The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary

Backpacking by way of Europe is a improbable strategy to see a number of lovely and historic cities whereas making an attempt to economize. However it may be formidable to plan the last word journey to Europe, so here’s a backpacking by way of Europe itinerary that may show you how to kick off your planning.

Which cities are a must have in your checklist? The place will you keep? What sorts of foreign money will you want? These are all nice questions and are essential to determine earlier than you go in your wonderful journey.

A backpacking journey by way of Europe can present probably the most great reminiscences that can final for a lifetime. You possibly can see the Eiffel tower shimmer at night time, island hop across the Greek islands, go to the world’s high ski locations in Switzerland, and extra! There’s no restrict to the experiences you possibly can have on this magnificent continent.

Maintain studying to find our high suggestions for backpacking by way of Europe and the last word backpacking by way of Europe itinerary!

Planning a Backpacking Journey By Europe

The important thing to a profitable backpacking journey is to plan, plan, plan. In fact, you don’t need to over-plan. However there are some things it is advisable put together earlier than you permit.

For instance, your dates of journey and locations to remain. The period of time you put aside to expertise Europe will in the end determine the place you’re in a position to go and the way a lot you’ll be capable to see.

Moreover, delays and cancellations are definitely attainable and might derail even probably the most well-planned journeys. Don’t let this rain in your parade, although.

Be sure you know tips on how to contact airways and prepare firms to learn how to get compensation and make a backup plan of issues you are able to do as an alternative. Keep in mind, Europe is full of infinite lovely locations, so thrilling issues to see and do are at all times attainable wherever you find yourself.

What to Contemplate Earlier than Backpacking Europe

Backpacking by way of Europe needs to be a very nice time. However earlier than you go, it’s best to take into account what you need to get out of the journey and be certain that you journey safely.

Journey Insurance coverage

The primary consideration is to buy journey insurance coverage. It is very important plan for the surprising, and whereas backpacking, it’s useful to really feel lined.

We at all times use World Nomads for our journey insurance coverage. The corporate affords a number of plan choices so you possibly can determine which is probably the most useful to you and your journey model.

How lengthy to Backpack Europe

One other consideration is how lengthy you need to backpack Europe. Are you lucky sufficient to backpack for a number of months or solely have a couple of weeks? The size of your journey determines a number of the planning.

Finest Time to Backpack Europe

All the time take into account the climate you need when planning your backpacking journey! If you wish to backpack for winter sports activities, go within the winter. For those who’re on the lookout for some enjoyable within the solar, summer time is your finest wager.

The perfect time to backpack is within the late spring or early fall. These are sometimes called “shoulder” seasons. Peak season is between June and August.

Early spring may be wet and might get chilly in most European nations. July and August in Europe are highly regarded, particularly in southern Europe. With no AC and an enormous backpack in your again, cooler climate is best.

The shoulder seasons are nice as a result of the climate in most locations continues to be temperate and the crowds have dissipated. For these causes, Might and September are my two favourite months to journey inside Europe.

Backpacking in winter, although, has its perks. Particularly if you wish to save money. There’s much less journey typically, which implies you get higher offers on lodges and prepare tickets.

There are additionally fewer vacationers, so you possibly can take pleasure in museums and sights with out all of the strains. And, to not point out, Christmas markets supply among the most magical experiences for these of all ages.

See Associated: Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

The best way to Price range for Backpacking Europe

The easiest way to funds for a Europe backpacking journey is to think about what kind of journey you need and the place you need to spend your cash. Are you a foodie?

Contemplate discovering extra reasonably priced lodging so you possibly can splurge on some fancy meals. If staying in a resort as an alternative of a hostel is essential to you, take a look at the native road meals scene to economize.

Cash Saving Ideas

Price range vacationers, pay attention up! These are a few of our greatest budget-friendly suggestions for saving cash whereas on a backpacking journey exploring Europe.

