9-Nights Gems of Central Europe by Rail from $4,799
Alexander+Roberts
OFFER ID 1443102
Gems of Central Europe by Rail
Our engaging guides hail from these cities and will delight you with their knowledge and keen cultural insights. Enhanced by chauffeured transfers and our signature "to-the-train" luggage service, this privately guided journey features a choice of included sightseeing excursions so you can tailor this trip to your own interests.

9 nights from $4,799 per person
Itinerary Details
Alexander+Roberts
Gems of Central Europe by Rail
Day 1: Welcome to Budapest
On arrival at the airport, you'll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel. All have been handpicked for their attentive service, fine amenities and terrific city-center locations. The rest of this day is yours to relax and explore as you wish.
Day 2: Choose Your Sightseeing in Budapest #WHS#
Situated along both banks of one of Europe's most storied waterways, the capital of Hungary is fondly known as the "Queen of the Danube." Today you can pursue your own personal interests with one of these included, privately-guided excursions. Budapest Private City Tour: Encompassing both banks of the Danube River, this in-depth privately-guided tour showcases the city's rich architectural heritage and historic legacy, starting with the grandeur of Heroes' Square and the beautiful Opera House. Then go behind the lavish façade of the Hungarian Parliament for a specially arranged tour of its sumptuous interiors. Crossing the Danube, you'll visit the 13th-century Matthias Church and stand on Fisherman's Bastion for sweeping views of Budapest and the Danube. Note: In the event of an official state function which would preclude a tour inside the Hungarian Parliament, you will instead enjoy a guided visit of the magnificent Budapest Opera House. Tour Duration: 4 Hours Szentendre Private Half-Day Tour: Just 13 miles from the capital, it's an easy yet scenic drive to the charming riverside town of Szentendre. Filled with beautiful Baroque churches and other architectural gems, the town emerged as a working artists' colony in the 1920's. Artists remain, but Szentendre is now also bustling with galleries, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. In the engaging company of your own private guide, this is a delightful way to experience Hungary's rich history, culture, and modern-day vibrancy. Tour Duration: 4 Hours Folklore Show and Dinner: Preserved for centuries in small villages scattered around the country, Hungary's folk traditions have their roots in various cultures including Magyars, Gypsies and Germans. With roundtrip chauffeured transfers included, this evening excursion is highlighted by a rousing folk performance including traditional costumes, music and dance. Your 3-course dinner features fine Hungarian cuisine and local wine. Budapest by Night with Dinner: With your private car and driver, you'll enjoy a magical drive through the capital. From the Chain Bridge to Parliament, many of the city's landmarks are spectacularly illuminated at night, showcasing their Gothic flourishes and architectural details. Photo stops are included in the Castle District and atop Gellért Hill before heading to a local restaurant for a 3-course Hungarian dinner accompanied by live music.
Day 3: Budapest at Your Leisure
This day is yours to enjoy as you wish, and the city-center locations of our deluxe and luxury hotels make it easy to step out and explore at your own pace. Set in a beautiful 19th-century landmark, the bustling Central Market is worth a visit. In addition to meat and produce vendors, you'll find souvenirs, Tokaj wines and merchants selling a variety of Hungarian snacks and dishes. You may also want to stop by one of the city's many inviting cafes. Located on Vörösmarty Square for more than a century, Café Gerbeaud is one of the city's most famous.
