Euroventure
Whole Hog: 5 Weeks
36 daysfrom $4,127
Euroventure · Self-guided interrail backpacking route
Whole Hog: 6 Weeks
Experience Europe in all its glory with our Whole Hog 6 Weeks tour. Explore 16 cities across 12 countries in an epic 42-night adventure.
Day by day
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
