Rome to Budapest Explorer
23 days
From
$ 4699
Duration23 days
For years, travellers have dreamed about exploring cultural, romantic Europe. The time to take that trip is now. We’ve packaged together some of our greatest European hits — Rome to Venice and on to Budapest through Slovenia and Austria — in order to give you the biggest bang for your buck in three weeks’ time. On this well-paced trip, you’ll get all the highlights of the well-known cities (Florence, Vienna) along with hidden gems like Montepulciano and Salzburg. Once you’ve experienced the passion of Europe’s cosmopolitan centres and rustic small towns, you’ll find it hard to ever forget them.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 23 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/rome. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.
We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues.
Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/rome. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.
We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues.
Day 2: Rome
While you're here, why not opt to rent a Vespa for the day? Live "la dolce vita" and opt to pre-book the Rome Vintage Vespa Tour on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.
Meals: B
Day 3: Rome/Montepulciano
Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.
Travel to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk.
Meals: B
Day 4: Montepulciano
Opt to travel further afield to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo.
Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.
Meals: B
Day 5: Montepulciano/Florence
Continue to the inimitable Firenze. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio. Continue to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most famous and photographed vista of the city.
Opt to visit the local leather markets and souvenir stalls set up all over the city.
Opt to visit the local leather markets and souvenir stalls set up all over the city.
Continue on to Florence. Enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Meals: B
Day 6: Florence
The day is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.
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.
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.
With a free day, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David, the Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels.
If you wish to visit popular museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially during the high season from May-September, where this can take several hours). Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/florence.
Meals: B
Day 7: Florence
Enjoy a day trip to vibrant Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Return to Florence at the end of the day.
Meals: B
Day 8: Florence/Cinque Terre
Head by train to Pisa and stop for a visit at the Field of Miracles to see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Later, head on to the coastal paradise of Cinque Terre.
Visit Pisa en route to the coast. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre.
Meals: B
Day 9: Cinque Terre
The national park pass and daily unlimited train ticket is included. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards on a full day hike, or hop on and off the train, experiencing each town on your own. Choose to rest in each of the 5 villages, sampling delicacies in each place, such as local pesto, espresso, or delicious gelato.
Walk the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso or opt to take the train. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way.
Please note that some popular hiking paths along the Cinque Terre have been temporarily closed due to water erosion and damage caused by landslides in 2016. Your CEO will guide you on the best, most accessible path for today's hike.
Meals: B
Day 10: Cinque Terre/Lake Como
Set out from Cinque Terre on a train journey with a few changes en route, passing through Milan and on to elegant Varenna, located on the shores of Lake Como. On the border with Switzerland, enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the snowy-peaked Alps.
Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and start exploring the town.
Meals: B
Day 11: Lake Como
Set out by boat to explore the lake and its many elegant villas and towns, such as Bellagio with its shops, restaurants, and fine residences. In the afternoon, there is plenty of free time for soaking up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants. Take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.
Spend the day on Lake Como with a day pass for the Lake Como boat. Visit multiple towns along the shores. Opt to take the funicular to Brunate for a fantastic view over the area.
Meals: B
Day 12: Lake Como/Venice
Travel east to captivating Venice, the unique "city of canals," full of magnificent monuments.
There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy an orientation walk over bridges and canals and view Piazza San Marco.
Meals: B
Day 13: Venice
Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.
Meals: B
Day 14: Venice
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Enjoy a full day in Venice to explore more of this magical city.
Meals: B
Day 15: Venice/Bled
Journey by bus into Slovenia, stopping in the capital city of Ljubljana. Enjoy the eastern charm of the city before continuing on to the lakeside town of Bled.
Take a CEO-led orientation walk before separating to explore the charming hamlet.
Take a CEO-led orientation walk before separating to explore the charming hamlet.
Journey to Bled, Slovenia stopping en route in Ljubljana. Take an orientation walk. Opt to visit the castle or wander around the lake.
Meals: B
Day 16: Bled
Most activities centre around Bled or depart from Bled to go into the Bohinj area. Your CEO can help you book whatever suits you best.
To end your day with a local wine tasting, opt to pre-book the "Bled Wine Tasting Experience" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
To end your day with a local wine tasting, opt to pre-book the "Bled Wine Tasting Experience" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Head out for a day of adventuring around this massive basin in the Julian Alps. This stunning region is known for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and canoeing. Spend the day making the most of this beautiful area.
Meals: B
Day 17: Bled/Salzburg
With time in the afternoon, start exploring. Spend time in the UNESCO-listed Old Town or visiting the nearby salt mines. The birthplace of Mozart has enough of history and charm to keep you busy for weeks.
Catch a train to Salzburg, a charming town across the Austrian border. Enjoy a quick orientation walk on arrival before making the most of a free afternoon.
End place: Salzburg
Meals: B
Day 18: Salzburg
Start place: Salzburg
Free day to explore. Opt to take a Sound of Music tour, stopping at famous venues tied to the movie. Even if you aren't a fan, the tour heads out to different venues from the movie showing off the best of Salzburg and the surrounding area.
Enjoy a free day in Salzburg. Opt for a Sound of Music tour.
End place: Salzburg
Meals: B
Day 19: Salzburg/Vienna
Start place: Salzburg
Enjoy a free morning to explore a little more. In late afternoon, travel to the capital city of Vienna. Take a short orientation walk before heading out for an optional dinner in the 'City of Music'.
Enjoy a free morning before travelling to Vienna. Upon arrival, take a short orientation walk. Later, check in to your accommodation in Vienna, a G Adventures supported hotel stay.
End place: Vienna
Meals: B
Day 20: Vienna
Start place: Vienna
Try some local delicacies like schnitzel, apple strudel or the Sachertorte. Take some time to enjoy a coffee in coffeehouses unique to Vienna.
Spend a free day exploring Vienna. Opt to visit the famous opera house, take in the art at the Belvedere or indulge in some typical Viennese delicacies.
End place: Vienna
Meals: B
Day 21: Vienna/Budapest
Start place: Vienna
Journey by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths.
Travel to Budapest. After a short orientation walk, opt to visit some sights on foot or, time-permitting, sign up for a city tour by bike.
Meals: B
Day 22: Budapest
Enjoy a free day in the "Pearl of the Danube". Opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.
Meals: B
Day 23: Budapest
We highly recommend booking post-tour accommodation to full experience this charming city.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel, Vienna Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Rome Your Discover Moment: Florence Your Discover Moment: Venice
- Orientation walk of Montepulciano (Tuscany)
- Day trip to Siena
- Piazzale Michelangelo evening visit (Florence)
- Pisa visit (half-day)
- Cinque Terre park fee, unlimited train ticket and CEO-led hike
- Lake Como boat day pass
- Venice orientation walk
- Bled orientation walk
- Salzburg orientation walk
- Budapest orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Public bus, Train, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/pensions (22 nts)