LONDON TO ROME TRAIL
Overview
With almost 200 countries in the world to tick off your list, time is precious. Smashing 11 in one trip should really get things moving. Eat Trdelnik in Prague, soak in thermal baths in Budapest & party round the clock in Berlin. Cities, culture, history & scenery are on the cards for the Trail to Rome.
Included/Excluded
Day 1London to Amsterdam
London
The adventure of a lifetime kicks off today. Meet up with your new Contiki family in London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam.
Dover
Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we’ll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk – you’re learning and we haven’t even left the UK!
Calais
Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais – French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching…Amsterdam!
Amsterdam
Tonight, after an included dinner and a panoramic view of Amsterdam, the fun-famed Amsterdam is yours to explore in all its glory.
Day 2Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Day 3Amsterdam to Berlin
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, it’s been lovely, but today’s agenda is onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin.
Berlin
On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We’ve got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city, and we’ll start them off with a driving tour. After that, you’re free to explore, and maybe even sample some of that legendary nightlife for yourself…
Day 4Berlin
Berlin
Get into the mood of exploration with a historical walking tour where you’ll discover 20th century Berlin (including Hitler’s underground bunker & the Holocaust Memorial) with our local guide. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. This evening we’ll embark on an Alternative Berlin walking tour, taking us to all the city’s hipster haunts.
Day 5Berlin to Prague
Berlin
“More city hangs” you’ll all scream in unison as we motor out of Berlin, high on life & still wanting more. Since you asked so nicely, let us present you with Prague, the darling of Europe.
Dresden
A drive from Berlin to Prague would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.
Prague
On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we’ll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings and gothic history.
Day 6Prague
Prague
With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing beer; not to mention life! Tonight, you could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers as the sun goes down on the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’.
Day 7Prague to Vienna
Prague
Today we exchange the Czech Republic for Austria, waving goodbye to pretty Prague knowing that cultured Vienna is coming right up.
Kutna Hora
Before Vienna we’ll be stopping in the Bohemian city of Kutna Hora, remembering that Bohemia is the name of the place and not a nod to the fashion sense of the people that live there. Make the local Sedlec Ossuary chapel a high priority, it’s decked out and furnished in the bones of over 40,000 … humans. Eeep!
Vienna
Austria, we have arrived! It’s time for a Habibi & Hawara dinner, followed by a classic night out in one of the city’s imperial palaces (both totally optional, should you prefer to spend your evening relaxing in style.)
Day 8Vienna
Vienna
A whole day lies ahead to uncover the ethereal Austrian capital. Our Trip Manager will uncover the historical heritage of Schönbrunn Palace, the State Opera House and the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And once you’ve seen all that, you’ll have a bit of free time to check out art galleries and local coffee houses, maybe even try a slice of the famous Sacher Torte.
Day 9Vienna to Krakow
Vienna
Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we’ll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy.
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Today we will change pace once we cross the border, 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.
Kraków
Then afterwards its onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its salt mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Relax tonight as we have all day tomorrow to explore.
Day 10Krakow
Kraków
Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city’s best beer spots and historical hotspots then you’re free to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre in your own time. A Jewish Quarter, a jaw-dropping castle & museums aplenty are just some of the relics found in the relatively untouched Krakow. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favourite – these dumplings are an absolute classic.
Day 11Krakow to Budapest
Kraków
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.
Banská Bystrica
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.
Budapest
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.
Day 12Budapest
Budapest
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.
Day 13Budapest to Ljubljana
Budapest
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…
Lake Bled
WOW is probably the one word we hear in unison as we pull up at this jaw dropping lake. Don’t forget to keep your swimmers out today, this is the perfect place for a dip to break up the journey, and grab a few lust-worthy snaps.
Ljubljana
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.
Day 14Ljubljana to Venice
Ljubljana
Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we’re trading in the obscure unknown for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop!
Venice
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.
Day 15Venice to Rome
Venice
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we’re not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner.
Rome
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.
Day 16End Rome
Rome
This morning, it’s time to make the most of Rome before we all head home. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to discover the Colosseum this morning (your Trip Manager will advise at the start of the trip if this is the case.) Afterwards, it’s time for sad goodbyes, reunion plans and an all-round marvelling at how amazing it’s all been…
