Vienna to London Trail | Gap Year 18-22 | Summer | 2026
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- FAQ
- Dates
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Vienna to London, designed for young adventurers aged 18-22. This summer 2026 tour takes you through nine captivating countries, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences. Begin in Vienna with a traditional Austrian dinner, then explore the poignant memorials of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Discover Krakow's medieval charm, Budapest's vibrant energy, and the serene beauty of Lake Bled. Glide through Venice's canals on a gondola, marvel at Pisa's Leaning Tower, and immerse yourself in Florence's artistic allure. Conclude your adventure in Paris, where iconic landmarks and a perfume experience await. Travel in comfort with a mix of private coach and local transport, staying in diverse accommodations that ensure convenience and camaraderie. With 15 breakfasts and 2 dinners included, this tour promises a memorable exploration of Europe's scenic routes and cultural landscapes.
Highlights
- Explore the historic city of Vienna and enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner.
- Visit the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau for a sobering historical experience.
- Discover the medieval charm of Krakow, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed center.
- Experience the vibrant city of Budapest, with options for a river cruise and thermal baths.
- Take in the stunning scenery of Lake Bled and the charming city of Ljubljana in Slovenia.
- Enjoy a gondola ride and explore the picturesque canals of Venice.
- Marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the artistic city of Florence.
- End your journey in Paris, exploring landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Mode of Transport
Accommodation
Optional Activities
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Flights
Dining Summary
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- 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.
- 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.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
- Paris: Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- London: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
Destinations
- Austria
- England
- Europe
- France
- Hungary
- Italy
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
Tour Types
- 18-30 somethings
- Cultural
- Sightseeing
- Walking
- History
- Europe Coach Tours (departing UK)
Location: Vienna
Welcome to Vienna! Meet and greet your new Gap Year friends and Trip Manager, full of anticipation for the adventures ahead. Get to know your new travel squad over dinner tonight, and maybe a few schnapps, since we're in Austria after all.<br/>
Accommodation Name: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Location: Vienna, Auschwitz, 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 afterwards its onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its salt mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Relax tonight as we have all day tomorrow to explore.
Accommodation Name: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Kraków
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.
Accommodation Name: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Krakow, Banska Bystrica, 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.
Accommodation Name: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: 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 the city's famous outdoor thermal pools set amongst Art Nouveau architecture. 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.
Accommodation Name: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Budapest, Ljubljana
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. Without a list of monuments to tick off, you're free to get cozy in a cafe and lap up the endless local feels.
Accommodation Name: Ljubljana Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Ljubljana, Venice
Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we're trading in the obscure unknown 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. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! A private boat ride, gothic architecture and a web of lanes to explore will keep your day filled quite nicely.
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Venice, 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.
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day but we sure can try and see it all in one day! Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Rome, Pisa, Florence
Lets hit the road as we have more of Italy to lust over… No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to Florence. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with another drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo Cathedral. We have all day tomorrow to let the explorations continue.
Accommodation Name: 'Re-Dama Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Florence
Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom, food and free time to roam. Take the opportunity to explore streets bursting with heritage and delicious flavours as you explore the local markets and down some gelato.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Florence, Pisa, Swiss Alps
Hopefully by now you are head to toe in fresh leather, you've eaten your bodyweight in antipasto, and you're feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to farewell Florence. No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to the Swiss Alps. Bunking down amid fairytale snowcapped mountains tonight shows how far we've come since golden Florence this morning, and that right there is the magic of Europe. Tomorrow we'll set out to explore this magical land of cheese, chocolate and watches.
Accommodation Name: Adventure Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Swiss Alps
Open the window of your room & drink in the incredible view - if you can find words or photos that do it justice, we applaud you! If you're feeling audacious, opt to take a trip to a Swiss mountain with your travel crew, or feel free to explore this classic European adventure town.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Adventure Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Swiss Alps, Paris
Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. Once we've crossed the border out of Switzerland we will be coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy before our arrival in Paris. We'll reach Paris and enjoy an included dinner before a chance to explore the glittering city of lights.
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Paris
Stock up on perfume at the Fragonard Perfumery. Especially given the greatly discounted prices and authenticity of buying in France. Later you can moan over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the many rooms of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. With your last night looming, make it one to remember in the city of lights.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Paris, London
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen on this trip. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective. What a journey, if you've chosen to end your trip on arrival in London say a fond farewell to the remainder of your group as you wrap up the journey on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
-
Kraków Orientation
-Get your bearings in this medieval Polish city with an orientation that covers the cathedral, Royal Castle, and the best places to grab a beer.
-
Banská Bystrica Visit
-Visit the historic Slovakian city filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains.
-
Lake Bled Walk
-Enjoy a scenic walk around Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps.
-
Ljubljana Orientation
-Join an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital, featuring rainbow architecture and epic mountain backdrops.
-
Venice Lagoon Speedboat
-Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
-
Venice Gondola Experience
-Capture classic pictures of the famous gondola boats in Venice.
-
Pisa Visit
-Visit Pisa for the ultimate chance to pose with the Leaning Tower.
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Paris City Tour
-Take a dreamy jaunt around Paris, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
-
Paris Perfume Experience
-Learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house.
-
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Visit
-Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
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Transport
-Travel from Vienna to London with a mix of private coach and local transport, experiencing the scenic routes and cultural landscapes of Europe. Enjoy a private boat ride in Venice and optional river cruise in Budapest.
Not Included
-
Optional Activities
-Optional activities such as the river cruise and dinner in Budapest are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
-Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
-Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Flights
-International and domestic flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
28-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2047.00 |
