All Around Europe - 9/06/2020

Close your books and leave all of your stress behind! Today you will begin your European summer adventure with Unitrips. We will begin our trip in Madrid, the capital of Spain.

We will begin our visit of this incredible Spanish capital in the afternoon. During this visit we will see all of the main sites of the city such as Retiro Park, Alcala Gates, Cibeles, Sol and Plaza Mayor, etc…

Following an intense day enjoying this city we will have some free time to eat dinner and in the evening we will hop on our bus and head towards Barcelona.

Did you know…

• The oldest restaurant in the world is located in Madrid! Casa Botín, founded in 1725, is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.
• The Royal Palace has an area of 135,000 square meters, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and therefore one of the largest in the world.
• In Puerta del Sol is km O, a point from which you can measure the distance to all corners of Spain.
• In the Retiro Park is a statue of Satan himself, one of the few depictions of the devil in the world and the only one in Spain. It is the Monument of the Fallen Angel and is exactly 666 meters above sea level.

After spending the night on the bus travelling across Spain, we will arrive at our next destination, Barcelona, in the early hours of the morning. The good news is you will have the whole day to discover this incredible city. Make sure you explore all of the main sites of the city which have given it the title of the most touristic captial of the world. From the Sagrada Familia to Passeig de Gracia, to strolling down the legendary Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter with its impressive cathedral, you will not be disappointed.

Towards the end of the day we will hop on the ferry and voyage through the Mediterranean sea in order to start this magical trip around Western Europe. We will spend the night on a cruise, with all kinds of services available, all of which will make the journey very enjoyable: a club, videogames room, restaurants, 24h cafes, pool, gym, health center, casino… So order that gin and tonic, and take in that warm Mediterranean breeze, this tour has officially begun!

Did you know that…

• The construction of Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia is endless. The architect stated that “God had all the time on the planet to see it completed”. The cathedral is so big and complex that no one knows when and IF it will ever be finished.
• There is a Statue of Liberty in Barcelona, in fact it’s one of only three originals. The most famous one is in New York, other in Paris and in Barcelona you can find it close to Arch of Triumph, in the Arus Library.
• Passeig de Gracia is an avenue that hosts the main masterpieces of Gaudí, the idol of architecture of the 20th century. You will be amazed by his famous houses Pedrera and Battló.

After a whole day enjoying the Mediterranean breeze, we will arrive at Civitavecchia where our Eurobus will await us to take us to the former Caput Mundi, Rome. We will arrive later on in the evening, therefore we will head straight to bed so we can get lots of rest in preparation for tomorrow!

Rome is known as the “Eternal City”, and you will understand why once we arrive. Time appears to have ceased here hundreds of years back due to the large number of remaining monuments and ruins of  buildings, which turns strolling through the narrow streets of Rome into a trip back in time to the capital’s golden age.

Italy´s famous capital, otherwise known as the old “Caput Mundi” (Leader of the world) and all of its history await us. There are so many reasons to visit Rome, things that make you fall in love with it and make you want to return! A few of these reasons are obviously the incredible food and the lively atmosphere that you will find in every corner of the city.

Rome, without a doubt, is a city that occupies a lot of time from the tourists that come to visit it… considering the large number of monuments and sites it is home to, this is no surprise! Today you will have the chance to see some of these famous sites, most importantly you will be able to visit the most popular monument in Italy: the Colosseum. Despite being half demolished, continues to radiate historical charm. Later you will be able to visit the Roman Forums, otherwise known as the commercial, religious, political and judicial centre of the ancient city of Rome.

*Optional Activity

• Rome Pack: Round trip transport + guided tour of Rome + Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums + Colosseum and Roman Forums

Did you know…

• In the Cathedral of St. Pedro, you will see various stars on the marble floor, directly in the middle of the aisle to the alter. These stars represent the diversity of the different catholic temples in the world.
• The Bocca Della Veritá is located in Sta. Maria, the most famous sewer entrance in the world. According to the legend if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie, you will be bitten.

Today on our tour around Europe we will wake up early and head towards the Vatican.

After putting Florence in the GPS, which we will visit tomorrow, we will stop off at the Vatican. Take note, Florence is an extremely lively city and has great night life, so make sure you experience a real university party whilst you are here!

We will spend the night near Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Did you know that…

• The Vatican is a sovereign country with nothing more than 0,44 km2, and is the smallest country in the world. It only has borders with Italy, which completely surrounds it. It is home to St. Peter´s Basilica, which is the world’s largest church.
• The Vatican Bank is the only bank in the world that allows users to select Latin as a language on an ATM to carry out its operations.

