Duration
Reviews
Transport
This route is an 57 day trip which travels all the way through Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Baltics, up to Russia and back. You’ll spend most nights in your accommodation with a few spent on night trains. Otherwise, you’ll travel by train, ferry, or coach during the day. Prefer to fly out and back rather than taking the Eurostar? No problem, just request a price and reply to the email to let us know – we’ll adjust the price for you.
Route
- London
- Brussels
- Amsterdam
- Hamburg
- Copenhagen
- Berlin
- Krakow
- Warsaw
- Vilnius
- Riga
- Tallinn
- Helsinki
- St Petersburg
- Yaroslavl
- Moscow
- Kiev
- Prague
- Cesky Krumlov
- Vienna
- Paris
- London
Sustainability
This trip only creates 551 kg of carbon emissions! To fly the same route would cost 2074.7 ♻️
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Trip Style
This route is the perfect way to experience Europe by rail in all its forms. You’ll start off in Western Europe, with enough time to enjoy the sights in every city, before winding eastwards and North all the way to Russia. Spend 2 weeks in this vast and intriguing country before heading back via the Ukraine and Central Europe. This trip is perfect if you’ve seen a lot of Western Europe and fancy a big adventure… Go on this trip to see the continent from one edge to another, with enough time to explore deeper and really get to know each destination.
Trip Description
Want to explore Europe from West to East?
If you’ve always dreamed of Europe’s Eastern frontiers, this trip is to you. You’ll start off from home, in London, before heading on to the Belgian capital. Check out Europe’s most impressive square, taste silky Belgian chocolate, and let’s not forget about that beer…
Continue on to Amsterdam, home of world famous nightlife and sometimes questionable past times… but also plenty of fascinating museums and historic art galleries too!
Take a comfortable train to the heart of Hamburg in the morning. You’ll have a hard choice to make as you decide whether to explore the arty dock quarter, or settle down on the main square with a local beer. Get back on the train because Copenhagen awaits; a stylish and modern city with a liberal and relaxed attitude. Join the students relaxing in the parks with a chilled beer, hire bikes, and make the most of the city’s excellent cycle paths or visit the fascinating world that is Freetown Christiania.
You’ll continue your journey eastwards via Berlin. Seek out the city’s famous street art at the East Side Gallery, head to a biergarten to sample the local brew, walk across the buzzing Potsdammer Platz or visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate.
Travel on and stop off in the cultural heart of Poland – Krakow – to sample as many pierogis as you can manage before moving on to the city’s famous nightlife. Don’t miss a day trip out to Auschwitz – a sobering and important sight for any traveller. Next stop off in Warsaw, the Polish capital. Often overlooked, this is the place to go for traditional Polish food and crafts at cheap prices. It’s also a treasure trove of fascinating WW2 history with the city being almost totally destroyed and rebuilt after the conflict that almost destroyed the region.
Here it’s time to kick off the Baltic part of your trip. Riga and Vilnius – although they might often be known as stag-do destinations – play host to a huge number of Baltic cultural centres, from museums explaining the role the Soviet Union played in the history of this region, to galleries featuring local artists. Next up is Tallinn, where the Old Town has plenty of Russian influence, as well as Scandinavian style – think a mixture of Stockholm and St Petersburg. It’s also full of trendy cafes and bars, with a blossoming foodie scene to check out.
Hop across the sea for a brief, second wind in Scandinavia before you head on to Russia’s vast rural expanses and glorious cities. First up it’s St Petersburg, which will blow you away with its sheer glamour. Think gilded palaces and ballrooms, immaculately dressed people and expertly-mixed vodka cocktails. Yaroslavl gives you a taste of something a little more understated, with a slower pace of life – the city is a Unesco World Heritage centre, famous for its Orthodox cathedral and traditional Russian architecture.
Head on to Moscow to discover the grittier side of Russia – on the one hand, check out the impressive Kremlin and Red Square, and on the other, notice the enormous number of Soviet blocks which still dominate the capital’s skyline.
Head back towards Western Europe and make a pitstop in Kiev, the beautiful capital of Ukraine, before you continue your homeward journey via Prague for some fresh chimney cake and crisp Pilsner Urquell! Seek out the city’s famous street art at the John Lennon Wall and explore the charming pastel-coloured Old Town before you move on to the incredibly quaint walled city of Cesky Krumlov.
Next nip down to fascinating Vienna to explore the palaces and gardens of one of Europe’s great cities. Explore the rides at Prater Park or hire a pedalo on the Danube. Heading back into the heart of Western Europe, finish your trip in the City of Light. Paris needs no introduction, so what better place to finish your trip than on the banks of the Seine…
Finally, you’ll hop back on a relaxing train back to London, and onwards back to wherever you started in the UK.
This route requires a Russian tourist visa. You can apply for a Russian visa up to 6 months before your trip. Once you have the visa, you MUST enter Russia within 6 months otherwise it will expire.
