Interrailing - Eastern Europe

Days 1-4: Berlin (Germany). Berlin is one of the most compelling destinations around. It’s full of landmark destinations like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery - once symbolic of the city’s divide. Outside all the cultural activities, Berlin proudly boasts an abundance of forests and parks, making this city feel like a breath of fresh air. What gives Berlin that edge is its enthralling reputation as Europe’s “club capital”. With everything you could ever want in a night out - pub crawls and beer gardens included - Berlin will help you to unwind in no time! 

Days 4-6: Prague (Czechia). It’s easy to fall in love with Prague when the city already looks so romantic. Between the sunset spires, the pastel streets and beckoning river bank, Prague feels like a real-life fairytale. Add in pubs that pour authentic Pilsner beer for cheap, a secret food scene and an exciting city square… Well, the stories write themselves. Get to know Prague’s ethereal Old Town and its enthralling neighbourhoods over the next few days. 

Days 6-8: Kraków (Poland). Kraków is one of Europe’s underrated destinations. Whether you’re exploring the warm markets at the city’s heart, admiring the pastel buildings or checking out the cosy cellar bars, Kraków leaves a lasting impression. Not only is this hidden gem destination super budget-friendly, but it has a wealth of UNESCO world heritage sites. Sightseeing is essential to Kraków, whether you’d like to learn more about the city’s emotive history or plan an extraordinary day out to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Days 8-10:Budapest (Hungary). There’s something about Budapest that draws you in right away. From steamy thermal spas to reimagined ruin bars and chimney cakes around every corner, this starry-eyed city is so personable up-close. At a distance, Budapest is breathtaking. Escape to awe-inspiring castles for the best vistas of the city, or immerse yourself on a boat tour around its broad waters. We cannot think of a better destination to end your trip in than this one.

Day 11: End trip. Leave at any time from Budapest, or continue your journey separately throughout Central Europe.

This itinerary is a suggestion of what you could get up to and not included activities. This is a self-guided experience with transport and accommodation included (no group or tour guide). Travellers will be expected to arrange their own plans within each city - giving you absolute flexibility on this trip.

Why choose our interrailing trips?

Interrailing Europe sounds simple, right? As romantic as it sounds to purchase a pass and see where your adventure takes you, the reality can often mean scouring for affordable accommodation deals, losing track of which currency you need, getting train timetables mixed up, falling for tourist traps… you get the picture. 

Our interrailing trips simplify this process so that you can travel around Europe in comfort. Firstly, all your travel between destinations on this trip is taken care of: including the more spontaneous train journeys and compulsory reservations. Regarding accommodation, you will stay in dorm-style rooms in centrally located hostels with great facilities. Prefer to have your own space? There is the option to upgrade to single or double rooms on this trip, or you could even choose to upgrade to 3 or 4-star hotels!

Our itineraries are designed to give you a taster of each destination with a few suggested activities. There is something for everyone in Europe, regardless of if you are most interested in culture, history, nature, nightlife or food.

How does it work?

Once you’ve booked one of our interrailing trips, you will receive access to a unique downloadable app that is tailored specifically around your trip. Here, you’ll be able to view the itinerary and accommodation details.

Your trip can start on any date of your choice - whether you’re dreaming of a summer getaway to Europe, exploring festive markets in winter or travelling in the shoulder seasons. While the dates, routes and durations are fixed after you start, you have absolute freedom for the time you spend in each city. 

On trains that don’t require a reservation, all you need is your train pass to board the train. Where reservations are required, we’ll take care of it for you and include the details in the app. There are multiple train options for each journey, so it’s unlikely that you’ll miss them all. But if it does happen, speak to someone at the station’s information desk or call us on our emergency number.

Detailed information on how to get to your accommodation from the station will also be provided, including bus numbers, metro lines and walking directions. 

Travellers will need to make their own arrangements to Berlin for day 1 and from Budapest on day 11. All the days on this trip are free for individuals to spend how they wish, so you can fly in or leave at any time. Typically, most hostel check-ins are from 3pm onwards, whereas check-out times tend to fall between 10am to 12pm. However, you can always leave your luggage with reception if you arrive early and go out to explore the city! 

Accommodation

10 nights’ accommodation are included on this trip. On the standard version of our trip, you’ll be staying in highly-rated and centrally-located hostels with close access to restaurants, bars and public transportation. The shared rooms are dorm-style with access to communal facilities including kitchens and living areas. If you’re travelling with a partner or friend, we can make sure you’re placed together.

There may be an option to stay in single or double rooms at an extra cost. Alternatively, you can pay to upgrade to 3 or 4 star hotel accommodation if you’d prefer. Speak to a travel advisor for more details

Please note that you may be expected to pay a small tourist tax in cash on checkout.

Meals

Meals are not included in this trip. Forget the stereotypes surrounding Central European food as on this interrailing adventure, you’ll discover exciting culinary scenes in each city. 

Berlin’s cuisine is a multicultural melting pot of German and international flavours. While currywurst and döner kebabs are fast-food staples, there’s a whole world of plant-based restaurants and cafes in Berlin. 

The flavours of Prague are wholesome and hearty, centring around slow-roasted meat, stew dishes and potato dumplings. Fried cheese, barley cooked with mushrooms and dill soup are vegetarian-friendly traditional dishes.

Kraków is the most traditional city you’ll be visiting on this trip when it comes to food, giving you the chance to eat like the local people do. Polish food is cosy and comforting, with its most famous dishes being żurek (sour rye soup) and pierogi dumplings. 

What sets Budapest’s cuisine apart in Central Europe is how common paprika is as an ingredient. This sweet, mildly spicy flavour elevates Hungarian staple dishes like goulash (meat stew), chicken paprikash and meat crêpes. 

This trip is open to anyone over the age of 18.

British citizens can stay in the EU for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.