Budapest & Vienna with Optional Prague
Iconic capitals, one smooth journey
Discover two of Europe's most elegant capitals as you travel seamlessly from Budapest to Vienna by scenic rail. Explore grand palaces, historic landmarks, and charming old-world streets with comfortable hotels and breakfast included. Choose the 8- or 9-night option to add time in Prague.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Budapest (BUD), out of Vienna (VIE)
- 3 nights in Budapest at Up Hotel Budapest, or similar
- Economy-class rail from Budapest to Vienna
- 3 nights in Vienna at Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna Hauptbahnhof, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Please note: Tourist tax is not included and will need to be paid to the hotels directly. It is approximately €2.50 per person per night (subject to change).
Great Ways to Explore
Ride the rails between iconic Central European capitals.
Soak in Budapest's thermal baths and Castle Hill views.
Stroll Vienna's grand Ringstrasse and imperial palace.
Wander Prague's Old Town and castle complex.
Sample goulash, schnitzel, and more local staples.
This rail vacation takes you through two of Central Europe's most captivating capitals, connecting the "Pearl of the Danube" with the imperial splendor of Vienna in one seamless journey. With three nights in Budapest and three in Vienna, you'll have plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace without ever feeling rushed.
In Budapest, enjoy taking in the hilltop Buda Castle, the ornate Széchenyi Baths, the lively Great Market Hall, and the famous ruin pubs of the Jewish Quarter without cramming it all in. Then board the scenic rail to Vienna, once the beating heart of the Habsburg Empire, where grand palaces, legendary coffee houses, and world-class museums have been perfected over centuries.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Budapest (BUD), out of Vienna (VIE)
- 3 nights in Budapest at Up Hotel Budapest, or similar
- Economy-class rail from Budapest to Vienna
- 3 nights in Vienna at Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna Hauptbahnhof, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Please note: Tourist tax is not included and will need to be paid to the hotels directly. It is approximately €2.50 per person per night (subject to change).
Ride the rails between iconic Central European capitals.
Soak in Budapest's thermal baths and Castle Hill views.
Stroll Vienna's grand Ringstrasse and imperial palace.
Wander Prague's Old Town and castle complex.
Sample goulash, schnitzel, and more local staples.
This rail vacation takes you through two of Central Europe's most captivating capitals, connecting the "Pearl of the Danube" with the imperial splendor of Vienna in one seamless journey. With three nights in Budapest and three in Vienna, you'll have plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace without ever feeling rushed.
In Budapest, enjoy taking in the hilltop Buda Castle, the ornate Széchenyi Baths, the lively Great Market Hall, and the famous ruin pubs of the Jewish Quarter without cramming it all in. Then board the scenic rail to Vienna, once the beating heart of the Habsburg Empire, where grand palaces, legendary coffee houses, and world-class museums have been perfected over centuries.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- 5-star Hilton hotels in each city
Day 1. Welcome to Hungary!
Welcome to Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube"! After arriving at Budapest airport, make your way to your hotel and get settled in. Spend the afternoon strolling along the Danube riverbank, taking in views of the magnificent neo-Gothic Parliament building. In the evening, head to the old town and treat yourself to a bowl of hearty Hungarian goulash at a traditional local restaurant.
The vibrant, 4-star Up Hotel Budapest is a beacon of contemporary hospitality, found within the bustling heart of Budapest. This hotel offers a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology along with personalized, intimate service.
Over 150 guest rooms are available, all of which are thoughtfully curated with the latest advancements in amenities, ensuring every guest's stay is not only comfortable, but connected and inspired. Each stylish room includes high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, sleek marble bathroom, in-room safe, daily housekeeping, and more.
At the core of Up Hotel Budapest lies a commitment to sustainability and convenience, where every detail is tailored to enhance your stay. Whether you're looking to unwind in the hotel's serene shared lounge, enjoy a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or simply gaze at the cityscape from the terrace, every moment here will be unforgettable.
The Posner Bistro and Bar, housed within a former 19th-century printing house, invites you to savor the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine, thoughtfully infused with international trends. This revitalized space pays homage to its heritage while offering a contemporary dining experience.
Located just steps away from Budapest’s iconic sights (Hungarian State Opera House and Buda Castle), Up Hotel Budapest provides the perfect base for exploring Budapest.
Revel in the luxuries that the elegant, 4-star Leonardo Hotel offers. Dine in the hotel's restaurant or bistro, enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, and utilize access to an underground parking garage and gym.
Rooms boast private bathrooms, air conditioning, safes, satellite TV, a work desk and a mini-fridge, along with a complimentary mineral water offered upon arrival. The hotel rests in Budapest's Ferencvaros district, adorned with charming old town scenery. The metro station is only an 8-minute walk away, and the Szechenyi Baths are a mere 3 miles away.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Mercure Budapest Korona caters to both business and leisure travelers. Our Meeting facilities can accommodate gatherings of up to 300 attendees, while the Winestone Restaurant onsite offers unique local wines and authentic cuisine. The hotel features air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi access.
For a luxurious experience, consider staying in one of the suites equipped with Privilege services and breathtaking views of the National Museum. Enjoy the convenience of being centrally located in Budapest! Guests can explore Váci Street and the Great Market Hall, take a stroll along the Danube River, or visit the National Museum, which is conveniently situated just across from the hotel. If relaxation is key, some of Budapest's world-famous thermal baths are just a short walk away. Additionally, the 100E airport bus and Kálvin tér metro station are conveniently located across the street forms the property.
