Central Europe & Italy (Berlin to Rome)

Same iconic 24-day route through 7 countries — Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy — without the group tour price tag. You'll follow the same trail from Berlin to Rome, hitting every highlight from Krakow's Royal Route and Prague's ruin bars to Lake Bled's fairytale shores and Cinque Terre's clifftop villages. Travel by train and bus just like the original tour (Intrepid's own 'Basix' style already uses local transport), stay in well-rated hostels and budget hotels, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. All cost estimates are approximate and based on 2024/25 backpacker rates in GBP per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,485

Experience the best of Italy independently — from Venice's labyrinthine canals to Rome's ancient Colosseum — without paying for a group tour leader. This self-launched route mirrors Intrepid Travel's Essential Italy itinerary, using local trains, budget hostels and self-bookable activities to deliver the same bucket-list experiences at a fraction of the price. Expect pasta, aperitivi, coastal hikes, Renaissance art and unforgettable sunsets — all on your own terms. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on budget/backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£730

Hit seven countries across Central Europe independently — from Berlin's underground clubs to Venice's romantic canals, via Krakow, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest and Lake Bled. This self-launched version swaps the Intrepid group leader for your own research, replaces private transfers with trains and buses, and cuts the cost dramatically. You'll stay in a mix of budget hotels and hostels, eat like a local at milk bars and street food stalls, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. All the same magic, none of the group tour premium. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£840