“Buongiorno Principessa” said Benigni, an actor from the city of Florence, in the film “Life is Beautiful”.

Today on our tour around Europe you will have the chance to admire numerous incredible works of art in the Uffizi Gallery. If walking round an exhibition hall is not for you, you can take a stunning walk up the famous hills where you can get to the fantastic viewpoint of the fanciful Arch of Brunelleschi which dominates the city.

We will also have an optional activity for those who want to visit 5 Terre and the most famous tower in the world due to its unusual inclination: The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Are you ready to go to the beach? Grab your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen, it’s time to enjoy the Italian coast! 5 little towns with colorful houses, hanging from the cliffs. A place where pollution almost hasn’t made a dent. There are very few cars and the way to travel between towns is either by foot or by a spectacular little train that runs along the seafront.

*Optional Activity:

• 5 Terre & Pisa

After admiring this exciting city that has almost 3000 years of history, we will continue with our tour around Europe, this time heading to anohter Italian gem: Venice.

Venice had the honor of being crowned one of the most powerful, rich and populated cities over a period of many years in the past. It dominated trading routes in both the Mediterranean and the Orient. What´s more the art that was fostered here is one of a kind which can clearly be exemplified in the works of Marco Polo.

Fall in love with this city! Venice is one of the most photographed places in the world. Don’t waste time, grab your camera and find your inner photographer; bridges, Vaporettos and Gondolas are all waiting to be snapped!

Make sure you take some time to enjoy the Byzantine influenced art which is best exemplifed in the architecture of the Basillica of San Marco. You should also stroll down the canal, starting from the Rialto Bridge. You could also just get lost in the narrow streets and see where you end up!

*Optional Activity:

• Venice Pack: Trip to Murano and Burano (the two islands located in the Venetian lagoon)

Did you know that…

• The last bridge built in Venice was designed by a Spanish architect: Calatrava.
• Sometimes in Venice there occurs a phenomenon called “Acqua Alta”. This causes a huge rise in water level in the Venice lagoon, which usually lasts about 3–4 hours. Depending on the intensity with which it occurs, most of the old town can flood, with half a meter of water.
• Cars are forbidden in Venice, as well as bicycles. If used, you are fined. The only way to get around the city is on foot or by water.
• Although when strolling through Venice you get the impression that there are many canals, there are only two- the Canal Grande and the Giudecca Canal. The rest of the small canals that flow between the narrow streets are called rivers.

Today we will leave Italy behind and continue on our tour across Europe, crossing not 1 but 2 different borders. From Italy we will pass through Slovenia, a country that used to belong to Yugoslavia. We will travel through little villages full of tradition and fascinating architecture with great Italian influence. Here the nature is so beautiful, and passing through the mountains between Trieste and Ljubljana you will understand why. Between these mountains, incredible caves that are hundres of miles long have formed and thanks to the Karstic phenomenon, stalagmites and stalactites which have been slowlyformed over time forming amazing natural sculptures.

Curiously, Ljubljana is the city with the largest density of students… and by spending the night here, you will enjoy its young atmosphere.

*Optional Activity:

• Caves of Postojna: Trip to the caves in an old mine train

Ljubjana is a rich and prosperous city, that was able to rise from the ashes of the WWII and Balcanic conflicts and now can be considered an elegant european capital, with a very unique style that combines the influences of its geographical neighbours. From Mediterranean arquitecture, through to Gothic, Germanic  or Balcanic style…

You can get lost in the old town, on the Prezeren Square, walk across the same bridge three times and visit Saint Nicolas´ Cathedral. If you have energy, you can also climb up to the castel which is an a hill that dominates the city.

Did you know that…

• People greet each other by shaking hands even among friends.
• In Slovenia, all plates of food in restaurants are thought to be shared.
• The capital of Slovenia was created thanks to a legend related to a dragon that was terrorising the city, and the founder of the town battled against the dragon and freed all of its citizens.

More info about Slovenia:

Thins to know before going to Slovenia

We will leave the Balkans and continute our route through Europe travelling to Austria, crossing Slovenia and the Alps.

We will arrive in the stunning capital of Austiria: Vienna.

Today we will have breakfast in Slovenia and dinner in Austria!

Guten morgen!

