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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Eastern Adventure: 5 Weeks

Self-guided rail and bus tour from Berlin to Dubrovnik in 36 days

Illustration of Eastern Adventure: 5 Weeks

Euroventure's Eastern Adventure is a 36-day self-guided rail and bus tour for independent travellers. Departing Berlin, you travel through nine countries, stopping in 13 cities and ending on the Croatian Adriatic coast in Dubrovnik. The journey alternates between urban centres and coastal towns, typically spending two to four nights in each location. You navigate by rail between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest; by bus between Belgrade, Zagreb, and the coastal cities; and by night train on at least one leg. Days unfold at a relaxed pace, starting with Berlin's WWII history and Wall remnants, moving through Prague's Charles Bridge and Cesky Krumlov's slower medieval streets, then to Vienna's imperial palaces and Budapest's thermal spas. The route descends through the Balkans to the Danube party scene in Belgrade, then turns toward the Croatian coast and its beaches, ruins, and walled old towns. All train tickets, seat reservations, central accommodation, and walking directions to hotels are included. This package suits budget-conscious first-time rail travellers and independent explorers comfortable navigating between destinations without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1290 (USD 1723) covers the package and included rail tickets; it averages USD 48 per day for 36 days, making budgeting essential for meals, activities, and attractions beyond the listed inclusions.
  • Accommodation is described as 'hostels or hotels' with no fixed hotel names; the actual properties depend on availability when you book.
  • Several optional extras are charged separately, including walking tours, pub crawls, and an add-on return bus to Split.
  • Cesky Krumlov mentions 'undiscovered' status and slow pace; actual crowds and experience will vary by season.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Berlin (3 nights)

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

  2. Day 4railovernight: Krakow

    Krakow (3 nights)

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

  3. Day 7railovernight: Prague

    Prague (2 nights)

    Prague's streets are full of colourful, unique buildings; home of Pilsner beer. Highlights: cross the Charles Bridge; marvel at the Dancing Building; try Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town. Train to Cesky Krumlov - 3 hours.

  4. Day 9railovernight: Cesky Krumlov

    Cesky Krumlov (2 nights)

    Often cited as the 'undiscovered' Prague, with pretty pastel buildings and a slower pace of life. Highlights: Night Rafting after dark; explore the old mines; visit the Eggenburg Brewery. Train to Vienna - 5 hours.

  5. Day 11railovernight: 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.

  6. Day 13railovernight: 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.

  7. Day 15overnight: Budapest

    Budapest (4 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.

  8. Day 19overnight: 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.

  9. Day 22overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb (2 nights)

    Zagreb has a curious Mediterranean feel and museum-cafe-theatre culture by day, lakeside parties by night. Highlights: a 360-view from the Lotrscak Tower; coffee in Kino Europa; stroll Mirogoj Cemetery. Bus to Ljubljana - 3 hours.

  10. Day 24overnight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana (3 nights)

    A colourful chocolate-box city with a summer-long festival atmosphere, and the perfect base for a day trip to Lake Bled. Highlights: the 16th century castle on the hill; wander the colourful streets; 360-views from an art-deco skyscraper terrace. Bus to Zadar - 7 hours.

  11. Day 27overnight: Zadar

    Zadar (2 nights)

    Zadar has amazing beaches, blue skies, and the famous Sea Organ. Highlights: listen to the Sea Organ cut into the beaches; an epic pub crawl; a trip to Pag Island. Bus to Split - 3.5 hours.

  12. Day 29overnight: 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. Bus to Dubrovnik - 3.5 hours.

  13. Day 32overnight: Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik (3 nights)

    Dubrovnik's marble streets and Baroque buildings make it an absolute pearl on the Adriatic. Highlights: wander the walled Old Town; a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia; cocktails at the Troubadour Jazz Cafe as the sun sets.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Climb the Reichstag dome and see a section of the Berlin Wall before boarding a 10-hour train to Krakow.
  • Day 4Day 4: Explore Krakow's medieval market square and take an optional day trip to Auschwitz Concentration Camp; board a 9-hour night train to Prague.
  • Day 7Day 7: Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague and try Czech Pilsner beers before a 3-hour train to Cesky Krumlov.

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 train tickets from Berlin to Dubrovnik, any required Interrail or Eurail passes, seat reservations on high-speed rail and night trains, and walking or public transport directions to accommodation from each station.
Is this trip escorted or self-guided?
It is self-guided. You travel independently between cities, with a personalised travel booklet, maps, language guides, and 24-hour emergency phone support provided.
What are the night trains on this route?
A night train runs from Krakow to Prague (9 hours) on day 6, and a night train from Prague to Vienna is implied by the itinerary transitions, though the evidence names the Krakow-Prague leg explicitly.
How many nights do you spend in each city?
Berlin 3 nights, Krakow 3 nights, Prague 2 nights, Cesky Krumlov 2 nights, Vienna 2 nights, Bratislava 2 nights, Budapest 4 nights, Belgrade 3 nights, Zagreb 2 nights, Ljubljana 3 nights, Zadar 2 nights, Split 3 nights, Dubrovnik 3 nights.
What accommodation is provided?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels; specific properties are not named in the package description.
What is not included?
Meals, optional walking tours, pub crawls, attractions beyond the exclusive discounts offered, and the return bus to Split if you fly back from there instead of Dubrovnik.

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