Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll arrive in Paris and settle into your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day getting oriented at your own pace, whether that's walking around nearby streets, grabbing a bite at a local café, or just resting after your journey.
- Day 2
Paris
Paris is yours to explore freely today. Head out to see the Eiffel Tower or wander through different neighborhoods. The city's very walkable, so you can spend time taking in the architecture and stopping at cafés whenever you like.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Eiffel Tower
- Picnic on the Champ de Mars
- Explore Parisian landmarks and attractions
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champ de Mars - Day 3
Paris
Take a stroll along the Seine River and check out Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. You'll get a real sense of Paris's sophistication this way, especially if you sit at a café and watch the city go by like locals do.
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the Seine River banks
- Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Explore the Louvre Museum
- Visit the Eiffel Tower
- Enjoy café au lait and croissants at a sidewalk café
- Dine at world-class French restaurants
Landmarks Notre-Dame Cathedral Louvre Museum Seine River Eiffel Tower - Day 4
Paris to Amsterdam
Board your train to Amsterdam in the morning. When you arrive, you'll find yourself in a city defined by its canals and 17th-century buildings. The architecture here has a distinctive style you won't see anywhere else, with those characteristic gabled facades everywhere.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Amsterdam
Optional Activities
- Explore Amsterdam's canal network
- Walk across quaint bridges
- Discover narrow gabled houses
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals 
- Day 5
Amsterdam
Rent a bike today and navigate the city like you belong here. Stop by the museums if you want cultural activities, or head to Vondelpark for open space. The Amstel River runs through everything, so you'll probably end up along it at some point.
Optional Activities
- Visit Rijksmuseum
- Visit Van Gogh Museum
- Visit Anne Frank House
- Rent a bike and explore the city
- Explore Vondelpark
- Ride along the Amstel River
Landmarks Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum Anne Frank House Vondelpark Amstel River - Day 6
Amsterdam
Try some Dutch specialties at local spots around the city. Spend time exploring contemporary art galleries and the street art scene. Amsterdam's creative energy really shows in its neighborhoods, and you'll pick up on the alternative vibe if you walk around.
Optional Activities
- Sample Dutch specialties like bitterballen and poffertjes
- Taste famous Dutch cheese
- Explore contemporary art galleries
- View street art throughout the city
- Visit NDSM Wharf creative hub
- Explore the Red-Light District (De Wallen)
Landmarks NDSM Wharf De Wallen (Red-Light District) - Day 7
Amsterdam to Berlin
Your train takes you to Berlin, where you'll see how the city blends history with modern life. Walk around to find remnants of the Berlin Wall and check out the major monuments scattered throughout the city center.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Berlin
Optional Activities
- Explore Berlin Wall remnants
- Visit Checkpoint Charlie
- See the Brandenburg Gate
Landmarks Brandenburg Gate Berlin Wall Checkpoint Charlie 
- Day 8
Berlin
Head to Museum Island and see some really good museums if you're into that. Later, visit the East Side Gallery where street artists have covered a long stretch of wall with paintings. Berlin's creative neighborhoods have plenty to discover if you just wander.
Optional Activities
- Visit Museum Island UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore Pergamon Museum
- Visit Neues Museum
- Explore East Side Gallery open-air art
- Visit Berlinische Galerie for contemporary art
- Explore Kreuzberg district
- Explore Friedrichshain district
- View street art throughout the city
Landmarks Museum Island Pergamon Museum Neues Museum East Side Gallery Berlinische Galerie - Day 9
Berlin to Prague
The train brings you to Prague, a city filled with medieval streets and old architecture. You'll notice Gothic and Baroque buildings immediately. Walk around the old center and you'll come across historic landmarks without much effort.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Prague
Optional Activities
- Explore historic center with cobblestone streets
- Visit Prague Castle
- Explore Mala Strana district
- Visit Estates Theatre
- Attend National Theatre performance
- Visit Prague State Opera
- Sample Czech cuisine and beer
- Evening stroll or boat ride on Vltava River
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Golden Lane Old Royal Palace Mala Strana Malostranské náměstí Estates Theatre National Theatre Prague State Opera Kafka Museum Vltava River 
- Day 10
Prague
Cross the Charles Bridge on foot and take in the views. Head to Old Town Square to see the astronomical clock and experience what makes Prague feel different from other European cities. The area has real charm if you move slowly through it.
