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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Road to Athens: 3 Weeks

Self-guided rail journey Prague to Athens through six Central and Eastern European countries

Illustration of Road to Athens: 3 Weeks

Road to Athens is a 20-day self-guided rail journey operated by Euroventure that runs from Prague south through Central and Eastern Europe to Athens. The route spans six countries: the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. You travel independently with a personalised travel booklet, maps, language guides, and access to 24-hour emergency phone support. All overland transport, rail passes, seat reservations, and accommodation in centrally located hotels and hostels are included in the price. The pace is leisurely, with multiple nights in most cities so you can explore neighbourhoods beyond the main attractions, relax in thermal spas in Budapest, visit Bran Castle deep in the Transylvanian forests, or taste seafood in Thessaloniki before finishing with several days in Athens. Two overnight journeys bookend the trip: a night train from Budapest to Brasov and a night bus from Bucharest to Sofia. Optional activities such as walking tours and pub crawls are available through partner hostels, and Euroventure offers exclusive discounts on attractions. The self-guided format suits independent travellers and first-time rail tourists who want support without a group.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price does not include international flights to Prague or from Athens; these are arranged separately.
  • One segment (Day 13: Bucharest to Sofia) is an 8-hour night bus, not a train.
  • Accommodation is described as 'top-rated hostels or hotels' but the specific properties vary by availability; the booking confirmation will detail your actual hotels.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Prague is stunning; on any side street or square you'll find unique buildings full of colourful detail. Enjoy gorgeous Gothic scenery by day, and long pilsner-fuelled nights once the sun goes down.

  2. Day 2overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge, marvel at the curvy Dancing Building, and try all the Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town pubs.

  3. Day 3overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Final day to explore the Czech capital before heading south.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Vienna

    Prague / Vienna

    Train to Vienna (4 hours), the classical music capital of the continent.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, eat real apple strudel and wiener schnitzel, and go to a classical concert.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Budapest

    Vienna / Budapest

    Train to Budapest (3 hours), the heart of Central Europe and the gateway to the East. Enjoy the historic capital's gracious architecture, spacious parks and party scene.

  7. Day 7overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

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

  8. Day 8railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

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

  9. Day 9railovernight: Brasov

    Budapest / Brasov (night train)

    Night train to Brasov (13 hours), your first taste of Eastern Europe, in the heart of Transylvania and home to Dracula's place, Bran Castle.

  10. Day 10overnight: Brasov

    Brasov

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

  11. Day 11railovernight: 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.

  12. Day 12overnight: 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.

  13. Day 13overnight: Sofia

    Bucharest / Sofia (night bus)

    Night bus to Sofia (8 hours), a truly ancient capital with roots stretching back to Greek times.

  14. Day 14overnight: Sofia

    Sofia

    Take a city tour, visit the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, find bargains at the Turkish Markets, or hike up to Boyana Waterfalls.

  15. Day 15overnight: Thessaloniki

    Sofia / Thessaloniki

    Bus to Thessaloniki (5 hours), Greece's foodie capital, facing the sea and a major Greek port.

  16. Day 16overnight: Thessaloniki

    Thessaloniki

    Visit the ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius' 4th-century palace and feast on local seafood, produce and Baklava.

  17. Day 17railovernight: 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.

  18. Day 18overnight: Athens

    Athens

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

  19. Day 19overnight: Athens

    Athens

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

  20. Day 20

    Athens

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague and sample Czech pilsner beers in Old Town pubs.
  • Day 5Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and taste authentic apple strudel and wiener schnitzel.
  • Day 7Relax in 15th-century thermal spas in Budapest and photograph the city from Buda Castle.
  • Day 9Ride the night train to Brasov and visit Bran Castle, Dracula's legendary residence, in the Transylvanian forests.
  • Day 18Visit the Acropolis in Athens and take a bus to one of Greece's beaches.

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 Prague and from Athens (arranged separately)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. All overland transport tickets from Prague to Athens are included, plus any Interrail or Eurail passes required and all seat reservations.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
Self-guided. Euroventure provides a personalised travel booklet with maps and language guides, walking directions between stations and hotels, and 24-hour emergency phone support, but no accompanying guide.
What accommodation is included?
Top-rated centrally located hostels or hotels tested by Euroventure. The specific properties are confirmed closer to your departure date.
Do I sleep on any trains?
Yes, on two nights: Day 9 (Budapest to Brasov, 13 hours) and Day 13 (overnight bus Bucharest to Sofia, 8 hours). Day 13 is a bus, not a train.
What is not included?
Flights to Prague and from Athens are arranged separately. Meals and attractions beyond the optional partner-hostel activities and discounts are your own cost.
How much walking is involved?
City exploration on foot is a daily part of the itinerary, including walking tours and visits to castles, spas, and markets. One optional hike to Boyana Waterfalls near Sofia is mentioned.

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