Train Journey to Athens

Your journey towards Greece by land and sea begins with a comfortable train ride from Denmark to Hamburg.

Train through Denmark and Northern Germany
You travel from your nearest station via Copenhagen and Padborg. The journey takes place on comfortable IC or EC trains, passing through open landscapes, small towns, and green countryside.

Upon arrival at Hamburg Central Station, you will be accommodated centrally and have the evening at leisure.

Evening in Hamburg

If time allows, you can:

• Take a walk along the Alster Lake
• Enjoy dinner in Altstadt or at HafenCity
• Relax at your hotel and prepare for the night train the following day

After a day in Hamburg, you board a comfortable night train in the evening, continuing your journey towards the Alps and Austria.

Night train with sleeping compartment and breakfast

You travel on modern Nightjet carriages, where you can choose:

• A private sleeping compartment with its own toilet and breakfast included
• Or a 4-berth couchette as a more budget-friendly option, still with breakfast on board

The journey takes place at a relaxed pace, and while you sleep, the train crosses into Austria, where you wake up to views of the Austrian Alps.

Arrival in Innsbruck

You arrive in Innsbruck early in the morning, ready for the next stage – a spectacular train journey through the Alps and down towards the eastern coast of Italy.

With two nights in Ancona, you have plenty of time to relax after the journey and explore this lesser-known but atmospheric harbour city on the Adriatic Sea.

A city of history and sea views

Ancona has roots dating back to antiquity and offers a fascinating mix of Roman heritage, medieval architecture, and coastal elegance. You can, for example:

• Walk up to the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, located above the city with stunning views over the harbour and the azure sea
• Visit the Arco di Traiano, an impressive Roman triumphal arch from the 1st century
• Explore the historic city centre, where charming piazzas, small shops, and local cafés sit side by side

A day by the sea or in nature

If you wish to enjoy more nature and coastline, there are easy excursions nearby:

• Take a bus to Portonovo Bay, a protected natural area with cliffs, forests, and crystal-clear water
• Visit Mount Conero south of the city, offering hiking trails and panoramic views over the coastline
• Relax along the seafront promenades and enjoy an espresso or gelato in the sun

Culinary experiences

Ancona is known for its seafood cuisine – you can try:

• Brodetto all’anconetana, a traditional fish stew with tomato and garlic
• Fresh squid, mussels, or grilled sardines
• Local white wines from the Marche region, such as Verdicchio

With a hotel close to the station and harbour, you are well positioned for the next stage of your journey – the ferry crossing to Greece.

After arriving in Patras, the third-largest city in Greece, you enjoy a calm and authentic transition from your sea journey to your mainland adventure. With one overnight stay here, you get a taste of real Greek coastal life before continuing on to Athens.

Arrival and accommodation

Upon arrival at the port, you will transfer to a centrally located hotel, typically within walking distance or a short drive from the harbour. Here you can relax, freshen up, and enjoy the rest of the day in the city.

What to experience in Patras:

• Walk along the lively harbour promenade, where cafés overlook the sea and offer a glimpse of everyday Greek life
• Visit the Church of Saint Andrew (Agios Andreas), one of the largest and most impressive churches in Greece
• Explore the remains of the Roman amphitheatre and the city’s ancient aqueducts
• Taste local specialities such as gyros, moussaka, or fresh seafood, perhaps accompanied by a local ouzo

Patras is an underrated gem where you can experience authentic Greece away from the main tourist routes – a perfect place to recharge before continuing your journey to Athens.

Train journey through the Greek landscape

After the ferry arrival and an overnight stay in Patras, the journey continues towards Athens by train and local transport – a route that showcases the varied landscapes of the Greek mainland.

Transport from Patras to Athens

The journey includes:

• Short bus ride or local train to Kiato
• From there, continue by InterCity train to Athens
• Total travel time: approximately 3–4 hours

Along the way, you pass coastal areas, vineyards, and small villages before arriving at Athens Station, centrally located in the city.

Welcome to Athens

Upon arrival, you will be accommodated in a centrally located hotel, ready to explore the capital of Greece in the following days.

With three nights in Athens, you have plenty of time to immerse yourself in world heritage sites, vibrant urban culture, and modern Greek daily life – while also experiencing how easy it is to explore the city and its surroundings by train and metro.

Train traveller in Athens – central and well connected

Your hotel is centrally located with easy access to the metro and the main railway station, making it simple to:

• Explore the many districts of Athens
• Visit attractions without relying on cars or guided tours
• Consider day trips to places such as Corinth, Piraeus, or Delphi

With the metro and rail network, you can experience a lot – easily and sustainably.

Classic Athens – the Acropolis and ancient grandeur

No visit to Athens is complete without seeing:

• The Acropolis – the iconic hill with the Parthenon and breathtaking views over the city
• The ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum
• An evening walk in the Plaka district, filled with tavernas and small shops in narrow streets

City life, views, and modern Greek atmosphere

• Taste local food: try souvlaki, Greek salad, and moussaka
• Take the metro to Mount Lycabettus and enjoy sunset views over the city
• Spend a day by the coast – for example Glyfada or Piraeus, easily reachable by train or tram

Athens is easy to explore by public transport, while offering a rich mix of history and vibrant city life.

After three eventful days in Athens, it is time to begin your journey home – with the option to fly back to Denmark or continue your adventure by train.

Flight from Athens

A private or shared transfer will take you from your hotel to Athens Airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure. There are direct flights to several Danish airports, with a flight time of approximately 3–3.5 hours.

Option: Train journey home – a journey in itself

If you wish to turn your return into another rail adventure across Europe, we can tailor a route including:

• Train from Athens via Thessaloniki and the Balkans
• Combination with ferry crossing the Adriatic Sea to Italy, continuing by train
• Stopovers in cities such as Venice, Vienna, Zagreb, or Ljubljana

We adapt the journey to your preferences – whether you want to return directly or continue travelling and turn the journey into an even bigger experience.

We hope your rail journey through Europe and Greece has given you lifelong memories, inspiration for future adventures, and a taste for slow, experience-rich travel.

If you would like, we can also create a full overview of this journey.