• Get a Eurail Pass and purchase tickets early. The sooner you purchase your prepare tickets, the inexpensive they’re. Don’t make the error of making an attempt to purchase day-of on widespread routes like Amsterdam to Paris. You possibly can find yourself paying over 300 euros for one thing that needs to be included in your move for beneath 100! Practice prices can add up, so the Eurail Cross might help make issues extra reasonably priced.
• Reduce transportation prices by taking public transportation. Most European cities characteristic sturdy and reasonably priced public transportation choices equivalent to buses, metros, and native trains that may get you wherever you want.
• Purchase metropolis passes. Popular destinations like Paris, London, and Prague supply metropolis passes that embody public transportation and a number of other museums. The town move is normally extra reasonably priced than buying particular person tickets.
• Eat road meals. It’s low-cost, good, and genuine! Seize-and-go sandwich outlets are unmatched right here. You possibly can normally get an excellent Caprese sandwich for just some euros.
• Discover free strolling excursions. Most cities have them; simply tip the tour information one or two euros as an alternative of paying $40 for a similar tour.
• Analysis free museum days. Some nations and cities supply free admission for folks beneath 26. In any other case, verify museum web sites to see if they’ve free days. For instance, the Colosseum and the Roman Discussion board in Rome are free to go to on the primary Sunday of every month.
• Begin accumulating credit card points that may be redeemed for airline tickets or lodges. That is how my husband and I can afford to journey to so many various nations. Discover a card that fits you finest, or take a look at ViaTravelers’ Best Travel Credit Cards for our high suggestions.
• Be versatile. I do know this isn’t attainable for everybody, however be versatile together with your journey days for those who can. You’ll find low-cost flights by utilizing Skyscanner or Scott’s Cheap Flights.

The best way to Get Round

There are a number of methods to get round Europe, however the most effective and hottest methods are by prepare and air.

Europe is thought for its cheap flights which are additionally extremely secure. Price range airways like RyanAir and EasyJet have been round for some time and are nice choices for funds vacationers. Ensure that to look at for bags charges and to pay any prematurely.

For those who solely plan to travel with a carry-on, be certain that your bag matches the carry-on necessities of your explicit airline. Moreover, some carriers solely enable you a private merchandise, equivalent to a handbag, totally free, so verify which fare you booked earlier than arriving on the airport.

Practice journey can also be an effective way to backpack round Europe. Trains are environment friendly, clear, and normally cheaper than a flight.

When booked prematurely, train travel is normally probably the most cost-efficient strategy to journey all through the continent. Additionally it is good since you don’t should cope with airport safety, and you’ll benefit from the lovely surroundings on the best way to your vacation spot.

See Associated: Best Apps & Websites to Book Hotels in Europe

What to Pack When Backpacking Europe

Though it will depend on the time of yr, packing for Europe is simpler than you assume. You’ll need to be comfy because you’ll be touring from place to put.

Additionally, layering is vital. European nations differ in local weather, so that you’ll need to pack versatile objects that may be simply packed away or placed on if the climate turns.

First issues first: You’ll want a wonderful, sturdy backpack that gained’t rip. You possibly can’t go flawed with an Osprey backpack like this one. Osprey makes backpacks of varied sizes for women and men, so select one that provides the quantity of storage that’s best for you.

Listed below are another essentials that should be on your packing list:

• Packing cubes (important for whenever you’re shifting round so much)
• Medicines (professional tip: I additionally make a copy of my prescriptions on my cellphone, simply in case)
• Contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses
• Packable down jacket or a packable rain jacket
• 1 pair of strolling sneakers (I swear by these Adidas Qt Racer Running Shoes)
• 1-3 swimsuits, relying on the time of yr
• light-weight pajamas (men/women)
• DSLR camera, GoPro, and so on.
• Charging cords for electronics
• European travel plug adapter
• Skincare, dental care, deodorant, and makeup
• Mini first-aid kit (bandages, ache relievers, movement illness drugs, and so on.)
• Laundry bag

Keep in mind to deliver plain garments that wash and breathe nicely. Logos get previous, and also you’ll need to be comfy whereas sightseeing and shifting round.

