Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Summer | 2026
Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Summer | 2026
Vienna to Rome Trail | Classic | Summer | 2026
9 Days Starting in Vienna and ending in Rome
Visiting: Vienna, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kraków, Banská Bystrica, Budapest, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CCVRMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Vienna To Krakow
Location: Vienna, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kraków
Accommodation Name: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Krakow
Location: Kraków
Accommodation Name: Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Kraków, Banská Bystrica, Budapest
Accommodation Name: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Budapest To Ljubljana
Location: Budapest, Lake Bled, Ljubljana
Accommodation Name: Ljubljana Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: Ljubljana To Venice
Location: Ljubljana, Venice
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Venice To Rome
Location: Venice, Rome
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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Meals
1 Dinner (D) and 8 Breakfasts (B) are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, and The Yellow in Rome.
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Orientation Tours
Orientation tours are included in Kraków, Ljubljana, and Venice.
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Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
A visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is included.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
A private boat ride in Venice is included.
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Transport
Travel between destinations in a comfortable coach, with scenic routes and stops at key locations such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Banská Bystrica, and Lake Bled.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the river cruise and dinner in Budapest are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations in a comfortable coach, with scenic routes and stops at key locations such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Banská Bystrica, and Lake Bled.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and convenient accommodations including A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, and The Yellow in Rome, or similar.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used between destinations on this tour?
Travel between destinations is done in a comfortable coach, with scenic routes and stops at key locations such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Banská Bystrica, and Lake Bled.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable and convenient accommodations including A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, and The Yellow in Rome, or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 1 dinner and 8 breakfasts.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes orientation tours in Kraków, Ljubljana, and Venice, a visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, and a private boat ride in Venice.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as the river cruise and dinner in Budapest are available but not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Vienna, Austria, and ends in Rome, Italy.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include an orientation of Kraków, exploring Banská Bystrica, walking around Lake Bled, an orientation of Ljubljana, a private boat ride in Venice, a visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, soaking in Budapest's thermal pools, and uncovering Italian icons in Rome.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions