• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotels

Central Europe Tour: Berlin, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna

Experience the Cultural Capitals of Central Europe by Rail with our Central Europe Tour. 

 Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through four of Central Europe’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. Begin by exploring Berlin’s fascinating mix of ancient and modern – from its Prussian imperial heritage to the gritty-chic culture of Kreuzberg. Then immerse yourself in Munich’s provincial beer garden and cultural scenes before being swept away by the baroque splendor and Austrian “Gemütlichkeit” of Salzburg. Your journey crescendos in the grand imperial capital of Vienna, with its stately Ringstrasse, incredible museums, and indulgent cafe culture.

We’ve carefully crafted your tour to have enough time to immerse yourself into each destination. The timeline is flexible enough for you to wander through atmospheric neighborhoods, visit world-class museums and landmarks, indulge in legendary local cuisine and libations, and truly engage with the unique traditions that make these places so captivating. 

As you navigate through cities with ease aboard comfortable and efficient rail, we’ll handle all the logistics from your perfectly located hotels to timed train journeys. You’re free to fully embrace the moments as they unfold around you.

This tour is far from typical; it’s a carefully choreographed experience providing unparalleled access to the living culture, rich history, and pleasures of this iconic Central European region. Get ready to be dazzled!

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Berlin

Welcome to the German capital! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Get your bearings by exploring the area around the iconic Brandenburg Gate and visiting the moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. [Night in Berlin]

Day 2

Discover Berlin

Today, experience Berlin's most famous sights like the Reichstag, Berliner Dom cathedral, the East Side Gallery portion of the Berlin Wall, and grand museums like the Pergamon on Museum Island. You could also explore vibrant neighborhoods like Kreuzberg or the Turkish district along the Landwehr Canal. [Night in Berlin]

Day 3

Travel to Munich

After breakfast, depart Berlin and take the train to the Bavarian city of Munich. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Get your first taste of Munich at the famous Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall glockenspiel clock show. [Night in Munich]

Day 4

Munich's Top Attractions

Today, explore highlights like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek museum housing a renowned collection of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden, one of the world's largest city parks. [Night in Munich]

Day 5

Journey to Salzburg

Leave Munich after breakfast and travel by train into Austria to the city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend the afternoon strolling through Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town, visiting sites like Salzburg Cathedral and seeing some of the filming locations from "The Sound of Music." [Night in Salzburg]

Day 6

Salzburg's Highlights

Today, continue exploring Salzburg's top attractions like the incredible Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest preserved castles in Europe. You can also visit Mozart's birthplace and residence, and sample delicious local food specialties like kasnocken pasta. [Night in Salzburg]

Day 7

Travel to Vienna

After breakfast, depart Salzburg and take the train to the Austrian capital of Vienna. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend the evening strolling along the grand Ringstrasse and seeing sights like the Hofburg Palace and Rathaus (Town Hall). [Night in Vienna]

Day 8

Vienna's Ringstrasse

Devote today to experiencing the incredible architecture lining Vienna's Ringstrasse including the Opera House, Burgtheater, Volksgarten park, and magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral in the historic center. You may also want to visit one of the city's excellent museums. [Night in Vienna]

Day 9

Depart Vienna

On your final morning in Vienna, consider visiting the sumptuous Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. If time allows, you could also stop at one of Vienna's famed coffee houses like Cafe Central before departing for your next destination.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

Berlin

Our Included Favourite

Adina Apartment Hotel Hackescher Markt

Gym and Sauna

Washing machine in the apartment

Popular Alternative

Premier Inn Berlin Alexanderplatz Hotel

Full Kitchen Apartments

Family friendly

Luxe Alternative

Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza

Wellness area

On site Restaurant & Bar

Munich

Our Included Favourite

25 hours the royal bavarian

Walking distance from the city center

Offers bike rentals

Popular Alternative

Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center

Family friendly

Fitness center

Luxe Alternative

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

Munich’s former Bavarian Royal Post Office

Luxury spa

Salzburg

Our Included Favourite

Dorint City Hotel Salzburg

Wellness area

On site Restaurant

Popular Alternative

Star Inn Hotel Premium Salzburg Gablerbräu

Historic building

Family friendly

Luxe Alternative

Sheraton Grand Salzburg

Rooftop with mountain scenery

Piano bar

Vienna

Our Included Favourite

Hotel Imlauer Vienna

Wellness area

Hotel bar in a glass covered inner courtyard

Popular Alternative

Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof

Eco friendly hotel

Cozy hotel bar 24/7

Luxe Alternative

Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere - a concept by Hyatt

Rooftop bar

Health and Wellness area