SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel from London to Zurich by train

Begin your holiday by travelling to Zurich by rail. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris and, after changing stations, carry on to Zurich on a direct service which takes a further 4 hours.

Once in Zurich, there is time for supper near the station before continuing your journey on the EuroNight overnight sleeper train to Prague.

Note: Alternatively you can fly from London to Prague (making a total of 9 nights, if you fly both ways).

Day 2: Arrive in Prague

Arrive in Prague midmorning and check in to your hotel for 3 nights.

Days 3 & 4: In Prague

You have two and a half days in Prague to take in its cultural highlights. Stroll across the Charles Bridge which spans the Vltava River and links the Old Town with the Mala Strana (lesser or little town) and continue uphill towards Prague Castle, one of the city’s most popular sights. St Vitus Cathedral is near the castle and can be seen from around the city.

Also explore the historic centre where you can relax in Old Town Square, view the Astronomical Clock (dating from 1410 and the oldest working astronomical clock in the world) and stroll around Wenceslas Square. Be sure to taste traditional pork or beef and dumplings at a typical Old Town restaurant.

Prague enjoys a cultural reputation of immense stature in Europe and there are numerous opera and concert performances that can be booked. Unique to Prague is the Laterna Magika, where classical principles of non-verbal theatre mingle with dance, film images and black light theatre.

Prague’s rich cultural heritage can be experienced in visits to any number of museums in the city, including the Czech Museum of Music, Mucha Museum, Franz Kafka Museum, Antonin Dvorak Museum, Narodni Museum and City of Prague Museum. You should also experience one of its vibrant beer halls.

Day 5: Prague to Vienna by train

After breakfast in Prague, depart on a midmorning direct train service to Vienna, where you will arrive four hours later.

You will stay in Vienna for 3 nights.

Days 6 & 7: In Vienna

You have two full days to explore Vienna. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, it has been at the heart of central European history since Roman times and was the focal point of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Vienna never fails to impress and satisfy the visitor eager for historical and cultural references. ‘Dream and reality’ still resonate and your days in Vienna can be filled with a mixture of galleries, museums, opera, concerts or eating and drinking in a ‘heuriger’ (tavern) in the Vienna Woods.

The history of Vienna can be witnessed in the Roman Museum, the Neidhart frescoes dating from the 1400s, the medieval Basiliskenhaus, Imperial Palace and the numerous Jugendstil buildings, and of course in the City of Vienna Museum. The Hofburg contains numerous national collections, from the Crown Jewels to the Imperial Armoury.

On your second day in Vienna, perhaps explore the city’s inextricable link with music. Take time to listen to the Mozart Orchestra playing in the Musikverein, and enjoy coffee and cake at Demel’s. A fun way to see the sights of the city is to take a tram around the Ringstrasse, hopping off and on as often as you want.

Day 8: Vienna to Budapest by train

Depart from Vienna in the morning and take a direct train to Budapest. This journey will take under 3 hours, following the course of the River Danube, and you will arrive in the afternoon.

Stay in Budapest for 3 nights.

Days 9 & 10: In Budapest

Enjoy two full days in Budapest exploring the tree-lined boulevards of Pest and the cobbled hilly streets of Buda, which are linked by the magnificent Chain Bridge built in the mid 19th century. The city straddles a curve in the River Danube and is packed with interesting sights to visit on foot, but it is also easy to get around by bus or underground.

Visit the Castle District in Buda where you can find medieval buildings such as the Royal Palace, which has been rebuilt several times over the past seven centuries and houses the National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also visit the 13th century Matthias Church and the neo-Gothic Fishermen’s Bastion nearby.

On the east of the river, you will find Pest which is home to historical buildings such as the vast neo-Gothic Parliament building, which houses the Hungarian crown jewels. On the two mile long, tree-lined boulevard of Andrassy út you will find elegant shops and houses, Heroe’s Square and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Your second day in Budapest gives ample time to explore another building not to miss. The Hungarian State Opera House offers guided tours and opera performances.

The thermal springs of Budapest have been enjoyed since Roman times and baths are to be found in both Buda and in Pest. The Szechenyi Baths built in modern Renaissance style are one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe, with both outdoor and indoor pools.

The world-famous Gellért Thermal Baths are highly favoured by locals and tourists alike. Margaret Island is a pretty park situated in the middle of the Danube reachable by tram or bus. It boasts more than 10,000 trees, beautiful gardens and a swimming pool.

Day 11: Budapest to Munich by train

After breakfast in Budapest, board the Railjet train in the morning and you will arrive in Munich less than 7 hours later.

The route takes you back through Vienna, on to Linz and Salzburg. Watch out for the Salzburg fortress on your left-hand side as you cross the Salzach River, shortly after departing from Salzburg station. Stay overnight in Munich.

Note: Alternatively fly back to London direct from Budapest.

Day 12: Munich to London by train

Enjoy a full German breakfast at your hotel before you check out and begin your journey back to London.

You will take a train from Munich to Brussels with an easy change of trains in Frankfurt, before boarding the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes second class rail travel, with supplement for first class and standard premier on Eurostar of about £690 per person.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.