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railtour suisse · Independent rail holiday

Grand Eastern Europe Tour

Eastern Europe rail loop from Zurich through Prague, Krakow, Warsaw, and Dresden

Illustration of Grand Eastern Europe Tour

Railtour suisse operates this 11-day independent rail journey through Eastern Europe, departing from Zurich and ending in Dresden. The trip combines five train legs across the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany with overnight stays in Prague, Krakow, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Dresden. Your first night is spent on the Euronight sleeper train from Zurich in a 4-berth couchette, arriving in Prague refreshed for three days of exploration. Subsequent train journeys connect you to each city during daylight hours, allowing time to wander historic old towns, visit museums and monuments, and experience local food and nightlife. The itinerary includes the Charles Bridge in Prague, an optional visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow, Warsaw's UNESCO-listed Old Town and Royal Castle, Wrocław's riverside charm, and Dresden's baroque architecture and river cruises. All hotels are centrally located with breakfast included. This package suits first-time rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and independent explorers who want to experience Eastern European cities at their own pace without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The overnight Euronight from Zurich to Prague is a 4-berth couchette in 2nd class; the daytime alternative routing via Vienna is available if you prefer not to sleep on the train.
  • The from-price is based on Half-Fare travelcard eligibility; the full rail fare without Half-Fare status will be higher.
  • This is an independent holiday with no accompanying guide or group activities; you arrange your own exploration of each city.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Prague

    Switzerland – Prague

    Begin your journey already in the evening. Travel comfortably through the night on the Euronight from Zurich and arrive refreshed in the heart of the bustling city the next morning. Alternatively, you can travel to Prague during the day via Vienna. Enjoy your first hours in the Golden City on the Vltava.

  2. Day 2overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Take a walk across the Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn and explore the surrounding lanes. Relax in one of the countless traditional cafés. Visit the famous Charles Bridge with its baroque statues, including a wonderful view of the castle and the Vltava River.

  3. Day 3overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Enjoy a full day of shopping; Prague is a true paradise. From international top brands to Czech design, vintage treasures and traditional crafts, the city offers it all. On the elegant Pařížská Street you'll find luxury labels such as Prada or Louis Vuitton, while the shopping centres offer everything you need for everyday life. Round off the day with a boat tour on the Vltava River, especially atmospheric and mystical in the evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Krakow

    Prague – Krakow

    The direct EC train takes you to Krakow in 6h40. You travel through gentle hills, idyllic villages and wide fields between the Czech Republic and Poland. Just hop on, lean back and enjoy the ride. Stroll through the city and let yourself be inspired by its historic charm.

  5. Day 5overnight: Krakow

    Krakow / Excursion to Auschwitz

    Begin your day with a walk across the Rynek Główny, the largest medieval market square in Europe. A quiet place that invites reflection. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, located about 70 kilometres from Krakow. A deeply moving experience and an important part of any journey to the region.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Warsaw

    Krakow – Warsaw

    The modern rail connection takes you several times a day directly between the city centres in just 2h30. Travel comfortably and sustainably through the rural Polish countryside, gaining authentic insights into the country along the way.

  7. Day 7overnight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    Explore the lovingly restored Old Town with its market square, the Sigismund Column and the Royal Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of reconstruction. Find relaxation and nature in Warsaw's largest park, Łazienki Park, home to the famous Palace on the Isle. If you still have energy left, dive into the vibrant nightlife with countless bars and clubs.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Wrocław

    Warsaw – Wrocław

    In around 5 hours, a direct train takes you to Wrocław. Upon arrival, the city on the Oder River will captivate you with its numerous bridges and its beautiful old town filled with colourful houses. The cultural offer is extensive. Round off the day with a traditional Polish dinner.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Dresden

    Wrocław – Dresden

    Take in the Polish atmosphere one last time and enjoy the warm hospitality before heading towards Dresden. After a 3-hour train journey, you will reach Dresden, the Saxon capital on the Elbe River. Baroque splendour and modern joie de vivre await you.

  10. Day 10overnight: Dresden

    Dresden

    A visit to the Semper Opera House, the world-famous Frauenkirche and the Zwinger is an absolute must. In addition to the old baroque backdrop, explore the Neustadt district, vibrant, creative and full of hip cafés, galleries, boutiques and lively nightlife. A river cruise on the Elbe with fantastic views is the perfect way to end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

  11. Day 11

    Dresden – Switzerland

    After an eventful, history-filled, exciting and varied journey, begin your return trip to Switzerland by day or night connection. As you travel, let your thoughts wander back to the moving stories and impressions of Eastern Europe.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Overnight on the Euronight from Zurich in a 4-berth couchette, arriving refreshed in Prague in the morning.
  • Day 2Walk across Prague's Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock, then cross the Charles Bridge lined with baroque statues overlooking the Vltava River and Prague Castle.
  • Day 5Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, located about 70 kilometres from Krakow, a deeply moving and historically significant part of the journey.
  • Day 6Direct 2-hour 30-minute train journey from Krakow to Warsaw through rural Polish countryside.
  • Day 10River cruise on the Elbe in Dresden with views of the Semper Opera House, Frauenkirche, and Zwinger Palace.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to Zurich HB, based on Half-Fare travelcard, outbound journey on the night train in a 4-berth couchette
  • Route according to programme
  • Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast
  • 3 nights in Prague, Hotel Ibis Praha Old Town***
  • 2 nights in Krakow, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town***
  • 2 nights in Warsaw, Hotel Mercure Warszawa Centrum****
  • 1 night in Wrocław, Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town Hotel****
  • 2 nights in Dresden, Hotel Star G Premium Dresden Altmarkt***

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes all five train legs in 2nd class from Zurich to Dresden, starting with an overnight Euronight couchette. The from-price assumes Half-Fare travelcard status; full fares without Half-Fare will be higher.
Is this a guided or independent tour?
This is an independent rail holiday operated by railtour suisse. You have free time to explore each city on your own; no guide or group activities are included.
What hotels are included?
The package includes Hotel Ibis Praha Old Town (3 nights in Prague), Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town (2 nights in Krakow), Hotel Mercure Warszawa Centrum (2 nights in Warsaw), Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town Hotel (1 night in Wrocław), and Hotel Star G Premium Dresden Altmarkt (2 nights in Dresden), all with breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes walking tours of old towns in Prague, Krakow, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Dresden. There is an optional day excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, about 70 kilometres from Krakow. Daily walking is moderate and manageable, not strenuous.
Can I adjust the itinerary or duration?
Yes. The operator states that the itinerary and duration can be individually adjusted, and an alternative daytime routing to Prague via Vienna is available instead of the overnight Euronight.
What does the price include?
From 1,177 CHF: all train journeys in 2nd class, accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast at the five hotels listed, and the route according to the programme. Single-supplement pricing and any additional activities are not listed.

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