Grand Imperial Cities - Four ‘must-see‘ European cities on one rail tour

Fascinating capital cities and high-speed intercity train journeys showcase the turbulent history of Central Europe. Discover what turned these former Habsburg and Prussian cities into four of Europe's greatest destinations. Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• Vienna including a city tour
• Schönbrunn Palace
• Budapest including a city tour
• The Children's Railway
• Dinner boat cruise on the Danube
• Prague including a guided tour
• Berlin including a city tour

Day 1 - London to Cologne

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. As we travel in Standard Premier Class, a light meal and drinks are served at our seats before our arrival into the Belgian capital. Our journey continues by Thalys to Cologne, where we spend our first night. (E,D)

Day 2 - Cologne to Vienna

Our journey through Germany continues southwards today by ICE train, entering Austria and arriving in time for dinner in Vienna, where we spend three nights at the Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier. (B,D)

Day 3 - Glorious Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace

Today a city tour takes in Vienna's grand imperial architecture on the famous Ringstrasse, passing ornate buildings including the Hofburg Palace, the Opera house and the Parliament building. We also visit the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family, which is situated on the city's outskirts in a beautiful landscaped park. (B,D)

Day 4 - A day at leisure in Vienna

Your day is free to explore Vienna and perhaps take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel in the Prater Gardens for fantastic panoramic views over the city. You could also take a stroll through the meadows, and forests in the gardens. This evening you are free to dine in a restaurant of your choice and absorb the city's wonderful night-time atmosphere. (B)

Day 5 - Scenic rail journey to Budapest

We make the three-hour train journey to Budapest, where our hotel for three nights is the Continental Hotel Zara, located close to the city centre. Following our mid-afternoon arrival, you are free to begin your exploration of the city. This evening we dine together in a local restaurant in the city centre. (B ,D)

Day 6 - Budapest and the Children‘s Railway

This morning we take a guided coach tour to introduce us to Budapest's main sights. We discover the Danube's two contrasting banks - hilly, peaceful Buda and bustling, lively Pest. We also include a ride through Buda's beautiful woodland on the narrow-gauge Children's Railway operated by Hungarian school children. (B)

Day 7 - At leisure and an evening cruise

Today is free in enchanting Budapest, for you to view some of the city's main sights and museums or simply stroll through historic streets, appreciating the magnificent architecture and old world grandeur. Perhaps take the 'Hop on, Hop off' bus and visit the Széchenyi Thermal baths, one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. Tonight we experience the city from a different perspective with a dinner cruise on the Danube and an evening coach tour taking in the illuminated city sights, including Heroes Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, the Chain Bridge and spectacular views of the city from Gellert Hill. (B,D)

Day 8 - Budapest to Prague by train

We depart Budapest in the morning by train and travel through Slovakia into the Czech Republic. We arrive in Prague late this afternoon for a three-night stay at the Mövenpick Hotel, which has a panoramic view of Prague and is located just a short tram ride from the 'Golden City's' main sights. (B,D)

Day 9 - Sightseeing in Prague

During a full day tour through the narrow streets of the Old Town, we discover some of Prague's most famous sights, including Hradcany Castle the largest medieval complex in Europe, St Vitus' Cathedral, 14th century Charles Bridge with 75 statues along its walls and Wenceslas Square. (B,D)

Day 10 - A day at leisure in Prague

Your day is free to explore at your leisure. Stroll through the streets admiring the city's rich architectural heritage and this evening dine in one of the local restaurants. (B)

Day 11 - By train from Prague to Berlin

We depart in the morning from Prague northwards through the Bohemian countryside into Germany, tracing the winding route of the River Elbe through a region known as Saxon Switzerland on our way to Berlin. Here we stay for two nights at the Maritim Hotel Berlin. En route to the hotel there will be an introductory sightseeing tour of this fascinating city. (B,D)

Day 12 - A day at leisure

Berlin's cityscape and monuments bear witness to the rise of the kingdom of Prussia, German nationhood, the cruel and lasting partition and the optimism of reunification. Today's leisure time provides the opportunity to explore Berlin individually. (B)

Day 13 - Berlin to London

Our morning departure to Brussels, via Cologne, connects with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. A light meal and drinks are served on board before we arrive. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Vienna - Budapest- Prague- Berlin - Luxury Rail Tours - Train Holidays

Explore These Four Grand Imperial Cities on one luxury escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures from London, find out more.
Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Rail, Tour, Holiday