Southern Europe Group Tour: 3 Weeks

First stop- Rome! Rome is not only one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations, but one of the most important and culturally rich cities the country has to offer. Once you’ve met up with the rest of the grou, start with a relaxed stroll through the city, taking in the Colosseum, the ruins of the Foro Romano, Piazza Venezia with the Altare Della Patria, Via del Corso, Trevi Fountain, Navona Square and Castel Sant’Angelo.

The next morning you will visit the world-famous Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where you’ll have chance to marvel at the jaw-dropping intricacy of the art on display.. The rest of that day is completely up to you! Continue to explore the city’s bars, restaurants, and parks before leaving the city the next day.

  Included: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

  Optional: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

  Optional: St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour

  Optional: Leonardo da Vinci Experience

  Suggestion: Try real Italian coffee, ice-cream, and pizza

  Suggestion: Take a long walk through Colosseum, the ruins of the Foro Romano, Via del Corso and the Trevi Fountain

  Suggestion: Go for a walk in the Trastevere neighbourhood and climb the Gianicolo Park overlooking Rome

    Train to Florence – 3 hours

Ah, Florence. Home to intricate architecture, winding streets and mouth-watering steaks, the capital of the Tuscany region does not disappoint. No matter what your interests, this is a city that will have something for you.

Spend time walking the city’s cobbled streets, marvel at the stunning architecture and ponder the artwork the city is so famous for. Your time in Tuscany is not complete without seeing its capital!

We recommend strolling Florence Cathedral, Piazza Della Signoria (try to find the Michelangelo face), Ponte Vecchio and the Porcellino Fountain being sure to touch the nose for good luck. Want to kick off your time here with some activities? Book on to optional trips to marvel at the artwork of the Uffizi Museum or have a picnic in the charming Boboli Gardens.

  Included: Chianti Wine Tasting Tour

  Optional: Duomo di Firenze

  Optional: Boboli Gardens & Queue Skip

  Optional: Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens

  Suggestion: See Michelangelo’s statue of David

  Suggestion: Explore countless Renaissance chapels and churches

  Suggestion: Check out the Pig Fountain and touch the snout for good luck 

    Train to Venice – 2.5 hours

On to our final Italian destination of the tour- Venice! Known for its twisting waterways, picturesque sunsets, and unique culture, this is one of our most popular destinations- and it’s easy to see why! 

Spend your first evening here with some free time to walk the Grand Canal. Venice’s main waterway looks spectacular at night, so why not grab some gelato and spend time watching the lights of the many boats that pass.

Your first full day begins with some time to hit any of the sights you didn’t get to the evening before. Why not head to St. Mark’s Square and take a look at the stunning architecture? Or, wander the twisting canals and waterways that the city is built upon. Feeling creative? You can also do an optional Venetian mask decoration course, making the perfect memento of your time in this incredible city.

That evening, you’ll take an included tour of the canals on one of the city’s famous Gondolas. This is a quintessentially Venetian mode of transport and gives a completely different perspective on the city. We will say goodbye to our Italy Group Tour members with a farewell party and pub crawl at ANDA Hostel before they leave the next morning.

Your final day in the city is completely up to you! Either take the opportunity to chill out and relax, walk out and continue to explore the city. Looking for something to do that evening? Stop at Al Timon to try a Spritz al Bitter or regional wines (Aperitivo Time!)

  Included: Gondola Ride

  Suggestion: Cross the iconic St Mark’s Square

  Suggestion: Get lost in the alleyways and canals of the city

  Suggestion: Ride the Vaporetto down the grand canal

    Trains to Nice – 8 hours

After an early morning train ride via Milan, you’ll arrive in Nice. One of southern France’s most gorgeous destinations, the beaches, food and activities in this city will be sure to blow you away.  

Your first full day is jam-packed with adventure! Start with either Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean Sea, getting up close to some of the coast’s stunning sea life. Prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Take a day trip into stunning Monaco instead. Whether you’re into motorsport, or just curious to see what it’s like, we love Monaco, and we’re sure you will too. 

On your second day, relax on the golden beaches, stroll the promenade or just chill! It’s completely up to you!

  Included: Scuba Diving

  Suggestion: Take a trip to Monaco

    Trains to Barcelona – 9 hours

The next day, you’ll travel to the next in your lineup of fantastic destinations- Barcelona! You’ll arrive in the city in the late afternoon, so head out and stretch your legs by exploring the city or head to the amazing Los Tarantos Flamenco Show.

The next day, it’s time to really get stuck into the local culture, as you get your hands dirty on a tapas cooking experience at one of Barcelona’s top rated cooking schools! Once you’ve finished your creations, you’ll get the chance to of course taste them and see how they shape up against what you’ve had in and around the city.

Start your third day ascending to the skies on an optional trip on the Montjuic Cable Car to get stunning 360 views of Barcelona and the Spanish coastline or catch some rays on city beach- it’s completely up to you! Why not follow on from that by taking a stroll amongst the beautiful architecture of the Gothic Quarter, go for a sail on a catamaran or cool off at the beach-front ice bar.  

  Included: Tapas Cooking Class

  Optional: Parc Guell

  Optional: Ice Bar

  Suggestion: Montjuic Cable Car

  Suggestion: See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter

  Suggestion: Sagrada Familia

    Train to Seville – 6 hours

The Andalucian captial and one of Spains moved loved cities, your two nights here are bound to rank among the highlights of your entire trip. Fill those stomachs with a few tapas dishes before wandering around decorated and charming, narrow streets – each offering a different story – and often more tapas options – at every turn.

Take in the rich culture and history on show and make sure you see Real Alcazar, Plaza de España as well as the awe-inspiring catedral – where you and your group will walk the steep, spiral ramp to the top – don’t worry, the views are definitely worth it! Once you’re exhausted from exploring this marvelous city, grab a glass of Tinto de Verano and take in an authetic Flamenco show.

  Included: Seville Cathedral & Giralda

  Optional: Alcazar Guided Tour

  Optional: Flamenco Show

  Suggestion: Wander round the beautiful streets of the Jewish Quarter

  Suggestion: Take a trip to the unmissable Las Setas de Sevilla and get great views all over the city

    Bus to Faro – 4 hours

From the city of Seville to the soft sand and sunsoaked coast of the Algarve. Your arrival into Portugal gives you the choice to spend your two nights here however you please – soak up the rays, explore the old towns, try surfing on those famous west coast rolling waves, or even go dolphin-spotting!

  Included: Trip to Ilha Deserta

  Optional: Half Day Kayak Hire

  Optional: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

    Train to Lisbon – 4 hours

Lisbon has skyrocketed in popularity the past few years- and it’s easy to see why. The Portuguese capital is stunning, with incredible sunsets, bustling shops and incredible nightlife, this is the perfect place to start your time in this amazing country!

Jump off the train and head to the hostel to drop your bags before getting some free time to wander out and explore. Want to get the most from your Lisbon experience? Take a tour of the city’s rolling hills on the optional Lisbon Bike Tour, or, later that evening, take a sailing tour on the Tagus River. End the night by visiting a few of the bars around the vibrant Bairro Alto district.

The next day, travel to the westernmost point in Europe – at the windswept cliffs of Cabo da Roca, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. That evening, wander the harbour and eat at local street food vendors as you prepare for the final stop of the tour- Porto!

  Included: HIPPO Tour

  Optional: 7 Hills Electric Bike Tour

  Optional: Sailing Tour – Tagus River

    Train to Porto – 3 hours

Welcome to Porto! Home stately bridges, cobbled streets, hipstery cafes and, of course, port wine! There really is no place better to end your incredible trip through the Mediterranean’s best.

Explore this magical city with some free time. Then, climb the Dos Clerigos Tower for stunning views of Porto’s skyline before listening to traditional fado music at one of the city’s many incredible cafes.

Finally, join the rest of your group for an included farewell dinner with a typical Francesinha, and say goodbye before you all depart the next day – for now, at least!

  Included: Farewell Francesinha Dinner

If you’d like to have some extra time to enjoy Porto, or to fit in with the most convenient flight times, then you can include a night of post-trip accommodation before heading to the airport the following day.