Krakow & Ljubljana sound familiar? Probably not. That's because the Vienna to Rome Trail is about blazing a new trail. But just to keep things interesting we sandwich the obscure between hotspots like Venice & Vienna. It doesn't get much better than 9 brimming days to explore a lot of Europe.
Locations Visited
Vienna, Kraków, Auschwitz, Banská Bystrica, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome
Countries Visited
Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy
Travel Style
Accommodations
8 nights included
Age Requirements
Travel for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
We'll arrive in Vienna full of excitement and ready for coffee & sachertorte, otherwise known as the world's greatest chocolate cake. Get to know your new travel squad over dinner tonight, and maybe a few schnaps, since we're in Austria after all.
Accommodation
A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we'll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy.
It's onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its salt mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city's best beer spots and historical hotspots. Tonight you'll have a free night to explore Kraków's vibrant food and nightlife scene.
Accommodation
Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Get your bearings in this medieval Polish city. Our orientation will get you familiar with the cathedral, Royal Castle and all the best places to grab a beer.
Day 3
This morning we're up and on our way.
Today we will change pace as we drop to an unfamiliar and sobering level by visiting the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau. Learning and growing is what we travellers do after all.
Back in the city, you'll have a free night. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favourite - these dumplings are an absolute classic.
Accommodation
Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
Day 4
Alpine scenery and traditional villages will make our departure from Krakow more manageable. Particularly with the knowledge that we have Budapest coming up in the eve.
Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you.
Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day. From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. Waste no time getting involved with Budapest by joining the optional river cruise and dinner.
Accommodation
A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
This historic Slovakian city is filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains. It’s the perfect Insta backdrop!
Day 5
The day is yours to tackle Budapest however you see fit. After all the travelling we've done, you've probably earned yourself an afternoon soaking in the city's famous outdoor thermal pools set amongst Art Nouveau architecture. Blissed out in Budapest - there's an insta caption for you. If gardens, fountains, pools and ruins are the call of your day, put Margaret Island top and centre of your to do list.
Accommodation
A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 6
This morning we say goodbye to the city of Budapest and head south to Slovenia! Though the name Ljubljana might not be as well known as Budapest, that doesn't diminish its delight as a European city. In fact, its undiscovered charm is all part of the fascination...
Aesthetically wonderful and filled with youthful moods, Ljubljana is one to love for its off the tourist trail vibes and casual attitude. Without a list of monuments to tick off, you're free to get cozy in a cafe and lap up the endless local feels.
Accommodation
Ljubljana Resort (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Join your new gang for an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital. Get your fix of rainbow architecture, Insta-friendly bridges and epic mountain backdrops.
Day 7
Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we're trading in the obscure unknown for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop!
Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! A private boat ride, gothic architecture and a web of lanes to explore will keep your day filled quite nicely.
Accommodation
Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
Day 8
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner.
This afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. Gelato, pizza, and ancient monuments galore, but why not try a pasta making class and cook a homemade meal for dinner? If that's not your style feel free to explore and get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night.
Accommodation
The Yellow (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Day 9
The best week of your life has almost come to an end, hug it out after breakfast & make plans to reunite outside of Rome.
Meals
Breakfast
Title
Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
*Temporary changes to standard terms and conditions apply to bookings until further notice: In accordance with travel restrictions imposed by government advisories worldwide, Contiki has temporarily suspended all trips across the globe for trips departing up and until 31 August 2020 (with the exception of those listed here for travellers from the UK and Europe). For further details and terms and conditions, please click here.
Trip Notes:
Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
Call 0808 169 8807 for great deals from the UK to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.
Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
Travel from the UK often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.
Terms & Conditions:
