Vienna to London Trail | Gap Year 18-22 | Summer | 2026
Vienna to London Trail | Gap Year 18-22 | Summer | 2026
$3659
Vienna to London Trail | Gap Year 18-22 | Summer | 2026
16 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Vienna, Kraków, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, Florence, Swiss Alps, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPVLMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-22
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Vienna to London Trail," a limited edition summer adventure designed for young travelers aged 18-22. This epic gap year experience takes you through the heart of Europe, visiting 11 countries including Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France, and England. Start in Vienna, where you'll meet fellow adventurers, and continue to iconic destinations like Krakow, Budapest, Venice, Rome, and Paris. Along the way, explore historical sites such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and soak in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. With a mix of guided tours and free time, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in local cultures, savor traditional cuisines, and create lasting memories. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of London, having experienced the best of Europe's diverse landscapes and rich history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Vienna To Krakow
Location: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: Rome To Florence Via Pisa
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 11: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12: Florence To Swiss Alps
Location: Swiss Alps
Accommodation Name: Adventure Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 13: Swiss Alps
Location: Swiss Alps
Accommodation Name: Adventure Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: Swiss Alps To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 15: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 16: Paris To London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 15 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
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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.
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Banská Bystrica Visit
Visit the historic Slovakian city filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains.
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Lake Bled Walk
Enjoy a scenic walk around Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps.
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Ljubljana Orientation
Join an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital, featuring rainbow architecture and epic mountain backdrops.
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Venice Lagoon Speedboat
Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
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Venice Gondola Experience
Capture classic pictures of the famous gondola boats in Venice.
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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.
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Paris Perfume Experience
Learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house.
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 is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
Mode of 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, ensuring a memorable and diverse travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto, A&O Budapest, Ljubljana Resort, Anda Venice Hostel, The Yellow in Rome, Hotel Mirage in Florence, Adventure Hostel Interlaken, and Jo&Joe Gentilly in Paris, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
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.
- 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).
- 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.
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 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Krakow?
In Krakow, you will join an orientation tour to discover the city's best beer spots and historical sites. You will have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center, visit the Jewish Quarter, and see the city's castle and museums. You can also enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a classic Polish dumpling.
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What is the experience like in Budapest?
In Budapest, you have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. You can relax in the city's famous outdoor thermal pools set among Art Nouveau architecture or visit Margaret Island, known for its gardens, fountains, pools, and ruins.
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What can I do in Venice during the tour?
In Venice, you will experience a private boat ride and have the chance to explore the city's gothic architecture and network of lanes. The city is known for its gondola boats and picturesque views, making it feel like an Italian fairytale.
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What are some highlights of the visit to Rome?
In Rome, you can explore Italian icons such as ancient monuments, enjoy gelato and pizza, and even participate in a pasta-making class. The city offers a vibrant nightlife and opportunities to see its glory by night.
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What is the itinerary like in the Swiss Alps?
In the Swiss Alps, you will stay amid snowcapped mountains and have the option to take a trip to a Swiss mountain or explore the adventure town. The area is known for its breathtaking views and classic European charm.
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What experiences are included in Paris?
In Paris, you can visit the Fragonard Perfumery to purchase perfume at discounted prices, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the Louvre. You also have the option to enjoy dinner and a cabaret show in the city of lights.
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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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Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 28, 2026 - Aug 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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