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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Islandbound: 2 Weeks

Berlin to Hvar: 15 days through five countries by rail and ferry

Illustration of Islandbound: 2 Weeks

Euroventure's Islandbound is a 15-day self-guided rail and ferry journey from Berlin to the Croatian island of Hvar, crossing five countries and stopping in seven cities. The tour pairs cultural exploration in Central Europe's major destinations with Mediterranean relaxation on the Adriatic coast. You travel independently, following a planned route with pre-booked accommodation and included transport; walking directions, a personalised travel booklet, maps, and 24-hour phone support ease logistics. Days typically involve two nights in each city, allowing time to explore landmarks on your own pace: in Berlin, visit the Wall and Reichstag; in Prague, cross the Charles Bridge and climb Petrin Tower; in Vienna, see the Spanish Riding School; in Budapest, soak in thermal spas and view the Danube from Buda Castle; in Split, tour Diocletian's Palace; and in Hvar, relax on beaches and climb the citadel. Suits first-time rail travellers who want structure without a guide, budget-conscious explorers, and those pairing city culture with island leisure.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1165 covers accommodation, transport tickets, and basic inclusions; meals, museum entry, and optional activities are separate.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Berlin

    Berlin (2 nights)

    Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe, crammed with WWII history. 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's side streets and squares are full of colourful, unique buildings; home of Pilsner beer. 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 (1 night)

    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; a classical concert; relax and swim at Kaiserwasser. Train to Budapest - 3 hours.

  4. Day 6railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest (2 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. Train to Zagreb - 6 hours.

  5. Day 8railovernight: Zagreb

    Zagreb (2 nights)

    Zagreb has a curious Mediterranean feel and a museum-cafe-theatre culture by day, lakeside parties by night. Highlights: a 360-view from the Lotrscak Tower; stroll Mirogoj Cemetery; coffee in Kino Europa. Train to Split - 6.5 hours.

  6. Day 10overnight: Split

    Split (2 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. Ferry to Hvar - 1 hour.

  7. Day 12overnight: Hvar

    Hvar (3 nights)

    Hvar is a playground for the rich and famous, with sunset cocktails and boat trips around uninhabited islands. Highlights: climb the 16th century citadel; a PADI diving course in the Adriatic; party at Carpe Diem beach. Ferry back to Split - 1 hour.

  8. Day 15

    Split

    Finish your trip back in Split, ready to catch your flight home. An extra night can be added to fit convenient flight times.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1 in Berlin: see a section of the old Berlin Wall and climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag.
  • Day 3Day 3 in Prague: cross the Charles Bridge and climb the Petrin Lookout Tower.
  • Day 5Day 5 in Vienna: visit the Spanish Riding School and swim at Kaiserwasser.
  • Day 6Day 6 in Budapest: relax in 15th century thermal spas and view the city from Buda Castle.

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, 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 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. All overland rail transport tickets from Berlin to Split, and ferry passage to Hvar, are included. Euroventure arranges any Interrail or Eurail passes needed and handles seat reservations on high-speed and night trains.
Is this escorted or self-guided?
It is self-guided. Euroventure provides walking directions between stations and hotels, a personalised travel booklet with maps and tips, and 24-hour emergency phone support, but no tour guide accompanies you.
What type of accommodation is included?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by Euroventure. Accommodation is booked in advance.
How many nights are in each city?
Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Zagreb, and Split each have two nights; Vienna has one night; Hvar has three nights.
What is not included in the from-price?
Meals, attraction entry fees, optional walking tours or pub crawls, diving courses, and activities such as thermal spa entry are not included. An optional extra night in Split is available to fit flight times.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes city walking tours, tower climbs in Prague, Vienna, Zagreb, and Hvar, and strolls along waterfronts and through old towns. No strenuous hikes are listed.

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