Relying on the time of yr, it’s possible you’ll need to deliver a comfortable pair of sandals for hotter months or thermal underwear for colder months. Don’t fret for those who overlook some necessities; you possibly can virtually at all times discover what you’re on the lookout for within the nation you’re visiting.

Finest International locations for Backpackers

Europe is thought for its straightforward prepare journey, and most European nations are nice for backpackers.

Western Europe

Germany is likely one of the finest nations in Western Europe for backpackers due to its low transportation prices and cheap meals. It’s straightforward and environment friendly to get round, and there’s a lot of historical past to see.

France is one other nice nation for backpackers due to its ease of journey. Exterior of Paris, it’s comparatively cheap, and the meals high quality is great.

One other nation I like to recommend for backpackers who need to journey Europe, notably those that love heat climate, is Portugal. It’s heat, the persons are pleasant, and it’s typically rather more reasonably priced than most of Western Europe.

Jap Europe

Many Jap European nations are nice for backpackers trying to economize. There are normally fewer vacationers, and it’s inexpensive. If you wish to head to Jap Europe, put Czechia in your checklist. Prague is a good place for backpackers as a result of it’s tremendous reasonably priced and completely gorgeous.

Southern Europe

My favourite hidden gem in all of Europe is Montenegro. The climate is delicate, the persons are so useful and great, and the meals is reasonable and scrumptious.

You could be shocked to know that one in all Europe’s top tourist destinations is definitely fairly reasonably priced and nice for backpackers. The Greek islands are each gorgeous and really reasonably priced when in comparison with the remainder of Europe. Skip Santorini and Mykonos and go for lesser-known islands like Milos and Corfu for cheaper costs on native delicacies and lodging.

See Associated: Best Places to Get Married in Europe

The Final Backpacking by way of Europe Itinerary

Let’s get into the last word backpacking by way of Europe itinerary! For the aim of this text, I’ll define a five-week journey to Europe throughout shoulder season that I imagine exhibits you the most effective and most various components of Europe. There are, after all, different locations that needs to be added when you’ve got time and relying on the time of yr.

Be happy to customise this itinerary primarily based on how a lot time you’ll have on your personal journey. You might also discover that you simply’re drawn to a particular place or metropolis and should need to lengthen your time there on a whim. That’s definitely attainable and is likely one of the most enjoyable and spontaneous components about visiting a brand new place!

With out additional ado, let’s get into this superior journey by way of Europe!

London – 3 days

Begin your trip off in London, the place you possibly can take pleasure in all of the sights of this marvelous capital metropolis, equivalent to Huge Ben, the London Eye, and Bond Avenue. Flying into main hubs like London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon usually affords vacationers the most effective offers in relation to air journey between Europe and the USA.

In London, you should do a London city tour, and don’t overlook to take pleasure in some afternoon tea! For those who’re a Harry Potter fan, you possibly can’t miss this Harry Potter studio tour and get your probability to stroll down Diagon Alley.

I additionally extremely advocate taking a day journey as much as Scotland. The high-speed prepare from King’s Cross Station in London to Edinburgh takes slightly below 4.5 hours. Scotland is totally lovely any time of yr, and the persons are heat and welcoming.

For those who’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced resort in London, take a look at the Moxy London Stratford. It’s just some minutes away from the Stratford tube and prepare stations, protecting you well-connected to the vigorous metropolis.

Paris – 4 days

Paris is finest loved at a slower tempo. It’s a comparatively costly metropolis to go to, however you possibly can preserve journey prices down by choosing an accommodation like this one with a small kitchen the place you possibly can put together your personal meals to stay to your every day funds.

Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Paris is a 1-hour River Seine cruise. It actually means that you can sit again and loosen up whereas taking in a few of Paris’ most iconic websites, together with the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

For an excellent cheaper different, pop in to a grocery retailer and purchase an affordable bottle of wine, some saucisson sec (dry sausage) and your favourite cheese, and go into the park proper beneath the Eiffel Tower. The tower lights up after sundown every night time and sparkles for 5 minutes each hour on the hour. It’s romantic and a great way to save money in one in all Europe’s most costly cities.

