Itinerary - 14 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Munich

Begin your adventure by travelling to Munich via Brussels and Frankfurt. Depart on a morning Eurostar to Brussels before transferring onto the Intercity Express to Frankfurt and onwards to the heart of Bavaria and the fascinating city of Munich.

Check in at the Courtyard Munich City Centre located only a short walk from the Munich Hauptbahnhof station, for your overnight stay.

Take a walk to the Marienplatz (Main Square) to see the fantastic architecture such as the Glockenspiel and the Old City Hall dating from the 15th century. Enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine such as Weissbier (literally 'white beer', made with wheat) and Schweinsbraten (roasted pork) at one of the excellent restaurants before retiring for the evening.

Day 2

Munich to Budapest

After breakfast, board the high speed Austrian RailJet train to Budapest which reaches speeds of up to 200km per hour. Whizz through German countryside and into Austria, where you pass through Vienna and onwards to the capital of Hungary. Look out for great views of Salzburg citadel & castle as you cross the river Salzach approaching Salzburg.

Check in at the Art'otel Budapest for your overnight stay.

Hailed as the 'Queen of the Danube', Budapest is a city whose history and heritage is intrinsically linked with the river that runs through it. Visit the National Opera House and take a stroll up Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Spend the evening relaxing at one of the many restaurants and bars lining the old town streets. Hungary's local beer Dreher is omnipresent in the city and the hustle and bustle of the main square provides all the entertainment one would need.

Day 3

Budapest to Bucharest

Spend the day exploring more of Budapest before boarding the Euronight sleeper train to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. This air-conditioned sleeper car descends through the wonderful Alpine scenery of the Carpathian Mountains between Brasov and Bucharest before travelling across the Romanian border and onto the magical city of Bucharest.

Day 4

Bucharest

Arrive mid morning and check into the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest for your overnight stay. Explore the wonders of this vibrant and historic city.

Best known for its role in the Romanian revolution of 1989, Bucharest has become a beautiful city brimming with Belle-Epoque architecture, tree-lined boulevards and a vibrant nightlife which earnt its title of "Little Paris" in the 1900s. Stroll along Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), arguably Bucharest's oldest and most charming street, visit the impressive Royal Palace on Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) and take a walk to the Arch of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf). Spend the evening in fashionable Lipscani, the city’s most lively area offering a variety of bars and restaurants.

Day 5

Bucharest to Istanbul

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for Bucharest Nord station for your onward sleeper train (known as the 'Bosphor') to Istanbul, stocking up with traditional delicacies for the train on your way. Watch as the train crosses the longest steel bridge in Europe over the Danube and into Bulgaria.

Arrive to Istanbul in style as you pass the beautiful Byzantine Walls of Theodosius and cross the shimmering Bosphorus right underneath the walls of the Topkapi Palace. Disembark at Istanbul's Sirkeci station (built in 1888) with three days to explore this remarkable city.

Days 6 to 8

Istanbul

Check in at the Orient Express Istanbul for your 3 night stay. A short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Orient Express hotel features an indoor swimming pool and wonderful views over the city.

Istanbul is a 5000 year old, fascinating fusion of East and West. The abundance of history, art, fashion and traditional institutions such as the raki-soaked meyhane (taverns) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden) is mesmerizing and creates an ambience no other city in the world can match.

Cruise along the Bosphorus by boat or visit the famous Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and the huge Hagia Sophia. Other famous landmarks include the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent and the Topkapi Palace, a dazzling monument to the extraordinary wealth and power of the Ottoman sultans. Dine on traditional cuisine at the vibrant food stalls in Mehene and Kumkapi before exploring the fascinating Grand Bazaar with 40,000 shops all happy to sell you a bargain - but be prepared to haggle!

Day 9

Istanbul to Bucharest

After a full day exploring Istanbul, board the 'Bosphor' sleeper train back to Romania. Travel back across the Bosphorus and onwards through Bulgaria. Enjoy the scenery as the train weaves lazily alongside river valleys and underneath impressive cliff faces. Relax with a glass of wine and a good book as your adventure continues.

Day 10

Bucharest

Arrive into Bucharest in the early evening and check in at the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest for your overnight stay. Enjoy a traditional Romanian meal in one of the gourmet restaurants, trendy little cafés or enchanting bistros. Alternatively, spend an evening at of the impressive opera houses or cool jazz clubs in the city.

Day 11

Bucharest to Brasov

Following a relaxing morning in Bucharest, board the mid afternoon Intercity train to Brasov. Journey time is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. Modern and comfortable, the train passes through the famous Valley of the Kings combining the three beautiful villages of Sinaia, Azuga and Predeal before reaching your destination, Brasov.

Check in at the charming Aro Palace Brasov for your overnight stay.

Nestled in the Southern Carpathians, Brasov offers not only spectacular views, but also a rich history. Walk along the city walls to discover its guild towers and pay a visit to the Black Church with its remarkable gothic architecture. Take a cable car up to the top of Tampa Mountain or a bus to Poiana Brasov, the city’s own mountain resort and a great starting point for mountain trekking.

Day 12

Brasov to Vienna

After a full day discovering Brasov, depart for Vienna aboard the Euronight sleeper train. Journey through the pretty town of Sighiosoara before crossing the border into Hungary. Awake in the morning to the sights and sounds of the Hungarian towns such as Gyor before crossing the border at Hegyeshalom and into Austria. Arrive into Vienna early in the morning with plenty of time to discover this delightful and romantic city.

Day 13

Vienna

Check in at the charming Hotel Am Konzerthaus for your overnight stay. Once in Vienna, stretch your legs with a wander around "Europe's culture capital" passing some of its highlights such as the Anchor Clock, the prestigious Opera House and the Hofburg, Vienna's Imperial Palace.

Spend the evening indulging in some Austrian cuisine, such as the Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte - a delicious chocolate cream cake. Alternatively, catch an opera or concert at Vienna's celebrated buildings dedicated to the world of music. With over 500 concerts a year at Musikverein (Vienna's concert hall) there will surely be something for every taste!

Day 14

Vienna to Nuremberg

Depart Vienna in the mid morning and journey onwards to Germany and the historic city of Nuremberg. Take the high speed ICE train (journey time just under 5 hours)

Check in at the charming Le Meridien Grand Nuremberg for your overnight stay.

Nuremberg has a long history and its position in Bavaria means it is also set in some beautiful surroundings, with the majestic Alps to the south. Perhaps the most impressive structure in Nuremberg remains the Imperial Castle, or Kaiserburg, which sits proudly on top of the Old Town hill. Used by the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire from the 11th century to 1571, the castle was one of the most important centres of power during the Middle Ages and the town which grew up around it laid the foundations for today's modern city.

Day 15

Nuremberg to London

After breakfast, board the Intercity train for perhaps one of the most scenic journeys of your holiday. Weave along the Rhine River and discover incredible castles, delightful Rhine Valley villages and pass the fabled Lorelei Rock. Transfer in Cologne and then hop aboard the Eurostar back to London with wonderful memories of your incredible journey by rail.