Discover Europe By Rail - 20 Day Trip
Ready to get the most out of Europe in a short amount of time? Whether you are in Europe on a gap year or are planning a short break - this is the perfect choice for exploring the cities of this amazing continent!
The Ultimate Europe City Explorer tour!
Want to discover the best way to travel Europe this year? Well, you are in the right place! Get ready for the ultimate European adventure, perfectly designed for those seeking a whirlwind journey through the heart of Europe!
Your epic journey begins on the iconic streets of London. From there, hop on the legendary Eurostar to Paris, where the City of Love awaits with its mouthwatering culinary delights and romantic allure. Next, we’ll whisk you away to Amsterdam, the enchanting "Venice of the North," where you’ll wander along its mesmerizing canals. Then, it’s off to historic Berlin, where culture, history, and a cold beer await! Our adventure continues with a lively party scene in Prague, followed by a relaxing dip in Budapest’s renowned thermal baths. Savor Vienna’s elegant beauty and gaze upon the breathtaking views over Lake Bled. Your Italian dream starts in Venice, where you’ll glide through picturesque canals on a classic gondola, and marvel at the fashion-forward magic of Milan. Over 20 days, immerse yourself in Europe’s diverse cultures, your incredible group, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. This is the best way to explore Europe – all aboard for an incredible rail journey! Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s make it happen!
No longer is Europe inaccessible and overwhelming...on no! We are here to show you how to travel quickly whilst maximising your time in each place. We're squeezing every magical moment we can into this adventure and we cannot wait to show it to you! Maximising adventure and minimising hassle - let's go!
Travel Style
We’ve perfected the balance between culture, adventure, beaches and parties. A high level of inclusions at a low cost. Think of a Ferrari for the price of a Ford. Highlights, hotspots & hidden gems are crafted into each itinerary with our own TruExclusives. We stay in a variety of different accommodations such as hotels, hostels, homestays, beach huts & even boats. Maximum adventure, minimum hassle.
What's Included
Your Trip Planner
Discover Europe By Rail
20 Days
london - milan
Map
Bucket List
Itinerary
touch down in london town
Welcome to the bustling metropolis of London, where the iconic double decker buses bid you 'Cheerio!' - well, not really but hey, welcome to London! Check in and relax before meeting up with your new TruFam in the evening for dinner and drinks. Our journey begins right by London Bridge so if you’ve got the afternoon free perhaps check out Borough Market, a foodie's paradise and one of the largest food markets in London! After a welcome speech, some good food, we’ll head out to see London by night. Trust us, it’s iconic!
eurostar to paris
It’s time to say Au Revior to London and Bonjour to our next destination. That’s right, we’re heading to Paris. Today, we embark on an adventure as we board the Eurostar bound for the City of Love. After freshening up, prepare to be whisked away to the enchanting Montmartre area, where you'll discover the magnificent Sacré-Cœur from the top of dome, the alluring Moulin Rouge, the romantic 'Le Mur des Je t'aime,' and more. Hey, it’s not called the City of Love for no reason! In the evening we’ll head out for dinner and drinks and maybe a dance or two.
exploring paris - the city of love
Today, we're on a mission to conquer the romantic allure of Paris. Join us as we explore this beautiful city. We’ll catch a glimpse of the iconic Arc du Triomphe, and, of course no trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, viewed from some of the best vantage points. Pose for those pics and grab those Insta shots before some free time this afternoon. You might like to visit some of Paris' famous museums or try some of the local delicacies and maybe a glass of wine - we are in Paris after all!
amsterdam is calling
It's time to set sail for the 'Venice of the North' - Amsterdam! We’ll hop on the train before checking into our hostel. Upon our arrival, we'll dive headfirst into the city's legendary Red Light District and explore its inviting bars. Get ready to paint the town red ;) as we head out on a legendary bar crawl of this incredible city. Try out the local drinks, some colourful cocktails and or a beer or 2 as we dance the night away!
hidden amsterdam tour & canal cruise
Today, Amsterdam reveals its artistic and aquatic secrets in all their splendour. We'll begin with an 'underground tour' offering a unique perspective of the city through the eyes of someone who used to live on the streets who’ll show us the city in a new light. It’s important to see every destination from a different perspective and understand what makes Amsterdam what it is today. Afterwards, you'll have plenty of time to strike a pose by the picturesque canals. As the day unfolds, we'll embark on a canal cruise to explore more of this beautiful city. Set sail with the TruFam, beer in hand as we see the city by water!
