SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel from the UK to Berlin

Begin your holiday by travelling to Berlin by air or by rail. If you opt to travel by rail, you catch an early morning Eurostar from London to Brussels. After a change of trains in Brussels, carry on to Cologne, where you will change trains once more before arriving in Berlin in the evening. Check in to your hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2: In Berlin

You have a full day to explore Berlin at your leisure. Berlin has a fascinating history stretching back hundreds of years, although it is really for its more recent history that it is best known. Berlin has been at the epicentre of two World Wars and the Cold War in the course of the 20th century, and is now the capital of a reunited Germany. Its rich history means that there is a vast amount to discover.

Major attractions include the Reichstag, the German Parliament which was built in the 19th century and destroyed in 1933, and the Brandenburg Gate which was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. This magnificent city gate is located at the head of the long Unter den Linden boulevard, named after the rows of linden trees planted almost 400 years ago. Another important cultural place of interest is Museum Island, where 5 museums are located. These include the Pergamon Museum which houses 3 separate collections; the Museum of Antiquities (from Greece and Rome); the Museum of Near Eastern Antiquities; the Museum of Islamic Art and the Neues Museum which hosts Egyptian and prehistoric items.

Apart from all the museums that the city has to offer, Berlin is also home to one of the oldest zoos in Germany, situated in Tiergarten Park. Why not take a stroll by the Landwehr Canal, which is seven miles in length and will take you through many of the cities sights including Kreuzberg’s café-lined embankments and part of Tiergarten Park. Berlin is a very large city and covers an area of just under 900 square kms.

Day 3: Berlin to Prague by train

After two nights in Berlin, depart from your hotel and board a direct train to Prague.

The last stop in Germany is the pretty spa town of Bad Schandau and the first stop in the Czech Republic is Decin, where you can observe Decin Castle. The river views continue as the train runs along the Vltava River. On the approach to Prague, you may be able to spot its Old Town cathedral towers in the distance. You spend two nights in Prague.

Day 4: In Prague

You have a full day in Prague today to take in the city’s 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 the vibrant beer halls.

Day 5: Prague to Vienna by train

The service from Prague to Vienna takes about four hours. You can arrive in Vienna in the mid-afternoon and then check in to your hotel.

You spend three nights in Vienna.

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 Cologne, by overnight train

Today you can either fly back to the UK, or return by rail leaving Vienna in the evening on the overnight sleeper train to Cologne (2 berth cabin included).

Day 9: Arrive in London

Arriving in Cologne this morning, transfer to the Brussels train and then on to London by Eurostar.

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 £480 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.