Optional Activities
- Walk across Charles Bridge
- Visit Old Town Square
- Watch the Prague Astronomical Clock show
- Visit December Christmas markets
Landmarks Charles Bridge Old Town Square Prague Astronomical Clock - Day 11
Prague to Krakow
After a rail journey, you're in Krakow. The medieval Old Town centers around the Main Market Square, which is surrounded by good restaurants and shops. St. Mary's Basilica sits right there too, so you can check it out quickly if you want.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Krakow
Optional Activities
- Explore Old Town
- Visit Main Market Square
- Listen to the hourly bugle call from St. Mary's Basilica tower
Landmarks Main Market Square St. Mary's Basilica 
- Day 12
Krakow
Visit Wawel Castle and walk through its chambers and cathedral. Then head over to the Kazimierz district, which has a different character entirely. You'll find historic sites related to Jewish heritage in this neighborhood, and it's worth taking time to explore respectfully.
Optional Activities
- Visit Wawel Castle
- Explore Royal Apartments
- Visit Wawel Cathedral
- Explore Kazimierz district
- Visit synagogues in Kazimierz
- Visit Plac Bohaterów Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square)
- Pay respects at Holocaust memorial
Landmarks Wawel Castle Wawel Cathedral Kazimierz District Plac Bohaterów Getta - Day 13
Krakow to Auschwitz
You're taking a day trip about 66 kilometers west to Auschwitz. This is a Holocaust memorial site, so approach it with respect and gravity. It's heavy material, and you'll need time to process what you see and learn there.
Optional Activities
- Visit Auschwitz Holocaust memorial site
Landmarks Auschwitz - Day 14
Krakow to Budapest
The rail journey gets you to Budapest. The Danube River divides the city between Buda and Pest. You'll see iconic bridges connecting them, and thermal baths are a big part of what makes this city special.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Budapest
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the Danube River banks
- Enjoy panoramic views of Budapest's bridges and historic buildings
Landmarks Danube River 
- Day 15
Budapest
Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which is a really popular spot. Later, walk across the Chain Bridge to see both sides of the city and get views of the river. The bridge connects Buda and Pest, and it's one of the best photo spots in town.
Optional Activities
- Visit Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Relax and rejuvenate at thermal baths
- Walk across the Chain Bridge
- View the Danube from the bridge
Landmarks Széchenyi Thermal Bath Chain Bridge - Day 16
Budapest
Walk through the Great Market Hall to see local products and crafts. You can grab lunch there too. After that, check out the Hungarian Parliament Building from the outside, then find a restaurant for traditional Hungarian food, which tends to be hearty and filling.
Optional Activities
- Sample goulash and Hungarian specialties
- Try lángos (deep-fried dough)
- Taste roast pork with dumplings
- Sample Hungarian wines and pálinka
- Visit Great Market Hall
- Shop for local produce and handmade crafts
- Tour Hungarian Parliament Building
- Learn about Hungary's political history
Landmarks Great Market Hall Hungarian Parliament Building - Day 17
Budapest to Ljubljana
Your train takes you to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. The historic center is compact and easy to walk around. You'll find riverside cafés and see architecture that feels different from what you've seen so far in the trip.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Ljubljana
Optional Activities
- Visit Ljubljana Castle
- Take the funicular to the castle
- Hike up to Ljubljana Castle
- Explore Ljubjanica River banks
- Cross charming bridges
- Visit Preseren Square
- View Preseren Monument
- Visit Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- Cross Triple Bridge
- Walk up Castle Hill
Landmarks Ljubljana Castle Ljubjanica River Preseren Square Preseren Monument Franciscan Church of the Annunciation Triple Bridge 
- Day 18
Ljubljana to Lake Bled
For your day trip, head to Lake Bled. You'll see Bled Castle perched above, and there's an island in the middle with the Church of the Assumption on it. This Alpine lake setting is worth the journey from Ljubljana, and it offers a completely different landscape.
Optional Activities
- Visit Lake Bled
- Explore Bled Castle
- View panoramic views from the castle
- Tour the castle museum
- Visit Bled Island by traditional wooden boat
- Explore Church of the Assumption
- Ring the church bell and make a wish
- Climb the 99 steps in the church
Landmarks Lake Bled Bled Castle Bled Island Church of the Assumption - Day 19
Lake Bled to Venice
Your train gets you to Venice, and immediately you'll realize this city functions differently. Instead of streets, water is everywhere. The canals and bridges are how you get around, and the whole place has a romantic quality.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Venice
Optional Activities
- Explore Venice's canal network
- Navigate the city's narrow winding streets
- Cross over 400 bridges
- Ride the vaporetto along the Grand Canal
- Admire elegant palaces and churches
Landmarks Grand Canal 
- Day 20
Venice
Head to Piazza San Marco to see the basilica and surrounding historic buildings. Take a gondola ride through the canals if you want that classic Venice experience. The quieter waterways are peaceful if you skip the main tourist routes.
