Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
$1605
Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
9 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Vienna, Kraków, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey from Vienna to Rome, traversing six captivating countries: Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. This classic trail offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Begin in Vienna with a taste of sachertorte and schnaps, then explore Kraków's medieval charm and reflect at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Discover the picturesque city of Banská Bystrica and unwind in Budapest's thermal pools. Experience Ljubljana's vibrant atmosphere before gliding through Venice's iconic canals. Conclude your adventure in Rome, where ancient monuments and culinary delights await. With 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner included, this tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from architectural wonders to culinary indulgences, all while making new friends along the way.
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. It's onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its salt mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city's best beer spots and historical hotspots. Tonight you'll have a free night to explore Kraków's vibrant food and nightlife scene.
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
This morning we're up and on our way. Today we will change pace 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 after all. Back in the city, you'll have a free night. 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... 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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Auschwitz-Birkenau Visit
Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
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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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Ljubljana Orientation
Join an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital, exploring rainbow architecture, Insta-friendly bridges, and epic mountain backdrops.
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Venice Lagoon Speedboat
Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
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Venice Gondola Experience
Experience life on the waterways of Venice, capturing classic pictures of the famous gondola boats.
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Rome Exploration
Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the 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 locations are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation 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.
- 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.
- Banská Bystrica: This historic Slovakian city is filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains. It’s the perfect Insta backdrop!
- 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.
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly from Vienna to Rome, with stops in Krakow, Budapest, Ljubljana, and Venice, using a combination of private boat rides and other local transportation options to explore each destination's unique charm.
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.
FAQs
- London: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
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 and historical activities. You'll have orientation tours in cities like Kraków and Ljubljana, a solemn visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, and opportunities to explore vibrant nightlife and local cuisine. In Venice, you'll enjoy a private boat ride and explore the city's unique waterways.
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Will there be any free time to explore on my own?
Yes, there will be free time to explore on your own. For example, in Kraków, you'll have a free night to enjoy the city's food and nightlife scene. In Budapest, the day is yours to explore the city as you wish, and in Rome, you can choose to explore the city or participate in activities like a pasta-making class.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner. You'll have the opportunity to try local cuisines during your free time in various cities.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes stays at places like A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, and The Yellow in Rome, or similar accommodations.
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Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes unique experiences such as an orientation tour in Kraków, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial, exploring the historic city of Banská Bystrica, and a private boat ride in Venice.
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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