willkommen to berlin
Today’s a travel day and trust us, it’s needed after an unforgettable few days in some of Europe’s biggest cities. Catch some zzzz’s as we head to our next destination. Say Guten Tag to Berlin and our home for the next two nights. Our hostel is nestled in the heart of the Mitte district, a haven for eateries and drinkeries so it’s the perfect place for our TruTravels adventure. Fun fact: in Berlin, beer isn’t considered a luxury; it's a necessity, and our hostel even brews its own! So, let's raise a glass or two in true Berliner fashion this evening!
historic berlin & the berlin wall
Prepare to dive into Berlin's history and vibrant art scene. We’ll head on a walking tour as our knowledgeable local guide takes us to iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the awe-inspiring German Parliament Building, the poignant Holocaust Memorial, the historic Berlin Wall, and the intriguing Checkpoint Charlie (it's not quite what you might expect!). After a lunch stop, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of graffiti art at the East Side Gallery, where Berlin's past and present collide. Berlin is home to rich history and culture so immerse yourself in it all. In the evening we head out for dinner. Did someone say Currywurst?
ahoj prague!
All aboard! Today, we're en route to Prague, and we're granting you a well-deserved lie in after Berlin's antics. Today is a chilled travel day so use this time to swipe through the 10,000 photos you’ve taken on your phone, update your Insta story or get to know your TruFam better, like what’s everyone’s death row meal or go to sandwich. After arriving it’s a free evening to spend as you please! You might like to take the tram to one of the cities spectacular viewpoints in time for golden hour or find somewhere to enjoy a traditional dinner, the choice is yours!
sightseeing prague & cheap beers!
Prague, the city of a thousand spires, welcomes us with open arms! Today's adventure takes us on a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Town, where you'll glimpse the astronomical clock and the enigmatic twin towers. Walk over the iconic Charles Bridge before a guided tour of the magnificent castle. Afterwards, it’s a free afternoon to explore. Prague is famous for its ridiculously cheap beer so if the sun is shining we’ll head to a local beer garden to try them out. It’s only right… right?
let's go to budapest
Today is a travel day so take the time to take in the scenic journey, sit back and relax. Travelling by train isn’t just sustainable, eco friendly and better for the environment, it’s stress free and you don’t have to worry about the dreaded 100ml only liquid restrictions and that’s a win for anyone! Once we’ve arrived we'll have some time to freshen up before hitting Budapest’s famous ruin bars! Top of our list is the famous Szimpla Kert!
budapest thermal baths!
Ready for a dip? Today we’ll head to the world-famous Szechenyi thermal baths. On the way, your guide will take you to see some of the most important landmarks of Budapest - we will see the beautiful parliament building and the Basilica of St. Stephen. Today promises good vibes and 10/10 scenic Budapest views. Spend the rest of your day splashing away, swimming or sweating out this week's alcohol in the local sauna. It’s a chilled day and the perfect way to relax in the sunshine. The evening is a chilled one to spend as you please. Head out with the TruFam, grab a delicious dinner or catch up on some sleep after a couple of big days!
budapest by night!
Take today to recharge, it’s been a busy few days! Choose to spend the morning sleeping in and the afternoon as you please. Budapest has stunning architecture and delicious local food so take a look around! You might want to check out the Banksy museum or head over to the other side of the city and explore Buda Castle. In the evening we’ll meet up for a party cruise on the Danube to see Budapest all lit up and enjoy a few drinks whilst we're at it! The city comes alive after dark so it’s only right we take a look around and dance the night away with an epic backdrop.
let's go to vienna
Vienna is calling our names! We’ll catch the train and embark on the next big adventure. Kick things off with a wander around Vienna, taking in all its beauty and sights, maybe we fancy trying some local drinks as the sun goes down. Tru bliss. Vienna, known as the ultimate "City of Music" and the "City of Dreams," is a must visit on any Euro tour. From the jaw-dropping Schönbrunn Palace to the delectable wonders of Sachertorte, Vienna is a city that won’t disappoint!
chocolate making heaven
Today, we're unleashing our inner Willy Wonka for a chocolate-making extravaganza that's bound to make your sweet tooth sing with joy! Get ready to immerse yourself into a world of sugary delights! After this, you'll be the master of creating silky-smooth chocolate, and you'll have the chance to savour your own mouth watering masterpieces. But hold onto your hats because the adventure is far from over! If you fancy it let's go to a bar, sip on some signature cocktails, challenge each other to a dance-off or just sit back and unwind as you pinch yourself that yes you really are hopping around Europe! A sweet night. Sweet as chocolate some might say ;)
magical lake bled views
Rise and shine for an early start to our adventure at Lake Bled! After a picturesque train and bus journey, we arrive just in time to soak in the breathtaking views. Depending on the season, you might even have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip or a trek to the awe-inspiring Bled Castle viewpoint. Lake Bled is an Instagram lover's dream so take some time to soak it all in… (quite literally if you spend some time at our favourite swimming spot.) We’ll watch the sun go down and sip beers lakeside as we take in these magical moments on tour.