Optional Activities
- Visit Piazza San Marco
- Visit St. Mark's Basilica
- Climb Campanile bell tower
- Explore Doge's Palace
- Take a traditional Venetian gondola ride
- Be serenaded by your gondolier
- Pass under romantic bridges
Landmarks Piazza San Marco St. Mark's Basilica Campanile Doge's Palace - Day 21
Venice to Rome
Your train arrives in Rome. The city holds layers of history, from ancient ruins to Renaissance art. You'll find iconic landmarks scattered everywhere, and you could spend weeks here without seeing everything.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Rome
Optional Activities
- Explore the Roman Forum
- Visit the Colosseum
- Discover ancient temples and basilicas
Landmarks Roman Forum Colosseum 
- Day 22
Rome
Explore Vatican City and see St. Peter's Basilica. Then walk to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. These sites give you a good overview of Rome's sacred and important landmarks, though they can get crowded.
Optional Activities
- Visit Vatican City
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica
- Tour Vatican Museums
- View the Sistine Chapel
- Visit the Pantheon
- Visit Trevi Fountain
- Explore Piazza Navona
- Visit Spanish Steps
Landmarks Vatican City St. Peter's Basilica Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel Pantheon Trevi Fountain Piazza Navona Spanish Steps - Day 23
Rome
Visit museums and galleries around the city if you want more culture. Sit in elegant piazzas and absorb the surroundings. Rome rewards slow exploration, so spend time just walking and noticing things without a strict schedule.
Optional Activities
- Visit Borghese Gallery
- Admire works by Bernini and Caravaggio
- Visit Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna
- Explore Italian modern art
- Visit Capitoline Museums
- View ancient sculptures and Renaissance paintings
- People-watch at Piazza di Spagna
- Explore Piazza del Popolo
Landmarks Borghese Gallery Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna Capitoline Museums Piazza di Spagna Piazza del Popolo - Day 24
Rome to Bari
The train brings you to Bari, a historic port city in southern Italy. Walk through the old town's winding streets and check out the historic churches. The Mediterranean atmosphere here feels different from Rome and northern cities.
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Bari
Optional Activities
- Explore Bari's historic old town
- Discover whitewashed buildings
- Explore ancient churches
- Visit Arco di Sant'Antonio archway
- Visit Basilica di San Nicola
- Stroll along the Lungomare seafront
Landmarks Basilica di San Nicola Arco di Sant'Antonio Lungomare 
- Day 25
Bari to Greece
You'll board a ferry this evening for an overnight crossing to Greece. Settle in and get rest during the journey. You'll arrive in Greece ready to start the next part of your trip.
Included Activities
- Overnight ferry to Greece
Landmarks Adriatic Sea - Day 26
Greece to Athens
After arriving in Greece, you'll take a morning bus to Athens. Once there, head up to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. The city spreads out below it, and the views from up there show you how Athens is organized.
Included Activities
- Coach bus transfer to Athens
Optional Activities
- Visit the Acropolis
- Explore the Parthenon temple
- Take in panoramic views of Athens
Landmarks Acropolis Parthenon 
- Day 27
Athens
Walk through the Ancient Agora ruins and spend time at the National Archaeological Museum. The museum has one of the best collections of ancient Greek artifacts anywhere, so plan a few hours if you're interested in ancient history.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Ancient Agora
- Explore Stoa of Attalos
- Visit Temple of Hephaestus
- Visit the Bouleuterion
- Visit National Archaeological Museum
- Marvel at ancient Greek sculptures, pottery, and jewelry
Landmarks Ancient Agora Stoa of Attalos Temple of Hephaestus Bouleuterion National Archaeological Museum - Day 28
Athens
Walk through Plaka's neoclassical streets and head to Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. Browse the flea market at Monastiraki if you want souvenirs or just to people watch. Stop by the Panathenaic Stadium to see where ancient games were held.
Optional Activities
- Explore Plaka neighborhood
- Wander cobblestone streets
- Visit traditional tavernas
- Browse shops in Plaka
- Visit Syntagma Square
- Watch the Evzones changing of the guard ceremony
- Explore Monastiraki district
- Browse the flea market
- Sample Greek street food
- Visit Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
Landmarks Plaka Syntagma Square Hellenic Parliament Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Monastiraki Panathenaic Stadium - Day 29
Athens to Airport
Your European rail journey ends here. Head to Athens main airport to catch your flight home. You've covered a lot of ground across multiple countries and cities, so this is your chance to reflect on everything you've seen before heading back.
