Paris to Barcelona: Tapas & Train Rides - 13 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour uses a mixture of hotels and hostels (12 nights), typically in multi-share rooms with 2-6 people, and sometimes dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. Most accommodations have shared bathroom facilities. Air conditioning is not common in Europe, but standing or desk fans can be provided on request.

• What is the policy for solo travellers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travellers are paired in multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip without an extra cost. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  One lunch is included. Where possible, a basic breakfast (typically toast, coffee, and tea) is provided. Most other meals are not included, offering flexibility to explore local dining options, and your CEO can provide recommendations.

• What types of transportation will be used on this trip?

  The tour primarily utilizes local buses and trains for intercity travel, complemented by metro, local buses, taxis, and walking for shorter distances. You should be prepared to carry your own luggage over short distances and lift it on and off public transport, as storage space can be limited.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on the tour?

  Your CEO will lead the trip, offering orientation walks, suggesting activities and dining venues, and providing general knowledge about the countries. Please note that due to local licensing, they cannot legally provide historical guided tours in public places but can help arrange local guides if desired.

• What is the recommended approach to tipping on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €6-8 per day is recommended. For your CEO, a guideline of €42-€56 per person per week is appreciated.

• How much emergency money should I bring, and what about currency?

  We recommend having access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund. A combination of Euros and credit/debit cards (with a 4-digit PIN for ATMs) is recommended, but do not rely solely on cards as their functionality can vary.

• What are the health and travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and any necessary inoculations. Travel insurance is compulsory, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Your leader will need to see evidence of this.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for this European tour?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Travel within the Schengen area is simplified with a Schengen visa for many nationalities. From 2025, ETIAS travel authorization may also be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. It is your responsibility to verify specific requirements with your local embassy or travel agent.

• What is the general pace of this tour?

  This trip has a fast-paced itinerary, which includes some long transport days.

• Are there many optional activities available on the tour?

  Yes, there are numerous optional activities and excursions available in cities like Paris, Interlaken, Rome, Nice, and Barcelona, such as visiting major landmarks, adventure sports, and cultural experiences. Prices for these activities are extra, and pre-booking is recommended during high season to avoid sold-out situations.

• What is the age range for this tour?

  This tour is specifically designed for travelers aged 18 to 39 years old.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will stay in a mixture of hotels and hostels for 12 nights, generally in multi-share rooms with 2-6 people. Most accommodations have shared bathroom facilities and typically do not have air conditioning, though standing or desk fans can be requested.

• Can I book a private room on this tour?

  Yes, if you have booked the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  One lunch is included. Generally, other meals are not included to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be able to suggest local dining options.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour primarily uses trains and public buses for intercity transport, along with metro, local buses, taxis, and walking within cities. You should be prepared to carry your own luggage for short distances and lift it on and off transport.

• Do I need to carry my own luggage?

  Yes, you are responsible for carrying your own luggage for short distances (up to 20-30 minutes maximum) between hotels and transport, and on and off buses and trains. It is essential to pack light and bring compact, lightweight luggage.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this trip?

  Your CEO will accompany you throughout the trip, taking the hassle out of your travels. They will provide information on places, suggest activities and local eateries, and lead orientation walks. However, due to local regulations in Europe, they cannot legally share historical facts in public places like a traditional guide.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 10 participants.

• What are some of the main experiences included in this tour?

  Included highlights are a Mescladis Cooking Class in Barcelona, a Welcome Moment, a First Night Out, Discover Moments in Paris, Interlaken, and Rome, an Eiffel Tower Picnic, a 'Big Night Out' in Interlaken and Barcelona, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a Cinque Terre national park pass with unlimited train rides and a CEO-led hike, and a visit to Monaco.

• Are there many optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, there are many optional activities available in cities like Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Moulin Rouge), Interlaken (canyoning, whitewater rafting, Jungfrau Cog Railway), Rome (Colosseum, Vatican, Roman Forum), Nice (hiking, day trips), and Barcelona (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell). During high season (May-October), it is highly recommended to book popular activities and museum tickets in advance.

• What currency should I bring, and how should I manage my money?

  A combination of Euros and credit/debit cards is recommended. Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but remember your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs). Always have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• Is tipping customary in Europe?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €6-€8 per day is recommended, and for your CEO, a guideline of €42-€56 per person per week is suggested.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. For legal reasons, our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• What should I know about safety and security on this trip?

  We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. When exploring at night, it's advisable to stay in small groups and take taxis. Your CEO has the authority to amend the itinerary for safety concerns. Illegal drugs and the exploitation of people in the sex trade are strictly prohibited.

• Are there any specific dress codes I should be aware of?

  When visiting churches and cathedrals in Italy, shoulders should be covered. Your CEO can provide more specific advice during the trip.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD $200,000. Your leader will require proof of insurance.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you visit. Travel within the Schengen area has been simplified, but as of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization may be required for visa-exempt nationals. It is vital to check the latest requirements with your local embassy/consulate or travel agent.

• Are laundry facilities available during the tour?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our accommodation for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Your CEO can also show you where to get laundry done.

• What does it mean that this is a 'combo trip'?

  This tour combines with other tours from the operator. This means that the staff and some fellow travelers on your tour might have been traveling together on a previous tour, and likewise, some might continue on another tour after yours concludes.

• What is the overall pace and travel style of this tour?

  This is a fast-paced '18-to-Thirtysomethings' whirlwind tour of Western Europe, designed to cover serious ground and introduce you to new cities. It includes some long transport days between destinations.