Day 4: By First Class Rail to Vienna
Your chauffeured transfer to the rail station and our signature to-the-train luggage service make traveling a breeze. Sit back in your comfortable first-class seat and enjoy the scenic journey through the countryside into Austria. Upon arrival in Vienna, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to your chosen hotel. Our deluxe and luxury hotels have been carefully chosen for their fine service, welcoming ambience and great locations. Meals B
Day 5: Personalize Your Sightseeing in Vienna #WHS#
For nearly the entire period of the 600-year Habsburg Dynasty, Vienna was the Imperial capital and cultural heart of their vast Empire. In addition to the city's rich cultural and musical heritage, the Habsburg legacy endures in the fine Baroque palaces and Gothic landmarks that grace the capital. After breakfast today, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your stay in Vienna with one of these privately-guided excursions: Vienna City Tour with Schönbrunn Palace: Accompanied by your personal expert guide, this half-day tour begins along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's most famous boulevard. Constructed in the mid 1800's under the rule of Emperor Franz Josef I, the 3.2-mile long Ringstrasse is home to important landmarks including the Vienna State Opera House and Parliament. Highlighting this excursion is a visit through the opulent galleries and lavish rooms of the Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Tour Duration 4 Hours Imperial Vienna Walking Tour: In the engaging company of your knowledgeable private guide, this walking tour is a delightful way to see Vienna's most important landmarks as you experience the city's daily rhythms and vibrant street life. Among the highlights you'll see and learn about today are the famous Spanish Riding School, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Imperial Palace with its lovely gardens. Tour Duration 3 Hours Mozart Tour of Vienna: Many renowned composers like Franz Schubert, Joseph Haydn and the Strauss family resided and worked in Vienna, at least at some point in their lives. Although Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in the capital for only 10 years, he is perhaps the most famous of all. Focusing on his life, as well as those of his contemporaries, this tour includes the house where Mozart died and Vienna's Central Cemetery where he and many of his peers are buried. Tour Duration 3 Hours Meals B
Day 6: A Free Day in Vienna
This entire day is at leisure to enjoy as you wish. With striking architecture at every turn, a pedestrian-friendly city center and inviting green spaces, Vienna is a delight to explore—and our centrally located hotels make it easy to step out and discover its charms at your own pace.
Day 7: Onward to Prague
We'll take you to the station today and directly to your train - assisting with your luggage for your comfort and convenience. Enjoy the first class rail journey through the Austrian countryside and across the border into the rolling landscapes of the Czech Republic. On arrival in Prague, you'll be met and chauffeured to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Meals B
Day 8: Tailor Your Stay in Prague #WHS#
Hailed by Goethe as the "Jewel in the Crown of the World," Prague is indeed one of Europe's loveliest cities. From the oft-photographed Charles Bridge to the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks in Old Town, the Czech capital is filled with majestic architecture! Outside of the city, you can explore castles and medieval towns that are equally impressive—including Kutná Hora, a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pursue your own interests today by choosing one of these included, privately-guided sightseeing tours. Prague City Tour: With your own private car, driver and guide, this comprehensive tour includes beautiful and historically important landmarks throughout the city, starting with the Art Nouveau houses and neo-classical landmarks in New Town. Crossing the Vltava River, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour through Prague Castle before finishing your tour in Old Town, home to the twin-spired Tyn Church and medieval Town Hall with its marvelous Astronomical Clock. Tour Duration 3.5 Hours Terezin Holding Camp: Explore tragic and poignant chapters of World War II history on this privately guided tour. Situated 30 miles north of Prague, Terezin is contained within the walls of an historic fortress built by Emperor Joseph II in the late 1700's. It was turned into a concentration camp in 1940 to hold Jews deported from their homes in Czechoslovakia, Germany, Austria and beyond. More than 150,00 Jews were held here for months or even years before being sent to their deaths at Nazi extermination camps. The Terezin Memorial features educational exhibits to deepen your understanding of the Holocaust. Tour Duration 5 Hours Kutná Hora: Founded in the Middle Ages, Kutná Hora developed into a wealthy town thanks to the fortunes that were made in the nearby silver mines. Erstwhile residence of Czech kings including Wenceslas IV and Charles IV, this lovely town boasts a number of important landmarks that you will explore with your private guide. Admire the breathtaking interior of the Cathedral of St. Barbara, a jewel of the late Gothic period, and visit the Italian Court which served as the Royal Mint for 400 years starting in 1326. Before returning to Prague, you'll also visit the Sedlec Ossuary, a medieval church featuring an underground chapel decorated with more than 40,000 human bones! Tour Duration 5 Hours Karlstejn Castle: Available as a morning or afternoon excursion, this privately guided tour showcases one of the country's most picturesque castles. Built in the 14th century by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, it sits on a commanding hill over the town of Karlstejn. Beyond the impressive façade, you'll discover historic relics, a fine art collection, and the crown jewels of the Czech Kingdom. The 45-minute drive from Prague is a scenic journey through the Bohemian countryside. Note that there is an uphill walk from the parking lot to the castle entrance. Tour Duration 5 Hours Meals B
Day 9: At Your Leisure in Prague
The central location of our hotels makes it easy to step out and explore the city at your own pace. Situated between the Vltava River and Old Town, Prague's historic Jewish Quarter is a district that is easily explored on your own. Among the sites to see are the Maisel Synagogue, built at the end of the 1500's, and the diminutive Pinkas Synagogue which now commemorates the nearly 80,000 Czech Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Day 10: Depart Prague
After breakfast, our private car and driver will take you to the airport or rail station for your onward journey. Meals B
Excursions
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
- State Opera (outside)
- St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
- Parliament Buidling (outside)
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.
