The Islandbound is one of our most popular routes, combining the culture and nightlife of Central Europe’s top cities with a hearty dose of beach-side chilling. It’s perfect if you love exploring natural wonders, but want a bit of culture and nightlife too. Over 2 unforgettable weeks, you’ll experience the vibrant culture of some iconic cities, from Berlin to Budapest, before unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches of Split and Hvar. This trip is the perfect fusion of urban adventure and seaside relaxation, promising unforgettable memories and diverse experiences.
Have more time? Check out our 3 week Islandbound option instead!
Route: Berlin Prague Vienna Budapest Zagreb Split Hvar Split
Nights: 14
Countries Visited: 5
Transport: Train or Ferry
Sustainability: This trip creates 72.2kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 564kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
When you’re doing a big trip it’s great to head towards a final destination for a little R & R, which is why we love the idea of being bound for the coast. Here we’re talking about Hvar – a little gem on the Adriatic where the leisurely pace harks back to a simpler Mediterranean lifestyle. Travel Central Europe from Berlin to Zagreb, and all the way down the Dalmatian coast to Hvar. This fast-paced interrail trip can also be done in 3 weeks if you have a bit more time to play with.
Begin in Berlin for a dose of cutting edge nightlife and inspiring WW2 history. Then move onto breath-taking Prague, fairy-tale capital of the Czech Republic and the historic capital of Bohemia, where you can marvel at the ornate architecture while moving from bar to bar. Next head over the Austrian border for a few days in sophisticated Vienna and feed your inner culture vulture with cocktails and classical music. Experiment to see which Austrian beer best compliments your bowl of goulash, before pursuing this thirst for knowledge in Budapest, where the Hungarian liquor, Palinka, definitely merits closer examination.
Next, hit up Zagreb to test the excellent Croatian wine. Finally, round off an educational week with a well-earned dose of beach chilling.
Next, it’s on to Split. Feel the living history as you wander around the Diocletian’s Palace and watch the old Croatian sailing boats milling in and out of the harbour before you board your ferry to Hvar. Stroll through the pedestrian stone streets around or climb up to the fortress, and gaze out across the calm blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Finish your route back in Split – just in time to wave goodbye to those Adriatic sunsets. We promise you’ll never forget them!
– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map.
– Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.
– 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.
Route: Berlin Prague Vienna Budapest Zagreb Split Hvar Split
Nights: 14
Countries Visited: 5
Transport: Train or Ferry
Sustainability: This trip creates 72.2kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 564kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
When you’re doing a big trip it’s great to head towards a final destination for a little R & R, which is why we love the idea of being bound for the coast. Here we’re talking about Hvar – a little gem on the Adriatic where the leisurely pace harks back to a simpler Mediterranean lifestyle. Travel Central Europe from Berlin to Zagreb, and all the way down the Dalmatian coast to Hvar. This fast-paced interrail trip can also be done in 3 weeks if you have a bit more time to play with.
Begin in Berlin for a dose of cutting edge nightlife and inspiring WW2 history. Then move onto breath-taking Prague, fairy-tale capital of the Czech Republic and the historic capital of Bohemia, where you can marvel at the ornate architecture while moving from bar to bar. Next head over the Austrian border for a few days in sophisticated Vienna and feed your inner culture vulture with cocktails and classical music. Experiment to see which Austrian beer best compliments your bowl of goulash, before pursuing this thirst for knowledge in Budapest, where the Hungarian liquor, Palinka, definitely merits closer examination.
Next, hit up Zagreb to test the excellent Croatian wine. Finally, round off an educational week with a well-earned dose of beach chilling.
Next, it’s on to Split. Feel the living history as you wander around the Diocletian’s Palace and watch the old Croatian sailing boats milling in and out of the harbour before you board your ferry to Hvar. Stroll through the pedestrian stone streets around or climb up to the fortress, and gaze out across the calm blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Finish your route back in Split – just in time to wave goodbye to those Adriatic sunsets. We promise you’ll never forget them!
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 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 is crisp, clean and chic with its biggest draw 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
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 castl
Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August
Train to Zagreb – 6 hours
A city of flowers and fountains with a curious Mediterranean feel, Zagreb is a year-round destination with a museum-café-theatre culture by day and a lakeside party scene by night. In winter, a tram ride out of the city provides scenic hiking and skiing opportunities.
Highlights
Catch a 360-view from the Lotrščak Tower
Stroll through the beautiful Mirogoj Cemetery
Have a coffee in Kino Europa, Zagreb’s oldest cinema
Train to Split – 6.5 hours
Even though Split is a port for many Croatian islands, sitting elegantly between the Adriatic and the mountains, the country’s second city has two UNESCO World Heritage sites within its walls, a marble waterfront walkway, and a buzzing atmosphere around its bars and pubs.
Highlights
See the amazing ruin of Diocletian’s Palace
Admire the city as you approach it from the sea
Stroll along the glittering waterfront
Ferry to Hvar – 1 hour
Playground for the rich and famous, in recent years Hvar has hosted the likes of Beyoncé, Eva Longoria and even Prince Harry, who infamously tumbled into a pool at Veranda nightclub. This is the place to sip sunset cocktails, rent a motor boat and glide around the many uninhabited islands.
Highlights
Climb up to the 16th century citadel
Do a PADI diving course in the crystal Adriatic waters
Day or night, you can party at Carpe Diem beach
Ferry back to Split – 1 hour
Finish your trip back in Split, ready to catch your flight home.
If you’d like to have some extra time to explore, or to fit in with the most convenient flight times, then you can customise this trip to include an extra night or so before heading to the airport the following day.
The quickest way to get to and from the UK will be to book a flight. Travelling by train from the UK to Berlin is also an option, so get in touch if you’d like a price for this and one of our Trip Planners will be more than happy to help!
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