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Germany & Eastern Europe Holiday Inspiration

Enchanting castles perched atop lush hills, steam-hauled trains that wind through mountainous landscapes, enthralling history, vibrant cities, and pastel-hued villages; Germany and Eastern Europe offer up diverse culture and beauty galore. Journey to this corner of the continent and you'll be enthralled by just how much awaits you.

In the forward-thinking cities, discover an abundance of poignant history, striking Imperial monuments, and lively squares. Head to the countryside, and you'll find fairytale villages nestled amongst ancient forests, beautiful rivers, and rugged mountain ranges. And, when it's time for lunch, indulge in some of the tastiest comfort food around (Polish pierogi or grilled German Bratwurst, anyone?) accompanied by a stein of world-class beer or a glass of locally produced wine. Germany and Eastern Europe have it all, and we uncover their highlights in the best way possible - by rail.

Where to go & must see sights - Holiday ideas - Expert guides

Best places to go

Discover the Imperial elegance of Vienna

With its rich artistic and musical heritage, elegant Imperial architecture, and enticing culture, Vienna is truly one of Europe's great capital cities. Admire grand Baroque buildings and Imperial landmarks, settle down in one of the fantastic coffee shops for a traditional Viennese coffee, or retire to a wine tavern for a glass of locally produced white wine. Make sure you find time to head to one of Vienna's architectural highlights, Schönbrunn Palace. Built to rival France's Versailles, the UNESCO-listed castle is set in hundreds of acres of immaculate gardens and was the summer residence of the Imperial family.

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Soak up the grandeur of riverside Budapest

Explore one of Europe's most visually enticing cities - the city of two halves, Budapest. Divided by the mighty Danube River and connected by a host of beautiful medieval bridges, the city boasts grand 19th-century architecture, cobbled streets, and stunning Baroque bathhouses. Budapest is a place that has it all. Buda, the older part of the city, rises from the banks of the river and has a calmer, more 'local' atmosphere, whereas Pest is the city's cultural pulse; with vibrant bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and excellent shopping options, it's every bit the modern city.

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Uncover fascinating history and vibrant culture in Berlin

Germany's enigmatic capital is all at once eccentric, alluring and entirely compelling. With a host of history to discover and landmarks to uncover, Berlin is, without doubt, one of Europe's most exciting cities. A visit here will reward you with a captivating blend of old and new attractions to explore, with fascinating historic buildings, lively nightlife, world-class art, irresistible street food, and a surprising amount of green space. Get a taste of the city's history with a visit to the poignant Berlin Wall or Checkpoint Charlie, or by simply taking a stroll through the fascinating Old Quarter.

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Explore Prague, the beer capital of Europe

Prague's beautiful townhouses, bustling streets and remarkable architecture all make up a fantastic city full of sights, sounds and cultural charm. Discover the 'Golden City's' most famous sights, including the historic Old Town Square and beautiful Charles Bridge with its striking Baroque statues. The castle here isn't to be missed, too; sat atop a hill overlooking the city, its history dates back to the 11th century. After some sightseeing, make sure to visit one of the many lively beer taverns - the beer here is said to be the best in the whole of Europe.

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Visit Rothenburg, a gem on Germany's Romantic Road

Nestled amidst the dramatic forest and mountain scenery of Germany's famous Romantic Road, Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers up quintessential, fairytale Bavarian charm at its finest. As Germany's best-preserved town, this is a place that doesn't seem quite real at first, with many describing Rothenburg as a 'medieval theme park' - mainly because it's difficult to believe a town this delightful could exist in real life. But, real it is, and as you explore its quaint alleys, cobbled squares, and colourful, half-timbered houses, you'll begin to understand why this is one of Germany's most-visited destinations.

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Must see sights

Explore Prague's Jewish Quarter

Discover Josefov, Prague's Jewish Quarter, found between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. The district's history dates back to the 13th century when it was used as a Jewish ghetto - Jewish people at this time weren't allowed to live anywhere else in the city. Walking through the streets, you'll be met with many fascinating reminders of the area's history, including the Old Jewish Cemetery and Pinkas Synagogue, which now stands as a Holocaust memorial. Despite its dark past, Josefov is a fascinating and beautiful area to explore, and an important part of Prague's history.

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Discover the beauty of Vienna's Stephansdom

In Vienna, make sure you find the time to visit the Stephansdom, the city's magnificent cathedral. This Gothic and Romanesque masterpiece's foundations date back to the early 1100s, though the structure is most famed for its dazzling tiled roof. Using 230,000 glazed tiles to create patterns including brightly coloured chevrons and Viennese eagles - the symbol of the Austrian empire - it almost resembles a mosaic. If you want to explore inside the cathedral, don't forget to head to the top - from the spire, you can enjoy a superb panorama across the glorious city of Vienna.

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Live like a local at the Great Market Hall in Budapest

Find the time to visit the lively Great Market Hall when in Budapest, and enjoy the chance to shop and people watch like a true local. The city is famous for its market halls, where you can find tasty local produce and traditional arts and crafts in abundance. The Great Market Hall, the city's largest and oldest, is also certainly one of the finest. Originally built in 1897, the market covers three floors, and is the perfect place to sample some tasty Hungarian street food, or to stock up on paprika spices, local Tokaji wine, and unique souvenirs.

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Soak up scenery in the Rhine Valley

Soak up the scenic beauty of the Rhine Valley, a place filled with treasures, from its attractive wine towns to its charming railways. Sip wine in pretty Mayschoss, explore the castle at Cochem and take to the waters to discover the beauty that lines the riverbanks. The gem in the crown of the Rhine is the Rhine Gorge, a place so beautiful it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The Rhine Gorge is dominated by the legendary Lorelei Rock, a striking sight which rises out of the water and is a truly stunning sight to behold.

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Uncover unique history at Remagen's Peace Museum

Discover Remagen, a city rich in history found on the banks of the Rhine, within the lush Ahr Valley. Remagen is famous for its bridge, Ludendorff Bridge, a strategically important Rhine crossing point which was captured by the US army during the final weeks of the Second World War - a move thought to have shortened the war considerably. Today, the bridge houses a moving Peace Museum, where you can learn more about the history of the area, with unique insights from old photographs, newspapers, and even shrapnel from a rocket that hit near the bridge.

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Visit Prague's striking Hradcany Castle District

Prague is known for its beautiful Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings, making it a stunning city to discover. Perhaps one of its most impressive and recognisable sights, though, is the Hradcany Castle District, home to Prague Castle and St Vitus' Cathedral, with its striking spires. The district on the hill is said to be home to Europe's largest castle, with a history dating back to the 11th century. The complex took over 600 years to complete and includes a palace, three churches, stables, a monastery and beautiful gardens - making it truly a magnificent area to explore.

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Explore enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle

Step into a real-life fairytale in Bavaria, where perched on a rugged hill on the scenic Romantic Road you'll find Neuschwanstein Castle, truly one of the world's most beautiful castles. Originally built as an elegant retreat for King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle's whimsical aesthetic, with its white façade and cobalt turrets, famously served as the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Today, the elaborate design attracts visitors from all over the world and is a delight to visit, with grand interiors and some magnificent views over the stunning Bavarian countryside.