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Euroventure · Self-guided interrail backpacking route

Whole Hog: 6 Weeks

Self-guided interrail through 16 European cities in 42 nights

Illustration of Whole Hog: 6 Weeks

Whole Hog is Euroventure's 43-day self-guided interrail adventure across 16 European cities in 12 countries, departing London and ending in Paris. The route is designed for gap-year travellers, those taking extended summer breaks, or people seizing substantial work sabbaticals. You travel independently by train, supported by Euroventure's inclusion of Interrail or Eurail passes, all seat reservations, centrally located hostel or hotel accommodation, and a personalised travel pack with directions and local highlights. The itinerary features 2 to 4 nights per city, allowing you to absorb each destination rather than rushing through. You begin with Eurostar from London to Amsterdam, then move through Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, and Ljubljana before heading south to Venice, Florence, Rome, Milan, Nice, and Barcelona, finishing in Paris. Each city offers a distinct European experience, from medieval Old Towns and imperial palaces to Renaissance art, thermal spas, and modern nightlife. Walking directions between stations and accommodation are provided, and Euroventure offers Travel Disruption Protection if strikes or similar events disrupt your journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided trip with no group leader or escorted activities included; you travel independently between cities and arrange your own sightseeing
  • Accommodation is in top-rated hostels or hotels that Euroventure has tested, but the final choice depends on availability and your preferences
  • The from-price of GBP 3,525 covers the package; rail passes are included based on what offers the best value for your chosen route

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    London

    Start your trip in London with the Eurostar from St Pancras. If you're travelling on an Interrail pass for the trip, you can use this to get from your hometown to London for free, as long as it's on the same day as your departure. This does not apply if you have individual tickets in PDF form.

  2. Day 2overnight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Despite being credited with certain recreational pastimes, there is actually a lot more to the city than the stereotypical picture, with its abundance of engaging museums, beautiful townhouses, and canals. Highlights: Visit the Van Gogh Museum; discover Europe's biggest historic centre by pedal; take a tour of the Red Light District.

  3. Day 5overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe and a pro at being edgy - its dress, liberal attitudes, graffiti, skaters and BMXers, art, clubs and food - and is crammed full of fascinating WWII history. Highlights: See a section of the old Berlin Wall; climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag; discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg.

  4. Day 8overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Krakow escaped being reduced to rubble in WWII, preserving the postcard-perfect Old Town and the cellars housing its famous bars and clubs, alongside the nearby Auschwitz concentration camp which demands a humble visit. Highlights: See Europe's largest medieval market square; take photos of Poland's best-preserved city; find one of many Gothic cellar bars open until late.

  5. Day 11overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Prague is stunning - on any side street or square you'll find unique buildings full of colourful detail. The Czech Republic is also the home of Pilsner beer. Highlights: Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge; marvel at the curvy design of the Dancing Building; try all the Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town pub.

  6. Day 14overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Vienna is crisp, clean, and chic with its biggest draw factor being the multitude of classical palaces and grand imperial buildings, alongside great bars and eateries. Highlights: Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna; eat real apple strudel and wiener schnitzel; go to a classical concert in a city renowned for music.

  7. Day 16overnight: Bratislava

    Bratislava

    Bratislavans are incredibly friendly and, as the city has not yet been discovered by the mainstream tourist, food, beer, and wine are still cheap here. Highlights: Climb up to the 19th century castle; take a night tour to admire Bratislava's beauty; do some folk-art shopping at Úluv.

  8. Day 18overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. Highlights: Relax in the 15th century thermal spas; take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle; go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August.

  9. Day 21overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb

    A city of flowers and fountains with a curious Mediterranean feel, Zagreb is a year-round destination with a museum-café-theatre culture by day and a lakeside party by night. Highlights: Catch a 360-view from the Lotrščak Tower; stroll through the beautiful Mirogoj Cemetery; have a coffee in Kino Europa, Zagreb's oldest cinema.

