A 16-day Central European train odyssey spanning Berlin, Prague, Brno, Budapest, Lake Balaton, and Ljubljana. Enjoy scenic rides, caves, thermal baths, ruin pubs, lake escapes, and gorgeous alpine lakes.
Depart from Berlin Hbf on a high-comfort EuroCity train. The route runs alongside the beautiful Elbe River, carving directly through the majestic Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland. Arrive in Prague mid-afternoon to catch a walk in the Old Town.
Rise early to beat the heavy crowds crossing the historic Charles Bridge. Hike up the cobbled streets to the sprawling Prague Castle Complex and marvel at St. Vitus Cathedral before watching the sunset from the Letná Park beer garden.
Explore the deep history of Josefov (the Jewish Quarter) and Wenceslas Square. Spend the afternoon wandering the small, maze-like alleyways of the Old Town and cap off the night with a classical chamber music concert inside a historic church.
Board a modern, highly comfortable České Dráhy or RegioJet train heading south to Brno. Discover Brno's legendary cocktail bar culture, climb around the quirky architectural monuments, and visit the historical underground vaults.
Set out on a spectacular subterranean day trip. Ride the regional train S2 to Blansko, hike through deep valleys to explore the 138-meter-deep Macocha Abyss, and enjoy a silent electric boat tour through the flooded corridors of Punkva Caves.
Tour the world-famous Villa Tugendhat—an iconic masterpiece of functionalist architecture. Climb around the colossal Spilberk Castle, visit the historic, atmospheric St. James Ossuary, and sink into Brno's charming, relaxed square cafe culture.
Board a comfortable Metropolitan train heading south through southern Slovakia into Budapest. Arrive and check into the lovely House Beletage in the historic Palace District. Gaze at the beautifully lit Hungarian Parliament Building during an evening stroll.
Explore Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill in the morning. Relax at Széchenyi or Gellért Baths, and finish in the historic Jewish Quarter Ruin Pubs like Szimpla Kert.
Take an interior guided tour of the massive, Gothic-revival Parliament, observe the moving Shoes on the Danube Memorial, and visit the historical House of Terror Museum.
Board a direct train down to Siófok on the shores of Lake Balaton. Settle into the cozy GreenWood Vendégház, check out the peaceful harbor, and enjoy a magical sunset stroll over the water.
Cross the lake by passenger ferry to explore the beautiful Tihany Peninsula, see lavender fields in full June bloom, visit the historic Benedictine Abbey, and cycle along the shoreline.
Enjoy a final morning by the lake, then check out of GreenWood Vendégház. Take the direct train from Siófok back to Budapest. Check into your transit hotel in Budapest, ideally right next to Budapest-Déli railway station to make tomorrow morning's departure completely stress-free. In the evening, have a relaxed farewell dinner, perhaps enjoying a hearty bowl of chicken paprikash or sitting at a riverside cafe along the Danube.
Walk over to Budapest-Déli and board your pre-booked direct train to Slovenia. This comfortable, scenic journey skirts the edge of Lake Balaton and crosses into the lush, mountainous landscape of Slovenia. Arrive in Ljubljana, where the average June temperature is a beautiful, mild 78°F, and check into The Fuzzy Log. Head to Prešeren Square, the heart of the city, and cross the iconic Triple Bridge (Tromostovje). Stroll the pedestrian-only riverbanks, spot the famous Dragon Bridge, and sit down for an al fresco dinner featuring Slovenian dumplings (štruklji) and local wine.
Walk over to the main Ljubljana bus station and catch a direct regional bus to Lake Bled. Rent a traditional pletna boat (or row yourself!) to reach the tiny, fairytale island in the middle of the turquoise alpine lake and ring the church bell for good luck. Hike up the steep cliff to Bled Castle for a jaw-dropping view of the lake and the Julian Alps, and enjoy a massive slice of Kremšnita (Bled Cream Cake). Return to Ljubljana for a relaxed evening trying local Slovenian craft beers.
Take the glass funicular (or hike the winding forested paths) up to Ljubljana Castle to explore the historic ramparts and the watchtower for a 360-degree view. Stroll through the lush paths of Tivoli Park and check out Metelkova Mesto, an autonomous cultural center housed in former military barracks, famous for its incredible street art and bizarre sculptures. Celebrate your final night in Central Europe with a multi-course dinner in the Old Town.
Check out of The Fuzzy Log and enjoy one last espresso at a riverside cafe. Take the airport shuttle or local bus from the main station to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) around 10:45 AM. Access the LJU Business Lounge with your Chase Sapphire Reserve Priority Pass to enjoy complimentary snacks and local Slovenian wine before catching your 1:30 PM flight back to Berlin.