9 days Eastern Trail

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9 days Eastern Trail

THE ONE THAT DOES VIENNA AND ROME WITH A TASTE OF EASTERN EUROPE

Krakow & Ljubljana sound familiar? Probably not. That’s because the Eastern 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 7 European countries.

DAY 1 - Arrive Vienna

Vienna

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.

Stay

A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)

DAY 2 - Vienna to Krakow via Auschwitz

Vienna

Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we’ll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy.

Czech Republic

Auschwitz

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.

Krakow

Then afterwards its onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its silver mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Relax tonight as we have all day tomorrow to explore.

Stay

Ibis Budget Hotel Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Entrance to and guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camp memorials

DAY 3 - Krakow

Krakow

A Jewish Quarter, a jaw-dropping castle & museums aplenty are just some of the relics found in the relatively untouched Krakow. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre should occupy your free time, but conserve some energy for the option to get involved with a traditional Polish Pierogi evening.

Stay

Ibis Budget Hotel Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Sightseeing of the cathedral & Royal Castle on Wawel Hill

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Salt Mines Tour

EUR 30.00

Pierogi Dinner

EUR 32.00

DAY 4 - Krakow to Budapest via Banska Bystrica

Krakow

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.

Banska 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.

Stay

Wombats Hostel (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Sightseeing of Buda, Pest, the Royal Palace, the Church of St. Matthias, the Chain Bridge & Fisherman’s Bastion

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

River Cruise with Dinner

EUR 40.00

DAY 5 - Budapest

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 cities 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 St Margaret Island top and centre of your to do list.

Stay

Wombats Hostel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Budapest Past & Present Tour

EUR 22.00

DAY 6 - Budapest to Ljubljana via Lake Bled

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.

Stay

Ljubljana Resort (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See Ljubljana’s castle & old town

See the picturesque Lake Bled (Summer Only)

DAY 7 - Ljubljana 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.

Stay

A&O Venice Mestre Hostel (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice

See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Square

See Venice’s iconic canals & gondolas

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Gondola ride

EUR 23.00

Traditional Tastes of Venice

EUR 34.00

DAY 8 - Venice 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

The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country’s capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it’s glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments – perfecto!

Stay

The Yellow Hostel (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Special access Rome sightseeing coach tour

See the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona

DAY 9 - Depart Rome

Rome

The best week of your life has come to an end – you have our complete sympathy. If anyone understands the pain of ended travels, it’s us. And your new Contiki collective. Hug it out after breakfast & make plans to reunite outside of Rome.

WHAT YOU GET

8 nights accommodation

8 nights in Hotel or Hostel

Snooze in a combination of funky hostels and hotels for 8 nights in same-sex quad-share accommodation. Think staying around the corner from the coolest alternative nightlife in Budapest & only a hop, skip & jump from an ancient sight in historic Rome.

11 included Meals

3 Dinner, 8 Breakfast

Tuck into some European delights & tasty fresh food, with a welcoming breakfast each morning plus 3 dinners.

Team

Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

All transport included during the trip

Included in your trip is transport across Europe on our fleet of comfy, state of the art coaches. They’re kitted out with all the necessities: USB charge points, WiFi, Air Con and a rocking sound system. You bring the other essentials, like tunes, friendships and stories from the night before.

Your group

Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world

Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you’ll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world- laughter and friendships always guaranteed.

Experiences

8 included, 6 optional that you can add

All the best bits of each destination included as standard. Explore Rome with a history tour of some of the most iconic spots, discover Ljubljana’s castle & old town & visit Auschwitz & Birkenau concentration camp memorial, plus so much more.