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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

The Heart of Europe: 3 Weeks

London to Paris in 22 days via 10 Central European cities by rail

Illustration of The Heart of Europe: 3 Weeks

Euroventure's Heart of Europe is a 22-day self-guided rail tour connecting 13 cities across nine countries, from London to Paris and back. You depart London by Eurostar, traverse Central Europe by train through Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Prague and Budapest, then pass through Salzburg, Zurich and into Paris before returning to London. Accommodation, train tickets and all seat reservations are pre-arranged, leaving you free to explore each destination at your own pace. Most stops allow two to three nights, so you have time to walk medieval streets, visit museums, sample local food and drink, and soak in the character of each place. A personalised travel pack includes directions from station to hotel, language guides and suggestions for what to see. This tour suits first-time rail travellers seeking structure without rigid itineraries, history lovers drawn to imperial palaces and Gothic cathedrals, independent explorers who want trains and hotels handled for them, and budget-conscious travellers who can stretch their money across nine countries.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the package; you book your own train fare from your hometown to London if you are not an Interrail pass holder
  • Hotels are described as top-rated and centrally located but marked as options, so final accommodation choice depends on the tier and city you select
  • The longest train journey is Prague to Budapest at 7 hours; several other legs exceed 4 hours

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    London

    Stroll through London's iconic streets, where regal palaces meet modern skyscrapers. The Eurostar departs from St Pancras; Interrail pass holders can travel free from their hometown to London on departure day. Highlights: Buckingham Palace and the River Thames; London's museums, galleries and theatres; afternoon tea or fish and chips. Eurostar to Brussels - 2.5 hours.

  2. Day 1railovernight: Brussels

    Brussels (2 nights)

    Brussels is Belgium's political and cultural heart. Highlights: the Grand Place, a UNESCO-listed square; Belgian waffles or chocolate; the Manneken Pis statue. Train to Amsterdam - 2 hours.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam (2 nights)

    Amsterdam blends culture, history and natural beauty. Highlights: the Van Gogh Museum; cycling along the canals; the red light district. Train to Cologne - 3.5 hours.

  4. Day 5railovernight: Cologne

    Cologne (2 nights)

    Cologne offers Gothic architecture, beer halls and riverside charm, home to the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. Highlights: the Old Town's beer halls; Kolsch beer in a local brewery; Museum Ludwig's modern art. Train to Frankfurt - 1 hour 15 minutes.

  5. Day 7railovernight: Frankfurt

    Frankfurt (1 night)

    Frankfurt blends medieval timber-framed houses with gleaming skyscrapers. Highlights: the reconstructed Romerberg square; Goethe House; Apfelwein in a Sachsenhausen tavern. Train to Munich - 3.5 hours.

  6. Day 8railovernight: Munich

    Munich (2 nights)

    Munich is Bavaria's bustling capital, famous for beer culture and architecture. Highlights: Marienplatz and its Glockenspiel; Nymphenburg Palace; the English Garden's beer gardens. Train to Vienna - 4.5 hours.

  7. Day 10railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna (2 nights)

    Vienna offers imperial history, grand architecture and cultural refinement. Highlights: the Hofburg Palace; Viennese coffee and Sachertorte; the Vienna State Opera. Train to Prague - 4 hours.

  8. Day 12railovernight: Prague

    Prague (2 nights)

    Prague is the fairy-tale capital of Czechia, with Gothic spires and cobbled streets. Highlights: the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square; Prague Castle; traditional beer halls. Train to Budapest - 7 hours.

  9. Day 14railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest (3 nights)

    Budapest is known for grand architecture, thermal baths and vibrant nightlife across Buda and Pest. Highlights: Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle views; the thermal baths; ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. Train to Salzburg - 6 hours.

  10. Day 17railovernight: Salzburg

    Salzburg (2 nights)

    Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, has Baroque architecture and alpine scenery, and is the backdrop for The Sound of Music. Highlights: Hohensalzburg Fortress; Mozart's Birthplace; the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Train to Zurich - 5.5 hours.

  11. Day 19railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich (1 night)

    Zurich blends historic charm with modern elegance and lakeside views. Highlights: the Old Town (Altstadt); a boat ride on Lake Zurich; the Kunsthaus, home to works by Monet and Van Gogh. Train to Paris - 4.5 hours.

  12. Day 20railovernight: Paris

    Paris (2 nights)

    Paris offers iconic landmarks, charming streets and artistic heritage. Highlights: Montmartre's streets and cafes; a walk along the Seine; classic French cuisine in a bistro. Train to London - 2.5 hours.

  13. Day 22rail

    London

    One last Eurostar journey marks the end of the trip, arriving back in the UK to reflect on the cities explored along the way.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs St Pancras for Brussels, a 2.5-hour crossing beneath the Channel
  • Day 3Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam before a 3.5-hour train ride to Cologne
  • Day 5Stand before Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece, in the Old Town
  • Day 10Tour Vienna's Hofburg Palace and attend the Vienna State Opera
  • Day 12Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour in Prague's Old Town Square

Included

  • Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map
  • 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
  • 24hr emergency phone number to use while you're away
  • A personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Train tickets from London to Paris, all seat reservations, and Eurostar journeys are included. Interrail pass holders may travel free from their hometown to London on departure day.
Is this escorted or self-guided?
This is a self-guided tour. You receive a personalised travel pack with train times, accommodation details, directions between stations, language guides and things to see and do in each city.
Which hotels are included?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels tested by Euroventure. Walking or public transport directions between stations and your accommodation are provided.
How many nights do you spend in each city?
Most cities have two nights; Budapest and some others have three. Frankfurt has one night.
What happens if there is a train strike?
Travel Disruption Protection is included; alternative travel is arranged if strikes or similar disruptions occur.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish a departure calendar in the available information. Contact Euroventure directly to confirm dates.

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