Rome to Budapest: Canals & Capitals Tour with 8 Reviews by G Adventures

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Rome, Italy

Ends

Budapest, Hungary

Highlights

Devour delicious Italian cuisine.

waltz through Vienna.

party across Europe.

stroll the history-filled streets of European capitals

Itinerary

Check multiple European cities off your travel wishlist with the "Rome to Budapest: Canals & Capitals" tour, a nine-day adventure that’s perfect for young or budget-conscious travelers. This guided trip starts in the historic heart of Rome and wraps up in the vibrant cityscape of Budapest, letting you experience the best of Italy and Hungary.

Along the route, enjoy flavorful regional cuisine and local wines, wander through world-renowned museums and galleries, and dive into the nightlife scenes of Europe’s energetic capitals. Venice and Rome offer glimpses into centuries-old culture, while Budapest marks the culmination of your journey with its unique blend of East and West.

With accommodations, transportation, meals, and guided activities included, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to forge new friendships and create epic memories. The unique selling point? This tour package balances cultural immersion with lively evenings out, making it a standout choice for travelers eager to blend learning with fun. Whether you’re drawn to historic sites or excited to dance the night away, this trip brings Europe’s canals and capitals within easy reach.

day 1 - Rome

Arrive at any time.

“On an evening in Roma…” Venture out to a bar or pub with your CEO and fellow travellers for drinks and conversation. As you explore the winding cobblestone streets and sidewalks of The Eternal City, prepare for the endless excitement about to unfold on the rest of your journey.

Accomodation:Roma Scout Center (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

Optional Activities:Borghese Gallery Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here., Pantheon Visit The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings., Roman Forum Visit Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill., Colosseum Visit , Christian Catacombs Follow a guide through this ancient underground cemetary., Trastevere Visit

day 2 - Rome/Florence

Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before heading to Florence. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza and Ponte Vecchio.
Explore a different side of Rome on a walking tour led by a migrant guide and see Rome through the eyes of a recent newcomer to Italy.

Leave Rome behind and head towards Florence. No city can boast of such artistic richness as this romantic Renaissance city. Food, art, culture, and beautiful views put this outstanding Italian city in a field of its own. The list of things to see and do in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is unlimited, be it art, nature, architecture, history, or food and drink!

Accomodation:Hostel Plus Florence (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 280 km

Included Activity:Migrantour Rome

Optional Activities:Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish., Piazzale Michelangelo Walk Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

day 3 - Florence

Free Day in Florence to explore. Opt for a Day trip to nearby Siena, or just enjoy all the city has to offer.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Accomodation:Hostel Plus Florence (or similar)

Optional Activities:Florence Food Tour , Piazzale Michelangelo Walk Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!, Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish., Medici Chapels Visit Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family. , Ponte Vecchio Visit Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings., Siena Visit Head to nearby Siena and wander this medieval walled city. Options abound! Visit the gorgeous Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held each summer. Climb the Torre del Mangia for fantastic views of the Tuscan landscape., National Museum of Bargello Explore this museum, housed in one of the earliest buildings in Florence (dating to 1255). Stroll through the corridors to learn about the history of this site and its many uses, and see the fantastic works from master artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo., Uffizi Gallery Visit Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person. , Il Duomo di Firenze Visit

day 4 - Florence/Venice

Catch a train into Venice. Enjoy an orientation walk along the canals, then take some time to explore the city's winding streets on your own.
Opt to take a ride in a gondola, pre-book a food tour, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.

Accomodation:Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 2.5 hr

Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Murano and Burano Islands Visit Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking. , Campanile San Marco Lookout Climb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon., Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards. , Gondola Ride Sit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola. , Saint Mark's Square and Basilica Visit Enter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration., Venice Food Tour

day 5 - Venice/Ljubljana

Journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Explore the Ljubjanica River lined with outdoor cafes, or opt to take a quick trip to nearby Bled.

Accomodation:Hotel Emonec (or similar)

Transport:Minibus Duration : 2.75 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 240 km

Optional Activities:Metelkova Mesto District Take a wander around these previously abandoned army barracks, now turned art-city., Ljubjana Castle & Funicular , Tivoli Park , Preseren Square

day 6 - Ljubljana/Vienna

Catch the bus to Vienna. Take a short orientation walk around this incredible city.

Accomodation:Do Step Inn Vienna (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 4.5 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 390 km

Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 7 - Vienna

Free time to wander the imperial streets of Austria’s capital, with its grand buildings, gardens, museums, and tasty pilsner. Opt to see the Lipizzaner 'dancing' horses.
After tiring yourself out with sightseeing, pop into a café, a Viennese institution. For a slice of local life, the cafés are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious café experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Vienna’s specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).

Accomodation:Do Step Inn Vienna (or similar)

Optional Activities:Belvedere Gallery Visit Learn some of the history of this beautiful palace and grounds and explore the impressive art collection. Of particular note, the museum's collection of 24 pieces by Gustav Kilmt, including his famous 'Kiss'., Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour Enjoy a guided tour of the stunning summer palace designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The palace gardens are free to all visitors., Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city. , Vienna State Opera House Visit Visit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building., View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna Pay a visit to the gorgeous grey Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Witness the birthplace of "airs above the ground," or classical dressage, known for its highly controlled movements and jumps. , Vienna Boys' Choir Visit

day 8 - Vienna/Budapest

Travel from Vienna to Budapest by train and take orientation walk upon arrival before enjoying a free afternoon to explore. Visit the beautiful Parliament building, stroll along the streets or check out the thermal baths. Hit up the city's nightlife in the evening on a Big Night Out with the group.
To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Accomodation:Wombat Hostel Budapest (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 4.0 hr

Included Activities:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr, Big Night Out

Optional Activities:Buda Castle Visit Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars. , Budapest Bike Tour Join a group for a guided city tour by bike. Buzz around the city on two wheels to cover more ground and get your blood pumping., Hungarian State Opera House Constructed in 1873, the Opera House is one of Budapest's most stunning examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Take a tour around this stunning building to get a closer look at the ornate marble statues, frescos, and ornate tin work - to name a few highlights., Thermal Baths Visit Bring two towels, your bathing suit and an aching body and prepare to be healed in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Built in 1913, you can test the waters of 18 different pools (15 of which are spring fed) amidst stunning neo-Baroque architecture. Play chess on floating chessboards, relax in the whirlpools and explore the wonderful mosaic domes of these historic thermal steam rooms. , Hungarian National Museum , Great Market Hall Visit Take a stroll though the oldest indoor market in Hungary., Chain Bridge Straddeling the river Danube, the Chain Bridge suspension bridge is the first built to connect Buda and Pest, and is now one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks., Parliament Building Visit Take a guided tour of one of Hungary's crown jewels - the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance., Budapest History Walking Tour

day 9 - Budapest

Depart at any time.
Want to see more of Budapest? Book post-tour accommodation to experience all this city has to offer.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels/hostels (8 nts, multi-share with 2-6 people).

Meals

No meals included
Note: Allow USD300-390 for meals not included.

Transport

Train, public bus, metro, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, RomeYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: FlorenceYour Discover Moment: VeniceYour Big Night Out Moment: BudapestOrientation walks of Venice, Vienna, and Budapest

What's Excluded

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