Fascinating Capital Cities

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This long journey from Belgium to Hungary is not only incredibly scenic, it also takes you through some of Europe's most fascinating capital cities. Each has something unique and special to offer, and together they create one of the most celebrated rail routes in Europe.

Itinerary Highlights
Chocolate, beer and culture of Brussels; canals, nightlife and atmosphere of Amsterdam; all-night parties, history, and the creative spirit of Berlin; beautiful architecture of Prague; unsurpassed culture of Vienna; architecture, nightlife, and thermal baths of Budapest.

Destinations

Days 1 - 4: Brussels, Belgium

Night scene of the Grand Place

Sample traditional Belgium delicacies like chocolate and waffles.
Explore the old town on foot - take in the sight of the beautiful Grand Place, and pay a visit to the oddly popular Manneken Pis.
Get a surreal overview of your upcoming European trip by visiting Mini-Europe, a park with scale models of Europe’s most iconic monuments.

Arriving by plane? There’s a train from the airport leaving for the city centre every 15 minutes. There are also regular buses which are cheaper, but take 30 minutes to get there.

Days 5 - 9: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Colorful houses next to the canal

Walk or cycle the beautiful canals of Amsterdam.
Visit the Anne Frank House to learn about her remarkable history and that of Amsterdam during the war.
Take in the sight of some of Europe’s best artworks at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum.

There are regular trains between Brussels and Amsterdam, the quickest of which takes just two hours and requires an advance reservation. To avoid reservations, catch the direct InterCity train that takes just over 3 hours.

Days 10 - 15: Berlin, Germany

The Brandenburg gate

Take a free walking tour departing from Brandenburg Gate - you’ll visit the top attractions in the area, and your guide will give you a fascinating overview of the history that shaped Berlin.
Looking for a party? Pick one of Berlin’s famous nightclubs and dress the part to ensure you get in. Some are open 24/7!
Recover from the night before with a strong coffee at a trendy Third-Wave coffee shop, then dine out on a traditional currywurst.

Aim for the direct IC train to Berlin that leaves every two hours, starting at 7AM. It does not require advance reservations and takes just over 6 hours.

Days 16 - 20: Prague, Czech Republic

Beautiful view of the Charles Bridge in Prague

Walk across the stunning Charles Bridge and continue on to the castle and St. Vitus Cathedral on the other side. The views from the bridge and Prague Castle are truly something else!
Take a free walking tour to explore the Old Town Square on foot, and catch a glimpse of Prague’s famous astronomical clock.
Sample a fine Czech beer at one of the city’s numerous bars - they have everything from mainstream brews to traditional craft beers.

Getting from Berlin to Prague is easy. There are direct EuroCity trains departing every 2 hours and they will get you there in 4 hours, with no reservation necessary.

Days 21 - 25: Vienna, Austria

Belvedere palace

Marvel at the opulence and walk the beautiful gardens of Vienna's most famous palaces - Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere.
Want to experience a traditional opera for a few euros? Head to the Vienna State Opera 80 minutes before the show and enquire about standing room tickets.
Allocate a few hours to walking around the beautiful old town, and check out one of the museums - the Albertina and the Natural History Museum are good picks.

Look for the Austrian RailJet trains that travel every couple of hours between Prague and Vienna. The trains are fast, comfortable, don’t require advance reservations, and the journey time is just 4 hours.

Days 26 - 30: Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian Parliament building

Walk the sparkling Danube rive and be sure to cross the Chain Bridge. Pass the Hungarian Parliament buildings, and get a panoramic view of the city from Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Visit one of the city’s famous ruin pubs (bars in abandoned buildings) for a few drinks in intriguing surroundings.
Travels making you ache? Soak off the stress in one of Budapest’s iconic thermal baths.

There are direct trains between Vienna and Budapest every few hours, and the trip takes just over 2 hours. If you opt for a RailJet train you’ll need to reserve a seat in advance, but there are also direct trains that do not require advance reservations.

What Pass should I get for this itinerary?

The Eurail Global Pass (5 days within 1 month) is the best Pass for this itinerary, since you'll be taking 5 long-distance international trains. The Global Pass is valid in 31 countries and gives you the freedom and flexibility to extend your stay in those cities you enjoy, without feeling the pressure to keep moving.

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Fascinating Capital Cities

Destinations

Days 1 - 4: Brussels, Belgium

Days 5 - 9: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Days 10 - 15: Berlin, Germany

Days 16 - 20: Prague, Czech Republic

Days 21 - 25: Vienna, Austria

Days 26 - 30: Budapest, Hungary

What Pass should I get for this itinerary?

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