Offering beautiful views of the Buda hills and Danube River, The Verdi Budapest Aquincum is a charming hotel adjacent to Margaret Island, on the Buda side. The location provides easy opportunities to explore Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Sziget Festival in the summer.
Amenities at the hotel include an upscale spa & wellness center, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Comfortable guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee/tea maker, and private bathroom. Room service is also available.
Day 2. Budapest
With a full day to explore, Budapest rewards leisurely wandering. Make your way up to Buda Castle for sweeping panoramic views across the river to Pest, then admire the intricate tilework of Matthias Church and the fairy-tale turrets of Fishermen's Bastion nearby.
Back on the Pest side, why not spend the afternoon exploring the lively Great Market Hall, where you can pick up paprika, local cheeses, and handmade souvenirs. In the evening, consider heading to the Jewish Quarter for a drink at one of the city's famous romkocsmák (ruin pubs), a uniquely Budapest experience.
Fishermen's Bastion
Day 3. Budapest
Use today to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a dip in one of the city's legendary thermal baths. The Széchenyi Baths in City Park are among the largest and most ornate in Europe, making for a thoroughly relaxing morning. In the afternoon, you may want to wander Andrássy Avenue, Budapest's grand boulevard lined with elegant townhouses and boutiques. Round off the evening with a riverside dinner and a glass of Tokaji wine, Hungary's celebrated golden dessert wine.
The Széchenyi Baths
Day 4. Budapest, Hungary - Vienna, Austria
Say goodbye to Budapest this morning as you board your train for the scenic ride to Vienna, once the glittering center of the Habsburg Empire. The journey takes roughly two and a half hours, arriving in Vienna with plenty of afternoon left to explore. Check into your hotel then head out to get your bearings. Why not begin with a stroll along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's sweeping imperial boulevard, before settling in for dinner and a slice of Sacher Torte at a classic Viennese coffee house?
Rail from Budapest to Vienna
The Living Hotel Kaiser Franz Joseph is situated in the residential district of Döbling in northwest Vienna. With its prime location, guests can reach the city center in just 20 minutes via tram line 38, with a stop within walking distance of the hotel.
The hotel offers spacious rooms and serviced apartments designed with a homey feel. Fully equipped with advanced kitchenettes and a complimentary mini-bar, these apartments are ideal for long-term stays.
Guests can dine at in-house Vorstadtprinz and the renowned Kurkonditorei Oberlaa restaurants that offer true Vienna cuisine. Additionally, guests can unwind with a cocktail at the newly renovated Kaiserbar, located in the lobby.
Other amenities that guests can utilize on-site include a complimentary wellness and spa area, a fitness room equipped with cardio and strength machines, and a business center for those on work-related travel.
Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna Hauptbahnhof is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Vienna. The hotel has a gym with modern equipment as well as an outdoor workout and lounge area. There is also a sauna with an infrared cabin and a relaxation room with garden access.
The hotel also features two on-site restaurants. Pergola greets guests with a casual and cozy ambiance and serves dishes a la carte, along with homemade lemonades, unique cocktails, beer, and wine. Franny's Restaurant serves organic homemade specialties with vegan options.
Guest rooms features blackout curtains for a restful night's sleep. Amenities include a private bathroom, a hair dryer, slippers, air-conditioning, a TV, desk, in-room safe, and a phone.
Vienna International Airport is a 26-minute drive from the hotel. The Museum of Military History and Natural History Museum are both within a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Indulge in each of the 4 stars awarded to Vienna's Leonardo Hotel, which resides just minutes away from the bustling city center. Guests can enjoy fitness facilities, a 24-hour reception desk, business centers, a bar and lounge, a restaurant, and a lounge with views of the city.
Rooms are chic and offer a minibar, air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, a safe, and private bathrooms complete with a makeup mirror, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Just 350 feet away from the Mariahilfer Straße shopping street, and 1,300 feet away from Westbahnhof transport hub that can whisk you away to the city center in 5 minutes, the hotel offers excellent views as well as convenience
Nestled in a serene and distinctive passageway adjacent to City Park in Vienna, awaits the Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien. All guest rooms offer an array of amenities including air conditioning, private bathrooms, cable TV, a safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Enjoy additional facilities such as a fully-equipped gym, rejuvenating sauna, convenient indoor parking lot, and a restaurant that tantalizes your taste buds with delectable Austrian and Viennese specialties, as well as international cuisine.
With the city center a mere 15-minute stroll away, the CAT train station just a 5-minute walk, and the Rochusgasse Underground Station a mere 500 feet from the hotel, its location provides an ideal base for exploring Vienna.
Day 5. Vienna
Consider spending the morning at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to one of the world's great art collections, before making your way to the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Wander the palace's formal gardens and take in the view of the city from the Gloriette hilltop. In the evening, Vienna's opera and concert scene is second to none. Check listings for the Vienna State Opera or one of the city's many smaller classical music venues for a memorable night out.
Schönbrunn Palace
Day 6. Vienna
Your second full day in Vienna is yours to fill as you please. The Belvedere Palace is well worth a visit, housing Gustav Klimt's iconic painting "The Kiss" alongside a world-class collection of Austrian art. If you prefer open-air exploration, the Prater park offers a relaxed escape, complete with the famous 19th-century Riesenrad Ferris wheel. For dinner, don't miss Vienna's beloved Wiener Schnitzel, a golden, pan-fried cutlet best enjoyed with a cold glass of Austrian lager and perhaps a side of warm potato salad.
Prater Park
Day 7. Depart Austria
Your Central European adventure comes to a close today. When the time comes, make your way to Vienna airport for your flight home.
Fly home
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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