At the very least one in all as of late needs to be reserved for a day journey outdoors of Paris. Within the shoulder season, head out to Loire Valley to go to a medieval citadel or two (a whole bunch may be discovered within the area!) or go to Bordeaux to take pleasure in among the nation’s finest wines.

For those who occur to go to within the winter, take the prepare to Strasbourg to expertise one in all Europe’s largest and hottest Christmas markets! It’ll make you need to plan a Europe journey simply to expertise the magic (and wonderful meals) of Christmas markets in each nation.

See Associated: Where to Stay in Paris: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Good – 3 days

The prepare from Paris to Good is a scenic 6-hour journey by way of the picturesque French countryside. When you arrive within the French Riviera, you’ll be greeted by the brilliant turquoise Mediterranean Sea and colourful buildings.

The Nice city heart is a wonderful possibility to remain in, because it’s simply walkable, and the native prepare connects the town to all the primary oceanside cities of the riviera. Good is attractive, so that you’ll need to spend time exploring the previous city, making an attempt some native meals like socca and pan bagnat, and spending a couple of hours on the seaside.

The prepare can simply join you to among the riviera’s hottest cities, together with Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, Cannes, and Antibes. You could possibly even go to a very totally different nation, Monaco, which is lower than 20 minutes by prepare from Good.

For those who plan to lease a automotive, you possibly can even attain the glitzy city of St. Tropez in slightly below two hours. The area is thought for its fragrance manufacturing, so creating your own signature scent at a fragrance workshop ought to positively be in your checklist of must-do issues right here.

Cinque Terre – 2 days

Cinque Terre is simply 4 hours away from the French Riviera however utterly transports you to a unique world. These are 5 extremely picturesque seaside villages on the Italian Riviera that appear to face nonetheless in time. Two days is absolutely the minimal that I’d advocate staying in Cinque Terre, however you possibly can positively see every small city in that period of time.

To economize, keep in La Spezia as an alternative of the particular Cinque Terre villages. La Spezia is the closest main city to Cinque Terre and is simply 5 minutes by prepare to Riomaggiore. You’ll need to be taking a look at trip leases like this within the space to get probably the most worth for lodging round right here.

One factor you must do in Cinque Terre (in addition to visiting every city) is to eat at Nessun Dorma in Manarola. The views are great, and the meals is even higher. Wait occasions for a seat on the iconic eatery can stand up to 2 hours, so skip the road by reserving a pesto-making course on the restaurant, which incorporates lunch.

To journey between villages, merely take the prepare – it solely takes a couple of minutes and prices a couple of Euros, they usually run continually. The adventurous vacationers can hike trails alongside the ocean cliffs from village to village.

See Associated: Best Places To Stay In Cinque Terre

Rome – 3 days

The subsequent cease in your Mediterranean journey is Rome, an all-important cultural and historic metropolis that everybody ought to see. There are frequent trains headed right here from La Spezia, taking a couple of hours.

Your complete historic heart of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and also you’ll instantly see why it is a top destination for thus many when visiting Europe. The Colosseum, Roman Discussion board, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and plenty of different historical treasures can have even probably the most well-traveled customer in awe. Don’t overlook to cross the border into Vatican City, particularly on a Sunday or Holy Day – which is sort of a sight to see in particular person.

Spending a couple of days in Rome may can help you take a day journey to Florence, one in all Italy’s different wonderful cities, lower than 90 minutes away by high-speed prepare. It’s dwelling to the large Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge, together with a ton of gorgeous artwork and structure.

Rome isn’t an affordable metropolis, and to economize, you’ll have to steer clear of the town heart. Fortunately, Rome has an ideal community of regional trains, metros, and buses that make getting round handy. I normally keep on the Sheraton Parco de’ Medici, which is nicely outdoors of the town however affords nice facilities, equivalent to a pool and free breakfast for an unbeatable worth.

