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Mediterranean Wanderer: 5 Weeks

35 nights
La dolce vita or la vida loca?

 
If you’re a sun worshipper & culture vulture with a passion for the Mediterranean lifestyle then this is the ideal getaway for you! Got a study or career break coming up? Our 5 week option gives you plenty of time to travel Europe by train; see the best of Greece and Italy, Southern France and Spain all in one go. With 2 – 4 nights in each destination you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in each city and have time spare for a few day trips.

Really want to top up your tan? Check out the 6 week version!

 

TRIP DETAILS
DESCRIPTION
WHAT'S INCLUDED

Route: Chania Athens Sorrento Catania Rome La Spezia Nice Montpellier Barcelona Palma

Nights: 35

Countries: 4

Transport: Train and ferry

Sustainability: This trip creates 223 kg of carbon emissions! Flying the same route would create 1190 kg.

Reviews:    All independent reviews

Span sun-drenched Southern Europe with a route that ties four hot nations together – Greece, Italy, France and Spain. Taking this route around the Mediterranean you’ll travel all the way from Crete to Palma – not bad for 5 weeks’ work! No matter how long you travel for, the only difficulty will be in deciding whether to explore the city or sun yourself on the beach first!

Start your trip off in beach-beautiful Crete, Greece’s largest island! With everything it has to offer, you might never want to leave; with white sandy beaches to lounge on, the White Mountains to hike and eerie caves to explore, you’ll have more than enough to fill your 3 nights here! This is even without mentioning the oodles of mythology and rich history that there is to delve into…

Working your way across Greece, you’ll reach the capital of Athens. This stunning city is so full to the brim with historical and archaeological sites that you probably won’t see everything during your stay, but it’ll show you just how much another trip would be worth it! Be sure to follow the locals to an authentic taverna to sink a silky wine or refreshing beer, all soaked up with a mezze platter.

Carry on to Sorrento for rugged coastlines peppered with sandy beaches and the occasional ethereal cove to explore. Here, you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy views, tasty traditional dishes, and mind-blowingly good limoncello to sip on… and that’s without even mentioning the lively nightlife! With 4 nights here you’ll easily have time to take a quick trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius, too!

Next up, is the beautiful ancient Sicilian port city of Catania, nestled at the foot of the imposing Mount Etna. Explore its stunning religious sites and fascinating museums for a welcome escape from the sun, or, if you can handle the heat, round off your days here lounging on its beautiful golden beaches and sampling the delicious seafood specialties on offer by the coast.

Then head to Rome, the Eternal City, and marvel at the ancient monuments which still stand majestic amongst the centuries-old streets, fancifully furnished with sophisticated cafes and piazzas. Enjoy authentic Italian espresso and tuck into some well-deserved cicchetti before sampling the city’s lively nightlife.

Next up, you’ll spend a couple of days in the picturesque port town of La Spezia. Not only is this a quaint town in its own right, but it’s also the perfect hub to take a day trip to Cinque Terre! If you do decide to head there, be sure to take advantage of the chance to take in the bright and colourful higgledy-piggledy houses climbing the craggy seaside cliffs of each town.

Then you’ll make your way to the glittering French Riviera. You’ll stay in Nice where a twilight stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais is a must! Rub shoulders with celebrities whilst dining al fresco and breathing in the sea air by the golden city beach. If you have time for a day trip make sure to stop off in Monaco! If you’re feeling lucky, flash your cash alongside the filthy rich at the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Who knows, you might even take them to the cleaners!

A short train ride away, Montpellier will be next on your agenda! We reckon that this could be the French Riviera’s most cosmopolitan city, with lively and friendly locals and a cultural melting pot of French influence with a feel for Spain and a taste of North Africa.

Soon after, you’ll arrive in Barcelona and discover Gaudi’s cakebread architectural style permeating the city.  The Sagrada Familia is also a majestic bucket-list sight to behold, before spending the day popping into the boutiques and bars on the side-streets off Las Ramblas. Once you’ve reached culture overload, Barca will take care of your night on the town with plenty of clubs to see your through until the morning.

To round off your trip you’ll take a night ferry to the balmy paradise of Palma, Mallorca! Enjoy laidback island life here and get a load of this little island’s abundant natural beauty; from ethereal caves to unspoiled sandy beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to see and do to end your 5 week adventure with a bang!

– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in 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.

– 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.

