European Getaway

HERE'S OUR PLAN

Day 1 – Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona

We will leave Madrid in the morning, passing through the ancient kingdom of Aragon and its Roman capital “Caesar Augusta”, today called Zaragoza. We will continue to the city of Barcelona, passing through the desert area of Monegros. We will arrive in Barcelona in the afternoon/evening for a first ride.

Day 2 – Barcelona – Ferry

Today, in this backpacker Eurotrip, you will enjoy the day in Barcelona, enjoy its corners that have made it the world’s tourist capital: from La Sagrada Familia, to Passeig de Gracia, through the mythical Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter with its impressive cathedral.

In the evening, we will continue our backpacking trip to Europe and go to the port to board a ferry. We will spend the night on an elegant ship with all the necessary facilities to make the trip very enjoyable: disco, video game room, restaurants, 24h cafeterias, swimming pool, gym, health center, casino… So have a gin and tonic, and let yourself be caressed by the Mediterranean breeze!

Did you know…

• Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia still does not have a concrete completion date. The project is so large and complex that it is still unknown when it will be finished.
• In Barcelona There is a statue of Liberty, specifically one of the three original ones. You can see it in the Arús Library, near the Arc de Triomphe. The other two are in New York and Paris.
• The avenue that gathers the main works of the Master Gaudí are in the Passeig de Gracia, and are of the twentieth century. Let yourself be fascinated by the famous houses of La Pedrera and Battló.

Day 3 – Ferry – Rome

IMPORTANT: The breakfast on the ferry is NOT icluded.

After a whole day enjoying the Mediterranean breeze, we will arrive at Civitavecchia where our Eurobus will be await us to take us to the former Caput Mundi, Rome to truly begin our backpacking trip around Europe. It is a sprawling cosmopolitan city full of culture, history, art and architecture with a very Mediterranean cuisine based on seasonal products, as well as stores for everyone. 

Day 4 – Rome

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, Backpacking through Europe, things that make you fall in love with it and oblige you 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.

*Optional Activity:

• Rome Pack: Round trip transport + guided tour of Rome + Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums + Colossuem. Important: the entrances at the monuments and museums are NOT guided. 

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 you tell a lie, you will be bitten.

Day 5 – Rome – Florence

Today, on our backpacking trip 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!

Did you know…

• 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 hosts the Basilica of San Pedro, 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.

Day 6 – Florence – Cinque Terre and Pisa*

We will also have an optional acitivity for those who want to see the beautiful towns of 5 Terre and the famous 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 barely exists. 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:

• Cinque Terre and Pisa

Did you know…

• 5 Terre is composed of five small towns allong 10km of the rocky the Italian coast, enclosed by two hills; Punta di Mesco y Punta di Montenero.
• It is composed by Monterosso Al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore y Corniglia.
• It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in  1997.
• It is a natural park, and its blue sea waters will take your breath away.
• The most famous attraction of the city is the leaning tower, which attracts thousands of tourists every year that want to take the iconic picture “holding” the leaning tower.
• The tower is considered one of the jewels of Romanesque art, therefore the government has requested help on various occasions to avoid the tower being knocked down.

Day 7 – Florence – Venice

After admiring this ting city that has almost 3000 years of history, we will continue with our backpacking trip 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 oreint. 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.

Day 8 – Venice

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 take a 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: Access ticket, 2 train tickets, guided tour of the city, visit to the Master of Murano Glass, gondola ride along the canals of Venice.

Did you know…

• The last bridge built in Venice was designed by a Spanish architect: Calatrava.
• From time to time in Venice there is a phenomenon called “Acqua Alta”. It causes a sharp rise in the water level in the lagoon of Venice, which usually lasts about 3 – 4 hours. Depending on the intensity with which it occurs, it can flood, with half a meter of water, most of the historic center.
• The only way to get around the city is on foot or by water. It is illegal to drive a car or ride a bicycle in this district.
• Walking around Venice could give you the feeling that there are numerous canals, however there are in fact just two: the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal. The other little waterways that course through the restricted lanes are considered rivers.

Day 9 – Venice – Vienna

It´s time to leave Italy and continue this backpacking trip around Europe. We will cross the border to get to Austria, where we will visit its incredible capital. We will arrive at the end of the day and we´ll have time to rest in this country full of towns in the mountains with an imperial history and Baroque architecture. Vienna is waiting for us!

