Vienna to Rome Trail | Gap 18-22 | Summer | 2026
Vienna to Rome Trail | Gap 18-22 | Summer | 2026
$2019
Vienna to Rome Trail | Gap 18-22 | Summer | 2026
9 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Vienna, Kraków, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPVRMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Vienna to Rome Trail" designed for young adventurers aged 18-22. This limited edition summer tour takes you through the heart of Europe, starting in the cultural hub of Vienna and ending in the historic city of Rome. Along the way, explore the poignant memorials of Auschwitz and Birkenau, the medieval charm of Krakow, and the vibrant cityscape of Budapest. Discover the hidden gems of Ljubljana and the enchanting canals of Venice. With a mix of guided tours and free time, you'll have the chance to soak in thermal pools, enjoy traditional cuisines, and capture stunning landscapes. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Vienna! Meet and greet your new Gap Year friends and Trip Manager, full of anticipation for the adventures ahead. Get to know your new travel squad over dinner tonight, and maybe a few schnapps, since we're in Austria after all.
Day 2: Vienna To Krakow
Location: Kraków
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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, and The Yellow in Rome.
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Meals
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
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Orientation Tours
Orientation tours are included in Kraków, Banská Bystrica, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and Venice.
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Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau
A visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is included.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
A private boat ride in Venice is included as part of the experience.
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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Transportation to Start Location
Transportation to the start location in Vienna and from the end location in Rome is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly from Vienna to Rome, with stops in Krakow, Budapest, Ljubljana, and Venice, using a combination of private coach and local transportation, allowing you to explore each destination with ease and comfort.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and convenient 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 pleasant and restful experience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
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.
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, such as visiting the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Krakow, and enjoying a private boat ride in Venice. There are also opportunities for relaxation, like soaking in Budapest's famous outdoor thermal pools and taking a dip at Lake Bled.
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Will there be any opportunities to try local cuisine?
Yes, there will be opportunities to try local cuisine. In Krakow, you can enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favorite. In Rome, you might have the chance to participate in a pasta-making class and cook a homemade meal.
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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 Krakow to get familiar with the city's historical hotspots, a visit to the historic Slovakian city of Banská Bystrica, and a scenic walk around Lake Bled. Additionally, you will have the chance to explore the fairytale-like capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, and speed across the lagoon to the island of Venice.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Vienna and ends in Rome.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there is free time during the tour. For example, in Krakow, after the orientation tour, you are free to explore the city on your own. Similarly, in Budapest, the day is yours to explore the city as you wish.
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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.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 28, 2026 - Aug 05, 2026Book with Confidence
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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