Vienna to Rome Trail Standard (Classic) - 9 Days

Who is this trip for
Age range
18 - 35Start / End
- Vienna
- Rome
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 50Meals included
10Highlights
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- Kraków: Get your bearings in this medieval Polish city. Our orientation will get you familiar with the cathedral, Royal Castle and all the best places to grab a beer.
- Banská Bystrica: This historic Slovakian city is filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains. It’s the perfect Insta backdrop!
- Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.
- Ljubljana: Join your new gang for an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital. Get your fix of rainbow architecture, Insta-friendly bridges and epic mountain backdrops.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
- Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau: Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
- 2 Dinner (D)
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Summary
Krakow & Ljubljana sound familiar? Probably not. That's because the Vienna to Rome Trail is about blazing a new trail. But just to keep things interesting we sandwich the obscure between hotspots like Venice & Vienna. It doesn't get much better than 9 brimming days to explore a lot of Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start Vienna
We'll arrive in Vienna full of excitement and ready for coffee & sachertorte, otherwise known as the world's greatest chocolate cake. Get to know your new travel squad over dinner tonight, and maybe a few schnaps, since we're in Austria after all. Afterwards, you have the option to join us on a Classic Night Out.
Day 2
Vienna to Krakow
Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we'll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy. Today we will change pace once we cross the border, as we drop to an unfamiliar and sobering level by visiting the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau. Learning and growing is what we travellers do. Then it’s on to the city of Kraków, famed for its beautiful old town and the cool, creative vibes of the Kazimierz district. Settle in tonight - tomorrow’s all about exploring everything this gem has to offer.
Day 3
Krakow
Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city's best beer spots and historical hotspots then you're free to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre in your own time. A Jewish Quarter, a jaw-dropping castle & museums aplenty are just some of the relics found in the relatively untouched Krakow. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favourite - these dumplings are an absolute classic.
Day 4
Krakow to Budapest
Alpine scenery and traditional villages will make our departure from Krakow more manageable. Particularly with the knowledge that we have Budapest coming up in the eve. Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you. Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day. From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. Waste no time getting involved with Budapest by joining the optional river cruise and dinner.
Day 5
Budapest
The day is yours to tackle Budapest however you see fit. After all the travelling we've done, you've probably earned yourself an afternoon soaking in one of the cities most famous thermal baths. Blissed out in Budapest - there's an insta caption for you. If gardens, fountains, pools and ruins are the call of your day, put Margaret Island top and centre of your to do list.
Day 6
Budapest to Ljubljana via Lake Bled
This morning we say goodbye to the city of Budapest and head south to Slovenia! Though the name Ljubljana might not be as well known as Budapest, that doesn't diminish its delight as a European city. In fact, its undiscovered charm is all part of the fascination... WOW is probably the one word we hear in unison as we pull up at this jaw dropping lake. Don't forget to keep your swimmers out today, this is the perfect place for a dip to break up the journey, and grab a few lust-worthy snaps. Aesthetically wonderful and filled with youthful moods, Ljubljana is one to love for its off the tourist trail vibes and casual attitude. We’ll kick things off with a city tour on arrival, then it’s all about getting cosy in a local cafe and soaking up the endless laid-back feels.
Day 7
Ljubljana to Venice
So long Ljubljana, your unique charm will remain in our hearts forever. Hitting the road, we’ll journey for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop! Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. We'll be jumping aboard our own motoscafo and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride is up for grabs, or you can discover Venice with a guided food tour, both totally optional. Or simply choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.
Day 8
Venice to Rome
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner. This afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. Gelato, pizza, and ancient monuments galore, but why not try a pasta making class and cook a homemade meal for dinner? If that's not your style feel free to explore and get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night.
Day 9
End Rome
The best week of your life has almost come to an end, hug it out after breakfast & make plans to reunite outside of Rome.
What's Included
Accommodation
JO&JOE Vienna (or similar), Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar), A&O Budapest (or similar), Ljubljana Resort (or similar), Anda Venice Hostel (or similar), YellowSquare (or similar)
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Sep 25
from £1,476Oct 25
from £1,412
- Save 6%Sun 5 Oct 2025 > Mon 13 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 50 left£1,502Best offer£1,412
Customer reviews & ratings
I absolutely loved this trip! It was my second time travelling with Contiki, and I have a feeling it won't be my last! I was a little anxious about the fact that this trip is part of a bigger one, and that I would be joining a week into it, but I didn't need to be as I got lucky and my group were really welcoming! My trip manager *personal information removed by feefo*was also very welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable! 🐀 I loved the FTA's that I did - the evening river cruise in Budapest is an absolute must! It was the activity I was most looking forward to, and it did not disappoint! The Pierogi making and meal in Krakow was also nice, as it was the first real opportunity to properly meet everyone else on the trip. The majority of the hostels and hotels we stayed in were centrally located, which meant that we didn't need to rely on Ubers to get us back after an evening out, and we could easily walk back together instead which was perfect. This trip is the perfect way to tick off 5 countries in the span of a week, so if you are short on annual leave - this trip is for you!
Proud Rat Aug, 2025 VerifiedI absolutely loved this trip! It was my second time travelling with Contiki, and I have a feeling it won't be my last! I was a little anxious about the fact that this trip is part of a bigger one, and that I would be joining a week into it, but I didn't need to be as I got lucky and my group were really welcoming! My trip manager Liv was also very welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable! 🐀 I loved the FTA's that I did - the evening river cruise in Budapest is an absolute must! It was the activity I was most looking forward to, and it did not disappoint! The Pierogi making and meal in Krakow was also nice, as it was the first real opportunity to properly meet everyone else on the trip. The majority of the hostels and hotels we stayed in were centrally located, which meant that we didn't need to rely on Ubers to get us back after an evening out, and we could easily walk back together instead which was perfect. This trip is the perfect way to tick off 5 countries in the span of a week, so if you are short on annual leave - this trip is for you!
Proud Rat Aug, 2025 Verified
Essential trip information
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