Travelzoo: Central Europe by Rail
- 13
- £1,499
- Travel to the heart of Europe by first class rail
- Take a direct Eurostar to bustling Rotterdam and stop overnight
- Enjoy 3-night stays in Berlin, Prague and Budapest
- Return via Innsbruck and the Arlberg Pass in the Alps to Paris and London
- Offer available on selected dates
- Add extra nights & destinations
- Choose alternative hotels
- Let us suggest the most scenic routes
- All rail journeys, in first class
- Seat reservations where required
- 12 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Suggested Itinerary
Begin your holiday from your local station, travelling to London to connect with Eurostar for the direct journey to Rotterdam. Cross the Channel and continue through northern France and Belgium before arriving in the heart of the Netherlands. Check in for an overnight stay at the Hilton Rotterdam (or similar).
Spend your first evening exploring Rotterdam, a city known for its bold modern architecture, lively waterfront and striking skyline. You’ll stay here for one night before continuing east tomorrow.
Travel east from Rotterdam towards Germany, watching the Dutch landscape give way to the cities, forests and countryside of northern Germany as you make your way to Berlin.
You’ll spend 3 nights in the German capital, staying at the Titanic Chausee Berlin (or similar). This gives you two full days to explore one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.
Spend your time in the German capital exploring Berlin’s extraordinary history. The Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and remnants of the Berlin Wall tell the story of a city that has repeatedly found itself at the centre of European events, while Museum Island brings together centuries of art and culture.
For a different perspective, explore neighbourhoods such as Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, browse the independent shops and cafés or simply follow the River Spree through the city. You might also like to visit the East Side Gallery, delve deeper into the city’s Cold War history or explore Berlin’s world-class museums and galleries.
Today’s train journey is one of the highlights of the holiday. Travel south from Berlin towards Dresden before the railway joins the River Elbe, following its course through Saxon Switzerland and into the Czech Republic. Look out for wooded hills, dramatic rock formations and riverside villages as the train winds towards Prague.
On arrival in Prague, check in for a 3-night stay at the K+K Central (or similar), within easy reach of Prague Hlavni station.
With two full days in Prague, there’s plenty of time to explore the Czech capital at a relaxed pace. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, see the medieval Astronomical Clock and cross the landmark Charles Bridge to Malá Strana, before heading uphill to Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. Take a cruise along the Vltava, seek out some of the city’s quieter neighbourhoods or simply make time for its traditional beer halls, cafés and atmospheric squares.
Leave Prague aboard a comfortable Railjet service for the journey south through Central Europe. Travel through the Czech countryside and Slovakia, passing through Bratislava before continuing alongside the Danube towards Budapest.
You’ll spend 3 nights at the Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) in the Hungarian capital, giving you plenty of time to experience both sides of this remarkable city.
With two full days in Budapest, there’s plenty of time to explore both sides of the Danube. Discover the grand boulevards and landmarks of Pest, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Great Market Hall and historic Jewish Quarter, before crossing the river to Buda for the Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Make time for one of the city’s famous thermal baths, linger over coffee and cake in a historic café or take an evening cruise along the Danube to see Budapest’s magnificent riverfront illuminated after dark.
Travel west from Budapest aboard the Railjet, crossing Austria towards the mountains of Tyrol. The scenery becomes increasingly Alpine as you approach Innsbruck, dramatically situated in the Inn Valley and surrounded by high peaks. Check in for an overnight stay at the AC by Marriott Hotel Innsbruck (or similar).
With one night here, there’s time to explore the colourful Old Town, see the famous Golden Roof and enjoy the mountain backdrop before continuing west tomorrow.
Set off on one of the holiday’s most scenic travel days, crossing the Austrian Alps via the spectacular Arlberg route. The railway winds through Tyrolean valleys and mountain landscapes before continuing west towards Switzerland and France.
Arrive in Paris for a final night on the Continent, with the evening free for dinner, a stroll beside the Seine or one last taste of European café life. Your home for tonight is Le Marceau Bastille (or similar).
Travel from Paris to London by Eurostar before continuing by train to your local station, completing an overland journey through the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and France.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Rotterdam
Located within a short walk of Rotterdam’s central station, the Hilton Rotterdam modern design and stylish accommodation. Bedrooms come with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi internet access, an entertainment system, flat-screen TV and fully adjustable air conditioning. There’s also a restaurant and cocktail bar and 24-hour gym.
Berlin
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.
Prague
The Art Déco K+K Hotel Central is located in the heart of Prague, only steps away from the famous Old Town Square. All air-conditioned bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi internet access, tea & coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs with cable channels and en suite bathrooms with a hairdryer. There is also a 24-hour reception desk, a bar & bistro and a fitness centre with a sauna.
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.
Innsbruck
Conveniently located between the main station and the Old Town, the AC Hotel Innsbruck offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic views. Spacious air-conditioned bedrooms come with sound-proofed widows, free Wi-Fi access and large HD LCD TVs. There is a restaurant on site as well as a relaxing lounge bar and a gym.
Paris
Perfectly situated for travel to and from Gare de Lyon in the fashionable Bastille area, this recently refurbished hotel offers a chic, modern take on French hospitality. Rooms come equipped with modern creature comforts such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a minibar, and the courtyard, fitness room and treatment area provide the finishing touches for your stay.
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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.
