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

Eastern Gems: From Munich to Budapest

Be swept away by the regal grandeur and rich cultural heritage of four of Central Europe’s most imperial cities. On this 13-day luxury rail tour, you’ll experience the gothic romance of Prague, the stately elegance of Vienna, the dazzling beauty along the Danube in Budapest, and so much more – all while being seamlessly transported by comfortable and efficient rail travel.

We’ve carefully curated your journey to provide an authentic and immersive experience in each destination. Wander through fairy-tale Old Towns, visit iconic monuments and world-class museums, indulge in legendary local cuisine and beer, and truly engage with the traditions that make each city unique. All you have to do is immerse yourself in the magic.

Imagine exploring Munich’s beer halls and vibrant outdoor culture before a train transports you to the gothic spires of Prague. After experiencing the Bohemian charms, continue to Vienna’s stately coffee houses and incredible museums before concluding in dazzling Budapest, with its bathhouses, Danube vistas and unmistakable enchantment. 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 Munich

Welcome to the Bavarian capital! After checking into your hotel for a three-night stay, get your first taste of Munich at the iconic Marienplatz square with its striking New Town Hall and glockenspiel clock show. Don't miss enjoying a beer at one of Munich's classic beer halls. [Night in Munich]

Day 2

Munich's Top Attractions

Today, explore some of Munich's famous attractions like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek museum housing a world-class collection of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden. [Night in Munich]

Day 3

Day Trip from Munich

Use today to take a half or full-day trip from Munich to destinations like the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the idyllic village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or the nearby Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for a sobering reminder of history. [Night in Munich]

Day 4

Travel to Prague

After breakfast, depart Munich and take the train to the Czech Republic's capital of Prague. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for three nights. Spend your afternoon strolling across the iconic Charles Bridge and exploring the lively Old Town Square. [Night in Prague]

Day 5

Prague Castle & Malá Strana

No visit to Prague is complete without touring the expansive Prague Castle complex, the largest ancient castle in the world. Be sure to also wander through the charming Malá Strana neighborhood below the castle and see the whimsical sculptures lining Charles Bridge. [Night in Prague]

Day 6

More of Prague

With another full day, you can visit other top Prague attractions like the fascinating Jewish Quarter, the unique Art Nouveau-style Municipal House, or alternative neighborhoods like hip Vršovice. You could also take a cruise along the Vltava River for great views. [Night in Prague]

Day 7

Journey to Vienna

Leave Prague after breakfast and take the train into Austria to the imperial city of Vienna. After checking into your hotel for three nights, spend the evening strolling along the grand Ringstrasse and seeing sights like the Hofburg Palace. [Night in Vienna]

Day 8

Vienna's Ringstrasse

Today, experience the incredible architecture lining Vienna's Ringstrasse like the Opera House, Rathaus (Town Hall), Burgtheater, and Volksgarten park. You'll also want to visit the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral in the historic city center. [Night in Vienna]

Day 9

Schönbrunn and Museums

In the morning, explore the sumptuous Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. In the afternoon, you can visit world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches with works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and more. Art lovers may also enjoy the Belvedere and its iconic Kiss by Klimt. [Night in Vienna]

Day 10

Travel to Budapest

After breakfast, depart Vienna and take the train to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon strolling across the iconic Chain Bridge connecting Buda and Pest and seeing sights along the Danube riverfront. [Night in Budapest]

Day 11

Budapest's Top Attractions

Today, experience Budapest's most famous sites like the neo-Gothic Parliament Building, the medieval Buda Castle complex including Matthias Church, and the lively pedestrian streets and squares of Pest like Vaci Utca. You may also enjoy soaking in one of Budapest's thermal baths. [Night in Budapest]

Day 12

More of Budapest

With another full day, you can see other top attractions like Heroes' Square and the museums of Városliget park, take a cruise along the Danube, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, or journey up to the Gellért Hill Citadella for panoramic city views. [Night in Budapest]

Day 13

Depart Budapest

On your final morning in the Hungarian capital, visit any sights you may have missed or pick up some last-minute souvenirs and paprika before departing this unique and beautiful city straddling the Danube.

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.

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

Prague

Our Included Favourite

Falkensteiner Hotel Prague

Jungle garden in the courtyard

Wellness area

Popular Alternative

Esplanade Hotel Prague

1920s atmosphere

Onsite restaurant and cafe

Luxe Alternative

Art Nouveau Palace Hotel

Art nouveau interior

2 restaurants onsite

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

Budapest

Our Included Favourite

Hotel Zenit Budapest Palace

Modern building

On site gym

Popular Alternative

Royal Park Boutique Hotel

Breakfast buffet

Lobby bar

Luxe Alternative

W Budapest

Palace building

Subterranean bath spa