Grand Rail Journey through Eastern Europe

Discover Eastern Europe by train on a journey that meanders from Poland to the Czech Republic, taking in elegant cities and stunning scenery en route.

Tour Inclusions

• Dinner and a piano concert at Royal Baths Park in Warsaw
• Cruise on the Danube in Vienna
• Full day excursion to Zakopane
• Sightseeing tours of Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna and Prague
• Scheduled flights and transfers
• The services of an experienced Tour Manager
• First class seats on train
• Hotel porterage

Optional excursions

• Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Auschwitz
• Danube Tower and dinner
• Folklore show with dinner in Budapest

Scenic Highlights

• Experience four scenic train journeys through Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic
• Wonder at the magnificent Royal Castle in Krakow, Prague’s Old Town and St. Matthias Church in Budapest
• Relax on a cruise on the Danube

Itinerary

Day 1 - UK/Warsaw
Your journey through Eastern Europe begins with a flight to Warsaw where you’ll stay for two nights on a half board basis.

Day 2 - Warsaw
Join your Tour Manager on a tour of the Polish capital, a historic city with a modern outlook. You’ll enjoy a walk along the Royal Route, linking many of Warsaw’s fine palaces, followed by some free time. Perhaps explore the exceptional Old Town, home to the Royal Palace as well as many tempting cafés and restaurants.

This evening, enjoy Chopin’s piano concert and a glass of sparkling wine at one of the palaces at Royal Baths Park, followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 3 - Krakow
This morning after breakfast you’ll step aboard the train and travel first class through the beautiful Mazovian region to Krakow. This afternoon you’ll enjoy an orientation tour of Krakow’s old town, in the company of a Specialist Guide, who will show you many of the highlights. Marvel at the Wawel Royal Castle, the celebrated Cloth Hall, beautiful Kanonicze Street and the grand Market Square. The former capital will be your home for the next three nights; dinner is included this evening.

Day 4 - Krakow
Today you’ll be free to explore at leisure, or to experience a different side of Poland by joining an optional tour to the acclaimed Wieliczka Salt Mine. Fittingly placed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, the cavernous walls have been intricately carved into monuments and pictures. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit the poignant remains at Auschwitz. Dinner will be taken at the hotel this evening.

Day 5 - Zakopane
Enjoy a full day tour to Zakopane, dubbed the ‘Winter Capital of Poland’. One of Poland’s best loved mountain resorts, it sits high in the spectacular Tatra Mountains. Over the years it has grown from a tiny village into a popular holiday centre, yet has retained its strong local traditions and folklore customs.

Day 6 - Prague
From Krakow, it’s just a 40-minute drive by coach to Katowice, where you board the train for the journey through fascinating countryside to Prague. You will stay in this picturesque city for the next two nights.

Day 7 - Prague
You’ll really get to know Prague’s old town on a morning walking tour in the company of an official guide. Not to be missed are the Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock, busy Wenceslas Square and the historic Charles Bridge, spanning the River Vltava.

During the afternoon, choose to let your Tour Manager introduce you to Prague’s Hradcany Quarter and visit the city’s impressive hilltop castle. It’s an area that has retained churches, chapels, halls and towers from every period of the Prague’s rich history. The imposing facade gives way to cobbled courtyards and the Gothic splendour of St Vitus’ Cathedral. If you’ve pre-booked your evening at the opera, then you will be in for a night to remember. See right-hand box for more details.

Day 8 - Vienna
Step aboard another train today for the exciting journey into Austria and Vienna, where two nights’ accommodation has been arranged.

Day 9 - Vienna
A morning sightseeing tour will introduce you to Vienna, a stylish city of music boasting a wealth of acclaimed sights. Perhaps seek out St Stephen’s Cathedral with its imposing spire, the impressive Hofburg Palace or the ornate Opera House. Your afternoon is your own, or to discover a little of Vienna’s impressive history why not join your Tour Manager on a visit to beautiful Schönbrun Palace, famous as the site where a six-year-old Mozart performed.

For an added optional treat, join your Tour Manager once again during the evening to see the city at night – one Viennese treat you just can’t miss. Travel to the top of the Danube Tower for some amazing views over the city before enjoying dinner. End your evening in style with a ride on the famous giant Ferris wheel in Prater Park.

Day 10 - Budapest
Board the train for the final part of your rail journey to Budapest this morning. After a little time to relax in your hotel, join your Tour Manager for a gentle dinner cruise along the Danube, looking out for many of Budapest’s great riverfront buildings as they glide past. This is a magical way to see the city from an alternative perspective.

Day 11 - Budapest
A morning city tour will show you the best of this distinguished city, divided by the River Danube, including St Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion in the Castle District. Across the river, you’ll visit the grand Heroes’ Square, simply the greatest square in the city. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure. You may choose to take a relaxing soak in one of the city’s many fine thermal baths - Budapest’s restorative waters were enjoyed by the Romans as early as the 2nd century and have earned it the grand title of ‘City of Spas’.

Day 12 - Budapest/UK
Your grand rail journey of Eastern Europe comes to an end today as you return by flight to the UK.

1. Dates & Pricing
2. Trains & Transportation
3. Accommodations