Europe Explorer

36 Days | See the best of Europe on an adventure from Barcelona to Rome

3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
USD $7,640
View dates and book

Travel from Barcelona to Rome on an epic 36-day odyssey covering 11 countries. Along with the iconic sights offered by Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam, you’ll also venture to the serene Old Town of Salzburg, get a bird’s eye view of Bratislava from UFO Tower and comb the markets of Avignon for locally grown produce. This trip will suit both those looking to discover Europe for the first time and veterans of the region just wanting to revisit their favourite haunts. Steeped in history and stuffed with all your favourite regional cuisines, this small group adventure is the ultimate foray into the European heartlands.

Trip overview

Map of Europe Explorer including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain
Start
Barcelona, Spain
Finish
Rome, Italy
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia, Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ZMRFC
This trip generates 22 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Gaudi's modern cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, is like no other building you've ever seen. Still under construction after over 130 years, this Gothic masterpiece embodies Barcelona's artistic and progressive heart.
  • Immerse yourself in the bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic, soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague and sample locally made pilsners.
  • Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful.
  • Feast on mouth-watering seafood along Italy's coast, drink fine wine in Tuscany and indulge in the endless pasta dishes on offer in Rome.
  • Make cross-country travel a breeze with a European trip including train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes lots of free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in. We recommend booking tickets one month in advance for any optional activities that require pre-booking.
  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, you will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets; however, can sometimes be quite busy. You will have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, as well as some short distances to the hotel (no longer than 30min). It’s recommended that you leave any wheelie bags/cases at home and bring a backpack instead, but please make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations listed in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • In many of these locations, we will be using different modes of local transport; trams, buses or metro. As this is often an adventure in itself, it may also bring some challenges. Prepare yourself for the rush of the metro stations and the busy bus rides with local commuters!

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Europe Explorer including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain

Inclusions

Meals

20 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Metro, Private vehicle, Tram

Accommodation

Hostel (7 nights), Hotel (24 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights)

