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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
This tour is available in multiple options - choose your preferred option using the buttons below:
Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer
This 11-day tour starts in Amsterdam and visits Berlin. The rest of the itinerary is the same as the Prague to Budapest Rail Express. This option is ideal for travellers seeking a longer rail tour that includes more destinations.
Prague to Budapest Rail Express
This 8-day tour starts in Prague, travels through Vienna and ends in Budapest. This option is ideal for travellers who are short on time but still wish to experience top Eastern European destinations by rail.
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!
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
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!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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
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!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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
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
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.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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
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
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.
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!
Dinner
Hotel
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!
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.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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!
Breakfast
Hotel
Discover Berlin’s fascinating history and vibrant modern culture. Visit the East Side Gallery, the Hackescher Markt, the Berlin TV Tower and more.
Go on a walking food tour of Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg area and discover the delicious, varied cuisine and artistic sights of this neighbourhood.
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!
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.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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.
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.
Breakfast
Hotel
Tour the incredible Prague Castle, wander through the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood, cruise the Vltava River, enjoy a buffet lunch and more!
Enjoy a delicious three-course Czech dinner with unlimited drinks while delighting in a traditional folk show complete with Czech music and dancing!
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!
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.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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?
Breakfast
Hotel
Soak up Vienna’s imperial history with visits to Schönbrunn Palace, the artsy Mariahilf and Neubau districts, and a historic Viennese café.
Enjoy a classical concert held in a beautiful Viennese concert hall. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart.
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.
Breakfast
Hotel
Visit Bratislava, capital of Slovakia! Take a walking tour with your tour leader, admire the city’s contrasts and visit Bratislava Castle.
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 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!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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!
Breakfast
Hotel
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian feast as you admire Budapest’s top sights from the water with a nighttime cruise along the Danube River.
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!
Breakfast
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.
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.
Discover Berlin’s fascinating history and vibrant modern culture. Visit the East Side Gallery, the Hackescher Markt, the Berlin TV Tower and more.
Uncover Berlin’s tremendous history, vibrant culture and fascinating hidden gems with this full day tour! Begin at the East Side Gallery, the largest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, before finding out what life was like in the German Democratic Republic at the Museum in the Kulturbrauerei. Next, see the hidden sights of the Hackescher Markt with your tour leader and taste traditional currywurst (a vegetarian version is available). End the day at the Berlin TV Tower which offers incredible views of the city. This excursion includes public transportation between destinations.
Go on a walking food tour of Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg area and discover the delicious, varied cuisine and artistic sights of this neighbourhood.
Taste your way through the vibrant, artsy area of Kreuzberg. Historically, this neighbourhood was popular with artists and revolutionaries. Today, it’s full of street art and delicious, varied cuisine. A feast for the eyes and the stomach! Experience Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, a hub of street food where you’ll find many local and international delights from German beer and Turkish pide to vegan sweet treats. Learn more about this fascinating neighbourhood on a walking tour, visit the very quirky and cool Markthalle Neun and taste plenty of delicious snacks as you go!
Tour the incredible Prague Castle, wander through the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood, cruise the Vltava River, enjoy a buffet lunch and more!
Discover the many fairytale sights within the magical city of Prague! Tour the impressive Prague Castle complex with a local guide and learn about its regal history before exploring the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood nestled at the foot of the castle. Then, take a cruise down the Vltava River and marvel at Prague’s enchanting buildings and bridges from the water. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet of Czech dishes while on board plus one included drink!
Enjoy a delicious three-course Czech dinner with unlimited drinks while delighting in a traditional folk show complete with Czech music and dancing!
Experience a vibrant evening of traditional Czech folk music and dancing! Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner of authentic Czech dishes complete with unlimited drinks. While you enjoy your dinner, delight in a two-and-a-half-hour folk show performed by professional dancers and musicians in traditional Czech garb. Guests will be encouraged to participate in the festivities! Vegetarian options are available.
Soak up Vienna’s imperial history with visits to Schönbrunn Palace, the artsy Mariahilf and Neubau districts, and a historic Viennese café.
Discover Vienna’s imperial history during a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace! The UNESCO-listed, Baroque-style palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Explore the opulent staterooms, view the beautiful gardens and learn about the Habsburg dynasty on a guided tour. Afterwards, travel back into the heart of the city and explore the hip and artsy districts of Mariahilf and Neubau on a walking tour, before visiting a historic café for coffee and cake! Vienna is famous for its coffee houses which offer grand furnishings and decadent confectionery.
Enjoy a classical concert held in a beautiful Viennese concert hall. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart.
Enjoy a concert featuring the music of one of the greatest composers of the Viennese classical period, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart, held in beautiful concert halls like Kursalon Wien, Musikverein Golden Hall, State Opera and Konzerthaus.
Visit Bratislava, capital of Slovakia! Take a walking tour with your tour leader, admire the city’s contrasts and visit Bratislava Castle.
Join your tour leader on a trip to a brand new country! Travel to Slovakia and visit Vienna’s twin city, Bratislava. The city’s contrasts are amazing! Admire the royal splendour of the Hapsburg Empire on one side of the Danube and the immense growth of Communist architecture on the other. Enjoy a walking tour of the main town with your tour leader and a visit to Bratislava Castle, with a tasty lunch included!
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian feast as you admire Budapest’s top sights from the water with a nighttime cruise along the Danube River.
Delight in panoramic nighttime views as you cruise along the Danube with a local guide! See the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle Hill, the Chain Bridge and many more of the city's splendid sights. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and indulge in a Hungarian feast full of traditional dishes such as beef goulash and chicken paprikash. Vegetarian options are also available.
Please Note: Minimum numbers are required.
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
Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
08 Sep 2025 - 18 Sep 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
29 Sep 2025 - 09 Oct 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
20 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2025 | Book now with low deposit |
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 .
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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:
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!
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