London to Brussels
Meet your Tour Manager at London St Pancras for a lunchtime departure by Eurostar. Lunch and drinks are served en route to Brussels.
Danube Express Journey begins The Danube Express meets you at Brussels Midi station for a late afternoon departure. On boarding, your sleeping car attendant shows you to your private accommodation. Take time to settle down before dinner in the restaurant car, served as the forests and undulating hills of the Ardennes drift by giving way to rural Germany. Later, the lounge car comes alive as the train continues overnight towards the Czech Republic.
Carlsbad & Prague
Wake as the train threads its way through the picturesque Bohemian countryside prior to arrival in the 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. Take lunch en route to Prague as the Ohre river valley glides by. In the afternoon, explore this 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. Back on board, enjoy dinner as the Danube Express travels south towards Austria.
Vienna & Budapest
Morning sees arrival in Vienna for a tour which provides an overview of this dazzling city. Admire the stunning architecture as you follow the Ringstrasse and continue past the Hofburg, City Hall, Votive Church and Parliament. Visit the State Rooms at the magnificent Schnbrunn Palace and return to the city via the Belvedere Palace and the State Opera. Rejoin the train for lunch then relax and unwind with the ever-changing scenery. The Danube Express arrives late afternoon at Budapest Nyugati station and bids you farewell.
Danube Express Journey ends Transfer to the Hotel Astoria (4-star) where you stay four nights. Centrally located in Budapest with easy access to all areas of the city, the Astoria is just a few minutes’ walk from the River Danube. After dinner, wander down to the river and see the breathtaking view of the illuminated city.
Budapest
The tour today takes in both sides of this fascinating city, Buda and Pest, standing either side of the Danube. In Pest, see City Park and Heroes Square where there is a stop to learn about Hungarian history and culture before continuing to the Cathedral, State Opera House and Parliament. Crossing to Buda, Gellert Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion offer spectacular views across the city before a visit to St Matthias Church. This afternoon take a trip through Buda’s wooded hills on the Children’s Railway.
Danube Bend
Today’s excursion is to the Danube Bend where forested hills dominate the landscape of this beautiful section of river. In Esztergom, see the impressive Basilica, Hungary’s largest church. Stop for lunch in Visegrd where the medieval castle, set high on a hill, overlooks the Danube and later, wander through the charming town of Szentendre with its museums, artists and galleries.
Budapest
You are free today to discover more of this intriguing city. Visit Statue Park, a museum or spa, or simply relax in a street cafe and watch the world go by.
Budapest to Nuremberg
After breakfast, transfer to Keleti station and board the InterCity train to Vienna. Continue on Germany’s prestige InterCity Express to Nuremberg, arriving late afternoon. Transfer to Le Mridien Grand Hotel (5-star) in the heart of the city, for a two-night stay.
Nuremberg
This morning’s walking tour of Nuremberg, famous for its Christmas markets, includes the breathtaking cathedral and St Sebaldus Church. See the Old Town Hall straddling the river and explore the serpentine streets and charming houses. The afternoon is free to explore and options include medieval Kaiserburg Castle and city walls, museums and craft centre.
Nuremberg to London
Depart mid-morning for Frankfurt on board the InterCity-Express. Change trains here and continue across Germany to Brussels to join Eurostar. Dinner and drinks are served en route to London St Pancras, arriving early evening.
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