Day 1

Travel by Eurostar and ICE via Frankfurt to Nuremberg. Continue by regional train to the Czech Republic and its capital, Prague (route via Cheb or Schwandorf). An alternative route is available via Berlin. Stay in a *** (*) hotel, for example Hotel NYX.

Day 2

Prague. Discover the Golden City, with its famous castle, historic squares and fascinating museums. The city still reflects both its Habsburg and Soviet past.

Day 3

In the morning, travel by direct EuroCity train to Budapest, passing through the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Overnight stay in the centre of Budapest, close to Nyugati railway station.

Day 4

Budapest. One of Central Europe's most impressive cities and, to this day, its cultural heart. Increasingly fashionable, welcoming and full of life.

Day 5

Travel by direct EuroCity train through the scenic landscapes of Hungary and Slovakia to Kraków. Stay at, for example, Hotel Europejski***.

Day 6

Kraków. Few places bring the history of the Middle Ages and the Second World War to life as vividly as this city. The impressive Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz are both fascinating half-day or full-day excursions from Kraków.

Day 7

Travel by direct daytime train to Berlin. Overnight stay at, for example, Hotel Amano Grand Central*** opposite the main railway station.

Day 8

Return to Great Britain by ICE and Eurostar.

13-day tour

Difference compared with the 8-day tour:

• 1 extra night in Prague
• 1 extra night in Budapest
• 1 extra night in Kraków
• 2 extra nights in Berlin before the return journey