Highlights:
- Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
- Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
- Matthias Church (inside visit)
- Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
- Parliament Building (inside visit)
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Budapest's Castle Hill
- Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
- Holy Trinity Square
- Hess András Square
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Excursions
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Excursions
Tour of downtown Prague
Walking tour of downtown Prague
This walking tour will lead us through the former commercial heart of the city where the ancient roads of the Czech Kingdom and from abroad used to cross. We will visit two ancient Prague districts - Old Town and New Town, briefly touching Prague Jewish Quarter. This tour is a perfect introduction to discover the entire city.
Exploring the puzzle of medieval streets we will soon reach the Old Town Square where we can admire most of the Prague Old Town monuments, the stunning Old Town Hall with its mysterious Astronomical Clock, vertical gothic beauty of the Tyn Church and many other historical houses and former noble family palaces.
The time is passing by and not only the Astronomical Clock offers a live view of the movements of the universe, but it also gives us a short spectacle of the twelve apostles marching every hour on the hour, while a skeleton and human vices are nodding their heads. From the Astronomical Clock our steps will take us to the Tyn Church where gothic verticality and relative austerity of the exterior meets with its opulent baroque interior. On our way to the former city entrance we will pass through the medieval miniature Tyn fortress – Ungelt where foreign merchants used to do their business. Passing by the St. James´ Church we will take a shortcut to get to Celetna Street which will lead us to the mighty Powder Tower, which was once one of the major entrances into the city. Yes, it used to be right there where the city walls with a deep moat protected the City of Prague and where king Vaclav IV. built his city palace. Many things have changed but the Powder Tower still stands here. The city walls are gone, the moat changed into a shopping street and where there used to be the king´s palace you will now find the flamboyant Municipal House, a real jewel of art nouveau architecture.
Returning to Old Town Square via Na Prikope Street we will make a short stop at Wenceslas Square, nowadays a commercial and shopping heart of the city. From there we will proceed to the Estates Theater where a young genius music composer W.A. Mozart conducted his operas, including the world premiere performance of Don Giovanni.
On our way to the Charles Bridge we will briefly touch the Jewish Quarter, which definitely deserves a special tour. Therefore we will only walk through seeing the monuments from the outside. We will pass by the famous Old New Synagogue, Old Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish cemetery. Along the Vltava embankment our steps will lead us towards the Charles Bridge, the most famous statue gallery in Central Europe which connects the two sides of Prague like a diamond ring offering unforgettable views of Prague Castle, Lesser Town and Old Town.
The tour takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes
Prague castle complex tour
Your private guide and driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will take you for a half day tour with a vehicle support. You will see the Prague Castle complex with the famous St. Vitus cathedral, Royal palace and the Golden Lane as well as the Strahov Monastery. Short overview drive around Prague will get you oriented of the city layout and you will see a few more intersting sights such as the Dancing house, Rudolfinum concert hall, etc.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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