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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Eastern Adventure: 4 Weeks

Berlin to Dubrovnik by rail and bus across eight Eastern European capitals

Illustration of Eastern Adventure: 4 Weeks

Euroventure's Eastern Adventure is a 26-day self-guided rail and bus journey from Berlin to Dubrovnik, traversing eight Eastern European capitals: Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, Zagreb, and Split. The route combines longer stays in major cities (three nights in Berlin, Krakow, and Budapest) with shorter stops (two nights in Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik), allowing time to explore on foot without constant packing. Included are all rail tickets and seat reservations, accommodation in tested hostels and hotels, Interrail or Eurail passes, walking directions, and a personalised travel booklet. Two nights travel by night train (Krakow to Prague) break up the journey; the remaining segments use day trains or buses. At GBP 1,980 for 25 nights, this suits budget-conscious solo travellers, first-time rail explorers, and history enthusiasts drawn to Cold War sites, medieval town squares, imperial palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage architecture. Optional group activities like pub crawls and walking tours are available at partner hostels.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided tour with no daily escorted activities; you navigate independently between accommodation and attractions.
  • Two nights travel by night train (Krakow to Prague) and one seven-hour bus journey (Budapest to Belgrade); overnight rail legs fall on days 3 and 6.
  • Final two nights in Dubrovnik are included; the optional add-on return bus to Split is charged separately if you fly out of Split instead.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Berlin (3 nights)

    Bohemian Berlin, one of Europe's most historically rich cities, with incredible museums and a border once dividing East and West. Bar-hop and party at the city's many clubs. Highlights: explore a section of the historic Berlin Wall; ascend the dome of the Reichstag building; dive into the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg. Trains to Krakow - 10 hours.

  2. Day 4railovernight: Krakow

    Krakow (3 nights)

    History comes alive amid Krakow's preserved Old Town and underground cellar bars. A day trip to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp is a poignant highlight. Highlights: wander Europe's largest medieval market square; capture Poland's best-preserved city through your lens; enjoy Gothic cellar bars. Night train to Prague - 9 hours.

  3. Day 7railovernight: Prague

    Prague (2 nights)

    Prague dazzles with architectural splendour and vibrant details around every corner, home to Czech Pilsner beer. Highlights: stroll across the Charles Bridge; ascend the Petrin Lookout Tower; savour Czech Pilsner beers in old town pubs. Train to Vienna - 4 hours.

  4. Day 9railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna (2 nights)

    Vienna exudes elegance and sophistication, with classical palaces and grand imperial structures. Highlights: savour Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel; swim in the Kaiserwasser river; enjoy a classical music concert. Train to Bratislava - 1 hour.

  5. Day 11railovernight: Bratislava

    Bratislava (2 nights)

    Bratislava offers warm hospitality and affordability, undiscovered by mainstream tourism. Highlights: ascend to the 19th-century castle for a sunset; a night tour of Bratislava; explore folk art at Uluv. Train to Budapest - 3 hours.

  6. Day 13overnight: Budapest

    Budapest (3 nights)

    Budapest showcases architecture from Baroque to Art Nouveau along the Danube, with vintage trams and iconic thermal baths. Highlights: relax in 15th-century thermal spas; views from Buda Castle; Sziget rock and indie festival. Bus to Belgrade - 7 hours.

  7. Day 16overnight: Belgrade

    Belgrade (3 nights)

    The Serbian capital promises an all-night party scene and friendly atmosphere. Highlights: explore the 18th-century Belgrade Fortress; wander Skadarlija's cobbled streets; float on the Danube's splavovi party boats. Bus to Zagreb - 6 hours.

  8. Day 19overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb (2 nights)

    Zagreb is adorned with flowers and fountains, with a Mediterranean ambiance and rich cultural scene. Highlights: 360-degree view from Lotrscak Tower; stroll Mirogoj Cemetery; coffee in Kino Europa. Bus to Split - 5 hours.

  9. Day 21overnight: Split

    Split (3 nights)

    Split sits between the Adriatic Sea and mountains, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and a marble waterfront. Highlights: marvel at Diocletian's Palace; admire the cityscape approaching from the sea; stroll the waterfront. Bus to Dubrovnik - 5 hours.

  10. Day 24overnight: Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik (2 nights)

    Dubrovnik enchants with marble streets and Baroque architecture along the Adriatic, the perfect place to watch a final sunset. Highlights: wander the walled Old Town; day trip to Mostar in Bosnia; cocktails at the Troubadour Jazz Cafe.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1 to 3: Explore a section of the historic Berlin Wall and ascend the Reichstag dome in Berlin.
  • Day 4Day 4 to 6: Take a day trip to Auschwitz Concentration Camp from Krakow; wander Europe's largest medieval market square.
  • Day 7Day 7 to 8: Stroll across the Charles Bridge in Prague and ascend Petrin Lookout Tower.

Included

  • Transport 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
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all transport tickets from Berlin to Dubrovnik, Interrail or Eurail passes (chosen for best value), and seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains, and ferries.
Is this escorted or self-guided?
Self-guided. You travel independently; Euroventure provides a personalised booklet with maps, language guides, and top tips, plus 24-hour emergency phone support and directions between stations and your accommodation.
Which trains are used?
The itinerary names rail legs of 10 hours (Berlin to Krakow), 9 hours as a night train (Krakow to Prague), 4 hours (Prague to Vienna), 1 hour (Vienna to Bratislava), and 3 hours (Bratislava to Budapest). The final three stops use bus transport.
What type of accommodation?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by Euroventure. The exact choice depends on your booking selections within the package.
How much walking is involved?
Each city involves walking tours and climbing stairs to viewpoints such as the Reichstag dome, Petrin Lookout Tower, Lotrscak Tower, and Buda Castle. Standard walking between stations and accommodation is included.
What is not included?
Meals (except what may be listed in your accommodation), optional activities like pub crawls and walking tours (available at partner hostels for extra cost), internal flights, and personal spending money.

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