Munich – 2 days

When you’ve had sufficient pizza and pasta (which is unlikely to occur), it’s time to cross the Alps and get away from the Mediterranean for some time. As arduous as which may be, you gained’t be disenchanted with a cease in Germany – the land of medieval castles, World Conflict II historical past, and nice beer and sausage.

Don’t be discouraged by the space from Rome to Munich. There are lots of every day flights, and if you wish to use your rail move, the journey solely requires one connection in Bologna or Verona.

For those who’ve chosen the autumn journey season, you may be lined up for a keep in Munich throughout its famed Oktoberfest. This beer, meals, and German tradition competition places Munich on the itinerary for a lot of Europe backpacking journeys and is a ton of drunken enjoyable.

Major attractions in Munich embody the gorgeous Marienplatz Sq., English Backyard, and BMW Museum. To save lots of on journey prices across the metropolis, purchase a hop-on hop-off tour bus ticket for each transportation and vacationer info.

See Associated: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Munich, Germany

Prague – 1 day

Munich is a really central place to achieve many different European nations after your keep, and I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to cease in Prague, even when it’s only for a day. From my expertise, that is sufficient time to see this lovely metropolis’s sights. Plus, it’s a inexpensive place for these of us on a decent funds.

There are quite a few trains and buses headed to Prague from each Munich and plenty of different German cities. As soon as there, I’d head to Prague Castle, one of many high issues to see within the metropolis that dates again to the ninth century. It’s fascinating to see the cobblestone alleyways, historical basilicas, and wonderful structure.

Then, head over to the Vyšehrad, the opposite fortified citadel of the town, for extra historic appeal. The Outdated City Sq. has a captivating Astronomical Clock, and the pedestrian streets round it are filled with quirky outlets and museums.

As talked about, Prague is likely one of the extra widespread cities for saving in your every day funds. You’ll find nice offers at high-end lodges, just like the Don Giovanni Hotel Prague – or, not less than, splurge for a non-public room at an area hostel.

Vienna – 1 day

Vienna is definitely accessible from Prague by bus, prepare, or automotive. This attractive metropolis is thought for its magnificent structure and fascinating historical past that’s certain to have you ever glad you made the cease right here. It’s additionally recognized for a few of its well-known residents, together with Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud.

For those who solely have time to go to one place in Vienna, I extremely recommend that you simply make it the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Not solely does it home a powerful quantity of work and sculptures, however the museum itself also needs to be thought of a murals. It’s the largest museum within the nation and was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1891.

The best strategy to see any metropolis in a restricted period of time is by shopping for a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus. The double-decker bus will take you to all of Vienna’s biggest attractions, together with Vienna’s opera home, museums, and the Danube River. You may get on and off as a lot as you need and discover at your leisure.

Hotels in Vienna can get costly, so I like to recommend staying in a trip rental like VRBO to save lots of on journey prices. This modern apartment is reasonably priced and retains you near all the town’s sights. Certainly one of our high money-saving suggestions for any lengthy journey is to search for lodging that present a washer and dryer simply as this one does.

It’ll save time and cash, so that you don’t should exit looking for a laundromat. You are able to do your laundry when you’re out and about with out worrying about leaving your belongings someplace that isn’t safe.

See Associated: Vienna vs Prague: What’s the Difference?

Budapest – 2 days

Budapest is simply 2.5 hours away from Vienna and is an absolute gem of an previous metropolis. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking structure, wealthy tradition, and scrumptious meals. The town is definitely walkable but in addition options an easy-to-use metro system.

The welcoming metropolis is named the spa capital of the world, so that you completely should go to one in all Budapest’s thermal baths. The largest and hottest spa is the Széchenyi Spa, positioned proper within the metropolis heart. It’s the largest spa in Europe and is comprised of three grand outside swimming pools and 15 indoor swimming pools. This tour package contains your admission ticket to the spa, in addition to the Pálinka Museum and tasting expertise.