Activities
  • Barcelona - Vermouth Aperitivo
  • Barcelona - Orientation Walk
  • Barcelona - Churros Snack
  • Girona - Orientation Walk near the Medieval Walls
  • Nimes - Half Day Trip
  • Avignon - Market Visit and Snack
  • Beaune - Orientation Walk
  • Paris - Orientation Walk
  • Brussels - Belgium Fries Snack
  • Antwerp - Half Day Visit
  • Amsterdam - FEBO Snack
  • Bastei - Hike
  • Prague - Czech Brewery Visit
  • Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience
  • Bled - Lake Walk
  • Venice - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Venice – San Marco Square
  • Venice - Cicchetti Snack Stop
  • Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • Florence - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Rome – Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Rome – Trevi Fountain
Add on activities
  • Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR26
  • Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR15
  • Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) - EUR10
  • Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
  • Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
  • Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
  • Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
  • Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
  • Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
  • Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR12
  • Girona - Jewish History Museum - EUR4
  • Girona - Arabic Baths - EUR3
  • Girona - Rocambolesc Heladeria (from) - EUR4
  • Girona - Game of Thrones Walking Tour (from) - EUR30
  • Nimes - Amphitheatre de Nimes - EUR10
  • Avignon - Collection Lambert Museum - EUR10
  • Avignon - Museum Calvet - EUR6
  • Avignon - Museum Lapidaire - EUR2
  • Avignon - Pont d'Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) - EUR5
  • Avignon - Palais des Papes - EUR15
  • Avignon - Museum of the Petit Palace - EUR6
  • Avignon - Wine Museum - EUR6
  • Avignon - Bike Hire - EUR15
  • Avignon - Lavender Museum - EUR8
  • Avignon - Roure Palace - EUR5
  • Avignon - Gourmet Tour (min. 4 pax) - EUR55
  • Avignon - Kayak Under The Pont d'Avignon (1 hour - from) - EUR12
  • Beaune - Caves Patriarche Visit and Tasting (from) - EUR20
  • Beaune - Hospices de Beaune - EUR12
  • Paris - Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie - EUR20
  • Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR16
  • Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
  • Paris - Centre Pompidou (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR15
  • Paris - Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology - EUR7
  • Paris - Fragonard Perfume Museum - Free
  • Paris - Catacombs (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR29
  • Paris - Paradis Latin Cabaret Show (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR90
  • Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
  • Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
  • Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR15
  • Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25
  • Paris - Picasso Museum - EUR16
  • Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
  • Paris - Palace of Versailles & Gardens - EUR21
  • Paris - Gourmet Marais Urban Adventure - EUR78
  • Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure - EUR35
  • Brussels - Mini Europe Attraction Park - EUR20
  • Brussels - Cantillon Brewery Visit - EUR8
  • Brussels - Museum of the Musical Instruments - EUR15
  • Brussels - Grand Place - Free
  • Brussels - Manneken Pis - Free
  • Brussels - Magritte Museum - EUR10
  • Brussels - Jeu de Balle Flea Market - Free
  • Brussels - Local Brewery Visit With Tasting - EUR16
  • Antwerp - Het Steen Castle - EUR7
  • Amsterdam - Heineken Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
  • Amsterdam - Royal Palace - EUR13
  • Amsterdam - Bike Hire - EUR10
  • Amsterdam - Oude Kerk - EUR14
  • Amsterdam - Anne Frank's House (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR21
  • Amsterdam - Bike Tour - EUR30
  • Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
  • Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum - EUR23
  • Amsterdam - Canal Boat Tour - EUR39
  • Amsterdam - Plastic Fishing (from) - EUR38
  • Berlin - Museum Pass (3 Day Ticket) - EUR32
  • Berlin - Bike Tour - EUR30
  • Berlin - Jewish Museum - EUR8
  • Berlin - National History Museum - EUR10
  • Berlin - Pergamon Museum - EUR18
  • Berlin - Spree River Cruise - EUR27
  • Berlin - Berliner Dom Cathedral - EUR10
  • Berlin - TV Tower - EUR25
  • Berlin - Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz - EUR12
  • Berlin - German History Museum - EUR7
  • Berlin - Checkpoint Charlie Museum - EUR18
  • Berlin - Schloss Charlottenburg - EUR12
  • Berlin - Reichstag (time slot must be booked online in advance) - Free
  • Berlin - Topography of Terror - Free
  • Dresden - Electric Car Manufacturer Tour - EUR9
  • Prague - Castle Visit - CZK350
  • Prague - National Museum - CZK350
  • Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
  • Prague - Museum of Communism - CZK380
  • Prague - Jewish Quarter - CZK500
  • Prague - Bike Tour - CZK650
  • Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK260
  • Prague - Mucha Museum - CZK300
  • Kutna Hora - Day Trip (by public transport) - CZK250
  • Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara - CZK160
  • Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church - CZK160
  • Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free
  • Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
  • Bratislava - Slavin War Memorial - Free
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure - EUR115
  • Vienna - St Stephen's Tower - EUR6
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
  • Salzburg - Mirabell Palace and Gardens - Free
  • Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace - EUR12
  • Salzburg - Old Market Place - Free
  • Salzburg - Old City Hall - Free
  • Salzburg - St. Peter's Abbey - Free
  • Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Castle - EUR11
  • Salzburg - Salzburg Cathedral - Free
  • Triglav National Park - River Rafting - EUR55
  • Triglav National Park - Bus and Cable Car Trip to Mt Vogel - EUR32
  • Triglav National Park - Emerald River Adventure (full day) - EUR110
  • Triglav National Park - Canyoning - EUR65
  • Bled - Mountain Bike Hire - EUR25
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
  • Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
  • Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
  • Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration - EUR25
  • Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR41
  • Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR79
  • Siena - Day Trip to Siena by Public Bus - EUR24
  • Florence - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
  • Florence - Accademia - EUR17
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR15
  • Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR14
  • Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR14
  • Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
  • Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR22
  • Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
  • Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR16

Dates and availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is not available on this trip.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Christine · Traveled May 2024
Order your own airport transfers it will be much cheaper for you. Negotiate directly with Intrepid when buying your tour as opposed to a travel agent. I paid 2K or more for my trip using a travel agent than some of the other people. Intrepid will regardless be making a profit from each person, how can it be justified to charge so much extra for some and not others. Be aware and be careful.
Review submitted 04 Jul 2024

Brendan · Traveled April 2024
Intrepid's Europe Explorer was incredible! Packed with stunning cities, big and small, and the perfect mix of guided adventures and free time. Our amazing leaders made the experience unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to see Europe in one epic trip!
Review submitted 05 Jun 2024

Andrew · Traveled August 2022
The 36 day Explore Europe itinerary is a trip of a lifetime. All the great European cities together with the counrtyside of Slovenia and the beach hideaways of Italy. For me the highlights were Prague, Budapest and Venice. Just to immerse yourself in these these cultures was simply unforgetable! You have to do this tour!!
Review submitted 05 Oct 2022
Europe Explorer
From
USD $7,640