This trip is perfect for the young, budget-conscious traveller eager to check a bunch of boxes off their travelling to-do list in one fell swoop. Beginning in Rome — the crucible of Western civilisation — and wrapping up in beautiful Budapest, you’ll sample the regional specialties and delicious wines of Italy, get in touch with the continent’s rich culture in famed museums and galleries, and compare dance floors in the nightclubs of Europe’s party capitals.
Required Age: 18 -39 Years | Group Size: 10 – 16 Pax | Nos of Days: 9 days
Trip Starts Date/Location: 15th July 2023 | Rome, Italy
Trip Ends Date/Location: 23rd July 2023 | Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: NA (Check with you CEO for local Options)
Transport: Walking, Private Vehicles, Trains, Metro
Accommodation: Hostels (8N)
Highlights: Devour delicious Italian cuisine, waltz through Vienna, party across Europe, stroll the history-filled streets of European capitals
The Rome to Budapest – Canals & Capitals – USD 1690 + 5% GST per adult
PS: This Experience is completely managed and operated by G Adventures, Toronto and based on our association you can avail of this special discounted pricing IF booked via iTravel
Rome (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Generator Rome or similar)
Arrive at any time. “On an evening in Roma…” Venture out to a bar or pub with your CEO and fellow travellers for drinks and conversation. As you explore the winding cobblestone streets and sidewalks of The Eternal City, prepare for the endless excitement about to unfold on the rest of your journey. If you are arriving early and wish to see the Vatican Museums, it’s a good idea to book your ticket online from home. If you try waiting until you arrive it may be too late! We also suggest pre-booking tickets to the Borghese Gallery and the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don’t forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to- Thirty somethings tours.
Optional Activities
Borghese Gallery (1 – 2 Hrs) (25 EUR):Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
Pantheon Visit: The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.
Roman Forum Visit (1 – 2 Hrs) (24 EUR): Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.
Colosseum Visit (24 EUR): Enjoy a visit to this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome’s aristocracy. Take a tour of the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please! Please note that this must be booked in combination with the Roman Forum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.
Christian Catacombs (30 – 1 Hrs)(8 EUR):Follow a guide through this ancient underground cemetery.
Trastevere Visit (2 – 4 Hrs): Cross the Tiber river to reach the quaint medieval neighbourhood of Trastevere. This is a great opportunity to escape the crowds and get a glimpse into local life.
Rome/Florence (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Nuova Italia or similar)
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before heading to Florence. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza and Ponte Vecchio. Explore a different side of Rome on a walking tour led by a migrant guide and see Rome through the eyes of a recent newcomer to Italy. Leave Rome behind and head towards Florence. No city can boast of such artistic richness as this romantic Renaissance city. Food, art, culture, and beautiful views put this outstanding Italian city in a field of its own. The list of things to see and do in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is unlimited, be it art, nature, architecture, history, or food and drink!
Migran-tour Rome: Learn all about a different side of Rome with a newcomer to Italy as your guide with Migrantour, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city – with their own flair. G Adventures travellers receive a unique experience as guides give them rare insight into Italian society through an immigrant’s eyes. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Rome, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.
Train Rome – Florence (4 Hrs / 280 kms): Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time Florence: Explore the beauty of Florence at your own pace.
Optional Activities:
Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo): Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.
Piazzale Michelangelo Walk: Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s worth every step!
Florence (Meals Incl. NA) ((O/n Nuova Italia or similar)
Enjoy a Free day in Florence to explore. Opt for a day trip to nearby Siena, or just enjoy all the city has to offer. For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the “Florence Food Tour” on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment, Florence Full Day: There’s plenty to see and do in Florence, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of the Renaissance masters, marvel at the Duomo and take in the panoramic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities
Piazzale Michelangelo Walk: Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s worth every step!
Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo): Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.
Medici Chapels Visit (8 EUR): Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.
Ponte Vecchio Visit: Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
Siena Visit (75 km): Head to nearby Siena and wander this medieval walled city. Options abound! Visit the gorgeous Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held each summer. Climb the Torre del Mangia for fantastic views of the Tuscan landscape.