bike rides & adrenaline pumping afternoon
Wake up in paradise. Today, we're grabbing our bikes and exploring the countryside. We'll make our way outside of Bled, cycling through small villages and making pit stops for pics that scream "Instagram goals!" But wait, there's more! In the afternoon, choose from optional activities as it's time to kick our adventure levels into high gear. Picture this: thrilling rafting, epic kayaking, and a whole lot more! Lake Bled is a thrill-seeker's paradise. Whatever you choose you’re in for a treat!
goodbye slovenia - hello italy!
Our morning in Lake Bled is free for us to take in the incredible views. Whether you want to savour a quiet moment by the lake, explore the charming town, or simply relax with a book, this is your chance to bid farewell to this Alpine paradise in your own way. Take in one last look at the jaw-dropping sights before we head to our next destination - Venice! Wave goodbye to Slovenia and hello to Italy! Today is a travel day so sit back and relax as we speed through cities and coasts. We’ll arrive in the evening so it’s a chilled one before a BIG day of exploring tomorrow.
venetian charm & gondola rides
Venice, baby! A Venetian adventure isn't complete without a gondola ride through the canals and that is our plan today - brace yourself for gondoliers who could moonlight as stand-up comedians! But of course, there's more to Venice than canals and gondolas! Let’s finish the day exploring Venice's winding streets, sipping Aperol spritzes, and making your Rialto Bridge debut. This city is a living, breathing work of art, with hidden alleys, captivating history, and delectable Italian cuisine just waiting to be discovered!
ciao milano!
Wake up and grab a coffee, it’s time to head to our final stop - Milan! Arrive in the afternoon and check into our hostel before we head out to explore. Our first stop will be the awe-inspiring Duomo, a must-see for its architectural grandeur and breathtaking views. Nearby you'll find the famous old mall of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some more intsa worthy pics! We're staying in the gorgeous Navilgi district which is filled with great restaurants and some of the cities best nightlife. So, get ready for a night of delicious local food, 10/10 tasty cocktails surrounded the best company in the world (your TruFam duh) Tomorrow we say goodbye to our European adventure so tonight we go BIG!
chilled check out
It’s time to say Ciao. Today is a chilled check out and we’re not quite ready to say goodbye. If you’re planning on travelling more of Europe your Travel Ninja is on hand for recommendations or help with onward travel plans. It’s been an insane 20 days of exploring Europe by rail. We’ve created memories to last a lifetime and taken enough pics to spam your instagram for the next 12 months. You’re part of the TruFam now and that’s for life so it’s not goodbye it’s see you later!
WHERE WE STAY
FAQs
Where does the trip start & Finish?
The trip begins in London and ends in Milan
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You will need to fly into any London airport either London Gatwick (LGW), London Luton (LTN) or London Heathrow (LHR).
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the closest airport to Milan.
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation for this trip is dormitories. It will be a range of 4-8 beds per dorm and it’s possible that these will be mixed sex. The dorms will be for the exclusive use of TruTravels so you will only ever be sharing with other people on the same tour.
Some of the accommodation will have shared bathrooms, located outside the dorms.
How much is a pre night’s accommodation?
Due to the seasonal changes in accomodation prices please contact our sales team info@trutravels.com to get the most accurate price.
Is my arrival transfer included or how do I get to my start location?
An arrival transfer is not included on this trip. All London airports have direct transport links into the city. The closest train station to the start location is London Bridge.
How do I get back to the start destination?
To get back to the start destination you will need to book a flight to London
How much is my baggage allowance for the trains?
There is no limit on the baggage allowance - however, you will need to be able to place the luggage in the storage facilities on the train. Often these will be overhead.
What is the currency?
The currency in the majority of destinations will be euros (EUR). In London you will need pounds (GBP), for Prague you will need Czech koruna (CZK) and for Budapest you will need Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Do I need a visa to travel?
Starting in 2024, visitors to Europe will either need a visa or will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation, depending on where you are travelling from. Please check online for the latest updates!
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting when browsing through our website.
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.