Euroventure is not able to provide visas. For further information on how to apply, please go to your nearest Russian Embassy website and look up the entry requirements for your nationality. Make sure you allow plenty of time to process this (at least 2 months). Check out Portia’s blog on travelling in Russia for more tips and advice on getting your paperwork sorted!
Our partners at Real Russia are the experts in Russian tourist visas, and can process your visa for a set fee. Learn more about their visa service.
What's included?
- All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the key.
- Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.
- Compulsory 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.
- 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.
The Route
Itinerary
This is a long slower-paced trip offering a once in a lifetime chance to experience the best of Western, Northern and Eastern Europe – as well as Russia. Journeys are mid-length to long, usually at least 3-4 hours each and involving some full days or nights of travel, but we’ll always ensure that you arrive in good time to make the most of each city. Your travel to and from the UK is included, so you can relax safe in the knowledge that everything’s sorted in advance.
London
Start your trip from London, or your nearest UK station. Why not stay a few nights in London if you’ve got time?
Highlights
- See world-famous landmarks, like the Big Ben
- Watch a show at one of many West End theatres
- Experience the quirky nightlife of Shoreditch
Brussels (2 Nights)
Belgium’s biggest city accommodates an eclectic mix of old and new, from Europe’s most beautiful square lined with guild houses and continental cafes to its bureaucratic alter ego as capital of the European Union itself. Come for the delicious beer, waffles, and moules frites.
Highlights
- Visit Mini Europe in the capital of the EU
- See Europe’s most beautiful square the Grand Place
- Explore nearby cities such as Ghent and Bruges
Amsterdam (3 Nights)
Despite being credited with certain recreational pastimes, there is actually a lot more to the city than the stereotypical picture, with its abundance of engaging museums, beautiful townhouses and canals. Find out what makes Amsterdam the beating heart of the Netherlands.
Highlights
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- Discover Europe’s biggest historic centre by pedal
- Take a tour of the red light district
Hamburg (2 Nights)
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, but you can still expect a green environment mixed with a maritime spirit. Check out the cool music scene which hosted the Beatles in their early days, as well as the bustling Reeperbahn district, the historical St Michaelis Church, and the famous Fish market. Hamburg has an eclectic feel that’s hard not to love.
Highlights
- Visit the Tierpark Hagenbeck
- Go to the Fish market – either very late or very early
- Explore the 800-year-old harbour
Copenhagen (4 Nights)
Copenhagen is a place where equal rights and liberal attitudes take precedence, a land where the atmosphere incredibly safe and remarkably relaxed. Make sure you visit the hippie commune of Christiania where squatters’ rights still hold sway.
Highlights
- Visit the little mermaid
- Go to one of the world’s oldest theme parks
- Sample the fruity beers at plenty of microbreweries
Berlin (4 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.
Highlights
- See a section of the old Berlin Wall
- Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag
- Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg
Krakow (3 Nights)
Krakow escaped being reduced to rubble in WWII, preserving the postcard-perfect Old Town and the cellars housing its famous bars and clubs. That’s not to say it doesn’t share a chapter of history in the nearby Auschwitz concentration camp which demands a humble visit.
Highlights
- See Europe’s largest medieval market square
- Take photos of Poland’s best preserved city
- Find one of many gothic cellar bars open until late
Warsaw (3 Nights)
Known as the ‘Phoenix City’ after having risen from the ashes of so many ruinous wars, Warsaw is home to an abundance of Polish art, vibrant nightlife and wholesome cuisine. A plate of delicious dumplings and soup will keep you nourished around the stunning rebuilt Old Town.
Highlights
- See the imposing Soviet Palace of Culture
- Visit the entirely reconstructed Royal Palace
- Have a drink at the fashionable old town bars
Vilnius (2 Nights)
Vilnius is home to one of Europe’s largest Baroque old towns. The spires and coloured facades have a distinctly continental feel – not surprising since you’re only a few hours away from the North of Poland. Enjoy exploring the hub of Lithuania’s culture and arts scene – and don’t forget the hearty local cuisine once the sun sets.
Vilnius GuidesHighlights
- Take a sobering tour of the former headquarters of the KGB and learn about Vilnius’ important role in WW2.
- Explore Gedinimas Castle on the hill, which overlooks the beautiful old town
- Take a trip up the TV tower for awesome views – there’s even a revolving restaurant!
Riga (2 Nights)
Riga may be austere and gracious on the surface but dig deeper and you’ll discover awesome nightlife and a wealth of Baltic culture. Wind your way around the cobbled streets by day, come evening go underground to seek out some of the Baltic region’s best music venues.
Highlights
Tallinn (2 Nights)
Tallinn looked set to become the next cheap stag party destination but the city has shunned this in favour of presering the fairy-tale medieval charm of its streets and spires, and whilst is still has its fair share of watering holes, Estonians have not forgotten their rich heritage.
Highlights
- Visit the museum of (both) occupations
- See the sumptuous Aleksander Nevsky cathedral
- Drink at numerous pubs with local Estonians
Helsinki (3 Nights)
For an important harbour town it only seems right that you should take a ferry to or from Helsinki. In summer Finnish people enjoy their open parks, relaxed atmosphere and quirky cafes before they all disappear indoors for winter as temperatures plummet.
