Budapest, Vienna and Prague
- 11 Days
- From £1,199
- Austria Czech Republic Hungary
- 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
- 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
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Depart London St Pancras in the morning on a Eurostar bound for Brussels, where you connect with the German rail network to take you down to Munich on superb German ICE trains.
On arrival at Munich’s central station, make your way to the Courtyard Munich City Centre (or similar), located within easy walking distance, where you will have an overnight stay.
Board an excellent Austrian RailJet train this morning for the journey via Salzburg, Linz and Vienna, into Hungary. Arrive into Budapest Keleti station in the evening and head to the Hotel Rum (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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Hotel Botanique (or similar), located in the centre of the city.
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.
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.
Leave early this morning for a high-speed service to Brussels via Frankfurt, where you catch your Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.
TMR RECOMMENDS: The last day of travel is quite long, so you might like to break your journey with a night in Brussels or somewhere along the Rhine. This would also allow you to take the Rhine Gorge route which is slightly slower but extremely pretty.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Munich
Conveniently situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Munich’s main station and 10 minutes’ walk from the historical centre, the Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Centre offers comfortable, convenient accommodation with modern interiors. In-house dining is available at the Oleo Pazzo, a Mediterranean bistro.
Budapest
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.
Vienna
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.
Prague
This is a comfortable, central property within easy walking distance of the Old Town. The 214 guest rooms are furnished in a contemporary style with free wireless internet and tea/coffee making facilities. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of dishes throughout the day.
Regensburg
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.
Upgrade your accommodation
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
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
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.
Munich
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.
