Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Eastern Adventure: 3 Weeks

Berlin to Split across eight countries on trains and buses, 22 days

Illustration of Eastern Adventure: 3 Weeks

Euroventure's Eastern Adventure is a 22-day self-guided rail journey from Berlin to Split, crossing eight countries and stopping in eight major cities: Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, and Zagreb. Nights are spent in centrally located, top-rated accommodation selected by the operator, with two to three nights in each city to explore on your own. All train tickets, seat reservations on high-speed and night trains, and Interrail or Eurail passes (where needed) are booked in advance. The itinerary blends European history, architecture, and nightlife: Berlin's WWII sites and Reichstag, Krakow's medieval square and nearby Auschwitz, Prague's Charles Bridge and Pilsner beer culture, Vienna's imperial palaces, Budapest's thermal spas, Belgrade's Danube party boats, and Split's Diocletian's Palace on the Adriatic coast. A personalised travel booklet, station-to-hotel directions, and 24-hour emergency support make independent travel manageable. This suits budget-conscious first-time rail travellers, history-lovers, and food-and-wine explorers seeking cultural immersion without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • Night trains are used on two legs (Krakow to Prague, and implied earlier departures); sleeper-specific comfort details are not published; confirm accommodation level with Euroventure.
  • From-price covers the packaged rail fares and accommodation; optional activities at partner hostels cost extra.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Berlin (2 nights)

    Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe, full of fascinating WWII history around every corner. Highlights: see a section of the old Berlin Wall; climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag; discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg. Trains to Krakow - 10 hours.

  2. Day 3railovernight: Krakow

    Krakow (2 nights)

    Krakow's postcard-perfect Old Town and famous cellar bars, with a humbling nearby visit to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Highlights: see Europe's largest medieval market square; photograph Poland's best-preserved city; find Gothic cellar bars open until late. Night train to Prague - 9 hours.

  3. Day 5railovernight: Prague

    Prague (2 nights)

    Prague's side streets and squares are full of colourful, unique buildings; home of Pilsner beer. Highlights: cross the enchanting Charles Bridge; marvel at the Dancing Building; try Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town. Train to Vienna - 4 hours.

  4. Day 7railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna (2 nights)

    Vienna is crisp, clean and chic, with classical palaces and grand imperial buildings. Highlights: visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna; eat apple strudel and wiener schnitzel; attend a classical concert. Train to Bratislava - 1 hour.

  5. Day 9railovernight: Bratislava

    Bratislava (2 nights)

    Bratislava is friendly, undiscovered by mainstream tourism, with a medieval feel. Highlights: climb to the 19th century castle; a night tour of the city; folk-art shopping at Uluv. Train to Budapest - 3 hours.

  6. Day 11overnight: Budapest

    Budapest (2 nights)

    Budapest shows off architecture from Baroque to Art Nouveau along the Danube. Highlights: relax in 15th century thermal spas; photos from Buda castle; Sziget rock and indie festival in August. Bus to Belgrade - 9 hours.

  7. Day 13overnight: Belgrade

    Belgrade (3 nights)

    Serbia's capital has an all-night party scene and the world's largest Orthodox church. Highlights: visit the 18th century Belgrade Fortress; climb the cobbled streets of Skadarlija; float down the Danube on splavovi party boats. Bus to Zagreb - 6 hours.

  8. Day 16overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb (2 nights)

    Zagreb has a curious Mediterranean feel and a museum-cafe-theatre culture. Highlights: a 360-view from the Lotrscak Tower; coffee in Kino Europa; stroll through Mirogoj Cemetery. Bus to Split - 5 hours.

  9. Day 18overnight: Split

    Split (3 nights)

    Split sits between the Adriatic and mountains, with two UNESCO World Heritage sites and a marble waterfront. Highlights: see the ruin of Diocletian's Palace; admire the city approaching from the sea; stroll the glittering waterfront.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1In Berlin, see a section of the old Berlin Wall and climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag.
  • Day 3In Krakow, explore Europe's largest medieval market square and visit Auschwitz and Birkenau as a day trip.
  • Day 5Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague and try Czech Pilsner beer in the Old Town.

Included

  • Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown on the map
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • All possible seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels - tested by us
  • Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you're away
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all train tickets between the first and last city on the route, with seat reservations on high-speed and night trains, plus any required Interrail or Eurail passes.
Is this a guided or self-guided trip?
This is a self-guided rail tour. You travel independently between cities; the operator provides accommodation, rail bookings, station-to-hotel directions, and a personalised travel booklet with maps and tips.
How long is the trip and where does it start and end?
The trip is 22 days and 21 nights, starting in Berlin and ending in Split. It stops in Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, and Zagreb, with two to three nights in each city.
What accommodation is included?
Euroventure books centrally located hostels or hotels on your behalf; the operator states they are top-rated and tested. Final accommodation type depends on your tier selection.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking, stairs to viewpoints, and climbs to towers and castles. Public transport directions are provided between stations and accommodation.
What is the starting price and what does it cover?
From 1510 GBP per person. Included are all rail tickets, seat reservations, accommodation, directions, a personalised travel booklet, 24-hour emergency support, 1GB of free data, and exclusive attraction discounts. Optional activities cost extra.

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