 

Trip Details

Route: Chania Athens Sorrento Catania Rome La Spezia Nice Montpellier Barcelona Palma

Nights: 35

Countries: 4

Transport: Train and ferry

Sustainability: This trip creates 223 kg of carbon emissions! Flying the same route would create 1190 kg.

Reviews:    All independent reviews

Trip Description
La dolce vita or la vida loca?

Span sun-drenched Southern Europe with a route that ties four hot nations together – Greece, Italy, France and Spain. Taking this route around the Mediterranean you’ll travel all the way from Crete to Palma – not bad for 5 weeks’ work! No matter how long you travel for, the only difficulty will be in deciding whether to explore the city or sun yourself on the beach first!

Start your trip off in beach-beautiful Crete, Greece’s largest island! With everything it has to offer, you might never want to leave; with white sandy beaches to lounge on, the White Mountains to hike and eerie caves to explore, you’ll have more than enough to fill your 3 nights here! This is even without mentioning the oodles of mythology and rich history that there is to delve into…

Working your way across Greece, you’ll reach the capital of Athens. This stunning city is so full to the brim with historical and archaeological sites that you probably won’t see everything during your stay, but it’ll show you just how much another trip would be worth it! Be sure to follow the locals to an authentic taverna to sink a silky wine or refreshing beer, all soaked up with a mezze platter.

Carry on to Sorrento for rugged coastlines peppered with sandy beaches and the occasional ethereal cove to explore. Here, you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy views, tasty traditional dishes, and mind-blowingly good limoncello to sip on… and that’s without even mentioning the lively nightlife! With 4 nights here you’ll easily have time to take a quick trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius, too!

Next up, is the beautiful ancient Sicilian port city of Catania, nestled at the foot of the imposing Mount Etna. Explore its stunning religious sites and fascinating museums for a welcome escape from the sun, or, if you can handle the heat, round off your days here lounging on its beautiful golden beaches and sampling the delicious seafood specialties on offer by the coast.

Then head to Rome, the Eternal City, and marvel at the ancient monuments which still stand majestic amongst the centuries-old streets, fancifully furnished with sophisticated cafes and piazzas. Enjoy authentic Italian espresso and tuck into some well-deserved cicchetti before sampling the city’s lively nightlife.

Next up, you’ll spend a couple of days in the picturesque port town of La Spezia. Not only is this a quaint town in its own right, but it’s also the perfect hub to take a day trip to Cinque Terre! If you do decide to head there, be sure to take advantage of the chance to take in the bright and colourful higgledy-piggledy houses climbing the craggy seaside cliffs of each town.

Then you’ll make your way to the glittering French Riviera. You’ll stay in Nice where a twilight stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais is a must! Rub shoulders with celebrities whilst dining al fresco and breathing in the sea air by the golden city beach. If you have time for a day trip make sure to stop off in Monaco! If you’re feeling lucky, flash your cash alongside the filthy rich at the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Who knows, you might even take them to the cleaners!

A short train ride away, Montpellier will be next on your agenda! We reckon that this could be the French Riviera’s most cosmopolitan city, with lively and friendly locals and a cultural melting pot of French influence with a feel for Spain and a taste of North Africa.

Soon after, you’ll arrive in Barcelona and discover Gaudi’s cakebread architectural style permeating the city.  The Sagrada Familia is also a majestic bucket-list sight to behold, before spending the day popping into the boutiques and bars on the side-streets off Las Ramblas. Once you’ve reached culture overload, Barca will take care of your night on the town with plenty of clubs to see your through until the morning.

To round off your trip you’ll take a night ferry to the balmy paradise of Palma, Mallorca! Enjoy laidback island life here and get a load of this little island’s abundant natural beauty; from ethereal caves to unspoiled sandy beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to see and do to end your 5 week adventure with a bang!

What's Included?

Itinerary

Chania (3 nights)

With a wealth of natural beauty, Crete is so varied in things to see and do that you’ll never be stuck for ideas! Beaches, mountains, forests and ruins define its landmarks, whilst the locals’ laidback lifestyle reflect its relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights

Hire out a boat and explore Chania’s beautifully blue waters – you won’t even need a boat license!

Hike the Samaria Gorge for an action-packed day.

Hit up Elafonisi beach for pink sands and awesome surf!

    Night Ferry to Athens – 10 hours

Athens (4 nights)

Both historic and modern, edgy and traditional, Athens is famous as the capital of the Ancient world. Here you’ll find iconic structures like the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon, but also a wealth of great coffee houses, delicious restaurants and buzzing bar scene. This is a truly young city, with a big student population – and the vibrant atmosphere that comes with it.

