All Aboard: HBTT’s Rail Journey Through Europe
Inspired by our love for public transportation (lol), we’re taking HBTT on a two-week train tour across Europe this spring! Starting off strong in Belgium and ending in Czechia, we are surely putting our travel endurance to the test. But there’s more than just adventure at stake—we’re racing against time to complete our “30 before 30” lists with just over two years to go.
As we count down to our departure date, we’ve spent countless hours meticulously researching destinations, collaborating with hotels and tourism boards, and crafting the ultimate itinerary that covers six countries in just two weeks. After all this effort to create our best trip yet, we want to make sure you can replicate it too.
So, without further ado, here’s a look at our two-week itinerary through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Czechia!
Day 1 : Departure Day
If you’re traveling from the US like us, we recommend a Friday evening flight which will have you overseas by morning. Make sure to hydrate, pack early, and pack light! You’ll be carrying everything you own on and off trains for two weeks which will not bode well if you haven’t prepped accurately.
Airlines, flight prices, and flight hacks…
For our departing flight, we are flight with Air Canada. Air Canada is notorious for having great deals on their flights with easy layovers in Montreal. For some transparency, a one way ticket from Detroit to Brussels cost about $500.
Day 2 – 4 : Bruges
This whole trip started with our need to see this medieval city in northern Belgium—cobblestone streets, dreamy canals, and waffles bigger than our heads? Say less. We’re kicking things off in Bruges, where we’ll soak in all the fairytale vibes, float down the canals, and put our beer tolerance to the test at the oldest taverns in town.
We land in Brussels at 8 AM and plan to take a train from the airport straight to Bruges. Now we are know ourselves enough to know we can handle the extra two hour ride after a night of sleeping up right in economy. However, if sleep is your priority, we’d recommend you spend the day fighting off your jet lag in Brussels.
Hotel: The Notary
If you’re going to splurge on a hotel, this is the one to do it on. The cheapest room will run you about $330 USD per night but you’ll enjoy welcome drinks, boutique decorations, a central location, and unbeatable hospitality.
Local Highlights:
Glide through the city on a Canal Cruise, the most scenic way to take in Bruges’ medieval architecture while getting the full Venice-of-the-North experience. Wander through Markt Square, the heart of the city, where we’ll find colorful step-gabled buildings, lively cafés, and the iconic Belfry of Bruges, which we’ll climb for panoramic views (and to work off all the waffles). Speaking of food, we’ll visit The Chocolate Line, a legendary chocolatier where truffles come with a side of artistry.
For a quieter escape, we’ll stroll through the Beguinage, a peaceful courtyard once home to a community of women in the Middle Ages, now a UNESCO site perfect for a moment of reflection. We’ll sip our way through Le Trappiste, a cozy spot where local and international wines take center stage. And because we can’t leave Belgium without embracing its beer culture, we’ll stop by Brouwerij De Halve Maan, a historic brewery where we’ll taste Bruges’ most famous beer, Brugse Zot.
Where to Eat, Drink & Unwind:
That’s Toast – Because no day should start without Belgian waffles
Cambrinus – A cozy beer hall with 400+ options (good luck choosing)
Blend Wijnbar – A cozy, chic wine bar perfect for unwinding after sightseeing
Le Trappiste – Hidden in a 13th-century cellar, with an impressive beer selection
Café Vlissinghe – Bruges' oldest pub (dating back to 1515) serving rustic Flemish dishes in a historic setting.
Day 5 : Luxembourg City
Tiny country, big personality. Luxembourg is a mix of dramatic fortresses, hidden tunnels, and elegant city vibes, and we’re here for all of it. With free public transportation across the entire country (yes, free), getting around is effortless.
After a five-hour train ride from Bruges, we’ll arrive in this fairytale-like capital, where medieval fortresses meet modern elegance, and lively plazas are filled with cafés and plenty of people watching. Though often overlooked, Luxembourg is the perfect mix of history, nature, and indulgence.
Hotel: Hotel Le Place d'Armes - Relais & Châteaux
This hotel combines the charm of a historic 18th-century building with the elegance of modern luxury. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, Hotel Le Place d'Armes offers chic rooms, a serene rooftop terrace, and impeccable service that make it a perfect base for exploring the city’s vibrant culture.
Local Highlights:
Start the day by exploring the Bock Casemates, an underground network of tunnels carved into the cliffs, offering incredible panoramic views of the city. Then, take a leisurely stroll through Grund, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Luxembourg, where colorful houses line the river and charming cafés invite you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. We’ll make our way to Place d’Armes, the lively central square filled with restaurants, wine bars, and often live music—perfect for a relaxed afternoon of people-watching with a glass of local wine in hand.
We know this is a lot for one day, don’t be afraid to slow down, skip some sights, and just enjoy being in a new destination.
Where to Eat, Drink & Unwind:
Vinoteca – A refined wine bar with an impressive selection of Luxembourgish and French wines—because we take our wine stops very seriously.
Chocolate House – Right across from the Grand Ducal Palace, serving decadent hot chocolate so rich it’s practically melted truffles in a cup.
Konrad Café – A cozy café-meets-bar with bookshelves, comfy seating, and a laid-back vibe.
Um Plateau – Stylish, lively, and known for creative cocktails and excellent modern European dishes.
Days 6 - 8 : Munich
After a scenic six-hour train ride from Luxembourg, we’ll arrive in Munich, Bavaria’s vibrant capital where history, beer, and fairytale castles collide. Known for its beer halls, stunning architecture, and easy access to some of Germany’s most iconic sights, Munich is the perfect place to balance city adventures with day trips into the countryside. Our home for the next few nights? Excelsior by Geisel, a stylish stay that puts us right in the heart of it all.
The Hotel: Excelsior by Geisel
A charming, family-run Bavarian hotel in the Center of Munich. Just steps from Marienplatz, it offers a perfect blend of traditional Bavarian hospitality and contemporary design. With its stylish rooms, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service, it’s an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s historic sights.
Local Highlights:
We’ll kick things off at Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, where the Glockenspiel puts on its famous performance from the New Town Hall tower. Then, we’ll step into a real-life palace at Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning Baroque estate once home to Bavarian royalty. Of course, no visit to Munich is complete without an afternoon at Hofbräuhaus, the city’s most legendary beer hall, where giant pretzels, steins of beer, and live oompah music make for the ultimate Bavarian experience.
For a break from the city, we’ll take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, the breathtaking fairytale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle—because let’s be honest, we can never resist a good castle moment. Back in Munich, we’ll explore the English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, where locals surf on the Eisbach River, and beer gardens provide the perfect place to kick back with a cold one. For a quieter escape, we’ll spend time at Literaturhaus München, a gorgeous bookshop and literary café where we can sip wine and browse through German and international reads.
Where to Eat, Drink, & Unwind:
Hofbräuhaus – A Munich must. Grab a stein of beer, a giant pretzel, and soak in the classic Bavarian beer hall vibes.
Viktualienmarkt – This open-air market is perfect for picking up fresh cheeses, breads, and wine for a picnic in the English Garden.
Schumann’s Bar – A legendary cocktail bar with an extensive wine selection and an effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Theresa Grill – A stylish spot serving up top-tier Bavarian meats, seafood, and an impressive wine list.
Café Frischhut – The best place in the city for Schmalznudeln, aka Bavarian doughnuts, because you can never have too many pastries in Europe.
Days 9 - 10 : Hallstatt
Getting to Hallstatt is half the adventure. On the way, we’ll be making a quick stop in Salzburg—because how could we pass up the chance to explore one of Austria’s most charming cities? We won’t spill all the details here, but anyone who purchases an itinerary package will get the full breakdown of our Salzburg detour.
Tucked between mountains and the glassy waters of Hallstätter See, Hallstatt looks too perfect to be real. This tiny lakeside village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its pastel houses, alpine scenery, and deep salt-mining history. We’ll be staying at Weisses Lamm, a cozy boutique hotel that puts us right in the heart of it all.
The Hotel: Weisses Lamm
An unforgettable alpine experience with a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. This family-run hotel, located right on the lakefront, allows you to wake up to stunning views of Hallstatt’s serene waters and towering mountains.
Local Highlights:
The first thing on our list? Wandering through Marktplatz, the village’s storybook square, where colorful balconies drip with flowers and cafés spill out onto the cobblestone streets. We’ll make our way up to the Hallstatt Skywalk, a viewing platform that sits 1,200 feet above the town, offering some of the best panoramas in Austria.
When we’re not taking in the views, we’ll be lakeside—whether that means renting a boat to drift across the water or just finding the perfect spot to sit with a glass of Austrian wine. And if we’re up for a little extra adventure, a short ferry ride takes us to Obertraun, home to the Dachstein Ice Caves, where frozen waterfalls and shimmering ice formations create a surreal, otherworldly experience.
Where to Eat, Drink, & Unwind:
Gasthof Zauner – A classic Austrian inn serving up hearty local dishes, like freshly caught fish and cheesy dumplings.
Restaurant im Seehotel Grüner Baum – A dreamy lakeside restaurant, perfect for sipping wine while watching the sun dip behind the mountains.
Café Derbl – A cozy café with homemade Austrian pastries and the kind of coffee that makes you want to linger.
Marktplatz Wine Stands – Local vendors often pop up in the main square, pouring regional wines—perfect for grabbing a glass and soaking in the village’s magic.
Days 11 - 13 : Vienna & BRATISLAVA
Cue Billy Joel! Vienna has been waiting for us (and you) and we are SO EXCITED to play this song on repeat while we explore her streets. As we step off the train, post 3.5 hour ride, we’ll be greeted by stunning architecture, vibrant street life, and, of course, an abundance of places to sip wine and enjoy live music. This city is not just the capital of Austria; it’s a hub of art and elegance that has inspired countless artists and musicians throughout the ages.
