In the Heart of Europe tour, we have combined the most cultural and historic cities across several countries with the most scenic train rides that central Europe has to offer. Relive history in the old imperial cities of Berlin, Prague and Vienna, enjoy several cruises to take the Alpine views in at a leaisurely pace, and enjoy Europe's most spectacular mountain trains: the Glacier Express and Gornergrat railway. Plus, we've selected the best hotels for such a rail journey and written daily guides based on years of experience, which you'll all be able to acess (together with live support during your journey) in the Happyrail App after booking.

Day 1 - to Berlin

You start off this exciting trip in Berlin, where you arrive by train from the airport or by high-speed train from the European city or airport of your choice. Stay in a modern hotel close to the main train station.

Day 2 - Berlin

Day off in Berlin. Soak up the history at the Brandenburger gate, checkpoint Charlie, and the old central squares in East and West. Visit the impressive historical museums in the many different neighbourhoods with different atmospheres.

Day 3 - To Prague

Today you travel by direct train to Prague, a scenic trip along the Elbe railway. Time for sightseeing in the late afternoon, accomodation in a hotel between the main train station and city centre.

Day 4 - Prague

Day off in Prague. The wonderful historic city entre has many famous cathedrals, squares, and bridges. Visit the Hradčany castle complex built on the mountain next to the city, and don't forget to sit down for a glass of typical Czech beer. There are many interesting museums on offer, like the Czech national gallery or museum of communism, as well as Europe's oldest synagogue.

Day 5 - to Vienna

You board the direct train for Vienna, with a dining car available for lunch as you travel through Czechia. In Vienna you stay in a hotel close to the main train station, with good public transport links to all sightseeing locations.

Day 6 - Vienna

Nowhere else in Europe is history as alive as here. Enjoy viennese cake and coffee in one of the countless café's, visit the Opera or one of many art museums and palaces. Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn palace, where emperors lived and a young Monzart played for the first time. Vienna has endless gardens and parks to stroll though, as well as many excellent restaurants.

Day 7 - Danube cruise

You travel by train to the village of Melk, from where you take a relaxing 3-hour Danube river cruise. The last part of the journey to Salzburg is done by train, where you arrive in the late afternoon and stay in a hotel in the city center. For those less keen on cruises, a direct train Vienna-Salzburg can also be booked free of charge.

Day 8 - Salzburg

The historical city of Salzburg lends itself brilliantly to a day of shopping or sightseeing. Take a guided tour to visit all the iconic locations of the Sound of Music movie, or visit Mozart's birthouse and dedicated museum and take the funicular to the historical fortress.

Day 9 - Lindau & Bregenz

A direct train (with a dining car for lunch) takes you to the lakeside town of Bregenz, where you drop off your luggage at the hotel before taking a short cruise across the Bodensee lake to Lindau, Germany. Visit this historic and beautiful island city with many narrow streets and charming squares before returning to Bregenz for the night.

Day 10 - Glacier Express

Time for one of Europe's most special train rides: The Glacier Express, the world’s slowest Express train, takes you through the Rhine Gorge and over the Oberalp Pass to Zermatt, where you stay in a traditional family-owned hotel. Enjoy a three-course meal served at your seat.

Day 11 - Zermatt & Gornergrat

Day off in Zermatt. Explore this wonderful historic Alpine resort, with narrow streets and historic buildings. Take a day trip by Gornergrat railway, Europe's highest open-air railway, to see the famous Matterhorn mountains.

Day 12 - return trip

Your trip across the heart of Europe has come to an end. Head back from Zermatt to the station in Europe of your choice by high-speed trains.

 

15-day itinerary

+ Karlovy Vary

Between Berlin and Prague, spend a night in Karlovy Vary, the old spa town hidden in the Czech forests where Austria's emperors used to go on holiday.  Take the walk past all the healing mineral water sources, or enjoy an afternoon at the Spa. Accomodation is in a 5-star Spa hotel like Grandhotel Pupp or the Hotel Imperial.

+ extra day in Vienna

The 15-day itinerary includes an extra day in Vienna as standard.
All rail tours can be booked at any desired length: just add extra nights in the booking menu.

+ Innsbruck

Between Salzburg and Bregenz, enjoy an afternoon in pittoresque Innsbruck, with an old city centre dating back to the Middle Ages surrounded by beautiful Alpine peaks. Arrive from Salzburg in the late morning, and depart to Bregenz in the early afternoon the next day, both by direct trains.