The Heart of Europe by Train
❮The Heart of Europe by Train
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This 16 night sample itinerary includes:
- Hotel for 2 nights in Prague
- Train from Prague to Vienna
- Hotel for 2 nights in Vienna
- Train from Vienna to Budapest
- Hotel for 2 nights in Budapest
- Train from Budapest to Zagreb
- Hotel for 2 nights in Zagreb
- Train from Zagreb to Ljubljana
- Hotel for 2 nights in Ljubljana
- Train from Ljubljana to Venice
- Hotel for 2 nights in Venice
- Train from Venice to Lucerne
- Hotel for 2 nights in Lucerne
- Train from Lucerne to Munich
- Hotel for 2 nights in Munich
Discover the jewels of the Heart of Europe by train!. Your adventure begins in Prague (a stunning, diverse city with a rich heritage) before heading to Vienna (the birthplace of Mozart; home of classical music and waltzes), Budapest (a dual city - full of interest, monuments, and glimpses of history) and Zagreb (the cultural, political, social and economic center of Croatia). Continue in Ljubljana (Slovenia`s leading city and an important center of influence), Venice (the charming, romantic city on canals), Lucerne (a lovely city of covered bridges, frescoed houses, cobblestone streets, and glorious fountains) and finally, Munich (a stunning city of museums, historical sights, theater, food and fun). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
Flexible Itinerary
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Prague
Day 1Arrive to Prague
Overnight in PragueDay 2Overnight in PragueDay 3Departing from Prague
Transportation to next city by: Train - Prague to Vienna -
Vienna
Day 3Arrive to Vienna
Overnight in ViennaDay 4Overnight in ViennaDay 5Departing from Vienna
Transportation to next city by: Train - Vienna to Budapest -
Budapest
Day 5Arrive to Budapest
Overnight in BudapestDay 6Overnight in BudapestDay 7Departing from Budapest
Transportation to next city by: Train - Budapest to Zagreb -
Zagreb
Day 7Arrive to Zagreb
Overnight in ZagrebDay 8Overnight in ZagrebDay 9Departing from Zagreb
Transportation to next city by: Train - Zagreb to Ljubljana -
Ljubljana
Day 9Arrive to Ljubljana
Overnight in LjubljanaDay 10Overnight in LjubljanaDay 11Departing from Ljubljana
Transportation to next city by: Train - Ljubljana to Venice -
Venice
Day 11Arrive to Venice
Overnight in VeniceDay 12Overnight in VeniceDay 13Departing from Venice
Transportation to next city by: Train - Venice to Lucerne -
Lucerne
Day 13Arrive to Lucerne
Overnight in LucerneDay 14Overnight in LucerneDay 15Departing from Lucerne
Transportation to next city by: Train - Lucerne to Munich (Via Zurich) -
Munich
Day 15Arrive to Munich
Overnight in MunichDay 16Overnight in MunichDay 17Departing from Munich
Germany
Germany's landscape is straight from the Fairy tales: castles, deep dark forests and mythical rivers. The German landscapes are extraordinarily diverse, with graceful big-city appeal, small picture-postcard towns, pagan-inspired harvest festivals, a wealth of art and culture, and the perennial pleasures of huge tracts of forest, delightful castles and fine wine and beer. From Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire to the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, no other nation has molded Europe the way Germany has - for better or worse.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is perhaps best-known for its beautiful capital, Prague, although it is known for much more, such as its numerous castles and châteaux (over 1,200 of them!). It is also well-known for having some of the most delicious food and drink in Europe, in particular its wines and famed Pilsner-style beer. The Czech Republic has and had a very long Jewish tradition, which is triumphantly on display after the horrors and loss of World War II in such places as the Great Synagogue in Plzen, the third-largest in the world. Finally, the Czech Republic is well-known for its museums, educating visitors on everything from history and art to folk arts and crafts and even life in the former Communist Czechoslovakia.
Austria
Austria is epitomized by green glacial valleys and snow-capped peaks - and the wooden picture postcard chalets. Nonetheless, visitors have much to explore from the stylish capital, Vienna, to the baroque splendor of Salzburg. Austria's mountain landscape is undoubtedly its biggest draw for tourists. Although a year-round destination, there is a definite seasonal split in visitors. Summer is best for exploring the countryside on the many mountain trails that snake through the Austrian Alps and the lowlands, while the ski season kicks off in December, attracting winter sports fans from all over the world.
Hungary
Perhaps the first thing you think of when you think of Hungary is its delicious cuisine; after all, it is the country that gave us goulash and fisherman`s soup. It is also known the world over for its 1,000-year historical tradition which bred strong folk traditions. Hungary is also known for its spring and summer festivals, its thermal spas, stunning and varied architectural styles befitting `the crossroads of Europe`, and some of the most gorgeous scenery you will find on the continent. Be sure to visit the charming capital of Budapest, split by the Danube, and then travel further afield to Transdanubia and the Great Hungarian Plain.
