Central European Classics

Tour details

Itinerary

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Day 1

Budapest (Hungary)

Arrive today in Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for the next two nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner where you can meet your fellow travellers. D 

Day 2

Budapest (Hungary)

One of Europe’s most renowned city’s, Budapest is actually two cities separated by the Danube – Buda and Pest. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace dominate one side of the river, with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest on the other.  

Today’s city tour includes a visit to the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. You will also see highlights including the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure. A popular option is to stroll along the banks of the Danube or visit the historic Great Market Hall, filled with an endless variety of delicious foods and wines. Alternatively, head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip. B 

Day 3

Budapest and Keszthely (Hungary)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Budapest Nyugati station to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Before boarding, be welcomed with a morning drinks reception in the stations impressive Royal Waiting Room.

The beautifully dressed staff will escort you to your cabin once the train is ready. There will be time to settle in to your cabin before the train makes its way out of Nyugati station and through the Budapest suburbs to the Great Hungarian Plain towards Lake Balaton.

Lunch will be served just as you are passing the lake’s southern shore, a popular Hungarian holiday spot. After a leisurely lunch, arrive in Keszthely (located at the far end of the lake) where you will explore the town on a short tour and enjoy a private cruise on the lake.

Return to the train in the early evening in time to get ready for dinner in the restaurant car, as your journey continues along the lakes more rugged northern shore. After dinner, pay a visit to the bar car for a drink, read a book or listen to the pianist before calling it a night. The train continues on towards Prague. B L D 

Day 4

Kosice and Poprad (Slovenia)

Breakfast is served this morning as the train heads into Slovakia and stops in Kosice – which dates back to the 13th century.  Enjoy a morning city tour exploring the Historical Centre and the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, Slovakia’s largest church.Back onboard, enjoy lunch as you continue journeying towards the High Tatras. Leave the train in Strba and board the Tatra Rack & Scenic (Narrow gauge) Railway which climbs 1,457 feet (444m) in just 5 kilometres as you head into the mountains.

The journey is only 15 minutes before hopping onto a second train that takes you on an extremely scenic 1-hour journey to Poprad, where you take a tour of the town. After your tour, re-join the Golden Eagle Danube Express, enjoying dinner as the train departs. The train passes into Poland around midnight. B L D 

Day 5

Krakow (Poland)

Once a royal capital, Krakow boasts a fascinating and extraordinary history. The city is now a lively university town full of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, yet still exudes plenty of old-world charm with beautiful monuments and friendly atmosphere.

Expect an early breakfast this morning before arriving in Oswiecim station, where you will disembark to visit Auschwitz. Lunch will be served back onboard on the way to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, where you will visit the spectacular underground Salt Cathedral. In the late afternoon or early evening, take a tour of the beautiful city of Krakow, spending most of the time in the historic old town which was, along with the Ecuadorian city of Quito, one of the first two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

After a long but memorable and rewarding day, return to the train for a farewell dinner. Around midnight, the train will pass into the Czech Republic. 

Day 6

Prague (Czech Republic)

After a leisurely breakfast the train arrives into Prague’s Hlavni station this morning, bringing an end to the rail based section of your itinerary.  

Today begins with a tour of the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings and renowned Astronomical Clock, as well as the historic 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter. Before lunch, enjoy a vintage tram ride through the city and up the hill towards Prague Castle and the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle and its surrounding architectural gems occupy a prime, hilltop position overlooking the city and river. Enjoy lunch overlooking the architectural treasures of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires’.

Cap off an exciting day with a relaxing afternoon cruise along the Vltava River by private boat, celebrating your last night with cocktails onboard. This evening, spend the night at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague (or similar). 

Day 7

Prague (Czech Republic)

Following a final breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward departure flight. There is also an option to extend your stay in Prague for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

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Please note: This is a sample itinerary and provides an idea of what you may experience. The actual itinerary may change slightly.

B = Breakfast  |  L = Lunch  |  D = Dinner