Luxury Central Europe by Rail
- 13
- £2,899
- Germany Austria Czech Republic Hungary
- Berlin, once divided, now thriving city at the centre of Europe
- Relax and indulge in the Czech capital, Prague
- Magnificent Vienna with its Imperial palaces and sweeping boulevards
- Stunning Budapest astride the Blue Danube
- Musical Salzburg in its picture-perfect alpine setting
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Change your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- First Class rail travel with seat reservations
- Free travel from your local station to London and return, in First Class
- Upgrades from First Class to Business on Prague-Vienna, Vienna-Budapest and Budapest-Salzburg
- 12 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private meet-and-greet car transfers on arrival in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Head for St Pancras International this morning and catch a direct Eurostar service under the channel and through northern France and Belgium to Dutch capital Amsterdam. On arrival, make your way to the Grand Hotel Amrath, where you have an overnight stay.
Spend an evening at leisure discovering the famous sights of the city.
This morning, leave Amsterdam and take a train bound for the German capital. Perhaps pay a visit to the restaurant car for lunch before arriving mid to late afternoon into Berlin.
On arrival, you will be met by a car and driver, who will take you straight to the Adlon Kempinksi Berlin (or similar) for 2 nights.
You have a full day to enjoy Berlin to the full. Explore its best-known sights including the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, the Reichstag (German parliament), the Tiergarten park and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Take in the excellent German History Museum, and the DDR Museum, which chronicles life in East Germany.
Spend the evenings in the many bars and restaurants around Hackescher Markt, the glitzy Kurfurstendamm or head out to the popular suburbs of Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. Ask our team for more recommendations!
Depart this morning on a EuroCity train running south through the former East Germany, stopping briefly in Dresden, dubbed the Florence of the Elbe. After Dresden, the scenery hots up along the Elbe Valley, through what is known as ‘Saxon Switzerland’. Don’t miss a visit to the excellent restaurant car.
On arrival in Prague’s main station, you will be met by a driver who will transport you to the Hotel Aria (or similar), home for the next 2 nights.
Enjoy 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.
Board your first of three RailJets of your holiday. These are modern, sleek units operated by Austrian Railways, and this particular one will be transporting you from the heart of Prague to the heart of Vienna. Relax in your Business Class seat, a form of “super-first” class, as you twist and turn through the hills of Bohemia and into the gentle topography of northern Austria. A restaurant car is available, so you can choose to mosey along to the restaurant, or order food and drink to be served to your seat (both options payable on board).
Upon arrival at Vienna’s shiny Hauptbahnhof (main station) you will be met and chauffeured to your hotel, the Sans Souci Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
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 with its ferris wheel, next to the Danube.
The relatively short journey from Vienna to Budapest is covered in around 3 hours on an Austrian Railways (OBB) RailJet train. Relax into your luxurious Business Class seat as you race across the plains of eastern Austria, then through the west of Hungary before arriving into the magnificent Budapest Keleti station.
On arrival, your private meet-and-greet transfer will ferry you to the Corinthia Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Spend your time 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.
Board another sleek Austrian RailJet train at Budapest Keleti station today for the direct journey to Salzburg. The journey is likely to run across lunchtime, so why not order a delicious goulash from the on-board restaurant to be served at your seats?
On arrival in Salzburg, you are met at the station and taken to your hotel, the Radisson Blu Altstadt (or similar), your home for the next 2 nights.
Located on the River Salzach, the town of Salzburg is famous its musical links to W. A. Mozart who was born here, and to the Rogers & Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. If you are a fan of either, then there are plenty of attractions and tours to entertain you. Elsewhere, you can also enjoy exploring the old town and visiting the hilltop castle.
Board a mid-morning civilised-timed EuroCity train that takes you immediately across the border into Germany, stopping at the busy Munich Hbf and the north through the German countryside to Frankfurt.
On arrival in Frankfurt, change onto another service through to Cologne. Check in here for an overnight stay at the Pullman Cologne (or similar).
Leave your bags at the hotel and enjoy a free morning in Cologne. Why not visit the famous Gothic cathedral? Or perhaps stroll along the banks of the River Rhine to the Chocolate Museum.
After an early lunch, return to the station and catch a German ICE service, heading to one of the main Eurostar hubs at Brussels. Here, you have ample time to change onto your evening Eurostar service back to London, which will be in Eurostar Plus class, so a light meal and drinks will be served to you at your seat.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Berlin
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.
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.
Vienna
Located right next to the inspiring and stylish Museums Quarter, the Sans Souci is a fabulous boutique hotel in keeping with its artistic surroundings. Rooms are tastefully decorated and provide all modern comforts including Wi-Fi and a pillow menu to ensure you get the perfect night’s rest. The hotel operates an excellent on-site spa as well as a wonderful bar and restaurant to help you unwind.
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.
Salzburg
The Radisson Blu Altstadt occupies a building that dates back to 1377. All bedrooms and suites are individually decorated with all the amenities that you would expect from a 5 star hotel. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the river and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in all areas.
Frankfurt
Located next to Frankfurt’s main station, the Metropolitan by Flemings offers luxurious accommodation and facilities. All non-smoking bedrooms come with a flat-screen TV, minibar, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is also a health club with a sauna, steam room and gym as well as a brasserie and bar with an outdoor terrace.
