Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw

Self-guided 9-day rail trip across Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw

Illustration of Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw

Railbookers operates this independent, self-guided rail vacation across four Central European capitals over 9 days and 8 nights, starting in Berlin and ending in Warsaw, with stops in Prague and Krakow along the way. Direct trains connect each city, including first class service on the final leg from Krakow to Warsaw. Two nights in each city give time to explore without rushing: day 2 in Berlin takes in Checkpoint Charlie, the former crossing point between East and West Berlin, while day 4 in Prague crosses the Charles Bridge and visits St. Vitus Cathedral. Krakow's stop includes a guided half-day tour to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, a UNESCO-listed former Nazi concentration camp complex. Warsaw closes the journey with the Royal Castle and the Warsaw Uprising Museum. Hotel choices include options such as Hilton, InterContinental, and Sofitel, with several alternatives offered in Krakow and Warsaw. This trip suits travelers comfortable navigating each city independently between the guided highlights.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choices for Krakow and Warsaw are presented as multiple options (for example DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow, Copernicus, Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre, and Bachleda Luxury Hotel in Krakow; Mamaison Hotel Le Regina, Bristol a Luxury Collection Hotel, InterContinental Warsaw, and Sofitel Warsaw Victoria in Warsaw), so the exact hotel depends on which one you select.
  • The evidence for this trip does not list current departure dates; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Your Journey Begins in Berlin

    Welcome to Berlin! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Berlin)

  2. Day 2overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel this morning, set out to explore the city. Wandering through Berlin feels like getting lost inside a history textbook, with landmarks of huge significance embroidering the corners and squares. Be sure to pay a visit to the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, the name given to the infamous crossing point between East and West Berlin. The checkpoint was closed in 1990 and is now home to the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie which traces the history of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. (Overnight in Berlin) B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Prague

    Berlin to Prague

    Check out of the hotel after breakfast and make your way to Berlin's magnificent Hauptbahnhof station. Catch the train directly to Prague, checking in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Prague is known as the "City of a Hundred Spires" thanks to its steeple-woven cityscape, and you will find plenty of historic buildings to discover along the winding, cobbled streets. Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings in the Czech capital, perhaps heading to the Old Town for a traditional dinner. (Overnight in Prague) B

  4. Day 4overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Spend a full day exploring Prague today. Marvel at the baroque St Nicholas Church, with its pure white frontage and stunning frescoes lining its interior, explore the quaint medieval lanes of the Castle Complex, and stroll by the meandering Vltava River. Cross the grand Charles Bridge, an iconic landmark from the 14th century, and admire the views from St. Vitus Cathedral. (Overnight in Prague) B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Krakow

    Prague to Krakow

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board a direct train to Krakow. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your adventures by exploring the 13th-century Main Square, and wander from there through the medieval heart of the city. You'll find plenty to see and do around this area, as well as many fantastic opportunities for a traditional Polish meal. (Overnight in Krakow) B

  6. Day 6overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Spend the day today gaining fascinating insights into the city's past. Included today is a half-day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, where you will be taken on a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed former Nazi concentration camp complex, learning more about this dark time in history. Back in Krakow, wander through the Old Town area and marvel at its soaring Gothic churches, or relax in one of the many bars, restaurants or cafes which are tucked away down its cellars and narrow alleyways. (Overnight in Krakow) B

  7. Day 7railovernight: Warsaw

    Krakow to Warsaw

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and board a direct train with first class service to Warsaw. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. There is no better place to start exploring than the Old Town, brimming with pastel-toned buildings, quaint cafes and picturesque market squares. (Overnight in Warsaw) B

  8. Day 8overnight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    Spend all day exploring Warsaw, discovering the opulent and expansive 14th-century Royal Castle, strolling through the baroque gardens of Wilanow Palace or Saxon Garden, or visiting one of the city's elaborate churches. For a fascinating historical insight into the city's past, don't miss a trip to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which will give you an extensive insight into Poland's battle for independence in 1944. (Overnight in Warsaw) B

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Warsaw

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, or take this holiday in reverse, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with all the details. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Visit Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, the historic crossing point between East and West Berlin.
  • Day 4Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague and take in the views from St. Vitus Cathedral.
  • Day 6A half-day guided tour visits the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, a UNESCO-listed former Nazi concentration camp complex.
  • Day 7Arrive in Warsaw on a first class train and explore the Old Town's pastel-toned buildings and market squares.
  • Day 8Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for insight into Poland's 1944 fight for independence.

Included

  • Standard Class rail and reservations from London to Krakow First Class rail and reservations from Krakow to Warsaw 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Berlin 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Prague 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Krakow 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Warsaw

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Direct trains connect Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw, with first class service on the Krakow-to-Warsaw leg.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is independent and self-guided, though it includes a guided half-day tour to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum from Krakow.
What is included besides the trains and hotels?
Breakfast each morning, two nights' accommodation in each of the four cities, and the guided Auschwitz-Birkenau excursion.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights each in Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw.
What is the starting price?
From $1,819 per person, in USD, with Railbookers.

Similar journeys