Get ready for an epic European adventure spanning 10 captivating cities and 8 diverse countries in just 3 exhilarating weeks. This fast-paced journey is tailor-made for intrepid travellers hungry for a whirlwind tour of the continent’s most iconic destinations. If you’re someone who believes in squeezing every drop of culture, history, and adventure out of your trip, then this is your ultimate European escapade.
Route: London Amsterdam Berlin Prague Vienna Budapest Zagreb Venice Florence Rome Milan Paris London
Nights: 21
Countries Visited: 8
Transport: Train
Sustainability: This trip creates 202.3 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 830.6kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
The Whole Hog is our most popular European backpacking route by far, and with this 3 week option you’ll spend a couple of days in each city. That means you get to see 10 awesome destinations in 22 days. It’s fast paced but not rushed – you’ll have a full day in each city, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to see the sights. Perfect if you want to cover all the continent’s most popular cities.
Fancy a bit more sleep in Vienna or want to head from Rome early? Don’t worry we’ll tailor your trip in accordance with your travel preferences so it’s perfect for you!
Start your European backpacking route in London and settle into your journey on board the Eurostar to Amsterdam. With coffee shops and museums galore, you’ll have the perfect mix of culture and partying to contend with! Next up is the cosmopolitan and edgy atmosphere in Berlin, the European city that never sleeps. Carry on to Prague for gorgeous Gothic scenery by day, and long, boozy nights in secret underground bars by night. Next, head south to classical Vienna, the music capital of the continent, before making your way up the Danube River to grand old bohemian Budapest.
After an evening in the Ruin Bars, recuperate at a spa before heading to the underrated Croatian capital, Zagreb. With a buzzing cafe culture and chilled bars, you won’t go hungry or bored! Head west straight through Slovenia and you’ll wind up in Italy. Ride the gondolas down the canals of Venice and get lost in its picturesque labyrinth of quaint backstreets. Next up is a trip to the artists’ haven of Florence. Soak up the medieval splendour and enjoy the style and glamour of what was once the capital of Italy. Fancy a day trip? Head out to the scenic vineyards of Tuscany to try the best Chianti wine.
As you pull into Rome, prepare to be spoilt for choice when it comes to sight-seeing in one of the world’s most photogenic cities. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Castel Sant’Angelo, are all must-sees, of course! Be sure to tick off the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City, and spend the last few days of your European backpacking route exploring the historic streets, piazzas and palaces of Old Rome. When night falls, the city really comes alive!
Stop off in Milan for the night before continuing on to Paris for your last destination. Arrive in early afternoon, ready to make the most of the most visited city in Europe. Catch all the best views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomph or the steps of Sacre Coeur, then refresh yourself with a glorious glass of French wine and the finest cheese. There’s no finer way to say goodbye to the trip of a lifetime before you zoom back to your nearest UK station to complete your adventure…
– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map.
– Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.
– All possible seat reservations – not just the compulsory ones!
– Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels – tested by us
– Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
– Travel Disruption Protection – alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
– 24hr emergency phone number to use while you’re away.
– Personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location.
– Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.
Route: London Amsterdam Berlin Prague Vienna Budapest Zagreb Venice Florence Rome Milan Paris London
Nights: 21
Countries Visited: 8
Transport: Train
Sustainability: This trip creates 202.3 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 830.6kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
The Whole Hog is our most popular European backpacking route by far, and with this 3 week option you’ll spend a couple of days in each city. That means you get to see 10 awesome destinations in 22 days. It’s fast paced but not rushed – you’ll have a full day in each city, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to see the sights. Perfect if you want to cover all the continent’s most popular cities.
Fancy a bit more sleep in Vienna or want to head from Rome early? Don’t worry we’ll tailor your trip in accordance with your travel preferences so it’s perfect for you!
Start your European backpacking route in London and settle into your journey on board the Eurostar to Amsterdam. With coffee shops and museums galore, you’ll have the perfect mix of culture and partying to contend with! Next up is the cosmopolitan and edgy atmosphere in Berlin, the European city that never sleeps. Carry on to Prague for gorgeous Gothic scenery by day, and long, boozy nights in secret underground bars by night. Next, head south to classical Vienna, the music capital of the continent, before making your way up the Danube River to grand old bohemian Budapest.
After an evening in the Ruin Bars, recuperate at a spa before heading to the underrated Croatian capital, Zagreb. With a buzzing cafe culture and chilled bars, you won’t go hungry or bored! Head west straight through Slovenia and you’ll wind up in Italy. Ride the gondolas down the canals of Venice and get lost in its picturesque labyrinth of quaint backstreets. Next up is a trip to the artists’ haven of Florence. Soak up the medieval splendour and enjoy the style and glamour of what was once the capital of Italy. Fancy a day trip? Head out to the scenic vineyards of Tuscany to try the best Chianti wine.
As you pull into Rome, prepare to be spoilt for choice when it comes to sight-seeing in one of the world’s most photogenic cities. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Castel Sant’Angelo, are all must-sees, of course! Be sure to tick off the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City, and spend the last few days of your European backpacking route exploring the historic streets, piazzas and palaces of Old Rome. When night falls, the city really comes alive!
