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Euroventure · Backpacker group tour

Eastern Europe: 3 Week Group Tour

Berlin to Hvar: 21-day backpacker rail and bus loop through seven countries

Illustration of Eastern Europe: 3 Week Group Tour

Euroventure's Eastern Europe 3-week group tour is a backpacker journey designed for solo travellers and small groups aged 18-30. Starting in Berlin and ending in Hvar on the Croatian coast, the 21-day route covers seven countries: Germany, Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia. A tour leader travels throughout, coordinating all rail and bus transport, hostel stays, and included activities. Days blend city exploration (Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Split), natural sites (Lake Bled, Plitvice National Park), and coastal time. On day 1, you visit the East Side Gallery before your 5-hour train to Prague; day 3 brings a medieval tavern show; day 7 offers thermal baths and ruin bars in Budapest; day 11 includes a day trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. The pace is steady, with most stops lasting two to four nights, plus one night in Zagreb. Hostels are included; most meals are not. This tour suits budget-conscious travellers new to independent rail travel who want the safety net of a tour leader and the camaraderie of a small group.

What to know before you look closer

  • Breakfast is included in some hostels depending on availability; most other meals and drinks are not included.
  • Airport transfers and transport to and from your home country are not included; you arrange your own flights.
  • The group maximum is 20 people; the tour is marketed to backpackers aged 18-30, which may set a social tone.
  • Single supplement or solo pricing is not mentioned in the evidence; confirm hostel room options when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Berlin

    Berlin (2 nights)

    Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in Berlin, a city of artistic energy, eclectic neighbourhoods and rich history. Included Activity: Group visit to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. Suggested: pub crawl, street art safari in Kreuzberg/Friedrichshain, TV Tower. Train to Prague - 5 hours.

  2. Day 3railovernight: Prague

    Prague (2 nights)

    The city of a hundred spires, with stunning architecture and cobblestone streets. Included Activity: Medieval Tavern Show with a 5-course meal, drinks and entertainment. Suggested: Prague Castle, Nuclear Bunker and Communism Tour, Czech Pilsner beer tasting. Train to Vienna - 4 hours.

  3. Day 5railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna (2 nights)

    The city of music and imperial grandeur. Included Activity: Day trip to Bratislava, exploring Slovakia's historic old town, castle and the UFO Bridge. Suggested: Schonbrunn Palace, Spanish Riding School, a classical concert. Train to Budapest - 3 hours.

  4. Day 7overnight: Budapest

    Budapest (4 nights)

    The enchanting jewel along the Danube, with culinary delights, illuminated architecture and ruin bars. Included Activities: Szechenyi Baths thermal spa and a Ruin Bar Pub Crawl. Suggested: Budapest's markets, the Hungarian Parliament. Bus to Ljubljana - 6 hours.

  5. Day 11overnight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana (3 nights)

    Slovenia's capital blends history with modern European charm. Included Activity: Day trip to Lake Bled, its island church, medieval castle and Julian Alps backdrop. Suggested: Postojna Cave, Vipava Valley wine region, a Ljubljanica River boat ride. Bus to Zagreb - 2 hours.

  6. Day 14overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb (1 night)

    A short stopover in Croatia's capital, blending tradition with modernity. No official included activity in Zagreb (an extra activity is included in Plitvice instead). Suggested: Museum of Broken Relationships, Mirogoj Cemetery, Dolac Market. Bus to Plitvice - 2 hours.

  7. Day 15overnight: Plitvice

    Plitvice (3 nights)

    A natural haven of waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Included: visit to Plitvice National Park and whitewater kayaking on the Mreznica River. Suggested: sunset hike, Pljesevica Mountain hike to the Bosnian border. Bus to Split - 4 hours.

  8. Day 18overnight: Split

    Split (3 nights)

    A charming Adriatic city built around Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included Activity: day trip ferry to Hvar island. Suggested: Krka National Park, Marjan Park, local konoba restaurants. Final night on the beach watching the sunset.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Group visit to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, then a 5-hour train to Prague.
  • Day 3Day 3: Medieval Tavern Show in Prague with a 5-course meal, drinks and entertainment.
  • Day 7Day 7: Szechenyi Baths thermal spa in Budapest followed by a Ruin Bar Pub Crawl.

Included

  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • All train and bus tickets between each destination
  • All possible seat reservations
  • Guided to and from the hostels, included activities and train stations by a Tour Leader
  • Accommodation in top-rated hostels - tested by us
  • Unmissable included activities such as medieval shows, day trips to national parks and thermal baths
  • Breakfast in some hostels (depending on availability)
  • A Tour Leader to travel with you and coordinate your trip throughout

Not included

  • Meals/Drinks
  • Public transport tickets in each location
  • Towel/Toiletries, though towels can be rented at hostel reception
  • Airport transfers
  • Transport to starting point or back home (e.g. flights)
  • Visas
  • Any optional activities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All train and bus tickets between each destination are included, along with seat reservations.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Escorted. A Tour Leader travels with you throughout, guiding you to and from hostels, activities and train stations.
What trains do I take?
The itinerary shows rail legs from Berlin to Prague (5 hours), Prague to Vienna (4 hours), Vienna to Budapest (3 hours), and bus legs thereafter to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Plitvice, and Split.
What is included in the price?
Train and bus transport, accommodation in hostels, a tour leader, all seat reservations, guided entry to included activities (Berlin Wall, Medieval Tavern Show, thermal baths, Lake Bled day trip, Plitvice National Park visit and kayaking, Split-Hvar ferry), and breakfast in some hostels.
What is not included?
Most meals and drinks, public transport tickets within each city, airport transfers, flights to Berlin or from Split, visas, towels and toiletries (though towels can be rented at hostels), and optional activities.
How much walking is involved?
The tour expects you to walk for up to 30 minutes with your backpack. A suggested hike to Pljesevica Mountain is optional.

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