Important Notes
1. It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
2. In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. This trip has a fast-paced itinerary with some long transport days - please check the itinerary carefully before deciding if this trip suits your needs.
5. Please note that if you wish to visit popular museums such as the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) and Villa Borghese in Rome, and the Uffizi or Accademia Galleries in Florence, to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially in high season May-September when it could be a question of hours!), it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. Tickets can be reserved online at www.weekendafirenze.com or by phone (+39) 055 294883 from Monday to Friday 8.30am-6.30pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm. If you are interested in purchasing tickets we recommend that you do so once your G Adventure trip is confirmed (up to 2 months before if possible), especially for the ever-popular Uffizi, and for any time after 11am on Day 10. For additional museum resources you might want to refer to this website, www.firenzemusei.it, for more information to plan your day in Florence.
6. This tour is expected to end at 6pm upon arrival in London. Please note that suggested arrival times might be impacted by traffic and unforeseen delays. Passengers should plan any onward travel after 10pm on this day.
7. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking post-tour accommodation in London. Please note that you may be booked in a multi-share, same sex-dorm room for this night.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 10.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Transport
Train, public bus, metro, ferry, walking.
About our Transportation
On this trip we will use local buses and trains for intercity transport and a mix of metro (subway), local bus, taxis and walking for transport between hotels and bus/train stations. Please be prepared to carry your own bags short distances (20-30 mins max) between hotels and transport, as well as to lift your bags on and off buses and trains. Please note that there is often limited luggage storage space on public transport.
Transport of 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours:
As we rely heavily on public transportation during this trip, we ask you to be flexible for possible changes in the modes of transport and schedules, which may necessitate small itinerary changes.
Please note that the accommodation on overnight buses and trains varies in Europe. Overnight buses typically have airline-style reclining seats. On some overnight trains, tickets are for airline-style seats whereas other overnight journeys are in multi-share sleeper compartments. Please see day-to-day itinerary for specific information about accommodation type for overnight journeys.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
About Accommodation
The variety and local flavour of our accommodation is a favourite part of our European 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips. Although the properties we use are simply furnished and with few facilities, we base our choices on location, character and cleanliness. We will stay in a mixture of hostels, and private rooms in local households.
All accommodation on this tour is multi-share, on a single-sex basis. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
For passengers travelling as couples, please note that due to the types of accommodation used in Europe we are not able to take requests for double/full/queen size beds on this tour. Where we use multi-share hostels, couples will likely be split into separate rooms.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)
Packing List
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Visas and Entry Requirements
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period.
For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.
Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.
A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
Optional Activities
Paris
- Musée d'Orsay Visit (11€ per person)
- Eiffel Tower Visit (16€ per person)
- The Louvre Visit (12-16€ per person)
- Palace of Versailles Visit (18€ per person)
- Champs-Élysées Visit (Free)
- Sacre Coeur Visit (Free)
- Musée Rodin Visit (12€ per person)
- Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum (12€ per person)
- Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show (175-185€ per person)
Giverny
- Monet's Giverny Gardens (10.20€ per person)
Interlaken
- Alpine Canyoning Adventure (119CHF per person)
- Paragliding
- Ropes course
- Chocolate Making Workshop (65CHF per person)
- Mountain Biking (70-100€ per person)
- Jungfrau Cog Railway (91CHF per person)
- Hiking in the Swiss Alps (30-60CHF per person)
Rome
- Pantheon Visit
- Borghese Gallery (25€ per person)
- Christian Catacombs (8€ per person)
- Roman Forum Visit (24€ per person)
- Colosseum Visit (24€ per person)
- Trevi Fountain (Free)
- Spanish Steps (Free)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Vatican City
- Vatican City Visit (Free)
- Vatican Museum Visit (20€ per person)
- Sistine Chapel (10€ per person)
Florence
- Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit
- Piazzale Michelangelo Walk
- Medici Chapels Visit (8€ per person)
- Ponte Vecchio Visit
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Free)
- Uffizi Gallery Visit (20.75€ per person)
- National Museum of Bargello (15.75€ per person)
- Florence Food Tour
Siena
- Siena Visit
Murano
- Murano and Burano Islands Visit (20€ per person)
Venice
- Campanile San Marco Lookout (8€ per person)
- Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit (17€ per person)
- Gondola Ride (80€ per group)
- Guggenheim Museum Visit (15€ per person)
Piazza San Marco
- Saint Mark's Square and Basilica Visit (Free)
Ljubljana
- Metelkova Mesto District (Free)
- Tivoli Park (Free)
- Ljubjana Castle & Funicular (10-15€ per person)
- Preseren Square (Free)
Vienna
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19€ per person)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15€ per person)
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8€ per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14€ per person)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (35€ per person)
Budapest
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28€ per person)
- Hungarian National Museum (1600HUF per person)
- Hungarian State Opera House (2900HUF per person)
- Great Market Hall Visit (Free)
- Chain Bridge (Free)
- Parliament Building Visit (5200HUF per person)
- Budapest History Walking Tour
- Budapest Morning Walking Tour
Kraków
- Rynek Underground Museum (19PLN per person)
- Old Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
- Auschwitz Tour (48$ per person)
- Wawel Royal Castle (3PLN per person)
- Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) Meal
Wieliczka
- Wieliczka Salt Mines Visit (79PLN per person)
Prague
- Prague Ghetto (Josefov/Jewish Quarter) Visit (10-20€ per person)
- Museum of Communism (150CZK per person)
- Petřín Hill Hike (Free-30CZK per person)
- Letná Beer Garden Visit (Free-3€ per person)
- Old Town Hall and Clock Tower (110-440CZK per person)
- Old Town Visit
- Charles Bridge Visit (Free)
- Prague Castle (Hradčany) Visit (250-350CZK per person)
- Kafka Museum (200CZK per person)
- Mucha Museum (240CZK per person)
- Malá Strana Visit
Berlin
- East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall (Free)
- Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit (13€ per person)
- Reichstag Visit
- Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit (13-23€ per person)
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- Brandenburg Gate Visit (Free)
Amsterdam
- Red Light District Visit
- Rijksmuseum Visit (18-25€ per person)
- Van Gogh Museum (15€ per person)
- Oude Kerk (10€ per person)
- Anne Frank House Visit (9-16€ per person)
- Hop-On Hop-Off Canal Boat Tour
- Heineken Museum (16-18€ per person)
Bruges
- Brewery Tour (7-8€ per person)
- Guided Bike Tour (28€ per person)
- Bruges Canal Cruise (8-10€ per person)
- Belfry Tower of Bruges (10€ per person)
- Bruges Beer Museum (9-15€ per person)
Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with
Planeterra Foundation.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.