Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Prague, Vienna and Budapest by Train
Explore Europe’s Historic Capitals

Prague - Vienna – Budapest

Starting from between £1,740 to £2,350 per person for 8 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Soak in Prague’s views during a cruise on the Vltava River
  • Marvel at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
  • Discover lesser-known spots in Vienna and Budapest with local guides
  • Unwind in Europe’s largest thermal baths
Discover three of central Europe’s most captivating cities by train during this eight-day trip through Prague, Vienna and Budapest. As former capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, these cities are rich in cultural, artistic and gastronomic heritage.

Your adventure begins in Prague, a magical city with Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau influences. Discover the old districts alongside a private guide and take a scenic cruise on the Vltava River. Next is Vienna, a city boasting equal parts grandeur and small-town charm. While here, enjoy a guided tour of the city and explore the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Your final stop is Budapest, snaked by the peaceful waters of the Danube. Between wide avenues and narrow cobbled streets, discover the city with a local guide before unwinding in Europe’s largest thermal baths.
Prague - Czech Republic © Bjoern Steinz/PANOS-REA
Prague - Czech Republic © Bjoern Steinz/PANOS-REA
Prague - Czech Republic © Bjoern Steinz/PANOS-REA
Prague - Czech Republic © Bjoern Steinz/PANOS-REA
Budapest - Hungary © Droits reservés
Budapest - Hungary © Droits reservés
Prague - Czech Republic © Joerg MODROW/LAIF-REA
Prague - Czech Republic © Joerg MODROW/LAIF-REA
Budapest - Hungary © e_polischuk - stock.adobe.com
Budapest - Hungary © e_polischuk - stock.adobe.com
Vienna - Austria © Gerald Haenel/LAIF-REA
Vienna - Austria © Gerald Haenel/LAIF-REA
Budapest - Hungary © Daria Nikitina
Budapest - Hungary © Daria Nikitina
Vienna - Austria © Dagmar Schwelle/LAIF-REA
Vienna - Austria © Dagmar Schwelle/LAIF-REA

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Your trip begins with a speedy two-hour flight to Prague. After landing, you’ll be privately transferred to your charming hotel in the heart of the Malá Strana district. This is your home for the next two nights, and it’s perfectly located just a stone’s throw from Prague Castle.

Prague might be famous for its connections to Mozart, fairy-tale palaces and historic churches, but it also embodies contemporary European culture. Discover the former with a private tour of two historic districts: The Old Town and Malá Strana. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, start your tour at the famous Municipal House and the Powder Tower, marking the separation between the old and new towns. Along the mysterious alleyways of the Old Town, unearth the history of Prague as you visit emblematic monuments like the Baroque palaces, the City Hall with its astronomical clock and the many medieval churches.

Next, stroll through the market square before heading along the Royal Way and Charles Bridge, pausing to admire the impressive sculptures. When you reach Kampa Island, soak in the atmosphere of Malá Strana, Prague’s oldest neighbourhood. If you want to see both sides of the city, we can also arrange for you to take a guided tour of modern Prague.

After your walking tour, prepare for a second helping of views during a cruise on the Vltava. Aboard a small traditional vodouch boat, sail serenely along the river, passing architectural and historical wonders along the way.

Your next stop is Vienna, so board the train at Prague Central Station and settle in for your four-hour journey to the Austrian capital. After you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel for the next three nights: a beautiful 19th-century building in the heart of the city.

We’ve left this afternoon free for you to explore this magical city at your own pace. Vienna has a rich past, evident in its opulent aesthetic and countless art galleries and museums. It promises to delight with its history and music as much as its famous Wiener schnitzel – just ask your local Concierge for the best place to try it.

Get to know the Vienna hiding behind its beautiful Baroque facades alongside a local guide today. During this relaxed stroll, they’ll tell you stories of the city and show you some of their favourite spots. They’re also the perfect person to give you tips and recommendations for the rest of your stay, so fire away with questions.