Il Duomo di Firenze: This green-pink-white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed.
Uffizi Gallery Visit (21 EUR):Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.
National Museum of Bargello (15 EUR): Explore this museum, housed in one of the earliest buildings in Florence (dating to 1255). Stroll through the corridors to learn about the history of this site and its many uses, and see the fantastic works from master artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo.
Florence Food Tour (Pre book): Uncover the treasures of Florence, savoured by locals for generations, on this 4-hour walking tour through Oltarno. Experience the unique flavours and foods that make the cuisine of this region so distinct from the rest of Italy. Famous for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, Florence is a city rich with culture, history and of course, some of the tastiest Tuscan food in the region. Wander the streets and soak up the bohemian vibe as you stop to sample wine and salami. There is even the chance to get hands on as you learn how to make Italian cantucci (cookies).
Florence/Venice (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Anda Venice Hostel or similar)
Catch a train into Venice. Enjoy an orientation walk along the canals, then take some time to explore the city’s winding streets on your own. Opt to take a ride in a gondola, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.
Train Florence – Venice (2.5 Hrs): Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk (1 Hrs): Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Discover Moment Venice Full Day: There’s plenty to see and do in Venice, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like exploring the waterways on a gondola ride, watch a Venetian glass blowing demonstration, and sitting down for a catch of the day meal at a canal-side restaurant. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities
Murano and Burano Islands Visit (20 EUR): Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries old tradition of lacemaking.
Campanile San Marco Lookout (8 EUR): Climb to the top of the Campanile – Venice’s tallest building – to take in a great bird’s eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) (17 EUR): Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.
Gondola Ride (30 – 45 Mins) (80 Eur Per Group): Sit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.
Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica Visit, Piazza San Marco (1-3 Hrs): Enter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration.
Guggenheim Museum Visit (1 – 2 Hrs) (15 EUR): While walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.
Venice/Ljubljana (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Hostel Tresor Ljubljana or similar)
Journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Explore the Ljubjanica River lined with outdoor cafes, or opt to take a quick trip to nearby Bled.
Minibus (Venice – Ljubljana) (3 Hrs/240km): It’s bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.
Free Time Ljubljana: Go out and explore Slovenia’s capital city.
Optional Activities
Metelkova Mesto District (1 – 2 Hrs): Take a wander around these previously abandoned army barracks, now turned art-city.
Ljubjana Castle & Funicular (10 – 15 EUR): Running from Krek Square near the Ljubljana Central Market to the Ljubljana Castle, the funicular is the best way to get a great view of the capital of Slovenia.
Tivoli Park (1 – 2 Hrs): Popular with tourists and locals alike, Tivoli Park is the perfect place to people watch, relax or enjoy a picnic. With over 5km of running trails, cycling paths, grassy slopes and open fields, hanging out at this central Ljubljana park is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
Preseren Square: Prešeren Square, the old town’s main pedestrian zone is a major meeting point for festivals, the Ljubljana carnival and concerts. Take a stroll and blend in with the locals.
Ljubljana/Vienna (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Hostel Do Step Inn Vienna or similar)
Catch the bus to Vienna. Take a short orientation walk around this incredible city.
Private Vehicle Ljubljana – Vienna (4.5 Hrs/390 kms): It’s bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.
Orientation Walk (1 Hr): Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time Vienna Full Day: Enjoy another full day to visit historical landmarks, try local cuisine and admire the amazing architecture throughout the city.
Optional Activities: NA
Vienna (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Hostel Do Step Inn Vienna or similar)
Free time to wander the imperial streets of Austria’s capital, with its grand buildings, gardens, museums, and tasty pilsner. Opt to see the Lipizzaner ‘dancing’ horses. After tiring yourself out with sightseeing, pop into a café, a Viennese institution. For a slice of local life, the cafés are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious café experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Vienna’s specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).
