Tours Rail Tours Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer

Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer

Countries: 5 Days: 11 Per Day: US$ 213
Start Point:Amsterdam
End Point:Budapest
Transport:Train
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
From US$ 2,345
check-greenFlexible booking: 10-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • Pay 10% now; rest in instalments
  • Smaller group sizes & fully guided
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

Enjoy one of our most immersive Eastern European rail trips from Amsterdam to Budapest! This tour of Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest by rail offers the perfect balance of guided touring, incredible scenery and free time to explore on your own. Learn about Berlin’s turbulent history and be amazed at the transformed city today. Wander through Prague’s rich collection of architecture and soak up the classical charm of Vienna. Continue the tour to Budapest and relax in thermal baths. Embark on this 11-day journey and discover what rail holidays are all about! 

Highlights

  • Enjoy a three-night stay in Vienna
  • Free days to experience Berlin, Prague and Budapest
  • Walking tours of Berlin, Prague and Budapest with local guides
  • Visit Dresden, one of Europe's greatest Baroque cities

Start Point

Hotel in Amsterdam | 03:00 PM

End Point

Hotel in Budapest | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam

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.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam

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.

Experiences

Welcome dinner in Amsterdam: Enjoy a welcome dinner in a historic Amsterdam restaurant - this is a great time to get to know your new travel friends!

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Amsterdam - Berlin

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!

Experiences

Scenic rail journey: Glide past small cities in the interior of the Netherlands and Germany. The rural landscape that passes by the train windows is simply breathtaking.

Guided tour of Berlin: Enjoy a guided tour of Berlin with stops at the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Checkpoint Charlie and more. 

Beer hall dinner: Taste authentic German cuisine and say prost! with a local beer in a traditional setting.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Berlin: Free Day

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 Best of 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. For an insight into Berlin’s culinary scene, join the Berlin Food Tour!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Berlin - Dresden - Prague

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!

Experiences

Visit Dresden: Enjoy an orientation tour before exploring this historic German city during free time. Dresden was painstakingly rebuilt after WW2 bombing caused widespread destruction. Admire the reconstructed buildings and absorb the historic ambience of the city.

Scenic rail journey to Prague: Admire the remarkable scenery along the Elbe river as the train makes its way from Germany to the Czech Republic.

Czech Dinner: Taste traditional Czech cuisine as part of an included dinner tonight.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Prague

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.

Experiences

Locally guided tour of Prague: Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires”, a guided tour of Prague showcases a wide variety of architectural styles. One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at the Astronomical Clock Tower which offers an animated show every hour. Other highlights include the fascinating Old Jewish Quarter and the iconic Charles Bridge.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Prague - Vienna

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!

Experiences

Vienna guided tour: Join a local guide and see why Vienna is known as the cultural capital of Europe. See top attractions such as the Palace Gate, Heldenplatz Square, Stephansplatz Square, the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and much more.

Dinner in Viennese wine cellar: Tonight’s included dinner is in a triple-level Gothic and Romanesque wine cellar with an amazing ambience.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 7: Vienna: Free Day

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?

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Vienna: Free Day

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Vienna - Budapest

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.

Experiences

Budapest guided tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the Castle district. This area is packed with many of the city’s most important museums and top attractions and landmarks such as Castle Hill and the Royal Palace.

Dinner in Budapest: Celebrate the first night in Budapest with an included group dinner at a local restaurant. Taste authentic Hungarian cuisine!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 10: Budapest: Free Day

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!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: End of tour in Budapest

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!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 10 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • All rail travel throughout your tour with reserved seat selection 
  • Standard Class Rail
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

12 Experiences!

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in a historic Amsterdam restaurant
  • Enjoy a scenic rail journey from Amsterdam to Germany
  • See the sights on a guided tour of Berlin
  • Taste German cuisine in a traditional beer hall
  • Visit Dresden, a beautiful German city
  • Admire the scenery on a rail journey to Prague
  • Taste authentic Czech cuisine in Prague
  • Embark on a walking tour of Prague with a local guide
  • Discover Vienna, Austria’s capital
  • Enjoy dinner in a historic Viennese wine cellar
  • Explore the Castle District in Budapest
  • Taste Hungarian cuisine in Budapest

