Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer - (REA)

Welcome to one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Amsterdam has so much to offer its visitors. From the picturesque canals and bridges to the rich culture, museums and nightlife, it is so easy to fall in love with this exciting city. Tonight’s welcome dinner will allow you to get acquainted with your fellow travellers in the lead-up to an epic rail tour adventure. After dinner, enjoy free time to explore Amsterdam and all it has to offer.

After breakfast, head to the largest railway station in Amsterdam to start the train journey to Germany. Sit back and soak up the scenery as the landscape transforms and the train moves into a new country. Upon arrival and after checking into the hotel in Berlin, venture out for a guided tour. With such a rich history there is so much to experience. See top sights including the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie to name a few! Dinner tonight is at a traditional German beer hall. Prost!

Berlin’s turbulent history has certainly shaped it into what it is today. This city has a fascinating history, a buzzing modern atmosphere and so much more to offer travellers! With a vibrant art scene and modern landmarks, you will be spoiled for choice with how to spend your free day. Why not join the Berlin+ optional excursion for a full day of exploration and a unique insight into Germany’s capital city? This tour includes visits to the East Side Gallery, the German Democratic Republic at the Museum in the Kulturbrauerei and the Hackescher Markt. End off the day with a trip to the top of the Berlin TV Tower for magnificent views of the city!

It's time to rock the rails again as our European train journey continues. Today’s itinerary is jam-packed and kicks off with a morning visit to Dresden. Embark on an orientation tour of Dresden and see the Dresden Castle and the Frauenkirche with its grand dome before exploring the city on your own. Later, continue on to Prague, the Czech Republic’s beautiful capital city which is renowned the world over for its awe-inspiring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Tonight, share a traditional Czech dinner with the group and look forward to tasting delicious and hearty local cuisine. Be sure to give that famous Czech beer a try!

The cobblestoned streets of Prague will be our playground today! Begin the day with a guided tour of the “City of a Hundred Spires”. See the well-preserved castles and cathedrals and fall in love with the dreamy bridges across the Vltava River. Your guide will explain more about the history of the city and showcase sights around the Old Town and Jewish Quarter. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore on your own or join the Prague + optional excursion! This exciting excursion includes a tour of Prague Castle District, a cruise on the Vltava River and more! Tonight, choose to enjoy some traditional Czech music and dancing along with a four-course dinner.

The train journey continues onward to the capital of Austria today. Intellectuals and artists like Mozart, Beethoven and Freud helped shape the legacy of what is known as Europe’s cultural capital. Arrive and embark on a guided tour of Vienna which will showcase the beauty of this enchanting city. Be charmed by the beautiful architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera and much more. Tonight’s dinner setting is a triple-level wine cellar dating back to the Romanesque and Gothic periods!

Continue your exploration in Vienna as today is free to spend however you wish! Today’s highly recommended optional excursion is an in-depth visit to Schonbrunn Palace. The palace offers a look into the history, interests and taste of the Hapsburg rulers as this was their main summer residence. The extravagant interior of the palace is really something to behold, and the gardens are an enchanting continuation of the lavish palace. End off this excursion with coffee and cake at a stunning Viennese café! Tonight, why not soak up the musical culture that Vienna is known for with a classical music concert?

By now you will have ticked off some of the major travel bucket-list items in Vienna. So, today it is time to do as the locals do! Grab a coffee and a slice of Sachertorte or apple strudel. Visit one of the main squares and immerse yourself in the local culture and music. For an extraordinary culinary experience, the Vienna Naschmarkt offers fruit, vegetables, delicacies and many restaurant options; this spot is very popular with locals. Alternatively, add another country to the list and join the day trip to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia! This charming capital is known as Vienna’s twin city and features incredible architecture.

Say Auf Wiedersehen to Vienna and hello to Hungary as the group boards the train to Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital city. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour of Budapest’s Castle district. Learn more about how this city evolved on the banks of the Danube River. Afterwards, enjoy free time to experience the sights and sounds on your own. Tonight, get a taste of local Hungarian cuisine as the group will enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Budapest is said to be one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. Architectural wonders like the Parliament Building and a collection of stunning basilicas make for a very dramatic skyline that simply begs to be adored (and photographed of course!). Why not visit one of the city’s thermal baths on your free day? Budapest is known as the “City of Spas” as over 100 natural thermal springs bubble up beneath the city’s foundations. The Széchenyi Baths in City Park are perhaps the most well-known. Why not end the day with a memorable dinner cruise along the Danube river? The lights of Budapest by night are truly a sight to behold!

Expat Explore’s train vacation packages showcase the best of Europe in an unforgettable way and this rail tour is no different! This morning, this 11-day European rail tour from Amsterdam to Budapest comes to an end. It is time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and reminisce about your favourite memories. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure!