Amsterdam To Budapest Rail Explorer
Amsterdam To Budapest Rail Explorer
Amsterdam To Budapest Rail Explorer
11 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Amsterdam
Visiting: Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
REA
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating rail tour through Eastern Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest! Explore the scenic side of Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest on a guided tour that balances included experiences and leisure time to roam. Discover the tumultuous history of Berlin and marvel at its transformation. Witness the rich architecture in Prague, get immersed in Vienna's allure, and unwind in Budapest's thermal baths. This 11-day rail exploration makes an exciting holiday!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Today kicks off this rail exploration in the dynamic city of Amsterdam! There's plenty to explore, from scenic canal views and spectacular bridges to the galleries, eateries and bars that make up the city's unique culture. After a day of exploring all there is to love about Amsterdam, sit down for a welcome dinner to mingle with your new travel companions. Spend some time exploring more of Amsterdam with some free time after dinner.
Enjoy a welcome dinner in a historic Amsterdam restaurant
Day 2: Amsterdam - Berlin
Location: Amsterdam, Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The journey continues after breakfast, heading from Amsterdam's largest railway station to Germany. Marvel at the changing surroundings as the train journeys from one country to another. Check into the hotel upon arrival in Berlin before embarking on a guided city tour. There are plenty of rich historical experiences and unmissable attractions to explore! Tick sights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie off your bucket list before enjoying dinner in a traditional German beer hall.
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
Day 3: Berlin: Free Day
Location: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, discover the tumultuous history that transformed Berlin into a popular world city. With a rich history, bustling ambience, dynamic art and contemporary attractions, there's no shortage of activities to experience on your free day! Alternatively, choose to embark on the full-day Best of Berlin optional excursion to learn more about Germany's capital city. Explore the East Side Gallery, the Museum in the Kulturbrauerei and the Hackescher Markt, to name a few. The day ends with a trip up the Berlin TV Tower for unmatched city views. For a taste of Berlin’s culinary scene, join the Berlin Food Tour!
Day 4: Berlin - Dresden - Prague
Location: Berlin, Dresden, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, the rails guide this European trip onward to the next destination. This adventure-filled day starts in Dresden with an orientation tour. Explore the Dresden Castle and marvel at the grand dome at the Frauenkirche before enjoying free time to wander. Next up is Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, known for its world-famous Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Enjoy a traditional Czech dinner with the tour group this evening. Savour the local cuisine and try some famous Czech beer!
Visit Dresden, a beautiful German city
Admire the scenery on a rail journey to Prague
Taste authentic Czech cuisine in Prague
Day 5: Prague
Location: Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, traverse the majestic cobbled streets of Prague! A guided tour of the "City of a Hundred Spires" kicks off the day's activities. Marvel at the preservation of old castles and cathedrals. Behold the bridge across the Vltava River that seems straight out of a dream! Discover the city's history with a local guide and explore top attractions like the Old Town and Jewish Quarter. Join the Prague+ optional excursion this afternoon, including a Prague Castle District tour and a Vltava River cruise! Opt for traditional Czech music and a four-course meal tonight and enjoy an unforgettable local experience.
Embark on a walking tour of Prague with a local guide
Day 6: Prague - Vienna
Location: Prague, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, travel to Austria as this exciting rail exploration continues. As Europe's cultural capital, Vienna was influenced by the great minds of Mozart, Beethoven and Freud. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the city and get immersed in its beauty! Discover the stunning architecture of iconic sights like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera. This evening, enjoy dinner in a triple-level wine cellar from the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
Discover Vienna, Austria’s capital
Enjoy dinner in a historic Viennese wine cellar
Day 7: Vienna: Free Day
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to spend as you wish, exploring more of the magic of Vienna! Join the unmissable optional excursion for a detailed discovery of Schönbrunn Palace. Uncover the history and lifestyle of the Hapsburg rulers who once called this their summer home. The palace features ornate interiors that are a must-see and spellbinding gardens that bring its splendour outdoors. The excursion concludes with a traditional pastry and coffee at a gorgeous café in Vienna! Join this evening's optional excursion for a classical Viennese concert to experience the music of some of Vienna‘s greatest composers.
Day 8: Vienna: Free Day
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
With the tour having ticked off some of the top attractions in Vienna, today is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local experience! Get ready for the day with a coffee and some Sachertorte or apple strudel before visiting and immersing yourself in the culture and music of the main squares. Be sure to check out the Vienna Naschmarkt for unrivalled culinary finds, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and delicacies across the many local restaurants. Otherwise, choose to visit another country on today's optional excursion to Slovakia's capital, Bratislava! Explore the incredible architecture and palpable charm of Vienna's “twin city”.
Day 9: Vienna - Budapest
Location: Vienna, Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid Vienna Tschüss and climb aboard for the journey to Budapest, the captivating capital city of Hungary. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour and discover the Castle District of Budapest. Learn more about the city's evolution on the Danube River banks before enjoying free time to discover at leisure. This evening, enjoy an included dinner with the tour group at a local restaurant, and savour the authentic Hungarian cuisine!
Explore the Castle District in Budapest
Taste Hungarian cuisine in Budapest
Day 10: Budapest: Free Day
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Marvel at one of Europe's most picturesque cities - Budapest! Be sure to catch a photo or two of the impressive skyline, made up of a stunning display of basilicas and architectural marvels like the Parliament Building. Take advantage of the free day and consider visiting one of the many thermal baths in the "City of Spas", known for being home to over 100 natural thermal springs under the city. Tonight, choose to embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Danube River for must-see views of Budapest by night!
Day 11: End Of Tour In Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 11 days traversing Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest, the rail tour comes to an end today. Share some of your favourite stories on tour with newfound travel friends and exchange details to stay in touch. We hope you had the adventure of a lifetime!
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
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) -
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of 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)
Accommodation
10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *RAIL* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the train as we travel to a new destination.
We offer orientation and walking tours in some destinations, and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this can mean potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Many train stations in Europe are in historic buildings, with normal stairs and limited escalators and elevators available. You will be required to carry all of your luggage up and down stairs to reach the platforms.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the train as we travel to a new destination.
We offer orientation and walking tours in some destinations, and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this can mean potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Many train stations in Europe are in historic buildings, with normal stairs and limited escalators and elevators available. You will be required to carry all of your luggage up and down stairs to reach the platforms.
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
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.