Day 1: Start of tour in Prague
Welcome to Prague and the first day of this scenic European rail tour from Prague to Budapest! Arrive in Prague and head to the hotel. If you arrive with enough time, head out and explore this beautiful city! Early in the evening, meet up with the tour leader and tour group at the hotel before setting out on the first group adventure; a traditional Czech dinner! Czech cuisine is hearty, filling and delicious. This evening’s meal is the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and share the experiences you are most looking forward to.
Day 2: Prague
Discover Prague and all of its wonders during a full day in the city. Start off with a locally guided walking tour of the city. See the impressive cathedrals, beautiful Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge that reaches majestically across the Vltava River. Admire the beautiful architecture and well-preserved monuments while exploring the “City of a Hundred Spires” on foot. Enjoy free time this afternoon to spend as you wish. Climb the Clock Tower, visit local shops, see the John Lennon Wall and admire the scenery. Be sure to tuck into local food - trdelniks are a must-try sweet treat!
Day 3: Prague - Vienna
Your tour from Prague to Budapest continues to Austria today. Arrive in Vienna and embark on a guided tour of this enchanting city. See highlights including St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera and learn more about why the city is known as Europe’s cultural capital. Vienna is a destination famous for its imperial architecture, classical music and distinctive culture. It has been home to great talents and minds like Mozart, Beethoven and Freud! Enjoy an included dinner tonight in a historic cellar that dates back to the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
Day 4: Vienna - Free Day
Enjoy a full free day in Vienna today! The city and its surroundings are yours to explore however you wish. There are a number of great things to see and do in Vienna. One of the most popular activities is a trip to Schönbrunn Palace which was the main summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and royal family. The 18th-century palace, gardens and park offer a look into the Habsburg dynasty and lifestyle centuries ago. Admire the many extravagant rooms, see the Gloriette, explore the lavish gardens and spend time in the museums on site. Alternatively, discover more of the city. See more top sites including the Hofburg and Belvedere Palace.
Day 5: Vienna - Free Day
It’s another free day in Vienna today. At this point, you will have experienced most of Vienna’s travel highlights. Now it’s time to enjoy Vienna as the locals do! Visit one of the famous coffee houses and enjoy a hot cuppa and a slice of Sachertorte or apple strudel - two dishes Vienna is well-loved for! Stroll through the city’s squares to absorb the local culture, visit the Vienna Naschmarkt for a top-class culinary experience, or catch a live classical music performance. Alternatively, add another country to your list and join the day trip to Bratislava in Slovakia - Vienna’s twin city!
Day 6: Vienna - Budapest
Board the train and get ready to say “hello Hungary!” today. Leaving Vienna, the tour travels to Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. Arrive and set off on a guided walking tour of the Castle District. Learn more about this beautiful city which lines the banks of the Danube River as you walk the historic cobbled lanes. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore more of Budapest on your own. This evening, the group will enjoy an included dinner.
Day 7: Budapest - Free Day
Make the most of a full free day in Budapest today. Budapest is a photographer’s delight; this city is filled with incredible architecture from castles and bridges to basilicas and bathhouses! There are a number of activities to enjoy in Budapest. Visit one of the city’s famous thermal baths; Budapest has been nicknamed “the City of Spas”, as over 100 natural thermal springs bubble underneath the city. The distinctively yellow Széchenyi Baths in City Park is one of the most famous. Finish off your day with a stroll along the Danube promenade and admire the scenery when the sun goes down and the city lights up. Enjoy Budapest’s nightlife this evening on the last night of the tour.
Day 8: End of tour in Budapest
After eight days of travelling from Prague to Budapest by train, the tour comes to an end this morning. In just over a week, you will have seen incredible European travel highlights on an unforgettable train journey. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group this morning and say farewell to your newly made travel friends. Be sure to swap contact details before parting ways!