Europe By Rail - Budapest to Milan - 11 Day Trip

Get ready to make a splash at Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Thermal Bath! Before we hit the hot tubs, we'll stroll through the city on an orientation walk. Then, it's bathing suit time! You're free to soak as long as you like. And when the sun sets, it's time to crank up the fun! Our bar crawl will take us to Budapest's legendary Ruin bars, and our first stop is none other than Szimpla Kert – the ultimate Ruin bar experience. Get ready to "ruin" your evening in the best way possible, surrounded by colourful cocktails and terrible dance moves from the TruFam. When on tour right?

Today, you can snooze a little longer and grab a lie in. It was a big night. Feeling adventurous? Consider visiting the stunning Parliament building; it's a real eye-catcher! But don't rush – this is your free time to relax or explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll along the Danube promenade, grab a coffee at a local café, or simply unwind in one of Budapest's charming parks. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll embark on a dreamy Danube River cruise. And if you're up for it, we might just sneak in some extra bar-hopping – because Budapest's nightlife is a wild ride!

Pack your bags, TruFam; Vienna, here we come! We’ll hop on the train and head to our next destination. Before we get too cosy in Austria, we'll take a quick orientation walk and then indulge in some Austrian spirits in the evening. Vienna, often called the "City of Music" and the "City of Dreams," offers 10/10 experiences to explore. From the ornate Schönbrunn Palace to the delights of Sachertorte, this city is a treasure trove of culture and cuisine. Vienna is like the whole pastry section of a bakery - full of delightful treats!

Today, we're turning into Willy Wonka with a chocolate-making extravaganza. Brace yourselves for a sweet tooth takeover! During this experience, you'll learn the secrets of crafting silky-smooth chocolate, and you'll get to indulge in your own creations. But the adventure doesn't end there! We'll also be hitting up some of Vienna's coolest bars to toast to our final night in Austria. Sip on signature cocktails, challenge each other to a dance off or just sit back and unwind as you pinch yourself that yes you really are hopping around Europe! A sweet night. Sweet as chocolate some might say ;)

Rise and shine! We're off to the picture-perfect Lake Bled. As we approach, take in the breathtaking scenery, and breathe in the fresh alpine air. You'll feel like you've stepped into a postcard-worthy paradise. After the journey, we'll either hit the lido for a splash (if the season allows) or trek to Bled Castle for a viewpoint that's "peak" perfection! The evening is free to spend as you please, may we suggest watching the sunset over the lake beer in hand? Sounds pretty perfect to us.

Grab your helmets, it's bike o'clock! We're pedalling around Lake Bled this morning, with pit stops for photos that will make your Instagram pop off. The enchanting backdrop of the Julian Alps and the emerald waters of the lake will provide the perfect setting for your cycling adventure. But the adventure doesn't stop there! In the afternoon, choose from optional activities as it's time to unleash your inner adrenaline junkie. Lake Bled offers a load of adventure activities, from heart-pounding rafting to exhilarating kayaking. Choose your adventure and dive headfirst into the excitement!

Our morning in Lake Bled is free to soak in more of those jaw-dropping views. Whether you want to savour a quiet moment by the lake, explore the charming town, or simply relax with a book, this is your chance to say farewell to this Alpine paradise in your own way. As we bid adieu to Lake Bled, take one last glance at the stunning landscapes that have left an unforgettable mark on your travel memories. We're Venice-bound, but rest assured, the magic of Lake Bled will stay with you forever.

Venice, baby! A Venetian adventure isn't complete without a gondola ride through the canals and we’ve got that to look forward to today! Brace yourself for gondoliers who could double as stand-up comedians, it really is an experience. Of course, there's more to Venice than canals and gondolas! Afterwards, it's all about exploring Venice's winding streets, sipping Aperol spritzes, and making your Rialto Bridge debut. This city is a living, breathing work of art, with hidden alleys, captivating history, and delectable Italian cuisine just waiting to be discovered!

Wake up and grab a coffee, it’s time to head to our final stop - Milan! Arrive in the afternoon and check into our hostel before we head out to explore. Our first stop will be the awe-inspiring Duomo, a must-see for its architectural grandeur and breathtaking views. And for those of you keen to delve into the intriguing history of fashion, we've got an added bonus – a visit to Palazzo Morando. It's a unique opportunity to explore the rich fashion heritage of Milan. So, get ready for a day of cultural and style in this vibrant city before heading for one last night on the town. Tonight’s plan? Delicious local food, 10/10 tasty cocktails surrounded the best company in the world. (That’s your TruFam duh) Tomorrow we say goodbye to our European adventure so tonight we go BIG!

It’s time to say Ciao. Today is a chilled check out and we’re not quite ready to say goodbye. If you’re planning on travelling more of Europe your Travel Ninja is on hand for recommendations or help with onward travel plans. It’s been an insane 11 days of railing through Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. We’ve created memories to last a lifetime and taken enough pics to spam your instagram for the next 12 months. You’re a part of the TruFam and that’s for life so it’s not goodbye it’s see you later!