Train Hamburg → Vienna

A city well done Think of Hamburg the way people like their burgers cooked – some like it juicy, others a bit more cooked. Hamburg tempts visitors with a taste of both. With a population only exceeded by Berlin, Hamburgers have been, well – burnt, for much of its 1000+ year history. Nearly destroyed during World War II, the city has come back better than before. With 1400 parks and gardens and surrounded by water, the city has gone from almost gone to green. One of the best ways to discover this recovery is by boat. Cruise the river Alster, gliding past enchanting gardens and canal-side mansions. See what's caught in the waters at the open-air Altona fish market on Sundays, which dates back to 1703. Get there early – like, 5:30 am – and prepare to bargain with vendors. Learn more about Hamburg

An elegant, European empire (once) Vienna, known locally as Wien, is elegance personified. The city that was ruled by the mighty Hapsburg Empire for over 600 years now offers a genteel atmosphere of history, culture and beauty. You can still see the remnants of their expansive kingdom – with not just one, but two palaces in Vienna. The Schönbrunn palace at the edge of town was their summer residence. You know, just a little place to sit back, relax and rule. Those who lived there caged themselves in – along with animals. You can now visit the Tiergarten, the oldest zoo in the world. The main palace, the Hofburg, dominates the town center. This sprawling complex grew with the family empire from the 13th century until just before WWI. And while no one has lived here in over 90 years, the palace still functions as the Austrian President’s office and is home to government workers and the prized Vienna Boys’ Choir. Learn more about Vienna