Did you know…

• Vienna was the cultural capital of the 19th century. the Hapsburgs financed all kinds of artists, and this is why today its somewhere you have to visit in your lifetime.
• Vienna managed to gain independence from Russian occupation and become a neutral country in 1955. This is why nowadays it is a much richer and more developed country than its neighbours.
• Make sure you take a look at the traffic lights, you´ll notice something very curious.

Day 10 – Viena

Guten morgen!

Today, on our backpacking trip around Europe, we will have to wake up early to make the most of the day, because Vienna has a lot 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 nineteenth 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 Vienna: Ringstrasse and Schonbrunn (with local professional guide)

Fancy something to eat? Well you have to try the very unoriginal Schnitzel and the Sacher-Torte cake, the most famous chocolate cake in the world (according to Austrians).

Day 11 – Vienna – Budapest

Today on our backpacking trip around Europe we will wake up in Vienna, then after a delicious breakfast we will set off towards another country, Hungary. We will arrive in the capital, Budapest, to take a walk, are you ready? There still so much left to explore with its panoramic views and it is known as one of th most surprising cities in all of Europe.

Day 12 – Budapest

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  ’89 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 held here and the nightlife provided by the famous Ruins Bars. 

Did you know…

• Wizz-Air, Europe's second low cost airline is Hungarian... that's why it's easy to find cheap flights to Budapest.
• The first of the Ruins Bars that has opened in Budapest is called Szimpla Kert.
• Hungary belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the beginning of the 20th century, hence the resemblance to Vienna and Bratislava.
• Every Saturday a brutal party called SPARTIES is held at the Szechenyi Thermal Baths.

Day 13 – Budapest – Bratislava – Prague

¡Vitejte v Cesku!

Today on this backpacking trip around Europe we will leave the Hungarian capital behind and head towards the  heart of the Czech Republic and its capital Prague. But before we will make a stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia with a peculiar character which few people know about. You can see the old quarter and the Danube river from the reconstructed castle of Bratislava. 

Day 14 – Prague

Enjoy a stroll through the Old Town… We will take you through the Wenceslas Square, universally known for being the scene of the “Prague Spring”, discover the most famous astronomical clock in the world, and cross the Vltava River by St. Charles Bridge. Famous for its 30 baroque sculptures, we will arrive at the foot of the largest castle in the world, where a world reference of literature lived: Kafka.

Still have energy? Then you still have to discover the New Town, also of medieval origin, and the old Jewish Quarter.

We hope you didn’t get too tired today, because Prague is known for its parties and beers.

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 the height of its fashion. The city still sees the “socks and sandals” look… Don’t believe us? Keep an eye out when you go.

Day 15 – Prague – Berlin 

Once we have left Prague, we will head for the famous German capital, where we will spend the night!

If time permits, we will stop in Dresden, the German city known as "Florence on the Elbe River". We will have a chance to try “wurst”, German sausage and to admire the Baroque architecture of Berlin.

Did you know…

• 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 occidental part of Berlin from the communist part. Known as “wall of shame” it was 3,6 metres high.
• Although there is only one emblematic gate to the city, the Brandemburg Gate, that remains, at one point in history there were 18 different entry gates.
• The origin and meaning of the word Berlin is “swampy land“, the name come from the fact the land on which this city was built is very swampy.
• The Berlin TV Tower, which is 368 meters high, is the second tallest tower in Europe, and not only that, you can climb 200 meters up the tower, where it has a restaurant that makes a complete turn on its own axis every 30 minutes.

Day 16 – Berlin

“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 the 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 large portion of the former wall of Berlin, destroyed in ’89, which is certainly the most important political event of Germany to occur in the past 50 years. If there is time, we will get to famous Alexanderplatz, where you will have an opportunity head up to see a token of Berlin, its skyline and impressive views from the TV tower.

Day 17 – Berlin – Amsterdam

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

Amsterdam is a city full of surprises, the atmosphere of this modern and cosmopolitan city attracts tourists from all around the world.

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!

Did you know…

• 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 the it from crashing into the facade.
• Amsterdam is the most liberal city in the world, so we think. It was the first city in the world to legalize same sex marriage, marijuana and prostitution.
• Most men and women are tall in Amsterdam. Men measure an average of 184 cm and women 170 cm.
• In Amsterdam there are more bikes than cars, and there are plans to ban combustion cars by 2025.
• Watermills in the Netherlands have been used to reclaim land from the sea, and pump water out of the land. Together with the dikes, they are the fundamental elements that allow this country to be underwater.

