Trip Details

Route: Berlin Prague Vienna Budapest

Duration: 7 nights

Transport: This route is an 8 day trip covering 4 of Europe’s most popular cities. You’ll spend 7 nights in your accommodation and travel by train during the day.

Sustainability: This trip only creates 36 kg of carbon emissions! To fly the same route would cost 218.

Reviews: All independent reviews

Map

Trip Style

Whether you’re a first time traveller or an afficionado looking for a whistle stop tour, this trip is an awesome way to feed your inner travel bug. Spend a fast-paced week exploring four of Central Europe’s top cities – the perfect mix of culture, great food and amazing nightlife!

If you’d rather do this trip in a group with a dedicated tour leader then check out our Berlin to Budapest Group Tour!

Trip Description

A quick getaway to Europe’s most popular spots!

Our Iron Curtain route is one of our most popular interrailing packages, and it’s easy to see why. Whipping around 4 of Europe’s incredible big cities, this is the perfect introduction to Central Europe. You’ll have enough time to experience its unique cultural melting pot, delicious food and buzzing nightlife.

Start off your trip by crossing Checkpoint Charlie from West to East Berlin. As you head through the city’s bustling streets, you’ll wander along what was once the dividing line between Eastern and Western Europe before the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Balance out your historical walking tours with a taster of the city’s famously alternative nightlife. Filled with everything from edgy clubs to truly bizarre bars, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re lucky, you might even get into Berghain!

You’ll then make your way from Germany to pretty Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Soak up the fairy-tale atmosphere with delicious rounds of cheap local beer and jaunts in quirky cocktail bars. Recover from the night before just in time to leave for Vienna, the music capital of Europe! Experience the city’s sophistication, old-worldly cafe culture and impressive architecture before sampling its local beers and strudel.

Finally, continue east along the picturesque Danube to reach Budapest, the alternative little sister to Berlin. Take in its stunning structures, friendly locals, and cool ruin bars – there’s no place like it! Be sure to treat yourself in one of Budapest’s famous spas, and take a quick dip to soothe that hangover. You’re going to need the relaxation before rounding off your last night with a toast of the local wine, Tokaji…

This is the perfect trip for anyone wanting to explore the unique and lesser-visited side of Europe in a short time frame, but we can also customise any route to suit your needs!

What's Included?

All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the key.
Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us
Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at our partner hostels.
A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more.
Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.
Peace of mind with alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you’re away.

Photos

Itinerary

Berlin (2 nights)

Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe and a pro at being edgy. It’s how people dress, their liberal attitudes, the graffiti, the skaters and BMXers, the art, the clubs and the food. Berlin is also crammed full of fascinating WWII history around every corner so there really is something for everyone!

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

Prague (2 nights)

Prague is stunning, there’s no better word to describe it. On any side street or square you’ll find unique buildings full of colourful detail. The Czech Republic is also the home of Pilsner beer, with no lack of establishments to sample it.

Highlights

Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge

Climb the Petrin Lookout Tower for a stunning view of the city

Drink all the Czech Pilsner beers in the old town pubs

Train to Vienna – 4 hours

Vienna (1 night)

Vienna is crisp, clean and chic with its biggest draw factor being the multitude of classical palaces and grand imperial buildings. Whether you’re into your royal history or not, the sheer scale of it here will be encapsulating for all, whilst not forgetting the great bars and eateries.

Highlights

Visit the Spanish riding school of Vienna

Eat real Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel

Go to a classical concert in a city renowned for music

Relax and swim in the river at Kaiserwasser

Train to Budapest – 3 hours

Budapest (2 nights)

Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. With its rickety trams and turn-of-the-century feel you’ll be charmed by its past while you cure your hangover at the multitude of hot baths.

Highlights

Relax in the 15th Century thermal spas

Take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle

Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August

How to get there

The quickest way to get to and from the UK will be to book a flight. Alternatively, if you want to travel from the UK to Berlin and back from Budapest by train just get in touch!

Iron Curtain: 1 Week

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