Highlights
- Visit the Finnish folk museum with live actors
- Stroll through the magnificent Sibelius Park
- Take a boozy sightseeing tour on the red pub-tram
St Petersburg (4 Nights)
Saint Petersburg is the city of the Tsars. From glorious opera houses to underground music scenes, classical masterpieces to street art – immerse yourself in kaleidoscopes of Russian colour and culture. When you’re done, make the most of the city’s famous White Nights to party into the early hours – you can sleep when you’re dead.
Highlights
- Marvel at the incredibly ornate “Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood”, Pushkin and Catherine Palaces.
- Join local residents for all night parties in June – during Summer’s “White Nights”, the sun barely sets.
- Discover authentic bargains at Udelka flea market on the weekend
Yaroslavl (2 Nights)
Yaroslavl is the perfect place to wind down in between the fast paced metropolises of St Petersburg and Moscow. With glorious cathedrals, ornate architecture and plenty of excellent museums to explore, this 12th Century town is part of the “Golden Ring” of ancient Russian cities. Here you can get a taste of true Russian life in the surroundings of a Unesco World Heritage site.
Highlights
- Explore the the golden-domed Transfiguration Church with its 16th-century frescoes.
- Discover the various animal sculptures dotted about – e.g. “Monument to Bear”.
- Relax by the side of the Strelka Fountains on a summer day.
Moscow (5 Nights)
Russia’s Capital, home to the grand treasures of the Tzars, Russia’s modern political hub (The Kremlin) and more cultural heritage than you can shake a stick at; it’s clear that any trip to Russia starts with Moscow. For this particular journey, it’s also your gateway to Siberia. Here is the starting point of the Trans Siberian Express – one of the World’s most iconic trains journeys.
Highlights
- Check out Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedrals – arguably Russia’s most famous sight
- Eat your way through delightfully stodgy cuisine – potatoes, Borscht, any kind of meat you can imagine and plenty of local beers (and maybe vodka) to wash it down.
- Sweat out all the toxins you’ve acquired in a classic Russian Banya, or bath house.
Kiev (3 Nights)
Ukraine’s capital is a stunning city with a history as fascinating as it is turbulent. The large number of students gives the city an unexpectedly progressive and young outlook – you only have to look to the 2014 riots to see what its population is capable of. Learn more about the city’s past and present by checking out the excellent museum and art scene.
Highlights
- Take a craft beer tour to discover Kiev’s awesome underground brew-houses
- Explore Caves Monastery with it’s stunning golden rooves
- Feeling daring? Travel out to Chernobyl to check out the exclusion zone.
Prague (2 Nights)
Prague is beautiful, with no better word to describe it. On whichever side street or square, the intricate architecture prevails, with every building unique and 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
- Marvel at the curvy design of the dancing building
- Try all the Czech Pilsner beers in the old town pub
Cesky Krumlov (2 Nights)
Cesky Krumlov is often sighted as the “undiscovered” Prague. We’re not sure how undiscovered it really is, but it certainly makes a great value addition to your stay in the Czech capital. Enjoy the pretty pastel buildings, slow pace of life and quieter (but just as quaint) old town.
Highlights
- Try out Night Rafting – head out with a trained guide and discover the river after dark
- Head underground to discover the old mines which made Cesky Krumlov rich
- Visit the Eggenburg Brewery to see how their tasty Pils is made.
Vienna (2 Nights)
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
Paris (2 Nights)
Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style and the epitome of elegance. The pride of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf, bedazzling visitors and oozing charisma at every turn.
Highlights
- See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre museum
- Watch a cabaret act the famous Moulin Rouge
- Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais
How to get there
No stress! All your transport to and from the UK is included so you don’t need to worry about anything else.
Optional Extras
Reviews
4.89 Average
578 Reviews
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
I had the most amazing time on the Iron Curtain Tour! We managed to fit so much into the week, with so many great recommendations by our awesome tour leader. Any difficulties as a cause of current travel situations were resolved without issue, and I always felt safe. Euroventure tours are to the best places, with the best people, and I cannot recommend them enough. Please do yourself a favour and book with them!
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
I had an amazing time on the iron curtain tour which was well organised so I could see a lot in a short space of time. Our tour leader was great; very knowledgeable and made good recommendations in each city. I was also pleased with the quality and location of the hostels. I will definitely consider booking with euroventure again.
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
The Iron Curtain Tour I went on was a great adventure! Euroventure was responsive with communication and on the tour the hostels were wonderful! My group was affected by the pandemic closures, but we made the most of it and Euroventure kept us updated throughout the week. No issues during travel!
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
Can't Fault Euroventure team for everything and creating the trip of a lifetime! Even with the current coronavirus issues, they are flexible, understanding and dealt with any concerns of the virus to reroute the trip. Will definitely be using them again!
Overall Rating
3 weeks ago
Had a wonderful trip organised with Euroventure. All hotels fab and instructions on how to get to places spot on. No issues at all and I definitely recommend. Hil
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