Highlights

Head to the top of Fillopapou hill, overlooking the Acropolis for the best photo opportunities

Explore famous Greek sites – the Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Temple of Poseidon among many others

Drink Greek wine and cocktails al-fresco at one of Athen’s many bars and enjoy the vibrant nightlife

    Overnight Travel to Sorrento – 26 hours
(Bus to Patras, Night Ferry to Bari, Train to Naples & Ferry to Sorrento)

Sorrento (4 nights)

Famous for its golden sandy beaches and mouthwateringly good limoncello, Sorrento is the perfect place to unwind and get a taste of that dolce vita. With a couple of nights here, be sure to take a tour of the beautiful cloisters and cathedrals before popping to a liqueur tasting to cool off!

Highlights

Go beach-hopping around the beautifully rugged coastline

Get a taste of the city’s famously good limoncello

Take a load off by getting lost in the city’s cloisters and gardens

    Ferry to Naples & Train to Catania – 9 hours

Catania (3 nights)

This ancient and quaint port city perched on the eastern coast of Sicily, lies beneath the imposing and breath-taking Mount Etna. With old-world architecture and charm, incredible locally sourced seafood, and breezy open-air bars by the sea, what more could you ask for?

Highlights

Visit and even hike up Mount Etna if you’re brave!

Head to Castello Ursino to get your fill of the city’s history

Take a tour around any of the many art galleries dotted around the city

    Train to Rome – 10 hours

Rome (4 nights)

Home to endless culture, stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife, Rome is one of the classic quintessentially European hubs to tick off your travel checklist. Take in the unreal food, fascinating culture and laidback lifestyle!

Highlights

Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum

See the world-famous Colosseum

Try real Italian coffee, gelato and pizza

   Train to La Spezia – 4.5 hours

La Spezia (2 nights)

This little port city focuses most of its culture around the sea, with plenty of interesting museums by the sea, specialty seafood restaurants serving up fresh dishes, and of course, quaint neighbouring seaside villages to explore. A short train ride away from Cinque Terre, it’s also the perfect base for a day trip!

Highlights

Explore the colourful cliffside towns of Cinque Terre with ease from here

Take in the city’s imposing Castello di San Giorgio

Lounge by the sea in any of the laidback open-air bars!

    Trains to Nice – 5.5 hours

Nice (2 nights)

Nice is effortlessly charming, with French Riviera sophistication and some of the best food and wine in Europe. Check out the quirky art museums, laze on the star-studded beaches, or take a trip to Monaco or Cannes from here!

Explore the old-world town of Nice

See the sunset from the Promenade des Anglais

Take a sightseeing cruise of the Cote d’Azur

    Trains to Montpellier – 5.5 hours

Montpellier (2 nights)

Popular with students and shopaholics alike, highly cosmopolitan Montpellier is a massively underrated city. Full to the brim with cultural wonders, have a browse of its modern galleries and boutiques, wander around the gorgeous botanical garden and get a flavour of the great nightlife!

Highlights

Admire the ornate architecture of the Antigone district

Shop until you drop!

Get to know the rich foodie and bar scene

    Train to Barcelona – 3.5 hours

Barcelona (4 nights)

It may not be the capital city, but Barcelona sure is one of Spain’s main cultural hubs and is definitely not to be missed! Home to amazing art, surreal architecture and vibrant Catalan culture, you won’t be disappointed to know that the nightlife scene and food are just as incredible.

See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter

Spot Gaudi’s distinctive architecture in Parc Guell

Crawl the bars around Las Ramblas

    Night Ferry to Palma – 8 hours

Palma (4 nights)

Despite the development of its resorts, Palma remains beautifully unspoilt in many coastal areas, with golden sandy beaches and clear blue seas to dip into. The stunning collection of coves and inlets that surrounding this sleepy island are the perfect place to unwind, unless you’d prefer to get a taste of Mallorca’s world-famous island parties, of course!

Explore the whitewashed hill towns

Pick from the range of waterside chill-out spots

Party at Ibiza’s sister club Mallorca Rocks

 

How to get there

You can arrange a flight to Chania International Airport and a flight home from Palma de Mallorca Airport, whilst we take care of the transport in between your cities!

Alternatively, if you’d like to start or end your trip elsewhere, just request a custom route and we’ll work with you to create your perfect personalised route!