Itinerary
Days 1-2 – To Vienna
This morning, we begin our voyage towards Central Europe on the
Eurostar from St Pancras International to Brussels. We continue
from Brussels to the city of Frankfurt, where we spend tonight.
On Day 2 we continue travelling south
through Germany as we make our way towards the Austrian border. Our
journey takes us to Vienna, the magnificent city of Mozart, where
we spend the next three nights at the Marriott Imperial Riding
School Renaissance.
Day 3 – Vienna
This morning we enjoy a city tour of Vienna, taking in the
city’s Imperial architecture on the famous Ringstrasse – a wide
avenue that encircles the Old City. We pass many of Vienna’s finest
ornate buildings, including the impressive Hofburg Palace, a vast
complex of buildings that demonstrates the awesome power and wealth
commanded by the Habsburgs, who used the palace as their ruling
headquarters for six centuries.
We also see the impressive Opera House, one of the leading opera
venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament building.
Later today we visit spectacular Schnbrunn Palace, the summer
residence of the Imperial family, situated within beautifully
landscaped parkland. We enjoy a slice of cake and coffee in an
elegant Viennese caf before a guided tour of the palace, followed
by time to stroll through its elaborate gardens.
Day 4 – At leisure in Vienna
Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Vienna’s
glorious Gothic cathedral, the Stephansdom, is located at the very
centre of the city. By climbing the 553 steps to the top of the
cathedral you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the
city. Alternatively, a ride on the giant Ferris wheel in Prater
Gardens offers a more laid back way to achieve a superb view across
the city.
Day 5 – To Budapest
We leave Vienna, travelling by rail across the border into
Hungary. Our destination is Budapest, a city of 2 halves divided by
the mighty River Danube and sewn together by a collection of
beautiful, elegant bridges including the famous Szechenyi Chain
Bridge, the first permanent crossing to link the two halves of the
city. The flatter, lively region of Pest looks across the water to
its older, historical neighbour, the hilly Buda which rises up away
from the banks of the river.
Budapest was once the joint capital of the Austro-Hungarian
Habsburg Empire. Tonight we experience the city from a different
perspective enjoying a 3 course meal with included drinks in a
traditional Hungarian restaurant before embarking on a specular
illuminated Budapest by night coach tour, tracing the Danube south.
Our enchanting evening is filled with stunning views of the city
after dark, including the Chain Bridge and spectacular Gellert
Hill.
Day 6 – Budapest and the Childrens Railway
This morning we enjoy a guided coach tour, introducing us to
Budapest’s main sights. We pass impressive buildings and monuments
on both sides of the Danube, including the Neo-Gothic Parliament
building that was designed to resemble the Palace of Westminster,
the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen’s Basilica,
Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. Later we
enjoy a ride on the Children’s Railway, a service operated by
Hungarian schoolchildren who consider it a great honour to be
chosen to help run it. The line runs through beautiful
woodland in the hills above Buda and presents wonderful views of
the greenery which surrounds the city.
Day 7 – At leisure in Budapest
Today is free for you to explore Budapest at leisure; take the
opportunity to view some of the city’s main sights. Perhaps visit
one of the famous spa-houses which are dotted around the city, such
as the marvellous Gellrt thermal bath which was built in 1918.
Alternatively, simply stroll through historic streets, admiring the
magnificent architecture and old world grandeur.
Day 8 – To Prague by rail
We depart Budapest by train, travelling through Slovakia and the
city of Bratislava to the Czech Republic. We arrive in Prague and
spend three nights at the Vienna House Andels Prague. In ‘the city
of a hundred spires’, copperdomed churches line the banks of the
River Vltava and architectural styles from across Europe blend
together to create one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Days 9-10 – Sightseeing in Prague
During a guided tour through the narrow streets of the Old Town,
we discover some of Prague’s most famous sights. We begin at
Hradcany Castle, the largest medieval complex in Europe. We also
walk across the 14th century Charles Bridge, which has 75 statues
along its walls, and pass the Gothic spires of St Vitus’ Cathedral.
This afternoon, and Day 10, is at leisure to
continue exploring the stunning city of Prague.
Days 11-12 – To Berlin
This morning we leave Prague, heading through the Bohemian
countryside into Germany, tracing the route of the River Elbe on
our way to Berlin. On arrival in Berlin, we embark on a tour of
this once divided city. We soak in the main sights including the
incredible Brandenburg Gate, a section of the Berlin Wall, which
once divided East and West Berlin. Day 12 is yours
at leisure.
Day 13 – Berlin to London
Bidding farewell to mainland Europe, we travel by high-speed
rail to Brussels, via Cologne, where we join the Eurostar service
to St Pancras International. On arrival in London, your tour
concludes.
Info – Travel Options
We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for
departures on this tour. You can find out which class each
departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing
grid.
