Explore the splendid elegance and fascinating histories of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Berlin – four of central Europe’s most spectacular capitals

Meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group this morning at London St Pancras, we board the Eurostar to Brussels. Travelling in Plus class*, we enjoy a light meal in our seats as we dash through northern France and into Belgium. Our journey continues by First Class rail* from Brussels to Frankfurt, arriving in the early evening.

Set beside the Main River, Frankfurt is one of the most important in Germany. Perhaps surprisingly for a global financial and business hub, its medieval Old Town retains a quaint atmosphere. The centrepiece is the historic Römer, a triple-fronted building with distinctive crow-stepped gables that has acted as the city hall for more than 600 years. In Römerberg square itself, there is a fountain in the middle surrounded by a huddle of colourful half-timbered buildings and the small, medieval Old Nicholas Church.

After checking in to our hotel near the city's main shopping streets, we enjoy a three-course dinner this evening.

*Please note: the 27th April and 21st September departures travel in Eurostar Standard, without a light meal, and by Standard Class rail.

Please Note - For departures 11th & 18th May 2026 and 7th September 2026 will be staying in Nuremberg at the NH Collection.

For departure 11th May 2026 will be staying in Regensburg at the Novotel Regensburg Zentrum.

After breakfast, we travel by train across Bavaria, encountering the beautiful Danube for the first time at historic Regensburg. The river guides us towards Austria and its grand capital, Vienna. Arriving this afternoon, we have time to explore at leisure after checking in to our hotel.

As the former capital of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is a great city to explore, with stately Baroque buildings appearing around almost every corner. Strolling northwards beside the 14th-century Augustinian Church, which contains a grand altar and Habsburg urns, you can find its understated entrance on Josefplatz. This opulent square was named in honour of Emperor Franz Josef II and is lined by grand buildings, including the Palais Pallavicini, one of many locations still recognisable from the classic film noir, The Third Man. Continuing onto Herrengasse, you encounter the palatial Renaissance and Baroque residences of noble families from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the stucco Palais Daun-Kinsky opposite the historic Schottenkirche, which has a remarkable interior.

We regroup this evening to enjoy dinner at a local Austrian restaurant.

*Please note: due to the Eurovision Song Contest being held in Vienna, the 11th May departure will stay in Bratislava, a short distance from the centre of its beautiful Old Town.

Please Note - For departure 5th October we will stay at the NH Wien Belvedere in Vienna

A sightseeing tour after breakfast reveals Vienna's imperial architecture. The grand Ringstrasse encircles the Old City and our local guide show us the neo-Renaissance Vienna State Opera topped by bronze statues, and the sweeping entrance to the neoclassical Parliament.

The centrepiece of this influential boulevard is the Hofburg Palace, which symbolises the dominance of the Habsburgs who ruled over large swathes of Europe from here between 1273 and 1918. Expanded over the centuries by various emperors, the Hofburg boasts preeminent examples of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture among its passageways and courtyards. Our next stop is the Habsburgs' summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace. We enjoy a guided tour of the palace's immaculate state rooms, concluding with an apple strudel show, a hot drink and strudel tasting. Afterwards, there is time to stroll Schönbrunn's manicured gardens.

The rest of the day is free to utilise your newly acquired knowledge or relax in an attractive park. This evening, you dine independently and could try local specialities such as a Wiener schnitzel or a glass of chilled Grüner Veltliner wine.

*Please note: the 11th May departure will travel to Vienna by coach and tour the city as described, before returning to Bratislava by catamaran on the Danube.

For 21st & 25th September departures the strudel show isn't available, but we will still enjoy the hot drink and strudel.

A free day provides ample opportunity to continue exploring Vienna at your own pace.

You could visit the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces close to our hotel or marvel at the incredible Lipizzan dancing horses at the Spanish Riding School near the Hofburg (pre-booking is required for performances). The beating heart of Vienna is its towering medieval cathedral, St Stephen's. At the top of this Gothic masterpiece, you'll be rewarded with one of the city's best views. For a more laid-back way to enjoy Vienna's skyline, head to the Prater Gardens to ride the Wiener Riesenrad - a giant Ferris wheel that was the world's tallest for much of the 20th century.

A visit to a Viennese coffeehouse is an ideal way to experience local life. Renowned for their 'gemütlichkeit' - warmth and friendliness - they serve a range of coffees from the melange to the decadent, cream-topped einspänner, along with enticing cakes. The delicious Sachertorte was invented in Café Sacher, one of the city's most elegant and historic coffeehouses along with cafés Landtmann and Central.

