London to Berlin: Art & the Alps Adventure Tour

Travelling on a budget doesn't mean you have to see less; it just means you have to plan more. Lucky for you, we're pretty great planners. Cross nine countries off your list in 21 thrilling days and immerse yourself in everything Europe has to offer. Check out the galleries and museums of Paris, the beauty of the Swiss Alps, delicious Italian cuisine (and, of course, wine!), the exciting nightlife of London, Berlin, and Prague, and the Eastern charms of Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest. Do more, spend less.

Tipping  

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Optional Activities  

Paris
- Musée d'Orsay Visit (11EUR per person)
- Eiffel Tower Visit (16EUR per person)
- The Louvre Visit (12-16EUR per person)
- Palace of Versailles Visit (18EUR per person)
- Champs-Élysées Visit (Free)
- Sacre Coeur Visit (Free)
- Musée Rodin Visit (12EUR per person)
- Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum (12EUR per person)
- Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show (175-185EUR per person)

Giverny
- Monet's Giverny Gardens (10.20EUR per person)

Interlaken
- Alpine Canyoning Adventure (119CHF per person)
- Paragliding
- Ropes course
- Chocolate Making Workshop (65CHF per person)
- Mountain Biking (70-100EUR per person)
- Jungfrau Cog Railway (91CHF per person)
- Hiking in the Swiss Alps (30-60CHF per person)

Vatican City
- Vatican Museum Visit (20EUR per person)
- Vatican City Visit (Free)
- Sistine Chapel (10EUR per person)

Rome
- Pantheon Visit
- Borghese Gallery (25EUR per person)
- Christian Catacombs (8EUR per person)
- Roman Forum Visit (24EUR per person)
- Colosseum Visit (24EUR per person)
- Trevi Fountain (Free)
- Spanish Steps (Free)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Florence
- Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit
- Piazzale Michelangelo Walk
- Medici Chapels Visit (8EUR per person)
- Ponte Vecchio Visit
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Free)
- Uffizi Gallery Visit (20.75EUR per person)
- National Museum of Bargello (15.75EUR per person)
- Florence Food Tour

Siena
- Siena Visit

Murano
- Murano and Burano Islands Visit (20EUR per person)

Venice
- Campanile San Marco Lookout (8EUR per person)
- Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit (17EUR per person)
- Gondola Ride (80EUR per group)
- Guggenheim Museum Visit (15EUR per person)

Piazza San Marco
- Saint Mark's Square and Basilica Visit (Free)

Ljubljana
- Metelkova Mesto District (Free)
- Ljubjana Castle & Funicular (10-15EUR per person)
- Tivoli Park (Free)
- Preseren Square (Free)

Vienna
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19EUR per person)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15EUR per person)
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8EUR per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14EUR per person)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (56-200EUR per person)

Budapest
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28EUR 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

Krakow
- Rynek Underground Museum (19PLN per person)
- Old Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
- Wawel Royal Castle (3PLN per person)
- Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) Meal
- Auschwitz Tour (48USD per person)

Wieliczka
- Wieliczka Salt Mines Visit (79PLN per person)

Prague
- Prague Ghetto (Josefov/Jewish Quarter) Visit (10-20EUR per person)
- Museum of Communism (150CZK per person)
- Petrín Hill Hike (Free-30CZK per person)
- Letná Beer Garden Visit (Free-3EUR per person)
- Old Town Hall and Clock Tower (110-440CZK per person)
- Charles Bridge Visit (Free)
- Old Town Visit
- Prague Castle (Hradcany) 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 (13EUR per person)
- Reichstag Visit
- Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit (13-23EUR per person)
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- Brandenburg Gate Visit (Free)
- Judisches Museum Visit (8EUR per person)
- German Historical Museum (8EUR per person)
- Pergamon Museum (12EUR per person)
- Schloss Charlottenburg Palace (10EUR per person)

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
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. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location our CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.

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's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: Paris
Your Foodie Moment: Eiffel Tower Picnic, Paris
Your Discover Moment: Interlaken
Your Big Night Out Moment: Interlaken
Your Discover Moment: Rome
Your Discover Moment: Florence
Your Discover Moment: Venice
Your Big Night Out Moment: Budapest
Your Discover Moment: Budapest
Your Big Night Out Moment: Prague. Picnic in front of Eiffel Tower (Paris). Visit to genuine Pilsner beer hall (Prague). Orientation walks in Interlaken, Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Kraków, and Berlin. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

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.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

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.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

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.

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

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.

Accommodation  

Hotels/hostels (19 nts, multi-share with 2-6 people), sleeper trains (1 nt).

Joining Instructions  

This trip commences at 5:30pm at Generator Hostel London (37 Tavistock Pl, Saint Pancras, London WC1H 9SE). It's imperative to arrive at Generator Hostel on time. From the hostel, our group will go directly to the train station to board our train to Paris. Please note there is a short walk (approx. 12 minutes) from the hostel to the train station. As with the rest of your tour, please keep in mind you will be carrying your own luggage.

GETTING TO GENERATOR HOSTEL LONDON

From Stansted Airport, take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street. Get on the tube and take the Central line to Holborn then change onto the Piccadilly line and get off at Russell Square. It's a short walk from Russell Square Tube Station to the hostel. A single fare on the Stansted Express is £21.50 and the Tube fare is £2.90. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

From Heathrow Airport, take the Piccadilly line to King's Cross. Then it's a 5-minute walk to Generator London. A single fare is £5.50 and it'll take about an hour.

If you're arriving into Gatwick Airport, take the Southern Railway or Gatwick Express to London Victoria station. From there, get on the tube and take the Victoria line to King's Cross. From Kings Cross Tube Station it's a 5-minute walk to the hostel.

To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis - by copying the link below into your web browser:
https://partner.holidaytaxis.com/?ref=GADVE

Choose from a range of transport options including both private and shared transfers at a discounted rate.

We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:

- Flight number
- Flight Arrival Time and Date
- Flight Departure Time and Date
- Passenger's Name
- Number of Passengers
- Email
- Valid Mobile Telephone Number
- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address

Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Office - London, United Kingdom
During office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5:30pm Local Time)
+44 20 7243 9870

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact: +44 7817 262559

If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Highlights  

See the beauty of the Swiss Alps in person, take in the exciting nightlife of Prague and Berlin, explore history in Vienna and Budapest

Meals Included  

1 lunch

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 10.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Your CEO can also show you where the you can get your laundry done.

Max Pax  

16

Itinerary Notes  

COMBO TRIP: 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, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travellers may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

ACCOMMODATION: Please note most of our 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Europe is multi-share.

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.)

Money Exchange  

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller's cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller's cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Local Dress  

In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.

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.

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

Transport  

Train, public bus, metro, ferry, walking.

My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops