Compare Germany, Italy & Switzerland by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs Paris to Berlin: Art & the Alps by G Adventures

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

Day 2: Arrive in Venice

Welcome to Venice! You’ll start by staying on the mainland, with easy access to venture into the island of Venice, the renowned former naval power of Italy. The one-of-a-kind canals have to be seen to be appreciated. Watch the gondolas, browse the shops and eat the gelato until you can't eat anymore. Then eat more.

Welcome Mixer

Get to know your fellow travelers at an authentic local spot over some drinks and light appetizers.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Venice (local guide)

A local guide will lead you on foot through the narrow streets and open piazzas of Venice. Start at St. Mark's Square and go inside the breathtaking Basilica. From there, you’ll see the top sites in Venice like the famous Grand Canal (and the Rialto bridge that crosses it), the spiraling Bovolo Staircase, and the 324-foot Campanile bell tower.

Day 4: Travel to Munich via Innsbruck

En route to Germany, stop in Innsbruck, a cool little city located at the intersection of several Alpine passes. Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and it’s the capital of Austria’s scenic Tyrol province. Have time to explore the town square and grab a bite to eat, maybe an Austrian sausage (a local favorite).

Introduction to Munich

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area. Munich is the capital of Germany’s Bavaria region. It still has strong ties to its folkloric traditions, so you’ll definitely see some lederhosen. This is quintessential Germany, including beer halls, art, music, beer, and beer.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Munich (local guide)

Get an in-depth tour of Munich. You’ll see the Frauenkirche, a gothic-style church and one of Munich’s most identifiable landmarks. Wander through Marienplatz, Munich’s central square and transportation hub. No trip to Germany would be complete without a trip to Hofbrauhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world.

Excursion:

Dachau Extra Cost

Once a typical German town on the outskirts of Munich, Dachau served as the first Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Visit this somber site, which has since been transformed into a Holocaust memorial museum that serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. You’ll be accompanied by a private guide for a 90-minute tour. This excursion also includes transportation to and from the site.

Day 5: Neuschwanstein Castle

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and also home to one of the weirdest kings in Europe’s history.

Day 6: Travel to Lucerne Region

Behold the majestic Swiss Alps, where it’s all about the scenery and the chocolate. With Lake Lucerne, the surrounding mountains and a famous covered bridge, this is classic Switzerland at its best.

Day 7:

Excursion:

Trip up the Swiss Alps (extra cost)

Take an amazing trip to the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps, the majestic mountains dominating the Lucerne skyline. Travel to the foot of the mountain by boat across Lake Lucerne, and then ride a cable car to the top. Take in the incredible panoramic views—see the city of Lucerne, its pristine lake, and the snow-capped Alps.

Highlights of Lucerne

Explore Lucerne with your tour director. Walk the narrow streets and take in the incredible mountain scenery. See the one-of-a-kind Löwendenkmal, a surprisingly impressive rock carving of a dying lion. Walk across the Kapellbrücke—this mural-lined covered bridge was originally built back in medieval times.

Day 8: Travel to Frankfurt via Alsace, France

Board your coach to Frankfurt, where you’ll spend the rest of your trip. En route, stop in the Alsace Region of France for the chance to cross another country off your list and to catch more stunning views of the European countryside.

Introduction to Frankfurt

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.

Day 9: Sightseeing Tour of Heidelberg (local guide)

Your tour director will show you the highlights of the town. See Heidelberg's 700-year-old castle, and take in the great views of the Neckar Valley. Walk the cobblestone streets to Marktplatz, where witches were burned at the stake back in the day. You’ll also see the castle’s 58,000-gallon wine cask (the world’s largest), which once kept the locals’ thirst very well-quenched.

Farewell Dinner

Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

Day 10: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home. 

Day 1 Paris

Arrive at any time. Tonight, you won’t need to go far for Paris to sweep you off your feet, because after all, it is the City of Love. Head to your hostel’s bar with your CEO and group to kick back and grab drinks in celebration of the first day of your grand adventure.

Day 2 Paris

Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.

Explore and discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.

Day 3 Paris/Interlaken

Travel from Paris to Interlaken, a small city in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking scenery.

Day 4 Interlaken

Enjoy an orientation walk of Interlaken. Opt to get the adrenaline pumping with some canyoning or whitewater rafting. Explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife on your Big Night Out!

Day 5 Interlaken

Take a full free day to enjoy all the adventures you'll find on this side of the Alps.

Day 6 Interlaken/Rome

Travel to Rome by bus and train via Milan. Upon arrival, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Rome. Opt for an evening out with the group.

Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Opt to wander the cobblestone streets, or relax in a piazza with an espresso. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. We recommend pre-purchasing advance entry tickets for popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum to avoid waiting in long queues on the day of your visit.

Day 7 Rome

Opt to check out famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 8 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!

Day 9 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.

Day 10 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, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.

Day 11 Venice/Ljubljana

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

Day 12 Ljubljana/Vienna

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

Day 13 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).

Day 14 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.

Day 15 Budapest

Free time to explore. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets, cruise the Danube, or check out the thermal baths.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 16 Budapest/Krakow

Enjoy free time to explore Hungary's capital. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets or visit the thermal baths. Visit a G Adventures-supported café that assists Hungarians living with a disability before boarding the overnight train to Krakow.

With the Danube River dividing old town, Buda, from the newer area, Pest, there is plenty to see and do.

Day 17 Krakow

Use free time today to visit Auschwitz, travel to see old salt mines, or stay in the city to explore the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk.

Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.

Day 18 Krakow/Prague

Take a day train to Prague, then enjoy an orientation walk around town, including a visit to a genuine beer hall. Later, enjoy your Big Night Out with the group. Na Zdravi!

Imagine a city lined with Bohemian art, beer halls offering the finest brews in the region, tranquil gardens, and ornate chapels - it's no wonder why visitors fall in love with this place. Take the afternoon and get lost.

Day 19 Prague

Free day for exploration—check out the Prague castle complex or walk the cobblestone streets through the old town and Jewish ghetto.

Enjoy all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.

Day 20 Prague/Berlin

Take a train to Germany and enjoy an orientation walk in Berlin. Opt to check out the city's vibrant nightlife.

Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.

Day 21 Berlin

Depart at any time.