London to Budapest
Meet your Tour Manager at London Heathrow for the 1400 British Airways flight to Budapest. Arriving late afternoon, you transfer to the elegant Hotel Astoria (4-star) for a two-night stay. Situated in the very centre with easy access to all parts of the city, the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Danube. After dinner, there is time for a stroll along the river to experience the sight of this cosmopolitan city illuminated against the night sky.
Budapest
A morning tour acquaints you with this city of two halves, Buda and Pest, straddling the Danube. You will encounter many styles of architecture travelling through the city, from Gothic, to Art Nouveau and Bauhaus, all indicative of a rich history and turbulent past. In Pest, pass many 19th and 20th century mansions en route to City Park and Heroes Square where there is a stop to learn more of Hungarian culture and history. Later see the Cathedral and the magnificent Parliament building, one of Budapest’s best known landmarks. Cross the river to Buda and Gellert Hill with its unrivalled views of the city and, later in the Castle district, visit the St Matthias Church and Fishermans Bastion.
The afternoon is free to explore – a visit to a museum, a spa or a cruise on the river, the choice is yours.
Budapest & Vienna
Transfer mid-morning to Budapest Nyugati station
Danube Express Journey begins After a champagne reception, your sleeping car attendant shows you to your private accommodation. Relax and unwind in the lounge car before lunch. As the Danube Express travels west towards the Austrian border, enjoy the ever changing scenery before arriving in Vienna mid-afternoon. A tour provides an overview of this dazzling city and the opportunity to admire its stunning architecture. Following the Ringstrasse, you pass the Hofburg, City Hall, Votive Church and Parliament and continue on to Schnbrunn where you visit the State Rooms at the magnificent Palace. Return to the city is via the Belvedere Palace and the State Opera. Back on board, dinner is served as the train journeys on to the Czech Republic.
Prague & Carlsbad
Morning sees arrival in Prague, a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church spires. Cross the beautiful Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River to the Old Town and see the striking Old Town Hall Tower with its Astronomical Clock. Rejoin the train for lunch then enjoy the vistas as the train follows the Ohre river valley.
Late afternoon sees arrival in the picturesque spa town of Carlsbad with its colourful Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. On a walking tour, see the impressive colonnades and the famous Hot Spring, shooting water high into the air. Leaving Carlsbad, dine as the Danube Express threads it way through the picturesque Bohemian countryside on its journey towards the German border
Brussels to London
Wake as rural Germany gives way to the forests and undulating hills of the Ardennes and arrive at Brussels Midi station mid morning where the Danube Express bids you farewell.
Danube Express Journey ends Join Eurostar for a late morning departure with lunch and drinks served en route to London St Pancras, arriving early afternoon.
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