The Hotel : Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection
A blend of royal elegance and contemporary comfort, offering a luxurious stay just moments from the city’s cultural gems. Set in a historic building, this hotel features stylish rooms, a peaceful garden, and a sophisticated atmosphere that captures the charm of Vienna.
Local Highlights:
Our time in Vienna will start with an obligatory visit to Schönbrunn Palace, where we’ll stroll through its lavish gardens and pretend we belong in a period drama. From there, we’ll dive into the city’s vibrant café culture at a classic spot like Café Central, once frequented by Freud and Trotsky—because sipping melange in a historic café is basically a requirement.
Art and history lovers will be spoiled for choice with The Belvedere, home to Klimt’s The Kiss, and the Albertina Museum, packed with masterpieces. In the evenings, we’ll trade sightseeing for wine-sipping at a local heuriger, where the city’s best wines are served straight from the vineyards. And because we can’t come to Vienna without embracing its musical legacy, we’ll wrap up one night with a classical concert at Palais Auersperg or the Vienna State Opera.
On Day 12, we’re switching things up with a day trip to Bratislava—because why not add another country to the list? Just an hour away, Slovakia’s charming capital is filled with colorful streets, quirky statues, and a relaxed riverside vibe. We’ll climb up to Bratislava Castle for unbeatable city views, grab a coffee in Hlavné námestie, and indulge in some hearty Slovak cuisine before heading back to Vienna in time for an evening at the Naschmarkt, where food stalls and wine bars offer the perfect way to end the night.
Where to Eat, Drink, & Unwind:
Café Central – A historic café where literary greats once gathered, serving up delicious coffee and decadent pastries in a stunning setting.
Gasthaus Pöschl – A traditional Viennese restaurant known for its classic dishes and cozy atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Naschmarkt – A vibrant open-air market filled with food stalls and cafés, ideal for sampling local flavors and picking up a unique bottle of wine.
Motto – A stylish restaurant and bar that combines a trendy vibe with a menu full of creative dishes, perfect for a lively evening out.
Day 14 - 16 : Prague
We’ve nearly made it—two weeks of country-hopping, countless train rides, and just as many glasses of wine. But before we hang up our backpacks (for now), we’ve got one last stop: Prague. A city where Gothic spires pierce the sky, riverside beer gardens call our names, and every street corner looks like a postcard.
The Hotel: Allure Hotel & Residence Prague
With its sleek, modern design and spacious rooms, this boutique hotel combines comfort with convenience, making it the perfect base for exploring Prague’s historic Old Town.
Local Highlights:
First things first, we’re hitting Prague Castle, because no European adventure is complete without one last castle moment. We’ll wander through Golden Lane, take in the jaw-dropping stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral, and, naturally, pretend we’re royalty for a bit. Then, it’s off to Old Town Square, where we’ll join the crowd to watch the Astronomical Clock do its hourly show (because, at this point, we’re committed to the tourist experience). A slow walk across the Charles Bridge at sunset? Non-negotiable.
But you already know we’re here for the hidden gems, too. We’ll get our literary fix at Shakespeare & Sons, one of the dreamiest bookstores in Europe, and swoon over the stunning Strahov Monastery Library, where old books, frescoed ceilings, and antique globes make us feel like we’ve stepped into another era. And since we can’t go a day without wine, we’re tracking down the best of Czech vineyards at Vinograf, a cozy spot dedicated to local pours.
On our final night, you’ll find us at Letná Park, drinks in hand, overlooking the twinkling cityscape and trying to convince ourselves we don’t have to go home. Prague is the grand finale this trip deserves—equal parts magical, moody, and effortlessly cool.
Where to Eat, Drink, & Unwind:
Café Savoy – A Parisian-style café serving the kind of pastries and coffee that make mornings worth waking up for.
Eska – A Michelin-recognized spot where Czech flavors get a modern, creative twist.
Lokal – The ultimate Czech pub experience—no-frills, all flavor, and beer cheaper than water (we checked).
Vinograf – A tiny but mighty wine bar that proves Czech wines deserve a spot in your glass.
Letná Beer Garden – Because there’s no better way to end a trip than with a cold drink and a panoramic view.
Day 17 : The Journey Home
If there’s one thing we’ve learned through all of our travels, it’s that even the best adventures eventually come to an end. After 16 days of hopping between countries, chasing golden hour in European plazas, and sipping our way through countless wine bars, it’s time to swap our train tickets for boarding passes and head home.
We’ll savor one last morning in Prague—maybe a slow coffee at Můj Šálek Kávy or a final stroll along the Vltava River—before making our way to the airport. But don’t worry, this isn’t goodbye—it’s just see you later. After all, our next adventure is already calling...
Thanks for visiting! Please contact us at info@hbtourandtravel.com for any inquiries.
With Love,
H & B @ HBTT