Stop off in Milan for the night before continuing on to Paris for your last destination. Arrive in early afternoon, ready to make the most of the most visited city in Europe. Catch all the best views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomph or the steps of Sacre Coeur, then refresh yourself with a glorious glass of French wine and the finest cheese. There’s no finer way to say goodbye to the trip of a lifetime before you zoom back to your nearest UK station to complete your adventure…
Start your trip in London with the Eurostar from St Pancras. If you’re travelling on an Interrail pass for the trip, you can use this to get from your hometown to London for free, as long as it’s on the same day as your departure! This does not apply if you have individual tickets in PDF form.
Fancy adding few nights here to see the sights of the capital? Just get in touch and we can customise this for you.
Train to Amsterdam – 6 hours
Amsterdam, the charismatic capital of the Netherlands, awaits your arrival. Beyond its famed recreational activities, this city boasts a rich tapestry of captivating museums, elegant townhouses, and picturesque canals. Discover what makes Amsterdam the vibrant heartbeat of the Netherlands.
Highlights
Visit the renowned Van Gogh Museum.
Explore Europe’s largest historic centre by pedalling through the city’s charming streets.
Take a tour of the red light district
Train to Berlin – 7 hours
Welcome to Berlin, the epitome of Europe’s alternative and edgy side. Immerse yourself in the city’s unique character, from its fashion-forward inhabitants to its liberal attitudes. Berlin’s streets are a canvas of graffiti, and it’s a haven for skaters, BMXers, art enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Dive into the history of World War II that’s etched into every corner of this remarkable city.
Highlights
See a section of the old Berlin Wall
Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag
Go Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg
Train to Prague – 5 hours
Prague, often described as stunning, will enchant you at every turn. Wander through its charming side streets and picturesque squares adorned with unique and colourful architectural gems. The Czech Republic, known for its Pilsner beer, offers a plethora of establishments to sample this liquid gold.
Highlights
Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge
Marvel at the curvy design of the Dancing Building
Try all the Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town pub
Train to Vienna – 4 hours
Vienna, a city characterized by crispness, cleanliness, and chic elegance, invites you to explore its grandeur. Admire the multitude of classical palaces and imperial buildings that define the city’s essence. Whether you’re a history buff or a connoisseur of fine dining, Vienna’s scale and splendor will captivate all who visit.
Highlights
Visit the Spanish riding school of Vienna
Eat real Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel
Go to a classical concert in a city renowned for music
Train to Budapest – 3 hours
Budapest, guardian of the Danube, invites you to explore its architectural marvels, spanning from Baroque to Art Nouveau. The city’s historic trams and timeless ambiance will charm you as you soak in its rich past and rejuvenate in its soothing thermal baths.
Highlights
Relax in the 15th Century thermal spas
Take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle
Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August
Train to Zagreb – 6 hours
Zagreb, a city of flowers, fountains, and Mediterranean vibes, is a year-round destination. Experience a unique blend of museum culture, café life, and theatre by day, and lively lakeside festivities by night. In the winter, take a tram ride to explore the stunning hiking and skiing opportunities outside the city.
Highlights
Catch a 360 view from the Lotrščak Tower
Stroll through the beautiful Mirogoj cemetery
Have a coffee in Kino Europa, Zagreb’s oldest cinema
Bus to Venice – 7 hours
Venice is nothing short of unique: built on mudbanks in the lagoon, it forwent the convenience of cars for the charisma of canals. Getting lost in Venice is part of the fun, and if you’re on foot you’ll only find small backstreets leading to less-touristy and more authentic parts of the city.
Highlights
Cross the iconic St Mark’s Square
Get lost in the alleyways and canals of the city
Ride the vaporetto down the grand canal
Train to Florence – 2.5 hours
If you’re seeking a break from the bustling cityscapes of Europe, Florence, the capital of Tuscany, provides a seamless escape to the countryside. This city, the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture, boasts a magnetic allure.
Highlights
See Michelangelo’s statue of David
Explore countless Renaissance chapels and churches
Eat any number of fun flavours of exquisite ice-cream
Train to Rome – 2 hours
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If that means indulging in gelaterias, pizzerias, cafes, and trattorias, then so be it. Rome will delight you with its eateries and mesmerise you with its monuments. Also, visit the Vatican, the world’s smallest country!
Highlights
Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum
See the world-famous Colosseum
Try real Italian coffee, ice-cream, and pizza
Train to Milan – 3 hours
Though Milan is just a brief stop to break up your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to experience its dynamic nightlife.
Train to Paris – 7 hours
Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style and the epitome of elegance. The pride of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf, bedazzling visitors and oozing charisma at every turn.
Highlights
See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre museum
Watch a cabaret act the famous Moulin Rouge
Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais
Train to London – 4 hours
Finish your trip back in the UK’s enigmatic capital city, or continue your onward journey home to your nearest UK station for free using your Interrail pass.
With no stress! With the 3 week Whole Hog all of your transport from the UK to the continent and back is included already. Travel by train for free using your Interrail Pass from your nearest city to London on your date of departure, and then start your journey in style on board the Eurostar from St Pancras, it’s that easy!
