Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Road to Athens: 2 Weeks

Road to Athens: 2 Weeks, a rail journey with Euroventure

The Road to Athens: travel Eastern Europe, exploring south Eastern Europe and Greece overland with transport and accommodation included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Start in grand old bohemian Budapest. Enjoy the historic capital's gracious architecture, spacious parks and party scene.

  2. Day 2overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Relax in the 15th-century thermal spas, take panoramic photos from Buda castle, and enjoy the Ruin Bars.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Recuperate at one of the world-famous spas before heading to the station to catch the night train east.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Brasov

    Budapest / Brasov (night train)

    Night train to Brasov (13 hours), in the heart of Transylvania, home to paprika-laden stews, pastel-perfect houses and Dracula's place, Bran Castle.

  5. Day 5overnight: Brasov

    Brasov

    Visit Bran Castle, explore the quaint cobbled streets and shops, and get back to nature in the wild forests of Romania.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Bucharest

    Brasov / Bucharest

    Train to Bucharest (3 hours), the Romanian capital. Visit the Palace of the Parliament and spend a lazy day shopping in the old town.

  7. Day 7overnight: Bucharest

    Bucharest

    Sip a cocktail at one of the city's rooftop bars and explore the mind-boggling Parliament building, one of the largest in Europe.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sofia

    Bucharest / Sofia (night bus)

    Night bus to Sofia (8 hours), a truly ancient capital with roots stretching back to Greek times. Take a city tour, visit the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, or hike up to Boyana Waterfalls.

  9. Day 9overnight: Thessaloniki

    Sofia / Thessaloniki

    Bus to Thessaloniki (5 hours), Greece's foodie capital. Visit the ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius' 4th-century palace and feast on local seafood and Baklava.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Athens

    Thessaloniki / Athens

    Train to Athens (6 hours). Athens has two hearts, ancient and modern, buzzing with nightlife, food and world-famous landmarks like the Acropolis.

  11. Day 11overnight: Athens

    Athens

    Visit the world-famous Acropolis and take the bus out to one of Greece's stunning beaches.

  12. Day 12overnight: Athens

    Athens

    Make the most of the metropolis' nightlife and enjoy the slow pace of life by the sea.

  13. Day 13

    Athens

    Final day before flying back from Athens, or continue to the Greek Islands to carry on the adventure.

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the map
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • All possible seat reservations, not just the compulsory ones
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us
  • Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • Access to a 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
  • Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at partner hostels
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe

Not included

  • Flights to Budapest and from Athens (arranged separately)

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