Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Nuremberg

Travel from St Pancras International or Ebbsfleet International by Eurostar to Brussels and then connect on to the German ICE train to Nuremberg via Frankfurt. Check into your hotel the Le Meridien Grand Nuremberg, where you will stay overnight.

Day 2

Nuremberg and on to Prague

Spend the morning in Nuremberg, exploring this fascinating and compact city. Perhaps the most impressive structure in Nuremberg remains the Imperial Castle, or Kaiserburg, which sits proudly on top of the Old Town hill. Art is a central feature of the beauty of Nuremberg and despite the heavy bombings of the Second World War, much of this managed to survive thanks to the medieval rock-cut cellars which lie 24 metres beneath the castle hill.

After lunch take the train across the border into the Czech Republic, arriving into Prague in time for dinner. On arrival into Prague check in to the K+K Hotel Central for a 2 night stay.

Day 3

Prague

Spend two full days exploring Central Europe's most popular destination.

Twenty years after the Velvet Revolution and the fall of communism, Prague is still attracting new visitors from all over the world. Wander around the extensive historical centre (now a UNESCO World Heritage site), visit the impressive castle or take the funicular up the top of Petrin Hill for panoramic views of the city. In the evening you can enjoy a classical concert in the old town or try some famous Czech beer in a bar along the banks of the Vltava River.

Day 4

Prague to Vienna

After breakfast take the Eurocity train from Prague across the Austrian border to Vienna.

On arrival in Vienna check-in at the modern K+ K Maria Theresia for a two night stay. Spend the rest of the day in Vienna. Wander along narrow medieval alleyways, relax in a coffee house or spend an evening in a traditional wine tavern.

Day 5

Vienna

Stretch your legs with a wander around some of the city's 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 6

Vienna to Budapest

Spend another morning in Vienna before boarding the lunchtime train to Budapest from Vienna Westbahnhof station. The new high speed "Railjet" trains operate on this route. The journey to Budapest takes 3 hours.

On arrival in Budapest check in at the 4 star Art'otel Budapest for a 2 night stay. The hotel is located opposite the Hungarian Parliament on the Danube River and is close to some of the best sights in the city which include the Castle District, the Fisherman's Bastion, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Buda Castle.

Day 7

Budapest

Spend a full day in Budapest. The River Danube dissects the city from north to south and originates from the beautiful Gellert Hill, which is located on Budapest's fringes. Rich in museums and old cobbled streets, Budapest has also been known as the City of Spas with over a dozen thermal baths served by the host of natural springs in the region.

Spend the evening relaxing at one of the many restaurants and bars lining the old town centre. 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.

Days 8 and 9

Budapest to London

Take the train from Budapest back to Vienna (approximately 3 hours), where you change onto the overnight sleeper train to Cologne. The train arrives in Cologne the next morning when you change onto the high speed Thalys train to Brussels. Finish by travelling by Eurostar from Brussels to London.