Prague Without Flying
- 6 Days
- From £679
- Czech Republic
- London to historic Erfurt by Eurostar and German ICE
- Travel along the Elbe River Valley to the Czech capital
- Prague: architecture, history and chilled Pilsner
- Return via the Bavarian city of Nuremberg
- 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
- 5 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
Travel to Brussels by Eurostar, connect onto a German ICE train and head to Erfurt in eastern Germany via Frankfurt. When you arrive, head to the Best Western Excelsior (or similar), next to the station, for an overnight stay.
Erfurt is the historic capital of the German state of Thuringia and boasts one of the most intact medieval old towns in the country. You arrive in time for a late dinner here or a drink along the lively Michaelisstraße. If you have time, it’s worth having an extra night here to explore.
After breakfast in your hotel, make your way back to the station and board a train bound for Dresden. A quick change here and you’re on your way along the lovely Elbe Valley to Prague. On arrival, check in at the Boutique Hotel Constans (or similar), where you have a 3-night stay.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Stop for a night in the royal city of Dresden, which, as the former home of the Kings of Saxony, offers a wealth of beautifully restored baroque and rococo architecture.
Enjoy a full day exploring all that Prague has to offer. Perhaps a walk up to the Castle or a visit to the eclectic Kafka Museum. Or maybe you prefer to sit in a cafe alongside the Vltava River and watch the world pass by across the famous Charles Bridge.
The main focal point of the city is the Old Town, with its medieval architecture and world-famous astronomical clock. There’s also plenty to see in the New Town, including Charles Square, the largest medieval square in Europe.
Spend another morning exploring Prague and then return to Hlavni station for your return service into Germany. You will pass through the wooded hills of Bohemia and Bavaria before disembarking at Nuremberg for an overnight stop at the NH Collection Nuremberg City (or similar).
You have an evening to discover the pretty town of Nuremberg, with its charming old town and colourful history.
Depart Nuremberg on a sleek German ICE train today and connect in Frankfurt to reach the Eurostar terminal at Brussels. Eurostar will then whisk you back to the UK at speeds of up to 186mph.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Take the slower, more scenic route by leaving Nuremberg earlier and taking in a spectacular journey along the Rhine Gorge, passing the Loreley Rock and hillside vineyards.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Housed in an elegant Art Nouveau building, the Best Western Excelsior offers comfortable accommodation across the street from the main station and within easy reach of the historic Old Town. The 77 bedrooms are classically furnished with modern comforts for your stay. There is also a restaurant serving local specialities and a sauna/ solarium.
The Boutique Hotel Constans occupies three historic buildings dating back to the 16th century. The location of this hotel, just below Prague Castle, is off the main tourist routes, whilst still within easy walking distance of attractions including the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable, with complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.
NH Collection Nürnberg City is located in central Nuremberg, just a 2-minute walk from Nuremberg Main Station.I t offers stylishly furnished bedrooms with free Wi-Fi internet access, cable TV and air-conditioning. There’s also a restaurant and a spa.
Upgrade your accommodation
Located next to the Wallenstein Gardens, the stunning Augustine Hotel offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city. The property comprises seven historic buildings, one of which is the 13th century Augustinian St Thomas Monastery for which the hotel is named. On site facilities include a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a brewery where the hotel’s own St Thomas beer is brewed.
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.
Nuremberg’s finest property is ideally positioned opposite the main railway station and within easy walking distance of the charming Old Town, St Lorenz Church and the Kaiserburg Castle.
Bedrooms are immaculately presented and make for an ideal Bavarian sojourn.