Orientation Walk (1 hr): Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is
recommended.
Free Time Vienna Afternoon: Don’t waste a minute— get out and explore.
Optional Activities
Belvedere Gallery Visit (1-2 Hrs)(19 EUR): Learn some of the history of this beautiful palace and grounds and explore the impressive art collection. Of particular note, the museum’s collection of 24 pieces by Gustav Kilmt, including his famous ‘Kiss’.
Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (1 Hr) (11-15 EUR): Enjoy a guided tour of the stunning summer palace designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The palace gardens are free to all visitors.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral Visit: St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city.
Vienna State Opera House Visit (8 EUR): Visit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house’s main features and learn about the history of the building.
View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14 EUR): Pay a visit to the gorgeous grey Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Witness the birthplace of “airs above the ground,” or classical dressage, known for its highly controlled movements and jumps.
Vienna Boys’ Choir Visit (2 – 3 Hrs)(56 – 200 EUR): Sit back and be transported by the sweet voices of the one of world’s best known choirs. Founded in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is made up of boys aged 10-14 from Austria and around the world. Attend a live concert and learn what it means to be moved by music. *Please note that the price of the ticket will vary depending on the seating you choose*.
Vienna/Budapest (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n Good Mo House or similar)
Orientation walk upon arrival in Budapest, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Visit the beautiful Parliament building, stroll along the streets or check out the thermal baths. Opt for an evening out with the group. To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the “Budapest History Walking Tour” on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Train Vienna – Budapest (4 Hrs): Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk (1 Hr): Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time Budapest Afternoon: Hit the streets and start exploring!
Your Big Night Out Moment: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Optional Activities
Buda Castle Visit (3 – 4 Hrs) (1500 HUF): Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary’s art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.
Thermal Baths Visit (1 – 3 Hrs): (4200 – 5000 HUF): Bring two towels, your bathing suit and an aching body and prepare to be healed in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Built in 1913, you can test the waters of 18 different pools (15 of which are spring fed) amidst stunning Neo- Baroque architecture. Play chess on floating chessboards, relax in the whirlpools and explore the wonderful mosaic domes of these historic thermal steam rooms.
Budapest Bike Tour (3 – 4 Hrs) (28 EUR): Join a group for a guided city tour by bike. Buzz around the city on two wheels to cover more ground and get your blood pumping.
Hungarian National Museum (1 – 2 Hrs) (1600 HUF): Discover a vast collection of relics at the Hungarian National Museum, the oldest in the country. Wander through galleries that feature incredible objects from prehistoric to modern times, including those from the Stone Age, Ottoman period and contemporary Hungary.
Hungarian State Opera House (0.5 – 1 Hr)(2900 HUF): Constructed in 1873, the Opera House is one of Budapest’s most stunning examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Take a tour around this stunning building to get a closer look at the ornate marble statues, frescos, and ornate tin work – to name a few highlights.
Great Market Hall Visit (Free): Take a stroll though the oldest indoor market in Hungary.
Chain Bridge (Free): Straddling the river Danube, the Chain Bridge suspension bridge is the first built to connect Buda and Pest, and is now one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks.
Parliament Building Visit (5200 HUF): Take a guided tour of one of Hungary’s crown jewels – the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance.
Budapest History Walking Tour (Pre Book): Unravel the secrets of Budapest on a 3-hour walking tour of the city’s medieval and Jewish districts. Your guide will meet you and then take you to visit Great Market Hall, the city’s largest food market, before making your way through winding streets to see remnants of Budapest’s 15th-century fortress walls. Immerse yourself in the pre-Ottoman worlds of Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River, and learn about events of historical significance along the way. Stop for a coffee break, then continue onto the city’s Jewish district and visit the Dohany Street Synagogue to learn about the history of Hungarian Jews. Today, this area is known for its “ruin bars” and is a lively centre of nightlife.
Budapest (Meals Incl. NA) (O/n NA)
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as this tour comes to an end. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. You can Also pre book your accommodation for tonight to continue exploring the city.