Today, on our tour around Europe, we will have to wake up early to take an advantage of the day, as Vienna has so much to offer.

You will have a chance to choose whether to join the optional bus tour around Vienna or to go walking around the centre.

On the bus tour, you will visit all the main tourist spots in Vienna, from Prater and its oldest ferris wheel in Europe, across the Danube to Ringstrasse, admiring some beautiful monuments from the XIX century.

You will also see a Russian soldier or two and the incredible Belvedere palace (which, today, houses the Klimt museum)… and you will have the opportunity to feel like Princess Sissi in the gardens of the Schonbrunn Palace.

*Optional Activity:

• Bus Tour of Berlin: Ringstrasse and Schonbrunn (with local professional guide)

And what about lunch? Well, you should try Schnitzel and Sachertorte… the most famous chocolate cake in the world (Austrians say so!!)

Did you know that…

• Vienna was the cultural capital of Europe in the XIX. century. Habsburgs financed all kind of artists, that’s why Vienna is one of the places you must visit before you die.
• Vienna was lucky to leave the russian hegemony in 1955 and turn into a neutral country. Therefore, Austria is nowadays much more developed and rich country than it’s neighbours.
• Watch the traffic lights of the city and you will find out something very curious!!

More information:

The most famous Austrians

3 countries in one day today!

Today on our tour through Europe we will wake up in Vienna, this time getting on the bus to make a stop in its neighbouring country, in the modern capital: Bratislava. We will walk around the old town discovering the any bronze statues that are located here, these statues make this city very likeable to the traveller’s eyes. But we aren’t stopping there and with another 50km on the bus we will be in yet another coutnry, Hungary, and its dazzling capital of Budapest. You can blow your own trumpet saying that you had breakfast in Vienna, lunch in Bratislava and dinner in Budapest.

More info!

Bratislava’s top 10 places

It’s time to explore the city which was born by unification of two sections: ‘Buda’ on the west side of the river Danube and ‘Pest’ on the east side.

Since 1989 Hungary and it’s capital have been known for impressive development and every year they receive more and more tourists. Youngsters in particular are attracted by the festivals that are held here and the nightlife provided by the famous Ruins Bars. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit as you will have the chance to enjoy the best thermal baths in Europe, either at Szechenyi or at Gellert.

Did you know that…

• Wizz-Air, the second Low Cost flight company of Europe is Hungarian….that’s why it’s so easy to find cheap flights to Budapest.
• Every Saturday, thrilling parties in thermal baths of Szechenyi take place, called SPARTIES.
• Hungary used to be part of Austrio-Hungarian empire, thats why it has a lot in common with Vienna and Bratislava.

Today on our route through Europe we will leave Hungary behind and pass through the heart of Slovakia, heading to the impressive Tatras mountains, that mark the border between Poland and Slovakia. This drive is especially pleasant for nature lovers.

Once in Slovakia, only a few kilometers after crossing the border, we will visit a tiny town called Oravsky Podzamok, where we will visit one of the oldest castles in Slovakia, the Orava Castle (optional entrance).

After visiting the castle we will continue on our tour around Europe, passing through Slovakia until we arrive in Krakow.  Krakow is a very famous city in a country which was scene to many battles and bombings during WW2: Poland.

Almost all the Polish cities have been totaly destroyed and there are very few with such an intact old town. One of them is Wroclaw, where we will make a stop if everything goes as planned, to feel the atmosphere of this young city, where more than 100 bridges cross the river Oder. From there, we will follow to the south of Poland, where the cultural and touristic capital of Poland lays: Krakow.

*Optional Activity:

• Trip to Orava Castle

Did you know that…

Krakow is the cultural reference of Poland, given its history: here you will have the chance to enjoy different zones that were alldeveloped in different eras, and that didn’t suffer during the II World War. The medieval old town is perfectly conserved and it’s possible to walk through it following the royal path that goes from the north to the south of the city, starting at the Barbican, crossing the market square, the biggest in Europe, which is dominated by the Saint Mary’s cathedral, and finishing at the legendary castle Wawel, which overlooks the river Vistula.

In the 19th century, the Jewish Quarter was developed to the south from the castle, the most active and characteristic quarter of the town. This quarter was converted into a ghetto during the Nazi control and it’s where Schindler lived, a German that saved thousands of Jewish lives, lying to German authorities and whose story was reflected in a movie of Steven Spielberg.

