Budapest to Frankfurt via Vienna, Salzburg and Berchtesgaden
A 6-day holiday through the heart of Europe featuring vibrant Vienna, magical Salzburg and the majestic mountains of Berchtesgaden.
Day 1 : London to Budapest
Your Tour Manager meets you at London Heathrow for the 14:05 British Airways flight to Budapest, arriving late afternoon. Transfer to the centrally situated Hotel Astoria (4-star) for three nights. A short stroll brings you to the Danube as it meanders through this city of two halves, Buda and Pest, whose impressive buildings are beautifully illuminated at night.
Day 2 : Budapest
Today's tour explores the highlights of the city with time to learn something of Budapest's rich history and culture. Heading for City Park and Heroes' Square, see the elegant buildings lining the route. Pass the Cathedral and the magnificent Parliament Building before crossing the Danube to Buda. Embrace the fine city views from Gellert Hill and from beneath the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion before continuing on to St Matthias Church. By contrast, this afternoon's journey is through Buda's wooded hills on the Children's Railway, a narrow gauge line operated by Hungarian children.
Day 3 : Budapest
You are free today to discover more of this intriguing city. Take a cruise on the Danube or wander along the broad avenues, admiring the wide variety of architecture. Visit Statue Park, a museum, a spa or simply find a street café and watch the world go by.
After a champagne reception in the Royal Waiting Room, board the Danube Express. Settle in your compartment or in the Lounge Car as the train sets off across the Great Hungarian Plain and dine as the journey to Transylvania continues.
Day 4 : Budapest & Vienna
Transfer after breakfast to Budapest Nyugati station where the Danube Express awaits.
Enjoy a champagne reception in the Royal Waiting Room before your sleeping car attendant shows you to your private accommodation. Relax and unwind in the Lounge Car as the ever-changing scenery passes by and take lunch en route to Vienna. A tour of this dazzling city takes you along the Ringstrasse past such architectural gems as the State Opera, the Hofburg, Parliament, City Hall, National Theatre and Votive Church as well as many beautiful parks. The highlight is a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Leaving the city, the Danube Express passes through the Vienna Woods and dinner is served as it follows the Danube Valley and heads towards Salzburg.
Day 5 : Salzburg & Berchtesgaden
Morning sees arrival in Salzburg, named from the combination of the German for "salt", mined from the mountains to the south and "fortress", an imposing medieval structure towering over the city. A tour includes the magnificent baroque old town, now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the cathedral, Hellbrunn Palace and the many landmarks recalling the city's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the musical "The Sound of Music". Rejoin the train for lunch as it travels up the valley to Berchtesgaden, once Germany's smallest principality. Here there is free time simply to enjoy the stunning mountain panoramas of the Alps or to explore the charming historical town centre with its painted facades. Rejoin the Danube Express for dinner as it threads its way through the picturesque Bavarian countryside on its overnight journey to Frankfurt.
Day 6 : Frankfurt
Wake as the rolling scenery of Franconia glides by. From Würzburg, the tracks follow the River Main as the Danube Express continues to Frankfurt with arrival after breakfast.
Bid farewell to the Danube Express and transfer to Frankfurt airport for the 14:10 British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving mid-afternoon.
INCLUDED ON THE DANUBE EXPRESS :
- Days 4 - 6 of the itinerary (with full sightseeing as described), joining at Budapest Nyugati station and leaving at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
- Two nights on the Danube Express, in the accommodation of your choice, with all meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.
- Services of a Train Manager throughout.
INCLUDED ADDITIONALLY ON FULLY ESCORTED HOLIDAY :
- Scheduled British Airways flights, Economy Class, from London Heathrow to Budapest and from Frankfurt to London.
- Three nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Budapest.
Please see Hotels page for full information on the hotels.
- Full sightseeing programme as described.
- Services of a Tour Manager throughout.
- All transfers and porterage.
Please contact us for details, prices and availability of add-on flights from regional airports and flight upgrades.
NOT INCLUDED ON :
The Danube Express
- Cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
- Optional gratuities.
Fully Escorted Holiday
- Cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
- Optional gratuities.
- Lunches and drinks with dinners in Budapest.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
6-day Fully |
4-day |
|
Danube Express |
5 May, 2 Jun & 1 Sept 2010 |
8 May, 5 Jun & 4 Sept 2010 |
| Deluxe twin with en suite shower/WC, lower beds and air-conditioning |
£2,590 | £1,990 |
| Please note above prices are per person based on 2 sharing. | ||
| Classic single with washbasin, share shower/WC |
£2,740 | £1,990 |
| Deposit per person | £350 | £250 |
Single accommodation on Fully Escorted Holidays includes single rooms in hotels.
Supplement for return travel to the UK by rail rather than by air (Fully Escorted Holidays only)
Full details and timings of journeys can be found on the Travel Options page.
Day 1 : (the day before the escorted group departs) - Depart London St Pancras International 15:29 by Eurostar™. A meal and drinks are served en route to Paris Gare Du Nord arriving 18:56. Walk to Paris Est (about 10 minutes) and board the German overnight sleeper to Munich, departing 22:20.
Day 2 : Arrive Munich 07:16 and change to the Railjet to Budapest, departing 09:27 and arriving 16:49.
| Two-berth compartment with washbasin |
£270 per person |
| Two-berth compartment with shower/WC |
£340 per person (subject to availability) |
| Single compartment with washbasin |
£320 per person |
| Single compartment with shower/WC |
£390 per person (subject to availability) |
Please read our Important Information and Booking Conditions before you book.
