Journey through Central Europe’s most iconic cities, travelling by rail and overnight sleeper
Explore the heart of Central Europe on this carefully curated rail journey, combining iconic cities with the unique experience of overnight sleeper trains. Travelling from Vienna to Budapest and on to Kraków, Berlin & Cologne this itinerary blends rich history, cultural highlights and seamless rail travel for an effortless and immersive experience.
From: London St Pancras
Overview
Discover the highlights of Central Europe on this captivating rail journey, travelling through Vienna, Budapest and Kraków with a blend of scenic rail connections and memorable overnight sleeper experiences.
Begin with a journey to Vienna, where imperial architecture, grand boulevards and rich cultural heritage set the tone. Enjoy time to explore the city at your own pace, including a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and an unforgettable evening of dinner and classical music.
Continue to Budapest, a city of striking contrasts set along the Danube, before boarding a sleeper train to Kraków. Here, explore one of Europe’s most historic cities, with visits to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, offering a powerful insight into the region’s past.
From Kraków, travel to Berlin for a two-night stay to explore the city’s vibrant culture, iconic landmarks and fascinating past, before finishing with an overnight stay in Cologne on your journey back to the UK.
Trip Highlights
- Travel overnight on European sleeper trains, adding a unique and memorable element to your journey
- Discover Vienna’s imperial elegance, including a visit to Schönbrunn Palace and a classical evening experience
- Explore Budapest’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning riverside setting along the Danube
- Visit the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine and take a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Kraków
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Brussels & Cologne with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna & Krakow with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Budapest & Berlin with breakfast included
- 2-nights sleeper train accommodation
Transport
- Roundtrip Rail from London
Excursions
- Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Vienna, Budapest & Berlin
- Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
- Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Tou
- Krakow: Group Tour to Auschwitz – Birkenau
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesBrussels
Begin your journey with a rail transfer from London to Brussels. Sit back and relax as you travel comfortably by train, arriving in the heart of the Belgian capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to explore the historic centre or enjoy the city’s renowned cuisine. (Overnight in Brussels).
Brussels
Today is at leisure to explore Brussels at your own pace. Discover the Grand Place, visit local museums or enjoy the city’s famous cafés and chocolate shops. In the evening, board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for your overnight journey to Vienna. Settle into your cabin and enjoy this unique rail experience. (Overnight on board).
Vienna
Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel. Begin exploring the Austrian capital with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass. Discover the city’s grand architecture, historic landmarks and elegant boulevards at your own pace. (Overnight in Vienna).
Vienna
Continue discovering Vienna using your sightseeing pass. You may wish to visit its famous museums, stroll through the historic centre or relax in a traditional Viennese café. Enjoy another day to soak up the atmosphere of this imperial city. (Overnight in Vienna).
Vienna
Today, visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Explore its opulent interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. In the evening, enjoy a memorable cultural experience with dinner followed by a classical concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. (Overnight in Vienna).
Budapest
Today, travel by rail from Vienna to Budapest, enjoying a comfortable journey through Central Europe. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to take an evening stroll along the Danube or explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere. (Overnight in Budapest).
Budapest
Today, discover Budapest with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion to the Hungarian Parliament Building. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace. (Overnight in Budapest).
Budapest
Enjoy a free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. You may wish to relax in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, visit local markets or continue sightseeing. Later, board the EuroNight sleeper train for your overnight journey to Kraków. (Overnight on board).
Kraków
Arrive in Kraków and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this historic city, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town and lively atmosphere. (Overnight in Kraków).
Kraków
Today, enjoy a guided visit to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend underground to discover a fascinating network of tunnels, chambers and intricate carvings, all created from salt. After your visit, return to Kraków where the rest of the day is at leisure. (Overnight in Kraków).
Kraków
Today, join a guided excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most important and moving historic sites in Europe. Learn about the history of the Holocaust and the events that took place here during World War II. After the tour, return to Kraków where the rest of the day is at leisure. (Overnight in Kraków).
Berlin
After breakfast, make your way to the station for your rail journey from Krakow to Berlin. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel west through Central Europe. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy dinner in one of Berlin's lively neighbourhoods or take an evening stroll to see some of the city's famous landmarks illuminated after dark. (Overnight in Berlin).
Berlin
Today, discover the fascinating city of Berlin with your included 24 hour hop on hop off sightseeing bus and cruise experience. Explore iconic attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Museum Island and the bustling Alexanderplatz area at your own pace. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise and see the city from a different perspective along Berlin’s waterways. (Overnight in Berlin).
Cologne
Following breakfast, continue your journey by rail from Berlin to Cologne. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to explore. You may wish to visit Cologne's magnificent cathedral, wander through the charming Old Town or enjoy a drink beside the Rhine. (Overnight in Cologne).
Return home
This morning, board your train from Cologne to Brussels before continuing onwards to London. Relax and reflect on your incredible Central European adventure as you make your way home, taking with you unforgettable memories of iconic cities, rail journeys and unique experiences.
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Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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