Route: Crete Athens Sorrento Rome La Spezia Nice Barcelona Valencia Madrid Seville Faro Lisbon Porto
Duration: 42 nights
Transport: Spend 6 amazing weeks crossing 13 of our favourite sun-drenched cities on our longest ever Mediterranean interrailing route! This route is 43 days long, involving 40 nights in your accommodation and two spent on a night ferries.
Sustainability: This trip only creates 286 kg of carbon emissions! To fly the same route would cost 1559.
Reviews: All independent reviews
If you’re a sun worshipper & culture vulture with a passion for the Mediterranean lifestyle then this is the ideal getaway for you! Got a study or career break coming up? Our 6 week option gives you all the time in the world to travel Europe by train; see the best of Greece, Italy, Southern France, Spain, and Portugal all in one go! With at least 2 nights in each destination, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in each city, with time spare for a few day trips.
Already been to Portugal? Check out the 5 week version which ends in sunny Mallorca!
Span sun-drenched Southern Europe with a route that ties five hot nations together – Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Taking this route around the Mediterranean, you’ll travel all the way from Crete to Porto – not bad for 6 weeks’ work!
Start your trip off in beach-beautiful Crete, Greece’s largest island! With everything it has to offer, you might never want to leave; white sandy beaches to lounge on, the White Mountains to hike and eerie caves to explore, you’ll have more than enough to fill your 4 nights here! Not to mention the oodles of Ancient mythology and Greek culture waiting to be unearthed…
Working your way across Greece, you’ll reach the capital of Athens. This stunning city is so full to the brim with historical and archaeological sites that you probably won’t see everything during your stay. No problem though – it’ll just encourage you to come back! Be sure to follow the locals to an authentic taverna to sink a silky wine or refreshing beer, all soaked up with a delicious mezze platter.
Next, hop over to Italy. Sorrento is your first stop for rugged coastlines, sandy beaches and ethereal coves to explore. Here, you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy views, tasty traditional dishes, and mind-blowingly good limoncello to sip on… and that’s without even mentioning the lively nightlife! With 4 nights here, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the luxe life on the Amalfi coast – not forgetting a day trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius, too!
Then head to Rome, the Eternal City, and marvel at the ancient monuments which still stand majestic amongst the century-old streets, fancifully furnished with sophisticated cafes and piazzas. Enjoy authentic Italian espresso, before tucking into some well-deserved cicchetti and sampling what the city’s nightlife has to offer.
Next up, you’ll spend a couple of days in the picturesque port town of La Spezia. Not only is this a stunning town in its own right, but it’s also the perfect hub to take a day trip to Cinque Terre! If you do decide to head there, be sure to take advantage of the chance to take in the bright and colourful higgledy-piggledy houses climbing the craggy seaside cliffs of each town.
Then you’ll make your way to the glittering French Riviera. You’ll stay in Nice where a twilight stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais is a must! Rub shoulders with celebrities whilst dining al fresco and breathing in the sea air. If you have time for a day trip, stop off in Monaco! If you’re feeling lucky, flash your cash alongside the filthy rich at the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Maybe don’t go too crazy though since you’ve still got half your trip to go…
After spending the day on scenic train journeys, you’ll arrive in Barcelona and discover Gaudi’s cakebread architectural style permeating the city. The Sagrada Familia is a majestic sight to behold – tick it off the bucket list before spending the day in the boutiques and bars of Bario Gotico. Once you’ve reached culture overload, Barca will take care of your night on the town with plenty of clubs to see you through until the morning.
Next, head South. Lounge around on Valencia’s long city beach, sampling spicy and rich paella on the promenade in the city of its origin. Wash it all down with cold beers in the old quarter, or drink in the city’s many museums.
Next up, take the train to ‘the most Spanish of Spain’s cities’ – Madrid. Wander around the majestic Palacio Real or take a picnic out on the boating lake at El Retiro Park. If tapas is also your bag, why not take a foodie tour around the city to discover its specialty dishes? Laidback days here are almost as good as discovering the city’s nightlife, so head out to soak up the live music scene in this buzzing cosmopolitan city.
Then, you’ll find yourself in Seville, watching authentic flamenco dancing and taking in its majestically beautiful architecture. The Alcazar and the Plaza de España are our sights of choice, so don’t miss out on filling up your Insta feed!
From the city of Seville to the soft sand and sunsoaked coast of the Algarve. Your arrival into Portugal gives you the choice to spend your two nights here however you please – soak up the rays, explore the old towns, try surfing on those famous west coast rolling waves, or even go dolphin-spotting!
Next, you’ll head to Portugal’s colourful capital, Lisbon. With its trendy yet old-worldly vibe, it won’t be long before you relax into the city’s slower pace, catching waves with the laid-back locals in this surfers’ haven. Don’t sit back just yet, though! There are imposing castles, towers and monasteries to make your way around. When night falls, check out its quirky bars and clubs to get a real feel for what this city is all about!
Finally, welcome to Porto! Home of stately bridges, cobbled streets, hipstery cafes and, of course, port wine! Climb the Dos Clerigos Tower for stunning views of Porto’s skyline before listening to traditional fado music at one of the city’s many incredible cafes.
There really is no place better to end your incredible 6 week adventure through the Mediterranean’s best!
You can arrange a flight to Chania International Airport and a flight home from Porto Airport, whilst we take care of the transport in between your cities!
