dating back to 1360. All elegantly furnished bedrooms are air-conditioned with satellite TV and a tea & coffee maker. There is also a café with a terrace on Seminarska Street and an internet station in the lobby which is free for guests to use.
The hotel offers a stylish atmosphere unparalleled in the Slovak capital with a central
to the and the . The restaurant is flooded with light and offers you a generous and healthy breakfast buffet, a late risers’ breakfast, a delicious lunch menu, a show-cooking buffet and fine à-la-carte dining. The is accessible exclusively for all guests staying in the executive rooms. It is located on the and has a terrace with superb views of the old town.Hotel Rum is a boutique hotel, housed in a historic building in the centre of Budapest. Bedrooms are categorised by rum varieties such as ‘light rum’, ‘spiced rum’ and ‘black rum’. There is also a Southeast Asian restaurant called Urban Tiger, and a rooftop bar. Complimentary Wi-FI internet access is available throughout the hotel.
The Grand Hotel Continental occupies a historic building in the heart of Bucharest. Air-conditioned bedrooms are elegantly furnished and come with a seating area, free Wi-Fi, tea & coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and slippers. There is a choice of two restaurants and the Victoria Club bar.
NH Collection Nürnberg City is located in central Nuremberg, just a 2-minute walk from Nuremberg Main Station.I t offers stylishly furnished bedrooms with free Wi-Fi internet access, cable TV and air-conditioning. There’s also a restaurant and a spa.
Upgrade your accommodation
The Hotel Adlon was built in 1907 and has been famous for its luxurious accommodation and fantastic location next to the Brandenburg Gate ever since. The Adlon Kempinski boasts a Neo-Classical style indoor pool, a spa and an 800 sqm gym. There is also a two Michelin starred restaurant and a shopping arcade.
A luxury boutique hotel with a musical theme, the Aria Hotel Prague by Library Hotel Collection is located in the historic Mala Strana quarter, close to the castle. Spacious bedrooms feature an extensive music and DVD library and iPad and guests are treated to a complimentary welcome drink on arrival. There is also a rooftop garden terrace and a restaurant. The hotel offers direct access to the Vrtbovska Gardens which are open from April to October.
Blending the sumptuous decor of royal Budapest with the five star comfort of a modern hotel, the Corinthia Hotel boasts luxurious facilities including a classic spa area with steam baths, hot tubs, mud baths and an indoor swimming pool. There are also three restaurants, a lobby bar and a cafe.