*Please note: the 11th May departure spend a free day in Bratislava, a picture-perfect city with a medieval and Baroque Old Town and iconic castle towering over the Danube.

This morning, we bid farewell to Austria and continue our adventure by heading east into Hungary.

Arriving in Budapest in the early afternoon, we embark on a guided coach tour to view this fascinating city's impressive buildings and monuments. Enroute, we admire the piercing spires of the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament building, Buda's huge castle, the Gothic Matthias Church and the swirling towers of Fisherman's Bastion, which provides incredible views of the river and Pest. In the early evening, we travel to Óbuda for dinner in a traditional restaurant that, combined with its serene surroundings, gives the feeling of being in a pleasant Hungarian village.

After dinner, we enjoy a holiday highlight as we sail down the Danube on an evening cruise, before returning to our hotel on a quiet street on the Pest side. The cruise is one of the best ways to see this beautiful city as the sights we saw during the day - including the spectacular Parliament building - are now illuminated, casting a magical glow across the Danube.

*Please note: the 11th May departure will travel to by rail to Vienna and onwards to Budapest.

Travelling to Széchenyihegy in the Buda Hills after breakfast, we board the narrow-gauge Children's Railway for an utterly charming rail journey that winds through peaceful forests.

The intention of the seven-mile railway was to teach children additional skills, and it's a delightful way to spend 40 minutes. Perfectly turned out in immaculate uniforms, Hungarian schoolchildren carry out all the roles you would expect from railway staff, except for driving the trains. In open carriages, the children check tickets, salute departures and blow their whistles with vigour. At the end of the line in Hűvösvölgy, we return to our hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

You might like to unwind with a visit to one of the ornate spas dotted around the city, such as the Art Deco Gellért thermal baths or the neo-Baroque Széchenyi medicinal baths near Heroes Square. For something slightly different, you could visit Memento Park to view salvaged Communist statues that adorned the city's streets between 1949 and 1989. This evening, you are free to dine independently.

Leaving Budapest after breakfast, we board the train to Prague. Winding alongside the Danube, we soon enjoy great views of the Danube Bend and the hilltop Visegrád citadel before crossing the plains of southern Slovakia.

In Czechia, we travel through Brno before arriving in Prague in late afternoon. Dubbed 'The City of a Hundred Spires', the copper-domed churches of this majestic capital shimmer beside the winding Vltava River. On arrival, we check in to our modern hotel where there is time to relax. Our accommodation is in the cosmopolitan Smíchov area of Prague, on the western bank of the Vltava. The country is renowned for its brewing and this district is home to its second largest brewery, Staropramen.

This evening, we enjoy dinner in the hotel ready to head out on an exploration of Prague tomorrow.

For departure 25th September we will stay at the Vienna House by Wyndham Diplomat Prague.

Waking up in Prague, we embark on a guided walking tour after breakfast. Beginning at Prague Castle, we explore the largest medieval complex in Europe, dating from the 9th century. Bursting with history, the most eye-catching building is the huge Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, its south entrance adorned with golden mosaics. We also view the 10th-century St George's Basilica and the quaint Golden Lane, which used to house castle guards and goldsmiths.

Leaving the castle, we cross the famous 14th-century Charles Bridge, admiring the 75 statues built along its walls, then stroll along, cobbled lanes to the grand Old Town Square. As the focal point of Prague life since the 12th century, one of the square's most fascinating features is the renowned astronomical clock, installed in 1410.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Wandering along winding lanes, picturesque buildings greet you round corners, often containing interesting and curious museums. This evening, you might wish to stop at one of the city's many fine eateries for some hearty and delicious Czech food and a glass of frothy beer.

Enjoy a day at leisure uncovering more wonders of Czechia's capital today. Prague's centre offers a magnificent array of options, and you may wish to see the sights during a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.

Prague has long had a taste for the quirky and fantastical, reflected in the works of one of its favourite sons, writer Franz Kafka. There are many statues of Kafka to be discovered, including a rotating, kinetic representation of his head, and one inspired by his short story 'Description of a Struggle' near the Spanish Synagogue. With an exterior evoking Andalucía's Alhambra, the Spanish Synagogue is appropriately named, containing ornate decorations influenced by Moorish design. This is just one of the beautiful locations in Josefov, Prague's thought-provoking Jewish Quarter which relays the long history of Jewish Prague.

