Grand Imperial Cities

We begin our journey aboard the Eurostar, travelling from London St Pancras to Brussels. We continue by rail to Frankfurt for the night.

• Day 1 - Eurostar Meal (First Class only), Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 3 - Breakfast

On Day 2, we take the train south through Germany, crossing the Austrian border on our way to Vienna, the magnificent city of Mozart. We spend the next three nights in the Austrian capital.

Day 3 features a guided sightseeing tour that showcases the city's Imperial architecture on the famous Ringstrasse - a wide avenue that encircles the Old City- as well as the impressive Hofburg Palace, built by the indomitable Hapsburgs. We also see the impressive Opera House and Vienna's grand Parliament building. Afterwards, we make our way to spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, here you have free time to stroll through Schönbrunn's elaborate gardens.

You're free to explore at your own pace. Vienna's glorious Gothic cathedral, the Stephansdom, is located at the very centre of the city. By climbing the 553 steps to the top of the cathedral you'll be rewarded with one of the best views of the city. Alternatively, a ride on the giant Ferris wheel in Prater Gardens offers a more laid back way to achieve a superb view across the city.

• Breakfast

Leaving Vienna by train, we journey on to Budapest, a city of two halves divided by the mighty River Danube and sewn together by a collection of beautiful bridges. The flatter, lively region of Pest looks across the water to its older, historical neighbour, the hilly Buda, which rises up away from the banks of the river. Budapest was once the joint capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and tonight we experience the city from a different perspective, enjoying dinner at a traditional restaurant before an illuminated night-time tour by coach. Tracing the Danube south, our evening is filled with stunning views of the city after dark, including the famous Szechenyi Chain Bridge, and spectacular Gellert Hill.

• Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 6 - Breakfast
• Day 7 - Breakfast

Day 6's guided coach tour introduces us to Budapest's other main sights. We pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the Neo-Gothic Parliament building, designed to look like the Palace of Westminster, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church, and Fishermen's Bastion. Later we enjoy a ride on the Children's Railway, a service operated by Hungarian schoolchildren that runs through the woods set in the hills above Buda.

We depart Budapest by train, travelling through Slovakia to the Czech Republic. We arrive in Prague for three nights amid the copper-domed churches of 'The City of a Hundred Spires'.

• Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 9 - Breakfast
• Day 10 - Breakfast

A guided walking tour through the narrow streets of the Old Town on Day 9 reveals some of Prague's most famous sights. We begin at Hradcany Castle, the largest medieval complex in Europe, before strolling across the 14th-century Charles Bridge to admire the 75 statues built along its walls and views of the Gothic spires of St Vitus' Cathedral in the distance. We also stop at the city's renowned astronomical clock.

This afternoon, and Day 10, are free for you to continue exploring. Gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars and trendy cafés are easy to find. If you are looking for something more authentic, you can feast on pork and dumplings washed down with beer in a traditional pub. Afterwards, take a leisurely amble along the Vltava River or cruise gently through the city, perhaps the most relaxing way to see the sights.

Heading through the Bohemian countryside into Germany, we follow the route of the River Elbe on our way to Berlin. On arrival, we head out on a guided walking tour of this once divided city. We soak in the main sights including the incredible Brandenburg Gate and a section of the Berlin Wall, which once divided East and West Berlin.

• Day 11 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 12 - Breakfast
• Day 13 - Breakfast, Eurostar meal (First Class only)

Day 12 is free to keep sightseeing. You could take in the Reichstag or Checkpoint Charlie, or alternatively, visit Potsdam, former seat of the Prussian monarchs and home to both Park Sanssouci, a Baroque flower garden, and the elegant Sanssouci Palace. 

Boarding a high-speed train to Cologne on Day 13, we continue by rail to Brussels where we join the Eurostar service travelling back to London St Pancras.