Croatia
Croatia is a fast-growing European travel destination, as Americans are becoming turned on to a destination that Europeans have visited for decades. It has some of the most popular beaches in Europe, with the numerous islands offshore considered to offer the best beaches. Croatia is also well-known for its history and geographic beauty. Croatia also offers to the tourist opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and mountain climbing at their many national parks such as Plitvice Lakes. Croatia also offers tourists the opportunity to learn about its history by visiting its many walled cities (such as Dubrovnik, Trogir, and Korcula), Roman-era buildings (of which Diocletian`s Palace is perhaps the best-known), and religious buildings such as Zagreb Cathedral in the country`s exquisite capital.
Slovenia
For such a small nation, Slovenia, at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, offers so many distinct vacation opportunities. People who want a city getaway will fall in love with Ljubljana, the capital and largest city. Winter sports enthusiasts will be right at home on the ski slopes near Lake Bled and nearby Lake Bohinj. A countryside getaway wouldn't be complete without a tour of Styria and the culturally significant Lasko Valley. Finally, a summer getaway is easily within reach if you sun yourself on the beaches of the Slovenian Riviera in towns such as Koper, Piran, and Portoroz.
Italy
For centuries Italy has drawn foreign visitors - mostly for its architectural, artistic, and scenic splendors. Italy can truly be all things to all people. From the passion and excitement of noisy urban crowds to the quiet, rural idyll where the traditional life can be experienced. Italy's great cities are replete with rich attractions and culture alongside some of the most pristine beaches and spectacular mountains in the world.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a pristine country of lakes, mountains and forests. The best known of the continent`s mountain ranges, the Alpine chain, runs through most of Switzerland and provides the majority of the country`s magnificent natural sights. In the summer, towns such as Interlaken become green mountain centers for walking and mountaineering, and there are few places more naturally beautiful in the whole of Europe. Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lucerne are models of Swiss efficiency, offering a wealth of perfectly serene history. Less busy are the lakeside resorts, including fashionable Montreux on Lake Geneva.
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Trip Summary
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Prague
Rows of steeples stacked on onion domes pierce the sky, earning Prague the name 'The City of a Thousand Spires'. Prague has stood the test of time: 1,000 years of art and architecture have collided with power politics and religious conflicts. New shops and restaurants have opened, expanding the city's culinary reach far beyond tradition. The arts and theater are thriving in the 'new' Prague. The arts of the new era possess a distinctive Czech flavor. All of this frenetic activity plays well against a stunning backdrop of towering churches and centuries-old bridges and alleyways. Explore Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square, the Jewish Quarter and so much more!
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Vienna
City of music, cafes, waltzes, parks, pastries, and wine - that`s Vienna in a nutshell. Vienna doesn`t hurry, and, as you saunter through its stately streets, marveling at its Baroque palaces, neither should you. Explore churches filled with statues of golden saints and pink-cheeked cherubs, wander through treasure-packed museums, or while away an afternoon in one of those countless meccas of mocha (the inevitable cafés), you will feel lapped in lashings of rich, delicious, whipped cream - the beloved Schlagobers that garnishes most Viennese pastries. Explore The Hofburg Palace, Schonbrunn Palace, Staatsoper, Kunsthistorisches Museum, the MuseumsQuartier Complex, St. Stephan's Cathedral, the Belvedere Palace, The Ringstrasse, Parlament, The Prater and so much more!
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Budapest
Two cities in one! Buda on a hill, historical part of the city and Pest on a plain its shops and boulevards both separated by the Danube flowing between them and connected by magnificent bridges. Budapest looks its most beautiful at dawn, yet it is also spectacularly appealing at night. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life and an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe`s most delightful and enjoyable cities. This is a vibrant city: it throbs with life morning, noon and night; a remarkable and wholly unpretentious place. Visit and explore the Buda Hill and the Castle District, Parliament, the Chain Bridge, Heroes' Square, St. Stephen's Basilica, the Opera House, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Gellert Hill, the thermal baths and so much more.
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Zagreb
Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of Croatia. It is known as the City of Museums, as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. Zagreb is a vibrant, modern destination with a variety of shops, quality restaurants and sports and recreation facilities. The historical part of the city to the north is comprised of the Upper Town and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings. Of particular note is the breathtaking Gothic-style Zagreb Cathedral, from which the entire city was born. Explore the Kaptol, Upper Town, Lower Town, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Art Pavilion, Mestrovic Pavilion, Mimara Museum, Lotrscak Tower, Kamenita vrata, Ilica, King Tomislav Square, Lenuci's Horseshoe, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, and so much more.