After sightseeing, gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars and trendy cafés are easy to find. If you're looking for something more authentic, you can enjoy pork with dumplings and beer in a traditional pub or 'hospody' down one of the Old Town's many charming lanes.

Today, we leave Prague on a train bound for the German capital, passing the wonderful sandstone cliffs of Bohemian Switzerland enroute.

We arrive in Berlin in mid-afternoon and, after checking in to our hotel, we view the city's sights with a local guide. The tour uncovers Berlin's fascinating history, contrasting it with the city's vibrant present. Our first stops are near our hotel and signify how much this city has changed in the past few decades. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was constructed to stop East Germans fleeing to the west. After visiting the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, we get our first view of the Wall. Our thought-provoking tour concludes at the Brandenburg Gate - a spectacular 18th-century neoclassical monument that is now a symbol of unity.

You might find time to try a bratwurst or pretzel for an authentic taste of German cuisine, or a currywurst - a favourite of Berliners. You are also free to enjoy dinner independently tonight, and Berlin boasts an impressive range of restaurants catering for all tastes.

Your day is free to continue exploring at your own pace. Visiting the Norman Foster-designed glass dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag is possible with prior registration and offers spectacular city views.

In the old East Berlin, the East Side Gallery is a long stretch of the Wall beside the Spree River now decorated in colourful and often iconic street art. To the north of the city is Bernauer Strasse, along which the Berlin Wall used to run, and the Berlin Wall Memorial can be visited at the western end of the street. Viewing the Wall in this location brings home how loved ones and neighbours were separated for nearly 30 years.

Elsewhere, Museum Island comprises captivating galleries and museums, including the Pergamon Museum. Alternatively, you could wander through the extensive Tiergarten to Berlin Zoo or the Bauhaus Archive. Further out, Charlottenburg Palace is the only remaining royal residence from the Hohenzollern dynasty, while Potsdam is home to the Baroque flower gardens of Park Sanssouci.

This evening, we have our final group dinner together at a local restaurant.

This amazing holiday has revealed the beauty and history of four of central Europe's most impressive capital cities. From Vienna's classical grandeur to Berlin's emotive landmarks, we have sampled strudel at the Habsburg's imperial summer retreat, basked in the glow of an illuminated Danube cruise in Budapest and explored the stunning sights of magical Prague.

After breakfast in our hotel this morning, we transfer to Berlin's main railway station to begin our journey home, travelling to Brussels via Cologne. Boarding the Eurostar in the Belgian capital, we arrive at London St Pancras International in the evening, where your tour comes to an end.

We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for departures on this tour. You can find out which class each departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing grid.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Discover the wonderful Children's Railway in Budapest on this excellent tour. Known as the 'Gyermekvasút', this beautifully scenic line opened in 1948, and is run by Hungarian schoolchildren between the ages of 10 and 14, who consider working on the line to be a great honour. This line takes us through some beautiful areas of woodland in the hills above Buda, and presents some magnificent views of the greenery which surrounds the city.

This 4-Star hotel is based in the historic centre of Berlin, close to the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Situated just short walk from Friedrichstrasse, Berlin's major shopping district, it is a perfect base for exploring the sights. The hotel contains a restaurant and bar, and a wellness area with sauna and steam room and an on-site gym. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, coffee machine, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Situated in a leafy and quiet neighbourhood of Budapest, close to many popular shops and restaurants, the 4-Star Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel is a contemporary building with modern facilities. There's a laid-back bar in which to enjoy a drink, an infrared sauna and peaceful garden. The sleek bedrooms all feature flat-screen televisions and mini bars, as well as tea & coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star OREA Hotel Andel's is in Prague's Andel district, making it easy to explore the gorgeous Czech capital. The hotel is surrounded by trendy shops and boutiques and is also within walking distance of Prague's Old Town. Facilities include a fitness and wellness centre, with a sauna and whirlpool, and a gym. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi.

Located near to Vienna's main train station, this stylish 4-Star hotel blends design and functionality to provide a modern and comfortable base from which to explore the Austrian capital. Facilities include a restaurant with bar and peaceful garden, a rooftop bar and a gym. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flatscreen smart TV, air-conditioning, desk, safe, fridge and coffee and tea-making equipment.

Near the sprawling Baroque palaces of Belvedere, this 4-Star hotel was built in 1888 and boasts Art Nouveau details. Excellent transport links from nearby Rennweg make exploring Vienna easy. A buffet breakfast is served each morning, and snacks are available in the open bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £199 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.