Eastern Europe Explorer

Known as the Florence of the Elbe, Dresden has been spectacularly reconstructed since the horrors of World War Two, which saw the city razed to the ground by an Allied bombing campaign in 1945.

The journey to Prague takes in a very picturesque route along the valley of the Elbe River. The train line twists and turns in time with the river in an area dubbed “Saxon Switzerland” thanks to its picturesque nature. After crossing into the more industrial landscape of the northern Czech Republic and the city of Usti nad Labem, the train picks up speed as it heads across the countryside of Bohemia into the capital, Prague, where you will be checking in for 3 nights at the Hotel Botanique (or similar).

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague sits proudly on the Vltava River. Dubbed “the City of 100 Spires,” it is renowned for its Old Town Square, with colourful baroque architecture.

The famous Charles Bridge links the Old Town to the Mala Strana district on the western bank of the river, where the topography is much hillier, looking up towards the majestic castle that dominates the skyline.

You can either board a direct morning service shortly after 8am or you can opt for something more around the middle of the day with an easy platform change in Ceske Budejovice. On the approach to Cesky Krumlov, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque as you pass through the wooded hills of Southern Bohemia. On arrival, head to the Bellevue Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.

In the afternoon you will be transferred by car, using our partners at MyDayTrip, across the border to Linz in Austria. On this car journey you have the opportunity to stop off at Rožmberk nad Vltavou (pictured), dubbed as Cesky Krumlov in miniature! When you reach Linz, take an evening RailJet service direct into Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. This train has a restaurant car with an extensive menu available, so you can have dinner on board as you pass through Vienna. When you reach Bratislava, you’ll be staying at the Skaritz Hotel & Residence (or similar) for 2 nights.

Slovakia’s capital since its peaceful split from the Czech Republic in 1993, Bratislava sits astride the River Danube and boasts a magnificent castle and charming Old Town.  Dating from the 18th century, the Old Town is car-free and contains a plethora of bars, restaurants and boutiques.

Make your way back to Bratislava’s main station today for your EuroCity journey of around 3 hours to Budapest. The train first traverses Slovakia’s southern plains, before hugging the Danube along the pretty “Danube bend” as you follow the mighty river downstream. You arrive at Budapest Nyugati (west) station, which is in the heart of the city – check in at the Opera Garden Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.

The Hungarian capital Budapest, is found downstream on the Danube from Bratislava. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge, amongst others, links the hilly Buda district with the flatter Pest on the eastern bank. Visitors can take a funicular that climbs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town. Trinity Square plays host to 13th-century Matthias Church as well as the turrets of Fishermen’s Bastion, which provide those famous views across the river to the iconic Parliament building (pictured).

Depart Budapest today on a Hungarian InterCity service travelling due southeast to the city of Szeged near the Serbian border. Here, you will be met by a car and driver from our friends at MyDayTrip once again, who will take you across the border into Serbia, with the destination of Belgrade. The journey includes a stopover at the city of Novi Sad (pictured), the capital of the Vojvodina District. When you reach Belgrade in the evening, you will be driven straight to the Hotel Moskva (or similar) where you will be spending the final 2 nights of your holiday.

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and was once capital of the whole of Yugoslavia. Its most iconic landmark is Beogradska Tvrđava, which is a monumental fortress situated where the Sava River flows into the mighty Danube. The fort is evidence of the Belgrade’s strategic importance to the empires of Rome, Byzantium, Austria and latterly Serbia – today it plays host to a number of museums and Kalemegdan, a large park.

Today it’s time to head home, as you make your way to Nikola Tesla International Airport for your flight back to London (not included).

TMR RECOMMENDS – Extend your holiday from Belgrade – maybe head south to Montenegro, Macedonia or Greece, all of which are served by direct trains from Belgrade. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even extend to Istanbul, via Bulgaria.