Search

Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Iron Curtain: 10 Days

Rail journey through five Central European capitals: Berlin to Budapest

Illustration of Iron Curtain: 10 Days

Euroventure's Iron Curtain tour takes you by train through five Central European capitals in ten days. Starting in Berlin, you travel through Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and end in Budapest, crossing five countries and following the historic route that once divided the continent. This self-guided tour includes all rail tickets and seat reservations, so you move between cities by train without booking separately. Each stop lasts one or two nights in centrally located accommodation, giving you time to walk medieval cobblestone streets, visit castles and thermal spas, and explore on your own pace. Euroventure provides walking directions between stations and your hotel, a personalised travel booklet with maps and language guides, and 24-hour emergency support. Optional activities like walking tours and pub crawls are available at partner hostels in each city. The itinerary suits independent travellers, first-time rail explorers, and history enthusiasts drawn to Cold War landmarks and grand European architecture.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided tour; there is no escorted group leader or daily guided activities included as standard.
  • The from-price (GBP 585) applies to shared accommodation in hostels or hotels; room type and final property depend on your choice and tier.
  • Bratislava is a one-night stop compared to two nights in other cities; the pace shifts between relaxed city stays and faster movement.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Berlin

    Berlin (2 nights)

    Berlin blends history, culture and creativity, from the remnants of the Berlin Wall to the Reichstag Dome. Highlights: see a section of the old Berlin Wall; climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag; discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg. Train to Prague - 5 hours.

  2. Day 3railovernight: Prague

    Prague (2 nights)

    Prague, 'The City of a Hundred Spires', has winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Highlights: cross the Charles Bridge; climb the Petrin Lookout Tower; drink Czech Pilsner beers in old town pubs. Train to Vienna - 4 hours.

  3. Day 5railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna (2 nights)

    Vienna exudes timeless elegance and artistic brilliance. Highlights: visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna; eat Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel; relax and swim at Kaiserwasser. Train to Bratislava - 1 hour.

  4. Day 7railovernight: Bratislava

    Bratislava (1 night)

    Bratislava is compact and quirky, with a laid-back charm and vibrant student energy on the banks of the Danube. Highlights: Bratislava Castle for sweeping views; spot the city's quirky statues, like Cumil the Sewer Worker; try Slovak specialities like bryndzove halusky. Train to Budapest - 2.5 hours.

  5. Day 8overnight: Budapest

    Budapest (2 nights)

    Budapest's Buda and Pest converge along the Danube. Highlights: relax in 15th century thermal spas; panoramic photos from Buda Castle; Sziget rock and indie festival in August.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1See a section of the old Berlin Wall and climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag.
  • Day 3Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague and climb the Petrin Lookout Tower.
  • Day 5Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and sample Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel.

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown on the map
  • 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 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 all train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all rail tickets and seat reservations from Berlin to Budapest via Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is a self-guided tour. You receive walking directions between stations and accommodation, a personalised travel booklet with maps and language guides, and access to 24-hour emergency support, but no daily group guide.
What is included in the price?
Rail tickets, seat reservations, accommodation in centrally located hostels or hotels, walking directions, a travel booklet, Travel Disruption Protection, access to 24-hour emergency support, exclusive attraction discounts, and 1GB of free data with eSIM.
How many nights do I spend in each city?
Berlin 2 nights, Prague 2 nights, Vienna 2 nights, Bratislava 1 night, and Budapest 2 nights.
Can I book optional activities?
Yes. Euroventure's partner hostels offer optional walking tours, pub crawls, and other activities at each stop.
What if there is a rail strike or disruption?
Travel Disruption Protection is included; alternative travel arrangements are provided if a strike or similar disruption occurs.

Similar journeys