Moreover, Krakow has a district that is characterised by communist architecture, known by urbanists from all around the world as Nowa Huta. This also happens to be a very well developed industrial zone.

Close to Krakow, about a one hour driving distance, the only concentration camp that survived the German self-destruction in their attempts to erase the proofs of the existence of these camps.

Auschwitz is a place of memory and reflexion, where a local guide will speak to us either in English or in Spanish about all the absurdities of the Nazi regime and about the physical and moral destruction that Jews had to face.

*Optional Activity:

• Trip to Auschwitz

Did you know that…

• Auschwitz and Krakow have been scene to many movies:  Movies set in Poland
• The famous scientist Copernicus, the first one to notice that the sun, not the earth was the centre of the solar system, studied in Krakow.

Today we will leave behind the cultural and touristic Polish capital, Krakow, and continue our tour around Europe by heading to another magical city – Prague.

To get there you have to cross the Silesia in the south of Poland, a very industrialised zone, then passing through Moravia, one of the three regions that forms the Czech Republic until we reach the heart of the country and its capital, Prague.

Enjoy walking through the old town… We will take you through Wenceslas square, universally known for the scene in “Prague Spring”. We will discover the most famous astronomical clock in the world and we will cross the Moldava river by the Charles Bridge, with its 30 famous barroque sculptures. We will then arrive by foot to the biggest castle in the world, where world literature reference Kafka used to live.

Do you still have energy? Well the New Town is still to be discovered, as well as the old Jewish Quarter.

We hope that you didn’t get too tired today, because there is a huge variety of Czech beer and it’s very very cheap…

Did you know…

• The Prague Castle is described as the largest ancient castle on Earth. This is where the monarchy of Bohemia and the presidents of the Czech Republic stay. (We will visit this site and highlight the Golden Lane, as well as the Black and White Towers)
• Prague Beer is cheaper than water! This is because beer is part of the everyday life and is sweet and drinkable. Awesome!
• Prague is not at its height of fashion. The city still sees the “socks and sandals” look… Don’t believe us? Keep an eye out when you go

Once we have left Prague, we will head for the famous brewing country! Here we will arrive in Berlin, where we will spend the night.

But before, we will make a stop in Dresden, the last german city we will visit and which is known as “Florence on the river Elbe”, We will have a chance to try “wurst”, german sausage and to value the baroque architecture of Berlin.

Did you know that…

• The Berlin wall, which divided the city between 13th of August of 1961 and 9th of November 1989, was 45 km long. This wall separated the western part of Berlin from the communist part. Known as “wall of shame” it was 3,6 metres high.

“Ich bin ein Berliner”, which means “I am a Berliner” is what JFK said in ’63 to show support with people who were separated from their families due to construction of Berlin wall. Today, it’s time for you to repeat the phrase and spend a day as a Berliner.

We will continue to the Checkpoint Charlie, running across a good portion of the formerly wall of Berlin, destroyed in 1989, surely the most important political event of Germany in the past 50 years. If there is time, we will get to famous Alexanderplatz, where you will have an opportunity to lift up to symbol of the Berlin skyline, the TV tower, and watch the impressive views.

*Optional Activity:

• Berlin bus tour (with professional guide)

You will have a chance to choose whether to spend the day with us and a professional local guide who will explain even the finest detail of what lays behind the buildings of Berlin, among all Reichstag, the Parliament of Germany, next to it the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and famous monument to holocaust, masterpiece of Heisman.

Did you know that…

• One tenth of the population of Berlin is made up of mainly Turks, Italians, Poles and Russians. In addition, the German capital has the largest Turkish community outside Turkey, comprising of more than 150,000 people. The district of Kreuzberg is the most mixed city called “Little Istanbul”

We shall say goodbye to Berlin with tears in our eyes… But don’t worry! The liberal city of Amsterdam is waiting for us!

To get to today’s destination on time, we must wake up early, and get on the bus; where we will cross most of Germany!

Today we will have the whole day to enjoy Amsterdam and its unique architecture. Houses are so narrow and high that they challenge the gravity laws.

Put your comfortable shoes on, because in Amsterdam, we will walk a lot.

Open your eyes and watch where you step. If you are crossing the bicycle lane, be quick! Here, riding a bicycle is the main way of transportation, so there are plenty of them and they have priority!

If you are not keen on walking, we offer you an alternative mean of transport to visit  Amsterdam, a low boat that goes below the bridges.

