Budapest, Vienna and Prague by Rail

From £1,249 per person // 12 days
Combine the imperial cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest on this central European adventure by rail. Stop along the way in Stuttgart and return home via the wooded hills of Bavaria, with a night in Regensburg and then another along the Banks of the Rhine in Cologne.

Budapest, Vienna and Prague

From £1,249 per person // 12 days
The Essentials
  • Combine the Imperial Cities of Budapest, Prague and Vienna
  • Stay in the heart of these famous European capitals
  • Scenic rail travel through Bohemia and Moravia
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Regensburg on your return journey from Prague
Tailor make your holiday
  • 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
What's included
  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 11 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office

Suggested Itinerary

Budapest, Vienna and Prague
DAY 1 - LONDON TO STUTTGART

Depart London St Pancras in the morning on a Eurostar bound for Paris, where you make an easy connection to the Gare de l’Est and continue your journey by high-speed TGV service across the German border to Stuttgart.

On arrival at Stuttgart’s central station, make your way to the Arcotel Camino (or similar), located within easy walking distance, where you will have an overnight stay.

DAY 2 - STUTTGART TO BUDAPEST

Board a German train this morning for a quick journey to Munich where you pick up an excellent Austrian RailJet service travelling via Salzburg, Linz and Vienna, into Hungary. Arrive into Budapest Keleti station in the evening and head to the Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) for your 3-night stay.

Once you have settled in at your hotel, there’s time for an evening meal and a stroll along the banks of the Danube.

DAYS 3 & 4 - BUDAPEST

Spend two full days exploring all that Budapest has to offer. Don’t miss the glorious Hungarian parliament on the banks of the Danube and take a selfie or two next to the famous Chain Bridge. Heroes’ Square contains monuments to great Hungarians past and present, and Fisherman’s Bastion provides unrivalled city views from up on the Buda Hills. Unwind with a bathe in the various thermal spas that are dotted around the city, and head out for a hearty goulash with paprika, washed down by a glass or two of fabulous Tokay wine.

DAY 5 - BUDAPEST TO VIENNA

Take a late-morning service into Austria today, and after just under 3 hours you will be in another capital city, Vienna. On arrival, check in at the Hotel Stefanie (or similar) for 2 nights.

Once you’ve settled in, you have an afternoon and evening to begin your exploration of this historic city, which was once at the centre of a great Empire covering 420,000 square miles of Central Europe.

DAY 6 - VIENNA

Enjoy a full day in the regal Austrian capital, Vienna today and take time to appreciate its full year-round splendour.

Head to Ringstrasse to admire the endless stunning architecture, epitomised by the State Opera House. Stop for Sacher Torte in the famous hotel of the same name, and be sure to visit the impressive St Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of town. For some rest and relaxation, head to the famous Prater Park, next to the Danube.

DAY 7 - VIENNA TO PRAGUE

Board an Austrian RailJet train today for the 4 hour journey that seamlessly crosses the border into the Czech Republic. Perhaps have a tasty lunch in the restaurant car as you weave through the rolling hills of Moravia and Bohemia, arriving into Prague in time for an evening stroll and dinner.

Your base for the next 3 nights is the Liberty Boutique Hotel (or similar), located in the centre of the city.

DAYS 8 & 9 - PRAGUE

Spend two full days exploring one of Europe’s most popular capitals. Stroll through the Old Town in the morning to beat the tourist rush. Cross the Charles Bridge and take an energetic walk up to the famous castle and treat yourself to a drink and hearty Czech meal alongside the Vltava River.

An unmissable museum is the Franz Kafka Museum, a fascinating insight into the complex mind of one of Prague’s most famous sons. Wenceslas Square also evokes memories of the 1968 Prague Spring and today contains a range of shops, bars and entertainments.

DAY 10 - PRAGUE TO REGENSBURG

Spend another morning in Prague today and then in the afternoon, catch a local ALEX train which will take you through the forests of Bohemia, then into Bavaria and the UNESCO-protected city of Regensburg. Check in at the Achat Herzog am Dom (or similar) for an overnight stay.

TMR RECOMMENDS: Add nights in Berlin. Take the very scenic journey north along the Elbe Valley, arriving in Berlin in just under 5 hours. Berlin is a fascinating destination with an unrivalled range of sights, activities and history.

DAY 11 - REGENSBURG TO COLOGNE

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, return to the station and catch a direct train to Cologne, arriving mid-afternoon. There should be a bar buffet car on the train, but we’d always recommend taking supplies of food and drink with you to enjoy at your seat. On arrival into Cologne, exit the station right next to the city’s famous cathedral and check in for an overnight stay at the MGallery Mondial am Dom (or similar).

DAY 12 - COLOGNE TO LONDON

Leave early this morning for a high-speed service to Brussels, where you catch your Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

 

Typical hotels on this itinerary

Budapest, Vienna and Prague
Stuttgart
Arcotel Camino

Offering soundproofed rooms with internet, spa facilities, and fine Swabian cuisine, this stylish, 4-star superior hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Stuttgart Central Station. WiFi is available in all areas. The hotel provides spacious, air-conditioned rooms and apartments with flat-screen TV and a laptop safe. The pa area features a Finnish sauna, rain forest shower, and steam room.

Munich
Eurostars Book

The Eurostars Book is a modern, literary-themed hotel within easy walking distance of Munich’s main station. Modern bedrooms are all dedicated to a famous book, with free Wi-Fi access, en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. There is also a chic lobby bar and a restaurant serving a menu of international dishes.

 

 

Budapest
Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel

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.

 

 

Vienna
Hotel Stefanie

The family run Hotel Stefanie dates back to 1600, making it the oldest hotel in Vienna. Recently renovated bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi internet access and individually adjustable air-conditioning. There is also a bar and a traditional restaurant with a terrace, offering Austrian and international dishes. The Hotel Stefanie is located just a few minutes’ walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Rome
Liberty Boutique Hotel

The Liberty Boutique Hotel is located in the centre of Rome, close to the main station and within easy reach of the city’s famous attractions. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel, and the rooms are elegantly furnished, with flat-screen TVs and a coffee machine. After a busy day of sightseeing, guests are invited to relax on the hotel’s private terrace.

Regensburg
Achat Herzog am Dom

A design hotel, located in the centre of historic Regensburg, the Achat Plaza Herzog am Dom features contemporary style bedrooms and suites with views over the city’s famous cathedral. There is also an a la carte restaurant and a welcoming bar.

Cologne
Mondial am Dom MGallery

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.

Upgrade your accommodation

Budapest, Vienna and Prague
Munich
Sofitel Bayerpost

Built into the southern wing of the railway station, this superb French-style property is amongst Munich’s best hotels. Relax in your spacious bedroom or in the heavenly spa and swimming pool. Enjoy a full, varied breakfast in the hotel’s fabulous restaurant.

Budapest
Corinthia Budapest

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.

Vienna
Sacher Hotel

One of Vienna’s most famous luxury hotels and home of the famous torte of the same name, the Hotel Sacher has been welcoming guests since 1876. The hotel is located opposite the Vienna State Opera House in the centre of the city, with elegantly furnished bedrooms, a luxurious spa and plenty of options for dining. You can also enjoy a slice of Sachertorte in the beautiful Sacher Café.

Prague
Aria Hotel Prague

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.

Cologne
Excelsior Ernst Hotel

Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.

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From £1,249 per person

Low season (November-March) from £1,249pp

High season (April-October) from £1,349pp

These prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements will apply for sole occupancy. It is based on Standard Class rail travel and includes seat reservations as necessary. It is based on the best fares on the trains. If you travel during a peak period, particularly at short notice, then supplements may apply.

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