Description
Your time has come! Grab your backpack and join one of our cheap group trips. 18 days in which you will enjoy the summer like a true traveler, storming the cities with the summer sun.
Next Departure 2023:
- Venice: June 18th to July 5th: since 0 €
- Venice: July 13th to July 30th: since 0 €
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Venice
Day 2 – Venice
Day 3 – Venice – Vienna
Day 4 – Vienna
Day 5 – Vienna – Budapest
Day 6 – Budapest
Day 7 – Budapest – Bratislava – Prague
Day 8 – Prague
Day 9 – Praga – Berlin
Day 10 – Berlin
Day 11 – Berlin – Amsterdam
Day 12 – Amsterdam
Day 13 – Amsterdam – Brussels
Day 14 – Brussels – Bruges*
Day 15 – Brussels – Paris
Day 16 – Paris
Day 17 – Paris – Bus
Day 18 – Bus – Madrid
Meeting Point:
- Venice: At the Hostel. 19:00 (Aprox)
The final times will be announced via email a couple of days before the departure.
For different departure points, please, consult us.
To get to Venice you can choose:
- By bus
- By plane
- By train
If you have any problem regarding flights or schedules on the days you want, we can give you a hand. Before anything, we advise you to read this article
If the dates don’t work for you, you may be interested in the Backpackers in Europe trip at the end of June.
⭐ Want to see the opinions of other travelers? Click here
The travel program may be subject to changes due to organizational or other reasons. Changes do not give rise to any right of return or reimbursement.
The indicated program does not include optional/extra activities. Some of them you can choose in the booking form, the other activities will be informed by our tour leader during the tour.
Day 1-Venice.
We will heading an 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 2-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 3-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 4-Vienna.
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 5-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.
More info!
Day 6-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.
Feeling chilly? Then 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.
Day 7-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 8- 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 9-Prague-Berlin.
Once we have left Prague, we will head for the famous German capital!
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 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 10-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.
*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, such as the famous building of Reichstag, the Parliament of Germany, next to it the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and famous monument of the Holocaust, the Heisman masterpiece.
Did you know…
- 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”
Day 11-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.
More info regarding the coffee shops:
The Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam
Day 12-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.
Put on some comfortable shoes, because in Amsterdam, we will be walking a lot.
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
- Zaanse Schans
Day 13-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 14-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 15-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 16-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.
Of course, we’ll finish our tour at the most famous tower, the Eiffel Tower, a massive structure of steel which was a result of a universal exhibition in the nineteenth century and since then has watched the people of Paris from above, covered in trillions of their little locks. And you don’t have to be in love to enjoy Paris.
Did you know…
- The Eiffel Tower is 18 cm higher in summer, due to the expansion of iron.
- Why Paris is called City of Light? Its because many burglaries used to take place, so the mayor ordered putting candles in all windows, until gas lamps were installed on the streets.
- A problem called “Paris Syndrome“ affects many Japanese who arrive to the city with very high expectations which are not fulfilled during their visit so they suffer great disappointment. There is even a phone line available 24 hours a day for victims of the syndrome.
Day 17-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 18-Bus-Madrid.
We arrive in Madrid and check in at the accommodation to rest. You will have the day free to explore Madrid at your leisure.
Includes:
- Transport in our comfortable Unibus to the cities mentioned in programme
- 18 days and 17 nights in hotels and hostels in Europe:
- 2 Nights in Venice
- 2 Nights in Vienna
- 2 Nights in Budapest
- 2 Nights in Prague
- 2 Nights in Berlin
- 2 Nights in Amsterdam
- 2 Nights in Brussels
- 2 Nights in Paris
- 1 Night in Bus (from Paris)
- 16 breakfasts
- Multiple beded rooms with shared or private bathrooms depending on the establishment (single or double/twin room if you request)
- All costs related to parking And tolls
- All transport between the cities mentioned in the program
- Group leader during the whole trip
- Assistance throughout the whole trip
- Guided walks in mentioned cities given by tour leaders
- And other surprises…
Not included:
- Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”
- Plane tickets
- Transport to the starting point
- Travel insurance and cancellation insurance
- Entrance fees for monuments and attractions
- Visa fees or other administrative costs
- Transport within the cities (metro, taxi etc.)
- Optional activities offered on the tour
Optional Activities, Extras:
- Venice Pack: Access ticket, 2 train tickets, guided tour of the city, visit to the Murano Glass Master, gondola ride along the canals of Venice
- Vienna Tour: bus tour through Ringstasse and Schonbrunn in Vienna with local guide
- Bus tour with professional local guide in Berlin
- Boat trip on the Amsterdam Canals
- Tour of the Dutch windmills, Zaanse Schans
- Excursion to Bruges
- Paris by Night
- And many more…
(You will be able to book your extras once you have booked your trip, through an App to which we will give you access)
Each optional activity requires a minimum of 30 participants.
🤝#FlexibleDeposit
Book with only 200€. You are free to pay as you wish up to 45 days before the tour.
Change of plans? Let us know 60 days in advance and you can change your reservation to any tour.
Transport by Bus:
Transportation will be by private bus. Important: On this trip, the group may be divided into several buses in case of high demand, so for logistical reasons, Unitrips does not ensure that all travelers take the tour in the same bus. Unitrips will allocate the seats on the buses to the travelers.
Hop on – hop off:
Do you want to join us a few days later? Or do you want to leave us a few days earlier? Request a customized quote, and we will try to make you an offer!
Accommodation:
The multiple rooms are from 3 to 9 beds, depending on the availability of the establishment. If you want double/twin or single room you can book the extra service present in the booking form. The cities where we will sleep may vary depending on the availability of the accommodations, without this implying a major change in the course of the program. Unitrips reserves the right to make reservations in cities close to those mentioned in case of unavailability.
Tour language:
The main language of the tour will be Spanish. However, translations will be provided as far as possible for English-speaking participants as it is not feasible to conduct the tour in 2 languages simultaneously.
Minimum of Participants:
As this is a group trip, it will only take place when there is a minimum of 30 participants per trip.
Frequent Questions:
Any doubts? We recommend you to read this article to clarify each of them.
Tour Organization
This trip is organized entirely by Unitrips, a travel agency registered with the General Directorate of Tourism of the Community of Madrid with CICMA 2900 and member of FETAVE.
