Search

Euroventure · Self-guided rail holiday

Whole Hog: 3 Weeks

Self-guided rail journey across 10 European cities in 22 days

Illustration of Whole Hog: 3 Weeks

Euroventure's Whole Hog is a 22-day, 21-night self-guided rail journey across 10 European cities from London to Paris. The itinerary spans nine countries: the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, and France. Starting with the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, the route moves by train and bus through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Zagreb, then continues to Venice, Florence, Rome, and Milan before concluding in Paris. You spend two to three nights in most cities, with one-night stops in Vienna and Milan. Accommodation is in centrally located, tested hotels and hostels. The price from £2,009 covers all transport tickets, rail passes, seat reservations, walking directions between stations and hotels, and access to optional activities like walking tours and pub crawls. This trip suits independent explorers and first-time rail travellers who prefer the flexibility to explore each city at their own pace while having the logistical framework of pre-booked trains, accommodation, and a personalised travel booklet with maps and local tips.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is offered on a tiered basis and hotels vary by destination; final accommodation depends on your chosen tier and city
  • The pace is fast, with frequent moves between cities; some overnight journeys total 7 hours or more (Venice to Budapest via Zagreb requires bus and multiple legs)
  • Highlights listed are attractions you can visit independently; the trip does not include guided tours or entrance fees to museums and attractions

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    London

    Start on the Eurostar from St Pancras; Interrail pass holders can travel free from their hometown to London on the same day.

  2. Day 1railovernight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Train to Amsterdam (6 hours). 3 nights. Highlights: visit the Van Gogh Museum; cycle Europe's largest historic centre; tour the red light district.

  3. Day 4railovernight: Berlin

    Berlin

    Train to Berlin (7 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: see a section of the old Berlin Wall; climb the dome of the Reichstag; discover Schoneberg and Kreuzberg nightlife.

  4. Day 6railovernight: Prague

    Prague

    Train to Prague (5 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: cross Charles Bridge; marvel at the Dancing Building; try Czech Pilsner beers.

  5. Day 8railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Train to Vienna (4 hours). 1 night. Highlights: visit the Spanish Riding School; eat apple strudel and Wiener Schnitzel; attend a classical concert.

  6. Day 9railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Train to Budapest (3 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: relax in 15th century thermal spas; photograph Buda Castle; catch the Sziget rock and indie festival (August).

  7. Day 11overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb

    Bus to Zagreb (6 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: view from the Lotrscak Tower; stroll Mirogoj cemetery; coffee at Kino Europa.

  8. Day 13overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Bus to Venice (7 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: cross St Mark's Square; get lost in the alleyways and canals; ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal.

  9. Day 15railovernight: Florence

    Florence

    Train to Florence (2.5 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: see Michelangelo's statue of David; explore Renaissance chapels and churches; try Italian gelato.

  10. Day 17railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    Train to Rome (2 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: marvel at the Roman Forum; see the Colosseum; visit the Vatican, the world's smallest country.

  11. Day 19railovernight: Milan

    Milan

    Train to Milan (3 hours). 1 night stopover.

  12. Day 20railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Train to Paris (7 hours). 2 nights. Highlights: see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre; watch a cabaret act at the Moulin Rouge; experience the Marais district nightlife.

  13. Day 22rail

    London

    Train to London (4 hours) to finish the trip, or continue home for free on the Interrail pass.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Depart London on the Eurostar from St Pancras; Interrail pass holders can travel free from their hometown to London on the same day
  • Day 1Day 1-3: Spend 3 nights in Amsterdam; visit the Van Gogh Museum and cycle through Europe's largest historic centre
  • Day 6Day 6-7: Arrive in Prague and cross Charles Bridge; marvel at the Dancing Building
  • Day 9Day 9-10: Relax in 15th century thermal spas in Budapest; photograph 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
  • Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at our partner hostels
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All overland transport tickets from London to Paris are included, plus any required Interrail or Eurail passes. Seat reservations on high-speed rail and night trains are covered.
Is this an escorted or self-guided trip?
This is a self-guided rail holiday. You travel independently between 10 cities, with walking directions between stations and your accommodation provided in a personalised travel booklet.
What is included in the price?
All transport tickets, rail passes, seat reservations, centrally located accommodation tested by Euroventure, walking directions, travel disruption protection, 24-hour emergency phone support, 1GB free data with eSIM, a travel booklet with maps and language guides, and access to optional walking tours and pub crawls. Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
How many nights do I stay in each city?
Amsterdam and Budapest have 2 nights each; Berlin, Prague, Florence and Rome have 2 nights; Vienna and Milan have 1 night each; Venice, Venice and Paris have 2 nights each. You travel on 12 days and rest overnight in a city for 21 nights total.
When does the trip run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates in the available information; contact Euroventure to confirm available travel dates.
How much walking is involved?
Daily walking between train or bus stations and your booked accommodation in city centres. The itinerary includes walking tours of major landmarks and cultural sites at each stop, though these are optional activities.

Similar journeys