Day 18 – Amsterdam

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

Open your eyes and watch where you walk.

If you are in a bike lane, get out fast! Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport here, and they have absolute priority in their lanes.

If you do not feel like walking, we offer you an alternative way to visit Amsterdam, a low boat that passes under the bridges.

You can choose to visit one of its thousands of museums: from the most classic museum of the people (Rjyksmuseum), to the Flemish Rembrandt Museum, not to mention the museum dedicated to the craziest painter that Europe knew in the ‘800, Van Gogh.

Can’t you get it? There is also a museum of contemporary art (MOCO). If you prefer Diamonds, there is also a museum dedicated to the stone “forever”.

We offer you the entrance to another museum about the experience of a young Dutch girl during the Second World War, whose diary has been read by millions of people: Anne Frank.

During these days you will be able to do the following optional activities.

*Optional Activities:

• Boat trip on the Amsterdam Canals
• Visit to the Dutch windmills: Zaanse Schans. There you will also see a typical clog factory and an artisan cheese factory.

Day 19 – Amsterdam – Brussels

Today we will continue our backpacking trip around Europe and we hope you still have enough strength, because we still have soooo much to see during this tour through central Europe, but don’t miss Amsterdam!!! because this afternoon we are going to Belgium and specifically to its capital: Brussels. You will get to know the heart of the European Union, in all its dynamism and splendor.

We will continue our trip through Central Europe after a stop at the mythical Atomium, in the afternoon we will visit and walk around the city, we will see its most characteristic and touristic places: starting with the Manneken Pis, the symbol of the city for more than 2 centuries that receives more than 2 million visitors a year. Walking a little further we will find one of the most incredible squares in the world: The Grand Place. This square is surrounded by gothic art buildings that will take your breath away especially at night!

Did you know…

• 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: fries, 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.

Day 20 – Brussels – Bruges*

Today we give you the opportunity to decide yourself!!! During this day in our backpacking trip around Europe we´re giving you the option to stay in Brussels, enjoy the capital or join us to visit the 2 most amazing Flemish cities! (optional excursion). Besides, they are right next to Brussels, so hop on the Unitrips* bus and we will take you for a ride.

We’ll start the day visiting the beautiful city of Bruges, which is the most visited city in Belgium ahead of the capital. Join the tour and you will discover why.

*Optional Activity:

• Trip to Bruges 

Did you know…

• 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).

Day 21 – Brussels – Paris

Today we will continue our backpacking trip around Europe. We get back on our Unitrips bus after having a good breakfast in Brussels, and we will head to one of the most anticipated locations, Paris, “The City of Love“. We will pass through the north of France, where the Ch’tis will welcome us (“Benvenue chez le Ch’tis” was a very popular movie all over France) and we will return to rest in also known as “The City of Light“.

In the evening we offer you the opportunity to tour around the center of Paris by bus to enjoy all the most emblematic corners, where you can stop to take some pictures while you discover more about the magical city.

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 important spots of Paris, incredibly illuminated.

*Optional Activity:

•  Paris by night

Day 22 – Paris

We’ll wake up in Paris and after having eaten a croissant and a hot drink, and begin our tour!

It’s going to be an intense day in the “Ville Lumiere”, so put your comfortable shoes on because it’s time to walk. We will start in Notre Dame, the great Lady of Paris, and going through pont Neuf, we will admire Paris’ river, The Seine and we will pass by the museum that contains the most famous painting of all times, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Day 23 – Paris – Bus

We finish the tour with a last croissant in Paris. We also take the opportunity to taste the famous chocolate crêpes or stroll through the Latin Quarter, where we will find thousands of souvenir stores and typical Parisian cafes.

We also propose our optional activity of Disneyland, the most famous amusement park in the world where you can spend the day enjoying all it has to offer, so you have two options, take advantage of the day in Paris or visit Disneyland Paris.

In the evening we will start our return to Madrid on our backpacking trip around Europe.

*Optional Service:

Extra night in Paris: if you wish to end your trip in Paris and return to your place of origin from there, we offer you an extra night in Paris.

Day 24 – Bus – Madrid

We are sad to leave, but soon we will start planning our next trip. What will our next destination be?

We finish this Backpacking trip to Europe in Madrid.

Now you can say that you know half of Europe and you will have memories of the most beautiful corners of the old continent, with your new friends from half the world.