Ready to make the most of your summer or want a well-deserved break from work? Our 5-week European Expedition is your ticket to an epic adventure across the continent’s most incredible destinations.
Take it slow and soak up the essence of each city, from the bustling UK to the heart of Central Europe, down to the charms of Rome and the vibrant vibes of Barcelona. This journey isn’t about rushing; it’s about savoring every moment. Explore iconic landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and fully immerse yourself in the art of travel without the rush. With plenty of time for exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences, this expedition is your ultimate European getaway.
Route: London Amsterdam Berlin Prague Vienna Bratislava Budapest Zagreb Ljubljana Venice Florence Rome Nice Barcelona Paris London
Nights: 35
Countries Visited: 12
Transport: Train and Bus
Sustainability: This trip creates 220 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 1715.4kg♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
The Whole Hog is our most popular European backpacking route, and with our 5 week option you’ll spend 2 or 3 nights in each city and you’ll always travel during the day. That means you’ve got time to soak up the sights and have a night out or two without being rushed. As well as Europe’s top cities, you’ll also discover some hidden gems like Zagreb and Ljubljana. This route is perfect if you’ve got a little more time on your hands.
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 Bratislava and grand old bohemian Budapest.
Afterliving it up in a few 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 for a stop in picturesque Ljubljana, just 45 minutes from the glorious Lake Bled. After a scenic ride through the Slovenian Alps, you’ll wind up in Italy.
Ride the gondolas down the canals of Venice and get lost in its 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 on a hunt for the perfect grape. Who knows, you might even get to make your own 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, Vatican City, and spend a 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! Head to any of the city’s many unique clubs and chilled bars, and you’ll be guaranteed a great night.
Next up, the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. Nice is a gorgeous mixture of Italian and French culture, with no shortage of baguettes and gelato, it’s a foodie’s heaven. Chill on the beach, hire bikes to explore the coastline, or hit up the many art galleries. Why not take a day trip to Monaco for some celeb spotting while you’re there? From here you’ll hug the coast all the way to the Catalan Capital: Barcelona. Marvel at Gaudi’s awesome architecture and stuff yourself full of tapas and generous lashings of red wine before a couple of chilled out days exploring this stunning seaside city.
Take the train up to Paris for your last destination. Arrive at your last stop 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 the best French cuisine in Le Marais. You’d better make the most of your last night – in a few days you’ll be heading back to London. There’s no finer way to say goodbye to the trip of a lifetime before heading back to the UK to complete your trip.
– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown on 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 Bratislava Budapest Zagreb Ljubljana Venice Florence Rome Nice Barcelona Paris London
Nights: 35
Countries Visited: 12
Transport: Train and Bus
Sustainability: This trip creates 220 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 1715.4kg♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
The Whole Hog is our most popular European backpacking route, and with our 5 week option you’ll spend 2 or 3 nights in each city and you’ll always travel during the day. That means you’ve got time to soak up the sights and have a night out or two without being rushed. As well as Europe’s top cities, you’ll also discover some hidden gems like Zagreb and Ljubljana. Perfect if you’ve got a little more time on your hands.
Start your European backpacking route in London and settle into your journey onboard 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 Bratislava and grand old bohemian Budapest.
After living it up in a few of 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 for a stop in picturesque Ljubljana, just 45 minutes from the glorious Lake Bled. After a scenic ride through the Slovenian Alps you’ll wind up in Italy.
Ride the gondolas down the canals of Venice and get lost in its 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 on a hunt for the perfect grape. Who knows, you might even get to make your own 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, Vatican City, and spend a 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! Head to any of the city’s many unique clubs and chilled bars, and you’ll be guaranteed a great night.
Next up, the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. Nice is a gorgeous mixture of Italian and French culture. With no shortage of baguettes and gelato, it’s a foodie’s heaven. Chill on the beach, hire bikes to explore the coastline or hit up the many art galleries. Why not take a day trip to Monaco for some celeb spotting while you’re there? From here you’ll hug the coast all the way to the Catalan Capital: Barcelona. Marvel at Gaudi’s awesome architecture and stuff yourself full of tapas and generous lashings of red wine before a couple of chilled out days exploring this stunning seaside city.
Take the train up to Paris for your last destination. Arrive at your last stop 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 the best French cuisine in Le Marais. You’d better make the most of your last night – in a few days you’ll be heading back to London. There’s no finer way to say goodbye to the trip of a lifetime before heading back to the UK to complete your trip.
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. Why not add a few nights here to see the sights of the capital? Just get in touch and we’ll sort that for you!
Train to Amsterdam – 6 hours
Despite being credited with certain recreational pastimes, there is actually a lot more to the city than the stereotypical picture, with its abundance of engaging museums, beautiful townhouses, and canals. Find out what makes Amsterdam the beating heart of the Netherlands.
Highlights
Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Discover Europe’s biggest historic centre by pedal
Take a tour of the Red Light District
Train to Berlin – 7 hours
Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe and a pro at being edgy. It’s how people dress, their liberal attitudes, the graffiti, the skaters and BMXers, the art, the clubs, and the food. Berlin is also crammed full of fascinating WWII history around every corner.
Highlights
See a section of the old Berlin Wall
Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag
Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg
Train to Prague – 5 hours
Prague is stunning; there’s no better word to describe it. On any side street or square you’ll find unique buildings full of colourful detail. The Czech Republic is also the home of Pilsner beer, with no lack of establishments to sample it.
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 is crisp, clean, and chic with its biggest draw factor being the multitude of classical palaces and grand imperial buildings. Whether you’re into royal history or not, the sheer scale of it here will be encapsulating for all, whilst not forgetting the great bars and eateries.
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 Bratislava – 1 hour
Bratislavans are incredibly friendly and, as the city has not yet been discovered by the mainstream tourist (stag-dos aside), food, beer, and wine are still cheap here. It’s just as beautiful as its neighbouring Eastern European capitals, but smaller, quieter, and with an idyllic medieval feel.
Highlights
Climb up to the 19th century castle
Take a night tour to admire Bratislava’s beauty
Do some folk-art shopping at Úľuv
Train to Budapest – 3 hours
Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. With its rickety trams and turn-of-the-century feel you’ll be charmed by its past while you cure your hangover in any of the multitude of hot 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
A city of flowers and fountains with a curious Mediterranean feel, Zagreb is a year-round destination with a museum-café-theatre culture by day and a lakeside party by night. In winter, a tram ride out of the city provides scenic hiking and skiing opportunities.
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 Ljubljana – 3 hours
Ljubljana is a colourful chocolate box city with a café culture that brings to it a festival atmosphere all summer long. See the castle perched above the city or take a day trip out by train to the picturesque Lake Bled, where you can hire a rowing boat and visit the island in the middle.
Highlights
See the 16th Century castle on the hill
Wander through the colourful streets
Take in 360 views from an art-deco skyscraper terrace
Bus to Venice – 5 hours
Venice is nothing short of unique, built on mudbanks of the lagoon, having foregone 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 or large piazzas, and not a single street in sight.
Highlights
Cross the iconic St Mark’s Square
Get lost in the alleyways and canals of the city
Ride a vaporetto down the Grand Canal
Train to Florence – 2.5 hours
If you are touring the big cities of Europe and want to escape to the countryside, then the capital of Tuscany is one of the easiest places to do it from. Not that you’d want to of course once you’ve been seduced by the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture.
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 ice-cream, pizzerias, cafes, and trattorias, then so be it. Rome will delight you with its eateries and mesmerise you with its monuments. Don’t forget to visit Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and check another country off your list!
Highlights
Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum
See the world-famous Colosseum
Try real Italian coffee, ice-cream, and pizza
Trains to Nice – 10 hours
Looking out on to the French Riviera, Nice is a chic city with some of the best cuisine in the country. Its appeal was future-proofed by 19th Century British aristocrats who commissioned a beachside walkway by which to stroll at sunset, now the popular Promenade des Anglais.
Highlights
Explore the old-world town of Nice
See the sunset from the Promenade des Anglais
Take a sightseeing cruise of the Cote d’Azur
Trains to Barcelona – 9 hours
Barcelona is a city which offers everything in abundance. Delicious food, awesome nightlife, spectacular views from on high, architectural and artistic marvels all around. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s plenty of green space (and beach) around… A trip to the Sagrada Familia cathedral, still in construction, is a must.
Highlights
See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter
Spot Gaudi’s distinctive architecture in Parc Guell
Crawl the bars around Las Ramblas
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, it bedazzles visitors and oozes charisma at every turn.
Highlights
See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Watch a cabaret act at the famous Moulin Rouge
Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais
Train to London – 2.5 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 5 week Whole Hog all of your transport from the UK to the continent and back is included already. Travel by train from your nearest city to and from London for free (if travelling on the same day as you leave the UK) using your Interrail pass, and then start your journey in style on board the Eurostar from St Pancras, it’s that easy!
