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Why Book With Us?

  • 99% would recommend us to a friend
  • Contactable 24/7 while you are away
  • Travel Disruption Protection included
  • ABTA, IPP and tour operator protection
  • Stress-free package with accommodation & transport included
  • Low-carbon travel

How Do I Book?

  • Book online with only a 10% Deposit
  • Pay the remaining balance 90 days before departure
  • Tell us your travel preferences and we book your bespoke trip
  • Receive your personalised travel pack and head off on the trip of a lifetime!

Iron Curtain: 10 Days

9 Nights
A quick getaway to Central Europe’s most popular spots!

Our Iron Curtain: 10 Days trip is the perfect blend of exploration and discovery. In just nine nights, you’ll embark on a transformative journey through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, where each city bears the indelible marks of the Iron Curtain era. This adventure offers a rich blend of past and present, with each of these dynamic European captials working to preserve their history while embracing modernity at the same time. Prepare for an unforgettable expedition through history, art, and lively cityscapes.

If you only have a week, check out our Iron Curtain:1 Week Tour!

Iron Curtain: 10 Days

9 nights
Trip Details

Route: Berlin Prague Vienna Bratislava Budapest

Nights: 9

Countries: 5

Transport: Train

Sustainability: This trip creates 26.51 kg of carbon emissions! Flying the same route would create 340.38 kg.

Reviews:    All independent reviews

A quick getaway to Central Europe’s most popular spots!

Our Iron Curtain: 10 Day trip is the perfect way to experience five of Europe’s most exciting cities without breaking the bank. In just nine nights, this rail trip takes you through five incredible cities—Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest—each with its own unique story, culture, and charm. From Berlin’s cutting-edge art and layered history, to Prague’s fairy-tale streets, Vienna’s imperial elegance, Bratislava’s relaxed vibe, and Budapest’s grand boulevards and thermal baths, every stop offers something new. Travel by train keeps things simple and affordable, while giving you the chance to enjoy scenic routes and easy city-to-city access. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, this is a laid-back, fun way to explore some of the region’s best highlights at your own pace.

If you’only have a week, check out our Iron Curtain:1 Week Tour!

 

TRIP DETAILS
DESCRIPTION
WHAT'S INCLUDED

Route: Berlin Prague Vienna Bratislava Budapest

Nights: 9

Countries: 5

Transport: Train

Sustainability: This trip creates 26.51 kg of carbon emissions! Flying the same route would create 340.38 kg.

Reviews:    All independent reviews

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

Start off your trip in Berlin and cross Checkpoint Charlie to cross from West to East Berlin. While you head through the city’s bustling streets, you’ll literally walk 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 by becoming acquainted with 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 Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Soak up the fairy-tale atmosphere with rounds of cheap local beer and drinks 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.

Next, take a short hop across the border to Bratislava, Slovakia’s compact and charming capital. Explore its quirky old town, enjoy a walk along the Danube, and check out its impressive hilltop castle. With a fun, youthful vibe and a great bar scene, Bratislava is the perfect quick stop on your way east.

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!

– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown on 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

– 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!

 

Trip Description
A quick getaway to Central Europe’s most popular spots!

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

Start off your trip in Berlin and cross Checkpoint Charlie to cross from West to East Berlin. While you head through the city’s bustling streets, you’ll literally walk 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 by becoming acquainted with 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 Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Soak up the fairy-tale atmosphere with rounds of cheap local beer and drinks 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.

Next, take a short hop across the border to Bratislava, Slovakia’s compact and charming capital. Explore its quirky old town, enjoy a walk along the Danube, and check out its impressive hilltop castle. With a fun, youthful vibe and a great bar scene, Bratislava is the perfect quick stop on your way east.

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 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
  • 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
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM!
Itinerary

Berlin (2 nights)

Start your Iron Curtain adventure in Berlin, the vibrant heart of Germany. Known for its alternative and edgy spirit, Berlin is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and creativity. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall to the iconic Reichstag Dome, this city is a testament to resilience and reinvention.

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, often referred to as “The City of a Hundred Spires,” is a living masterpiece that transports you to a bygone era. As you wander its winding cobblestone streets, you’ll be enchanted by its medieval architecture, Gothic cathedrals, and a timeless atmosphere that seems straight out of a fairytale.

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 (2 nights)


Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital, exudes timeless elegance, artistic brilliance, and a rich cultural heritage. Its grand palaces, classical music, and culinary delights make it a city that celebrates the finer things in life.

Highlights

    Visit the Spanish riding school of Vienna

    Eat real Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel

    Relax and swim in the river at Kaiserwasser

    Train to Bratislava – 1 hour

Bratislava (1 night)

Bratislava, the compact and quirky capital of Slovakia, is one of Central Europe’s most underrated gems. Nestled on the banks of the Danube River, this city has a laid-back charm and a vibrant student energy that makes it the perfect one-night stop between Vienna and Budapest.

The Old Town is the heart of the action, filled with pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled alleys, and hidden courtyards. You’ll find plenty of cosy cafés, cool bars, and local restaurants serving hearty Slovak dishes and crisp beer. Above it all, Bratislava Castle watches over the city from a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

Bratislava is walkable, friendly, and effortlessly cool. Whether you’re climbing up to the castle, snapping a photo with one of the city’s quirky statues, or enjoying a sunset drink along the riverside, this city is a surprising and welcome detour on your Iron Curtain route.

Highlights

    Visit Bratislava Castle for sweeping views of the city and river

    Spot the city’s quirky statues, like Čumil the Sewer Worker

    Try Slovak specialities like bryndzové halušky or garlic soup

Train to Budapest – 2.5 hours

Budapest (2 nights)

Budapest, where the historic districts of Buda and Pest converge along the Danube River, offers a captivating blend of architectural marvels and vibrant culture. The city’s thermal baths, iconic landmarks, and lively nightlife scene are yours to explore.

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!

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