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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Explore Europe

Rail journey across seven countries from Paris to Berlin

Illustration of Explore Europe

Railbookers operates this 14-day independent rail vacation across seven countries, running from Paris to Berlin by way of Geneva, Venice, Vienna, Krakow, and Prague. Most sightseeing is self-paced with included passes rather than a group guide: a Louvre Museum pass in Paris, a 48-hour Prague Card, and a Berlin Pass all let you set your own route through each city's major sights. The trip also includes two set excursions, a half-day boat trip to the glassmaking island of Murano and the colorful houses of Burano from Venice, and a half-day guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Complex from Krakow. Geneva is the one single-night stop, sandwiched between the two-night stays that make up most of the route, with its own evening left up to you, whether that's a lakeside meal or a boat trip with the Alps in view. The trip suits history-minded, independent travelers who want a long, varied tour of European capitals without committing to a fixed group schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this tour; confirm current availability and timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    Welcome to Paris! the 'City of Light' is every bit as romantic, elegant and sophisticated as you might have imagined, and you'll be able to explore plenty of the city's famous wonders and hidden gems in your time here. Perhaps start with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower or stroll the famous shops along the Champs Elysees, starting at the Place de la Concorde and ending at the Arc de Triomphe. (Overnight in Paris)

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Discover the wonders of the Louvre today! With your included museum pass, you'll be able to bypass the lines and head straight inside, leaving more time to discover masterpieces ranging from the Mona Lisa and Nike of Samothrace to the Venus de Milo and many more! Come the evening, why not head up to the bohemian, romantic district of Montmartre to take in a meal and a show (Overnight in Paris)

  3. Day 3railovernight: Geneva

    Paris to Geneva

    Take the direct train from Paris to Geneva today and on arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Make the most of your time in Geneva - spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local restaurant or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city's cosmopolitan feel against the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains. (Overnight in Geneva)

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Geneva to Venice

    After breakfast, depart Geneva en route to Venice, and enjoy scenic views along the way. On arrival in Venice, check in at your hotel and begin discovering the beautiful city. Perhaps take a Gondola ride through the canals at sunset to get acquainted with the 'City of Water." (Overnight in Venice)

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Venice is a dazzling canal-side sanctuary, and certainly a unique place to explore. Make the most of the city and get your bearings by walking through St. Mark's Square and the winding, architecturally magnificent backstreets. Take the included half-day excursion to the northern lagoon of Venice by boat to visit the famous islands of Murano and Burano. Famed for its stunning Murano glass products, the cluster of little islands that comprise Murano are as popular for their glassmaking heritage as they are for their attractiveness. (Overnight in Venice)

  6. Day 6railovernight: Vienna

    Venice to Vienna

    After breakfast this morning, board the train to Vienna and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Discover the majestic sights of the imperial city at your leisure, including St. Stephan's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Museum of Military History, Danube Tower and the Imperial Crypt. Don't forget to enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee, or sample one of the city's signature dishes, like delicious wiener schnitzel. (Overnight in Vienna)

  7. Day 7overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Discover more of Vienna today. Take a ride on the Riesenrad, Vienna's 212-foot high ferris wheel, for fantastic views of the city. Stroll the gorgeous gardens at Schonbrunn Palace. If time allows and you are interested in art, venture over to the MuseumsQuartier, where you will find a cluster of classic and contemporary exhibition spaces. (Overnight in Vienna)

  8. Day 8railovernight: Krakow

    Vienna 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)

  9. Day 9overnight: 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 Complex, 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)

  10. Day 10railovernight: Prague

    Krakow to Prague

    Catch the train directly to Prague, where you'll check 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, cobblestone streets. Use your 48-hour Prague Card to spend the rest of the day getting your bearings in the Czech capital and exploring everything else the city has to offer. In the evening, perhaps head to the Old Town for a traditional dinner. (Overnight in Prague)

  11. Day 11overnight: Prague

    Prague

    After breakfast this morning, continue using your Prague Card to discover the city! Gain free access to Prague Castle, the world-class Jewish Museum, and other top attractions like Old Townhall and Petro­n Tower. Cross the grand Charles Bridge, an iconic landmark from the 14th century, and admire the views from St. Vitus Cathedral. (Overnight in Prague)

  12. Day 12overnight: Berlin

    Prague to Berlin

    Travel from Prague to Berlin and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Set out to explore the German capital city, where the streets are embroidered with important history and the culture is vibrant yet laid back. (Overnight in Berlin)

  13. Day 13overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    See all the major sights of Berlin today with your Berlin Pass, including the Berliner Dom, Pergamon Museum, Checkpoint Charlie and much more. Later in the day, perhaps visit the vibrant public square of Potsdamer Platz, filled with fine examples of the city's modern architecture as well as shopping centers, cinemas, bars, a theatre and a casino. (Overnight in Berlin)

  14. Day 14rail

    Depart Berlin

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend this journey with additional nights in a particular destination, or take this journey in reverse, one of our Rail Specialists can help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2An included museum pass lets travelers skip the lines at the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, the Nike of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
  • Day 5A half-day boat excursion to the northern lagoon of Venice visits the glassmaking island of Murano and the colorful island of Burano.
  • Day 9A half-day guided tour from Krakow visits the UNESCO-listed former Nazi concentration camp complex at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
  • Day 11The 48-hour Prague Card grants free access to Prague Castle and the Jewish Museum, plus a walk across the 14th-century Charles Bridge.
  • Day 13The Berlin Pass covers major sights including the Berliner Dom, the Pergamon Museum, and Checkpoint Charlie.

Included

  • Rail travel throughout
  • 2 nights hotel stay with breakfast in Paris
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Geneva
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Vienna
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Krakow
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Prague
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Berlin Louvre Museum pass in Paris Half-day sightseeing tour of Murano and Burano from Venice Auschwitz/Birkenau Museum Tour 48-hour Prague Card Berlin Pass

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel throughout, covering direct trains from Paris to Geneva, Venice to Vienna, Vienna to Krakow, and Krakow to Prague.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Most sightseeing is self-paced using included passes, such as the Louvre Museum pass in Paris, the 48-hour Prague Card, and the Berlin Pass, with a guided half-day tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Complex from Krakow.
What is included in the price?
Railbookers includes 13 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, rail travel throughout, a Louvre Museum pass, a half-day sightseeing tour of Murano and Burano from Venice, an Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum tour, a 48-hour Prague Card, and a Berlin Pass.
Does the trip include a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes. A half-day guided tour from Krakow visits the UNESCO-listed former Nazi concentration camp complex at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Which cities does the trip visit?
The route runs from Paris to Berlin, stopping in Geneva, Venice, Vienna, Krakow, and Prague.

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