  10. Day 23railovernight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana

    Ljubljana is a colourful chocolate box city with a café culture that brings a festival atmosphere all summer long. See the castle perched above the city or take a day trip out by train to picturesque Lake Bled. Highlights: See the 16th Century castle on the hill; wander through the colourful streets; take in 360 views from an art-deco skyscraper terrace.

  11. Day 25overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Venice is nothing short of unique, built on mudbanks of the lagoon, it forewent the convenience of cars for the charisma of canals. Highlights: Cross the iconic St Mark's Square; get lost in the alleyways and canals of the city; ride a vaporetto down the Grand Canal.

  12. Day 27overnight: Florence

    Florence

    The capital of Tuscany is easy to escape from into the countryside once you've been seduced by the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Highlights: See Michelangelo's statue of David; explore countless Renaissance chapels and churches; eat any number of fun flavours of exquisite ice-cream.

  13. Day 29overnight: Rome

    Rome

    When in Rome, do as the Romans do - indulging in ice-cream, pizzerias, cafes, and trattorias, alongside eateries and monuments, plus the Vatican, the world's smallest country. Highlights: Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum; see the world-famous Colosseum; try real Italian coffee, ice-cream, and pizza.

  14. Day 33overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Milan is cosmopolitan and fast-paced, a beacon of Western fashion with an addiction to culture as much as clothes; home to the La Scala Opera House and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. Highlights: Visit the vast 14th century cathedral; get (window) shopping at Europe's fashion capital; see a performance at the famous La Scala Opera.

  15. Day 35overnight: Nice

    Nice

    Looking out on to the French Riviera, Nice is a chic city with some of the best cuisine in the country, home to the Promenade des Anglais. Highlights: Explore the old-world town of Nice; see the sunset from the Promenade des Anglais; take a sightseeing cruise of the Cote d'Azur.

  16. Day 37overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Barcelona offers everything in abundance - delicious food, awesome nightlife, spectacular views, architectural and artistic marvels, green space and beaches, plus the Sagrada Familia. Highlights: See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter; spot Gaudi's distinctive architecture in Parc Guell; crawl the bars around Las Ramblas.

  17. Day 40overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style, and the epitome of elegance - from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf. Highlights: See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre; watch a cabaret act at the famous Moulin Rouge; experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais.

  18. Day 42

    London

    Finish your trip back in the UK's enigmatic capital city, or continue your onward journey home to your nearest UK station for free using your Interrail pass.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London on Eurostar from St Pancras, heading toward Amsterdam
  • Day 2Arrive in Amsterdam and visit the Van Gogh Museum or explore the canals by bicycle
  • Day 5Reach Berlin and see a section of the old Berlin Wall
  • Day 8Explore Krakow's postcard-perfect Old Town and visit a Gothic cellar bar
  • Day 11Walk across Charles Bridge in Prague and sample Czech Pilsner beer
  • Day 14Experience Vienna's palaces and classical music heritage

Included

  • Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown on the map
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • All possible seat reservations - not just the compulsory ones
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels - tested by us
  • Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • 24hr emergency phone number to use while you're away
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM
  • Personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, any Interrail or Eurail passes required, and all seat reservations.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is a self-guided interrail route. You travel independently between cities. Euroventure provides a personalised travel pack with directions, accommodation details, and things to see and do in each location.
What is included in the price?
Train tickets, Interrail or Eurail passes, seat reservations, centrally located hostel or hotel accommodation, walking or public transport directions, Travel Disruption Protection, 24hr emergency phone support, 1GB of free eSIM data, personalised travel pack, and exclusive attraction discounts.
How many nights do you spend in each city?
Between 2 and 4 nights per city, depending on the destination, allowing time for deeper exploration.
What is the deposit and payment schedule?
A 10% deposit is required to book. The remaining balance is due before departure.
Can I use an Interrail pass for travel to London before departure?
Yes, if you are travelling on an Interrail pass for the trip, you can use it to reach London from your UK hometown for free on the same day as your departure (as long as it is the same day). This does not apply if you have individual tickets in PDF form.

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