Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Summer | 2025
Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Summer | 2025
$1725
Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Summer | 2025
9 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Vienna, Kraków, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Vienna to Rome on the Classic Summer 2025 trail, exploring six captivating countries: Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. Begin your adventure in Vienna, indulging in coffee and sachertorte, before heading to Kraków to discover its medieval charm and reflect at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. Experience the picturesque landscapes of Banská Bystrica and the vibrant city life of Budapest, where you can unwind in thermal pools. Delight in the serene beauty of Lake Bled and the enchanting streets of Ljubljana. In Venice, glide through the canals on a gondola, capturing the essence of this iconic city. Conclude your journey in Rome, where ancient monuments and culinary delights await. With a mix of guided tours and free exploration, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, complete with 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Accommodation Name: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Vienna To Krakow
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we'll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy. 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. 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 3: Krakow
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 4: Krakow To Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Accommodation Name: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. 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. 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 5: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Accommodation Name: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 6: Budapest To Ljubljana
Location: Ljubljana
Accommodation: Ljubljana Resort (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ljubljana Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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... 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. 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 7: Ljubljana To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we're trading in the obscure unknown for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop! 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 8: Venice To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: The Yellow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner. 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 9: End Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
The best week of your life has almost come to an end, hug it out after breakfast & make plans to reunite outside of Rome.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 1 dinner and 8 breakfasts.
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Kraków Orientation
Get your bearings in this medieval Polish city with an orientation that familiarizes you with the cathedral, Royal Castle, and the best places to grab a beer.
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Banská Bystrica Visit
Visit this historic Slovakian city filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains.
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Lake Bled Walk
Enjoy a scenic walk around Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps.
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Ljubljana Orientation
Join an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital, Ljubljana, and enjoy its rainbow architecture and epic mountain backdrops.
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Venice Visit
Experience Venice with a speedboat ride across the lagoon and enjoy the famous gondola boats.
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Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Visit
Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a river cruise and dinner in Budapest are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Kraków: Get your bearings in this medieval Polish city. Our orientation will get you familiar with the cathedral, Royal Castle and all the best places to grab a beer.
- Banská Bystrica: This historic Slovakian city is filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains. It’s the perfect Insta backdrop!
- Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.
- Ljubljana: Join your new gang for an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital. Get your fix of rainbow architecture, Insta-friendly bridges and epic mountain backdrops.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
- Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau: Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
Mode of Transport
Travel across Europe from Vienna to Rome, experiencing the scenic landscapes and vibrant cities of Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy, with convenient transportation between each destination.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, and The Yellow in Rome, ensuring a cozy and convenient experience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect a mix of cultural exploration, historical visits, and leisure activities. You'll visit the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau for a reflective experience, explore the medieval city of Kraków, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Bled. In Venice, you'll experience the unique waterways and gondola boats, and in Rome, you can try a pasta-making class or explore the city's ancient monuments.
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Will there be any opportunities for relaxation during the tour?
Yes, there will be opportunities for relaxation. In Budapest, you can enjoy the city's famous outdoor thermal pools, and at Lake Bled, you can take a leisurely walk around the scenic lake. Additionally, in Ljubljana, you can relax in a café and enjoy the local atmosphere.
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Are there any unique culinary experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes unique culinary experiences such as trying the world-famous sachertorte in Vienna and enjoying traditional Polish pierogi in Kraków. In Rome, you have the option to participate in a pasta-making class to cook a homemade meal.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as an orientation tour in Kraków to explore its historical sites, a visit to the Jewish Quarter, and a chance to see the Royal Castle. In Ljubljana, you'll experience the city's fairytale-like charm with its rainbow architecture and epic mountain backdrops.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions