European Trail: Capitals & Cafés Adventure Tour

You. Europe. 26 days. Ready? You'd better be, because this epic London-to-London romp through the Old World's greatest cities doesn't slow down for stragglers. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers eager to check an entire continent off their must-do list in one fell swoop, this adventure will take you from the busy streets of the English capital to Paris' most elegant galleries and cafés, the stunning natural brilliance of the Swiss Alps, the ancient beauty of Italy's Florence, the Eastern European charm of Budapest and Krakow and the party capitals of Berlin and Amsterdam before wrapping up with a celebratory pint in a London pub. Phew! We're tired just talking about it.

Packing List  

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: Paris
Your Foodie Moment: Eiffel Tower Picnic, Paris
Your Discover Moment: Interlaken
Your Big Night Out Moment: Interlaken
Your Discover Moment: Rome
Your Discover Moment: Florence
Your Discover Moment: Venice
Your Big Night Out Moment: Budapest
Your Discover Moment: Budapest
Your Big Night Out Moment: Prague
Your Discover Moment: Berlin
Your Big Night Out Moment: Bruges. Picnic in front of Eiffel Tower (Paris). Visit to genuine Pilsner beer hall (Prague). Bicycle tour around Amsterdam. Orientation walks in Interlaken, Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Kraków, Prague, Berlin, and Bruges. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Your CEO can also show you where the you can get your laundry done.

Money Exchange  

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller's cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller's cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Optional Activities  

Paris
- Musée d'Orsay Visit (11EUR per person)
- Eiffel Tower Visit (16EUR per person)
- The Louvre Visit (12-16EUR per person)
- Palace of Versailles Visit (18EUR per person)
- Champs-Élysées Visit (Free)
- Sacre Coeur Visit (Free)
- Musée Rodin Visit (12EUR per person)
- Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum (12EUR per person)
- Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show (175-185EUR per person)

Giverny
- Monet's Giverny Gardens (10.20EUR per person)

Interlaken
- Alpine Canyoning Adventure (119CHF per person)
- Paragliding
- Ropes course
- Chocolate Making Workshop (65CHF per person)
- Mountain Biking (70-100EUR per person)
- Jungfrau Cog Railway (91CHF per person)
- Hiking in the Swiss Alps (30-60CHF per person)

Vatican City
- Vatican Museum Visit (20EUR per person)
- Vatican City Visit (Free)
- Sistine Chapel (10EUR per person)

Rome
- Pantheon Visit
- Borghese Gallery (25EUR per person)
- Christian Catacombs (8EUR per person)
- Roman Forum Visit (24EUR per person)
- Colosseum Visit (24EUR per person)
- Trevi Fountain (Free)
- Spanish Steps (Free)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Florence
- Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit
- Piazzale Michelangelo Walk
- Medici Chapels Visit (8EUR per person)
- Ponte Vecchio Visit
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Free)
- Uffizi Gallery Visit (20.75EUR per person)
- National Museum of Bargello (15.75EUR per person)
- Florence Food Tour

Siena
- Siena Visit

Murano
- Murano and Burano Islands Visit (20EUR per person)

Venice
- Campanile San Marco Lookout (8EUR per person)
- Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit (17EUR per person)
- Gondola Ride (80EUR per group)
- Guggenheim Museum Visit (15EUR per person)

Piazza San Marco
- Saint Mark's Square and Basilica Visit (Free)

Ljubljana
- Metelkova Mesto District (Free)
- Ljubjana Castle & Funicular (10-15EUR per person)
- Tivoli Park (Free)
- Preseren Square (Free)

Vienna
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19EUR per person)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15EUR per person)
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8EUR per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14EUR per person)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (56-200EUR per person)

Budapest
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28EUR per person)
- Hungarian National Museum (1600HUF per person)
- Hungarian State Opera House (2900HUF per person)
- Great Market Hall Visit (Free)
- Chain Bridge (Free)
- Parliament Building Visit (5200HUF per person)
- Budapest History Walking Tour
- Budapest Morning Walking Tour

Krakow
- Rynek Underground Museum (19PLN per person)
- Old Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
- Wawel Royal Castle (3PLN per person)
- Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) Meal
- Auschwitz Tour (48USD per person)

Wieliczka
- Wieliczka Salt Mines Visit (79PLN per person)

Prague
- Prague Ghetto (Josefov/Jewish Quarter) Visit (10-20EUR per person)
- Museum of Communism (150CZK per person)
- Petrín Hill Hike (Free-30CZK per person)
- Letná Beer Garden Visit (Free-3EUR per person)
- Old Town Hall and Clock Tower (110-440CZK per person)
- Charles Bridge Visit (Free)
- Old Town Visit
- Prague Castle (Hradcany) Visit (250-350CZK per person)
- Kafka Museum (200CZK per person)
- Mucha Museum (240CZK per person)
- Malá Strana Visit

Berlin
- East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall (Free)
- Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit (13EUR per person)
- Reichstag Visit
- Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit (13-23EUR per person)
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- Brandenburg Gate Visit (Free)

Amsterdam
- Red Light District Visit
- Rijksmuseum Visit (18-25EUR per person)
- Van Gogh Museum (15EUR per person)
- Oude Kerk (10EUR per person)
- Anne Frank House Visit (9-16EUR per person)
- Hop-On Hop-Off Canal Boat Tour
- Heineken Museum (16-18EUR per person)

Bruges
- Brewery Tour (7-8EUR per person)
- Guided Bike Tour (28EUR per person)
- Bruges Canal Cruise (8-10EUR per person)
- Belfry Tower of Bruges (10EUR per person)
- Bruges Beer Museum (9-15EUR per person)

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

Max Pax  

16

Tipping  

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Local Dress  

In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Highlights  

Visit the galleries and cafés of Paris, take in the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, marvel at the beauty of Florence, get a taste of Eastern charm in Kraków, party in Budapest and Prague

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Itinerary Notes  

COMBO TRIP: Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travellers may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

ACCOMMODATION: Please note most of our 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Europe is multi-share.

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location our CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 10.

Accommodation  

Hotels/hostels (24 nts, multi-share with 2-6 people), sleeper trains (1 nts).

Important Notes  

1. It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.

2. In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

4. This trip has a fast-paced itinerary with some long transport days - please check the itinerary carefully before deciding if this trip suits your needs.

5. Please note that if you wish to visit popular museums such as the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) and Villa Borghese in Rome, and the Uffizi or Accademia Galleries in Florence, to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially in high season May-September when it could be a question of hours!), it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. Tickets can be reserved online at www.weekendafirenze.com or by phone (+39) 055 294883 from Monday to Friday 8.30am-6.30pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm. If you are interested in purchasing tickets we recommend that you do so once your G Adventure trip is confirmed (up to 2 months before if possible), especially for the ever-popular Uffizi, and for any time after 11am on Day 10. For additional museum resources you might want to refer to this website, www.firenzemusei.it, for more information to plan your day in Florence.

6. This tour is expected to end at 6pm upon arrival in London. Please note that suggested arrival times might be impacted by traffic and unforeseen delays. Passengers should plan any onward travel after 10pm on this day.

7. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking post-tour accommodation in London. Please note that you may be booked in a multi-share, same sex-dorm room for this night.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Meals Included  

1 lunch

Transport  

Train, public bus, metro, ferry, walking.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

About our Transportation  

On this trip we will use local buses and trains for intercity transport and a mix of metro (subway), local bus, taxis and walking for transport between hotels and bus/train stations. Please be prepared to carry your own bags short distances (20-30 mins max) between hotels and transport, as well as to lift your bags on and off buses and trains. Please note that there is often limited luggage storage space on public transport.

Transport of 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours:
As we rely heavily on public transportation during this trip, we ask you to be flexible for possible changes in the modes of transport and schedules, which may necessitate small itinerary changes.

Please note that the accommodation on overnight buses and trains varies in Europe. Overnight buses typically have airline-style reclining seats. On some overnight trains, tickets are for airline-style seats whereas other overnight journeys are in multi-share sleeper compartments. Please see day-to-day itinerary for specific information about accommodation type for overnight journeys.

What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)

My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

About Accommodation  

The variety and local flavour of our accommodation is a favourite part of our European 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips. Although the properties we use are simply furnished and with few facilities, we base our choices on location, character and cleanliness. We will stay in a mixture of hostels, and private rooms in local households.

All accommodation on this tour is multi-share, on a single-sex basis. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.

For passengers travelling as couples, please note that due to the types of accommodation used in Europe we are not able to take requests for double/full/queen size beds on this tour. Where we use multi-share hostels, couples will likely be split into separate rooms.

Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.