We will offer you the opportunity to go into another museum, related to the experience of a young Jewish girl during the second world war, whose diary has been read by millions of people: Anne Frank

*Optional Activities:

• Entrance to Anne Frank museum (skip the line)
• Boat ride through cannals of Amsterdam
• Heineken Experience
• Trip to Zaanse Schans

Did you know that…

• The facade of numerous houses that populate Amsterdam lean forwards. The explanation for this is that its architects built them feeling that, given their narrowness, the best way to get furniture into the house is through the top story windows. Therefore every house has a hook on its rooftop and furniture can be hoisted to prevent  it from crashing into the facade.

Amsterdam is a city that never stops surprising, so we will let you stay here another day, so that you can discover its streets, bridges, bars and the atmosphere of this modern and cosmopolitan city that attracts tourists from all around the world.

Do you enjoy museums? Well, here you have various options; from classical Rijksmuseum, to the Flemish museum of Rembrandt, without forgetting the museum of the craziest European artist, Van Gogh.

Not your cup of tea? In Amsterdam you can also find a contemporary art museum (MOCO) and if you fancy a beer, Heineken is your star choice! You like diamonds? Then go to a museum dedicated to this “forever stone”.

Did you know that…

• There are more bikes than cars in Amsterdam, and prohibition of combustion cars is awaited by 2025.
• Most men and women are tall in Amsterdam. Men measure an average of 184 cm and women 170 cm.

More info regarding the coffee shops:

Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam

Today on our tour we will visit another BENELUX country, after the NE, we have to visit the BE of Belgium, which also happens to be the heart of the EU.

When we arrive in Brussels, you will be able to decide what you want to do.

You can stay in Brussels to rest and gain the energy you need to face the rest of the route through Europe, and enjoy its parks and avenue full of shops of all kinds. Or you can hop on the Unitrips bus that will head north of Belgium, in the direction of Ghent and Bruges, the 2 Flemish cities par excellence.

We will start the day visiting the beautiful and university city of Ghent and end up putting the icing on the cake in the city of Bruges, which is the most visited city in Belgium, ahead of the capital. On the way back we will also stop at the Atomium to take some pictures.

Here you will be delighted to see how well these two medieval cities have been preserved, where the medieval architectural style of Northern Europe is still very much intact!

*Optional Activity:

• Excursion (Bruges- Ghent – Atomium): 35€

Brussels. You’ll get to know the heart of the European Union here, in all its dynamism and splendour.

We will visit and walk around the city, seeing its most characteristic and touristy places. Art Nouveau, the great creators of the world comic are based here, and it’s here that Tintin, Lucky Luke and the Smurfs were born. Mannekin Pis is the symbol of the city and over two centuries has received over 2 million visitors a year. Here is a country with 10 million inhabitants and 3 different languages: French, Flemish and German are spoken here.

The Atomium and Grand Place are incredible features of the city and if you have a sweet tooth you’ll get lost in the scent of chocolate and waffles in its streets…

If not sweets, you can try the beer… but beware… it’s very misleading at 8-9% alcohol content!

Did you know that…

• The famous Manneken Pis statue in Brussels, also known as meón child, is not the original. There have been silent replacements of the statue due to it being damaged and stolen by vandals repeatedly.
• The three typical delights of Brussels are: frites, waffles and beer
• There are  many types of beer in Brussels, and the Delirium bar is one of the most picturesque, collecting them all
• There is a wellspring of hot water, cold water and sparkling water in the middle of the city, located at the Gare Central
• Some of its universities follow the Flemish method of education, while others remain French
• During the Middle Ages, Bruges encountered its most prominent financial height which is reflected in its Gothic design. The city started its decay when its port was blocked by sandbars
• Contrary to the popular belief that relates the name of the city to a story about witches, “Brugge” has its roots in the Old Dutch word for “bridge”.
• It belongs to Flanders, cuturaly much richer region than Wallonia (the southern part of Belgium).

We’ll say our goodbyes to the amazing Brussels!

It’s time to Set our GPS in the direction of where we’ve all been waiting for… Paris!! After breakfast we will head towards “The City of Lights”. It’s known for being the cosmopolitan capital of France and also it’s one of the most populated and visited cities of Europe. The city of Love.

Do you want to know why it is called the city of lights?

Come with us to the panoramic tour bus around this city, driving aroung the most importat spots of Paris, incredibly illuminated, not only by lights but also by explanation on board.

*Optional Activity

• París by night
• Trip to Montmartre and Pigalle