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Amsterdam and Budapest book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Amsterdam

Photos of the tour

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Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
08 Sep 2025 - 18 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-08Book now with low deposit US$2,535
29 Sep 2025 - 09 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-29Book now with low deposit US$2,345
20 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-20Book now with low deposit US$2,535

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

8 reviews
M
Megs Verified Buyer 2023-11-06
Fast paced overview
Gave a good overview of the cities, but ensure you pack light (must be able to carry you own luggage) & do research prior to going to see the most possible.
H
Happy Traveller Verified Buyer 2023-08-29
Memorable experience
Enjoyed the rail travel and a few of the optional excursions Tour leader Jasmin was excellent throughout and acted very professionally at all times She was always very friendly and capable and was a great ambassador for ExpatExplore
T
Travellers Verified Buyer 2023-08-25
Magical moments
We enjoyed this trip a lot although at times the quantity of walking was challenging due to the heat. Good walking shoes, a ha, sun glasses and a water bottle were essential in the August sun and heat wave. City guides were knowledgeable and provided good introductions to the various cities, their culture and history, particularly the guide in Berlin. Two of the add-ons were particularly memorable: the concert in Vienna and the dinner cruise in Budapest. Our tour leader was friendly and did her best to accommodate individual needs.
P
Penelope Verified Buyer 2023-08-25
Good experience
Well organised and effective way of visiting several cities in one trip. Excellent tour leader, hotels and in general, meals. Of the additional excursions that we took, would not recommend the Bratislava day option.
N
Nitin Verified Buyer 2023-01-04
Great tour involving rail and on foot Europe tour
A fantastic tour which was very well organised from start to end. It was a tight tour but given the number of destinations included, it couldn't have been sliced any better. Tour leader was friendly and knowledgeable too. Only gripe we have is that we were a couple but we're provided rooms with separate beds. Something that should be a consideration when booking accomodations. But overall, thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We went to places offering local cousines which were all delightful. Will certainly travel again with Expat.

Why this tour?

Eastern Europe is home to spectacular landscapes, diverse cultures and fascinating history. Exploring this region via rail will reveal all of this and so much more! Touring Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train is sure to be a truly unforgettable experience. 

Begin your railway adtenture on an Amsterdam train and end in magical Budapest with plenty of memories made along the way.

Some of the highlights on this exciting rail journey include:

  • Free days to explore Berlin, Prague and Budapest at your own pace.
  • A welcome dinner in Amsterdam, dinner at a traditional German beer hall, an authentic Czech dinner in Prague, a local Hungarian lunch and dinner in a gorgeous Viennese Romanesque and Gothic triple-level cellar!
  • Guided tours of Berlin, Prague and Vienna as well as a guided Budapest tour in the Castle District and an orientation tour of Dresden!
  • Exciting optional add-on activities such as a Berlin+ tour where you’ll explore the city’s monumental past, a day trip to Ljubljana (the capital of Slovenia) and a Danube river dinner cruise. 
  • Spectacular scenery from every angle as you travel between destinations by rail!

Is this the right tour for me?

Combining the convenience and comfort of rail travel with the beautiful sights of Eastern Europe will certainly appeal to any traveller! Beginning in Amsterdam, Expat Explore will take you on a journey that offers the perfect balance of guided city tours, free time to explore and stunning natural scenery. Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest tours will appeal to all types of travellers. From foodies to history buffs and nature enthusiasts, this rail journey has something for everyone!

How much does the Amsterdam Berlin train cost? 

The great thing about travelling with Expat Explore is that all train fares are included in the tour price! You won’t have to worry about any unnecessary fees as transportation and accommodation costs are already covered. Most activities and meals are included too!

Is travelling by rail safe?

Rail travel is not only one of the safest forms of transport, it is also one of the most comfortable, sustainable and scenic! Your expert guide will be with you at all times to offer peace of mind and up to date information on all of the areas visited.

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

This Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer is made for all fitness levels! If you are fit enough to partake in leisurely city walking tours and to carry your luggage onto the trains, you are fit enough for this tour!

Spend 11 days exploring these Eastern European highlights and experience diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes in a fun, convenient and affordable way!