Whereas in Budapest, you should attempt a few of Hungary’s conventional dishes. My favourite is Hungarian goulash. It’s a hearty stew product of beef, potatoes, and greens, and the spices used make it so heat and comforting.

The DORMERO Hotel Budapest affords trendy and clear rooms at an unbeatable worth. It’s positioned simply steps away from St. Stephen’s Basilica, one in all Budapest’s most gorgeous architectural wonders.

Zadar – 3 days

Heading again all the way down to the coast, you’ll need to spend a couple of days in Zadar. We took a prepare from Budapest to Zagreb (Croatia’s capital metropolis) after which a bus all the way down to Zadar. This quaint coastal city is the proper spot to base your self whereas visiting two of Croatia’s most lovely nationwide parks.

Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park ought to each be on the high of your checklist of issues to see whereas exploring Croatia. Nonetheless, for those who solely have time for one, I like to recommend Plitvice. Each are completely gorgeous, however Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park is larger and there’s extra to see. You’ll positively want a full day for every park. There are a number of strolling trails inside each parks which are appropriate for all ages.

Zadar itself is fairly small – you possibly can see it in just some hours, however you’ll positively need to stroll by way of the previous city and all the way down to the well-known sea organ for sundown. You gained’t discover massive lodges in Zadar, so I like to recommend choosing a cute VRBO like this one. This condominium additionally contains parking, which is superior as a result of the best choice to go from Zadar all the best way to Dubrovnik is to order a automotive rental.

See Associated: Best Girls Trip Destinations Around the World

Cut up – 1 day

Cut up is an superior place to cease in your drive between Zadar and Dubrovnik. The charming previous city is small however attractive, and you could find a number of wonderful meals and enjoyable bars all through its cobblestone streets.

The easiest way to get to know this city is by becoming a member of a walking tour. Your native information will educate you about Cut up’s wealthy historical past spanning the final 1,700 years, and also you’ll additionally get to identify the city’s primary landmarks, together with Diocletian’s Palace and the Golden Gate.

Cut up is super-affordable when it comes to meals and lodging, so you possibly can’t go flawed. Even a dinner for 2 plus drinks with a view of the ocean gained’t price you greater than 300 Croatian Kuna ($40 USD). Keep outdoors of the previous city (this apartment is a hidden gem!) for parking and a quieter expertise.

If you’re opting to lease a automotive throughout this leg of the journey, I extremely advocate taking a detour in your strategy to Dubrovnik into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is a small however lovely village in a rustic that doesn’t see too many guests.

Dubrovnik – 2 days

After a brief journey by way of Bosnia and Herzegovina (you’ll have to move by way of part of this nation irrespective of the way you journey), you’ll be within the tiny exclave of Croatia that accommodates what many vacationers would name its crown jewel – Dubrovnik. Regardless of this itinerary having taken you thru numerous previous cities, you haven’t been to at least one fairly like this.

For those who really feel such as you’ve been transported to a scene from Recreation of Thrones, that’s as a result of that is the place a lot of it was filmed. Its historical outer partitions and interior streets and squares have barely modified prior to now centuries. It’s straightforward to get misplaced in its slim pedestrian paths and quite a few staircases, and it’s additionally fairly nice in a means.

This can be a place the place a guided walking tour may be very useful to be able to really recognize the wealthy historical past of the place. That tour additionally features a journey up the well-known cable automotive to the highest of Mount Srđ for a chook’s eye view of the town that can have you ever in awe.

You’ll find loads of trip leases throughout the metropolis partitions if you wish to keep proper within the heart of every part, however I really like the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera simply down the street in a extra quiet space. It’s a resort with a gorgeous pool and seaside, and there’s a frequent passenger boat service that takes you on to the previous city.

See Associated: Top Most Beautiful Cities in the World to Visit

Budva – 2 days

Most individuals who go to Europe don’t put Montenegro on their itinerary – and that’s a part of what makes it so nice there! I prefer to check with this tiny Balkan nation to the south of Croatia because the Croatia that vacationers haven’t found but.

There are frequent and reasonably priced buses between Dubrovnik (in addition to different factors in Croatia) to Budva, Montenegro’s premier seaside resort city. For those who select to fly in, there’s an airport with a ton of seasonal connections in Kotor. You’ll see fairly shortly what’s so nice about this place: unbelievable seashores, charming previous cities, splendidly pleasant locals, and costs that can make it arduous to depart.

You’ll need to spend a morning having fun with the traditional seaside village of Budva and exploring its community of slim pedestrian streets. Reserve your afternoon for enjoyable on a seaside chair that gained’t price you various euros, after which get together the night time away at one of many seaside bars.

Spend one other day first exploring Kotor, one other historical village on Montenegro’s huge pure bay. There’s a well-liked hike up an enormous staircase to the previous church on the mountain for those who’re up for some climbing. Then, take into account a day cruise around Kotor Bay to see the fantastic thing about this nation from a ship, stopping on the best swimming spots.

Tirana – 1 day

The subsequent cease in your journey down the Adriatic coast is the capital of Albania, one other nation that vacationers haven’t but found in mass numbers. Whereas we’re solely recommending a day right here, because it’s a handy path to get from Montenegro to Greece, it is a lovely place with a novel historical past that would definitely be made a extra vital cease.

Buses run between Budva and Podgorica in Montenegro to Tirana slightly regularly for many who aren’t driving. This metropolis has distinctive Ottoman and Soviet structure and a mostly-Islamic faith, making it a bit totally different than its former-Yugoslavic neighbors.

It’s an attention-grabbing cease for a day in your means down the coast, and the main attractions embody the large Skanderbeg Sq. and the Et’hem Bej Mosque. Albania is one other very reasonably priced nation, and also you’ll discover upscale lodges just like the Hilton Garden Inn Tirana at an ideal worth.

After an evening in Tirana, our itinerary has you driving or catching a bus to the southern village of Sarandë (additionally spelled Saranda). That’s the place frequent passenger and automotive ferries join the nation with the Greek island of Corfu.

Corfu – 2 days

Upon getting off the boat after a brief sail west, you’ll have to set your watch an hour later – you’re in Greece! The island of Corfu is one well-known by European vacationers however usually missed by Individuals and Canadians who head straight for Santorini and Mykonos.

Those that make it listed here are rewarded with among the finest surroundings Greece has to supply. Towering sea cliffs, distant seashores solely accessible by boat, and a Venetian-style previous city are among the most well-known sights of Corfu. Don’t overlook in regards to the wonderful Greek meals, both.

Regardless of how a lot time you will have, spend a day within the seaside village of Palaiokastritsa. It has the most effective sandy seashores on the island. Plus, there are quite a few rental stands for small boats that don’t require a license, which you’ll be able to take to the Paradise Seashores – the place it’s possible you’ll be the one folks.

Evenings in Corfu city are vigorous, full of excellent meals, and loads of ice cream. When you have extra days, I really like the seashores of Kassiopi and Sidari. And when you’ve got the funds (or the Marriott factors), the Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection Resort is doubtlessly one of many biggest resorts on this planet for poolside rest.

See Associated: Where to Stay in Corfu: Best Areas & Places

Congratulations! You’ve made it from the gorgeous metropolis of London in Northern Europe all the best way all the way down to the sunny Greek islands of Southern Europe. From right here, the remainder is as much as you as you proceed to go to Europe. You possibly can lengthen your journey and island hop by way of Greece or finish your journey right here. The Athens Worldwide Airport usually has nice offers on flights again to America or elsewhere.

You could possibly additionally proceed your journey all through Europe by flying to Spain or Portugal earlier than heading dwelling or lengthen your backpacking journey into Asia through Turkey. The chances are infinite! Experiencing all of those great cultures is really what makes the ups and downs of journey so value it.

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