Central Europe Explorer: Budapest to Munich by Rail

Days 1-3  Budapest, Hungary  
Fly to Budapest and on arrival, head to your hotel. From the Buda Palace, Mátyás Church and cobbled streets of Buda on the west bank to the spectacular parliament buildings and historic Jewish Quarter of Pest on the east bank, the “Pearl of the Danube” has something new to discover around every corner. Learn more about the fascinating history of the city on your included city tour with a local guide, which finishes with an unmissable cruise on the Danube. Famed for its spa culture, perhaps spend some time relaxing in the thermal waters at the iconic Neo-Baroque Széchenyi Thermal Baths. In the evenings be sure to sample some delicious local cuisine or visit the notorious ruin bars, offbeat spaces that have revitalised the city with art, culture and creativity.

Day 4  Budapest to Vienna, Austria      
This morning board your train and travel through the Hungarian and Austrian countryside bound for Vienna. After checking in to your hotel head out to explore the epic grandeur of Austria’s capital. Start at Prater Park, home to the giant ferris wheel, one of Vienna’s must beloved landmarks and perhaps indulge in some hearty Viennese fare or enjoy a crisp beer in the garden of the legendary Schweizerhaus.

Days 5-6  Vienna  
On the morning of day 5 set out to see the sights of Vienna on your included bike tour. Pedal the quiet streets and cycle paths with your local guide, passing the Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral before finishing at the sprawling Heldenplatz at the Hofburg Palace. Having got your bearings, spend the rest of your time exploring the palaces, museums and attractions of this mesmerising city. The Upper Belvedere Palace and gardens are a must see, and houses Klimt’s iconic ‘The Kiss’, as well as works by fellow Viennese modernist Egon Schiele. Elsewhere, dive into psychoanalysis at the Freud Museum, marvel at the one of a kind colourful architecture and art of Hundertwasser or learn about Vienna’s musical legacy at Mozarthaus, the Beethoven Museum or the House of Strauss.

Day 7  Vienna to Salzburg      
Vienna’s coffee culture is such an intrinsic part of its identity that it is listed as a source of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Enjoy a cup this morning before boarding your train through the Austrian countryside to Salzburg. After checking in wander the ornate Baroque laneways of Mozart’s birthplace. The bright yellow Hagenauer Haus and the Mozart Residence are home to his original pianoforte and other artifacts.  Stop in at a local konditorei to sample a delicious marzipan Mozartkugeln, first created in the town in 1890.

Day 8  Salzburg      
This morning ride the funicular up to the majestic Fortress Hohensalzburg, which has stood in protection of Salzburg since 1077. Explore the mysterious Prince’s Rooms and the great armoury and admire the panoramic views before heading back down to the city below. Like the hills that surround it, Salzburg too is “alive with the sound of music”; the stunning baroque Mirabell Palace and gardens and the unique Hellbrunn Palace with its Trick Fountains both featured in the much loved film. In the evening perhaps attend a performance at the historic Salzburg Marionette Theatre, a unique cultural institution that has been enchanting audiences for over 100 years.

Day 9  Salzburg to Munich, Germany      
After a leisurely breakfast make your way to the train station to board your train to Germany. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the scenic Bavarian countryside before arriving in cosmopolitan Munich. Nicknamed Millionenderf (the village of a million people), the city is like a series of villages ripe for exploration, each with its own distinct character.  Begin you adventure at Marienplatz, the heart of the city, surrounded by the sprawling streets, historic buildings and cafés of the old town. Nearby Viktualienmarkt food market has over 100 stalls full of local produce and regional specialities to sample as the sun goes down.

Days 10-11  Munich      
Spend a couple of days exploring the world-class museums and galleries, green parks and historic architecture of Bavaria’s beautiful capital. Why not head to the English Garden, the perfect spot to sample a local brew and indulge in some people watching? Munich’s green lung is bigger than New York’s Central Park, and is also home to the Eisbachwave, a half meter standing wave in the river, beloved of surfers worldwide. Outside the city, perhaps take a trip to the heart of the Bavarian Alps and the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, which lies two hours away by train, near Füssen.

Day 12  Fly home