This afternoon, we’ve secured you tickets to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This beautiful building was first built by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach between 1696 and 1699 and has undergone many transformations since. At this impressive summer palace, discover gilded rooms, extraordinary gardens and even Roman ruins. The greenhouses are home to some rare and exotic plant collections, while the fountain at the zoo is one of the oldest in Europe, built in 1752. Among the many creatures living here, don’t miss the giant pandas (yes, really).

Today is free for you to explore Vienna at your own pace: visit the City Hall; contemplate The Crucifixion at the Museum of Art History; admire the gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral; soak up the city from the heights of the Giant Ferris Wheel; pick up some souvenirs on Mariahilfer Strasse; indulge in a slice of the city’s famous Sachertorte; or marvel at the incredible Hofburg Palace. If you like, this evening we can secure you seats at a classical music performance featuring Vivaldi’s renowned compositions, ‘The Four Seasons’.

Another day, another journey by rail. Today, you’ll take the two-and-a-half-hour train from Vienna’s central station to Budapest. After you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your trendy hotel in the central district of Terezvaros. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, the city is your oyster: head out and explore, unwind in the sauna or enjoy a fabulous cocktail in the hotel’s bar.

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest lives up to its name. With a complex history, this city is a melting pot of influences, including Ottoman, Austrian and Angevin, meaning there’s plenty to explore and discover.

As in Vienna, spend the morning exploring with a local guide. There’s no set itinerary and they’ll tailor the route to what you’d like to see and do, along with sharing their favourite neighbourhoods, go-to restaurants and stories of living in the city.

Next up is the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Baths. These hot spring pools, founded in the 19th century, have waters ranging from 16 to 40°C both indoor and outdoor. They’re also one of Europe's largest thermal pools and boast a spectacular historical setting.

When your muscles are well and truly relaxed and you’ve soaked up plenty of medicinal minerals, we recommend making the most of what Budapest has to offer: wander between the beautiful Baroque buildings on Lord’s Street or around the gardens of Buda Castle; stop for a snack in a Belle Époque pastry shop; sample Hungarian wines in a medieval cellar; shop ‘til you drop on Vaci Utca street; stroll through the chic residential districts of Rózsadomb; enjoy a traditional dinner at a canteen restaurant; or spend an evening at the opera.

Your European adventure by rail has sadly come to an end. Wave goodbye to Budapest as you head to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

VIENNA - EXPERIENCE THE VINOHRADY DISTRICT LIKE A LOCAL

If you’re looking to explore Prague far from the tourist traps, Vinohrady is the place to do it. This neighbourhood boasts beautiful Art Deco buildings and is also home to a fascinating television tower. With your private guide leading the way, discover craft workshops and intimate cafés loved by locals, sample a buchta (sweet roll) at a farmer’s market or enjoy the view from a terrace unknown to tourists.

VIENNA - A TICKET TO THE FOUR SEASONS

The Karlskirche is one of Vienna’s many celebrations of Baroque architecture. The dome is decorated with Johann Michael Rottmayr’s stunning frescoes, while the altarpiece was designed by Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff and is impressive enough to leave you speechless. But the Karlskirche isn’t just a feast for the eyes – we can arrange for you to spend the evening listening to Orchestra 1756 perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on historic instruments in this magnificent building.

BUDAPEST – ALTERNATIVE PRIVATE TOUR OF THE CITY

Emerging from a tumultuous past, Budapest has transformed itself into a modern, trendy and creative city. During this relaxed walking tour, dig deeper into Budapest to uncover its alternative and underground side. Discover an art house cinema in a small confectionery factory and admire the artwork in its street art district, all with a knowledgeable private guide to lead the way.

WITH A FEW MORE DAYS... BERLIN

If you have a few more days to spare, we recommend beginning your journey in Berlin. This city might be full of splendid historic buildings, but it’s Berlin’s alternative spirit that gives it its character. Each neighbourhood has a different personality, from bohemian Prenzlauer Berg to edgy Kreuzberg. While you’re there, browse luxury shops on Kurfürstendamm, nab a vintage find in Friedrichshain, sip cocktails on the rooftop of the Reichstag or try local beer in an underground bar.

Why visit Czech Republic with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Czech Republic

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £1,740 to £2,350 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £2,000 per person.

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