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Ljubljana
Ljubljana, long overlooked by American travelers in favor of adjacent European capitals like Vienna and Budapest, is now a city on the rise. Visitors only need a few moments to walk the pedestrian-only streets in the city center to feel the old-world historic charm, coupled with the youthful energy exuding from the local university population. Beautiful and vibrant, travelers will quickly learn that Ljubljana has a lot to offer to all who visit. You can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy live music in the Metelkova mesto commune, sail lazily along the winding Ljubljanica River, browse art galleries and take in a ballet, all within walking distance from each other. Visit and explore the Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljanica River, Metelkova mesto, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butchers` Bridge, Cobblers` Bridge, Congress Square, Preseren Square, Slovenska cesta, Mount Saint Mary, Tivoli Park, and so much more.
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Venice
With sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways, Venice is straight out of an 18th-century Canaletto masterpiece. No matter how many times you have seen it in movies or TV commercials, the real thing is more surreal and dreamlike than you ever imagined. Its landmarks, the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale are exotic melanges of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It is full of secrets, ineffably romantic, and - at times - given over entirely to pleasure. You must walk everywhere in Venice and where you cannot walk, you go by water. Explore Piazza San Marco, Stroll Across the Rialto Bridge, Get Lost in the Endless Canals, Admire the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Visit the San Giorgio dei Greci, Walk Around the Jewish Ghetto, Learn About Venice's Musical History, Tour Venice's Unique Architecture at Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Celebrate One of Venice' Many Festivals, Go Window Shopping, and so much more.
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Lucerne
Located at the north end of the Lake Lucerne within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi, Lucerne is a beautiful small city in the heartland of Switzerland. It abounds in narrow cobblestone streets, covered bridges, frescoed houses, and fountains. The city became a center of Swiss history and legend, and is the setting for the most memorable part of the legend of William Tell who shot an apple off of his son's head. Lucerne is also a great base from which to explore other famous Swiss sites. Explore the Old Town, Walk the Medieval Wooden Covered Bridges, Hike Mt Rigi or Mt Pilatus, Walk the Fortress Walls, Cruise on the Lake by boat, Visit the Lion Monument, Visit Jesuit Church, Visit the many Museums, Check out the Glacier Garden, take some pictures at the Bourbaki Panorama, and so much more!
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Munich
Big-city style and rural charm, Alpine character and Mediterranean verve, art treasures and the Oktoberfest, traditional customs and high technology, beer gardens and haute cuisine, operas and cool bars; these are all ingredients that makes Bavaria's state capital so endlessly fascinating, and so popular with visitors from all over the world. Sprawling Munich is one of Germany's major cultural centers, second only to Berlin in terms of museums and theaters. It's also one of Germany's most festive cities, and its location, at the foot of the Alps, is idyllic. Munich's self-imposed image is that of a fun-loving and festival-addicted city - typified by its Oktoberfest. Explore Marienplatz and the New Town Hall of Munich, Frauenkirche - Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady, Dachau Concentration Camp, The English Garden, Beer Halls, Viktualienmarkt, Residence Palace of Munich, Deutsches Museum, Museums Ensemble: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Olympic Stadium of Munich, BMW Museum and much more.
Explore Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square, the Jewish Quarter and so much more!
Explore The Hofburg Palace, Schonbrunn Palace, Staatsoper, Kunsthistorisches Museum, the MuseumsQuartier Complex, St. Stephan's Cathedral, the Belvedere Palace, The Ringstrasse, Parlament, The Prater and so much more!
Visit and explore the Buda Hill and the Castle District, Parliament, the Chain Bridge, Heroes' Square, St. Stephen's Basilica, the Opera House, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Gellert Hill, the thermal baths and so much more.
Explore the Kaptol, Upper Town, Lower Town, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Art Pavilion, Mestrovic Pavilion, Mimara Museum, Lotrscak Tower, Kamenita vrata, Ilica, King Tomislav Square, Lenuci's Horseshoe, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, and so much more.
Visit and explore the Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljanica River, Metelkova mesto, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butchers` Bridge, Cobblers` Bridge, Congress Square, Preseren Square, Slovenska cesta, Mount Saint Mary, Tivoli Park, and so much more.
Explore Piazza San Marco, Stroll Across the Rialto Bridge, Get Lost in the Endless Canals, Admire the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Visit the San Giorgio dei Greci, Walk Around the Jewish Ghetto, Learn About Venice's Musical History, Tour Venice's Unique Architecture at Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Celebrate One of Venice' Many Festivals, Go Window Shopping, and so much more.
Explore the Old Town, Walk the Medieval Wooden Covered Bridges, Hike Mt Rigi or Mt Pilatus, Walk the Fortress Walls, Cruise on the Lake by boat, Visit the Lion Monument, Visit Jesuit Church, Visit the many Museums, Check out the Glacier Garden, take some pictures at the Bourbaki Panorama, and so much more!
Explore Marienplatz and the New Town Hall of Munich, Frauenkirche - Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady, Dachau Concentration Camp, The English Garden, Beer Halls, Viktualienmarkt, Residence Palace of Munich, Deutsches Museum, Museums Ensemble: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Olympic Stadium of Munich, BMW Museum and much more.