Essential Europe: Italy, Croatia & Mediterranean Magic

Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening. Stay: Wombats Munich Werksviertel

Get this adventure started and road trip from Munich to Innsbruck. Nestled snugly in a picturesque valley with panoramic views of the alps, Innsbruck won't disappoint. Get your bearings with the help of your CEO and spend some free time becoming familiar with your hostel and surroundings. Opt to wander along Maria Theresien Street, explore the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, or check out Ambras Castle, famous for its renaissance gardens. Get ready to fill your camera roll! (B)

Pile onto the bus again and head into the epic scenery of the Dolomites. Think filling your feed with crystal clear mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks. Take a hiatus from the road and stroll around Lake Misurina in the province of Belluno. Known as the “Pearl of Cadore”, you won’t be disappointed with what you find here. The mirror-like reflection of the mountains in the lake makes it seem as if you are walking in a dream. But don’t forget, Venice is the real end goal of today, so try not to get too attached to Belluno, we bet you already did. Tonight join your CEO for a nice cold beverage and see where the night takes you. Stay: Anda Venice Hostel (B)

“Oh what a night, what a beautiful night…” This tends to be the song stuck in our heads whenever a visit to Venice is on the table. Can’t you just hear that accordion? After becoming acquainted with Venice's cuisine on a CEO-led food tour, and learning of ghostly legends, the day is yours, no judgments here on what you decide to do. From canals to gondola rides, and inspiring architecture, what’s not to love? The main city is small enough that you can walk it in several hours with the added bonus of getting those steps in. Explore the canals, relax in the small squares, and go cafe-hopping for coffee, pastries, wine, or all three, because why not? See Venice from the water on a gondola ride through the canals, run through the pigeons or people watch in St. Mark’s Square, take an elevator ride up to the top of the Campanile Di San Marco for panoramic views of the city below. Your only real job today is to have a blast!! Stay: Anda Venice Hostel (B)

We promise your tastebuds will thank you and rejoice with what’s on the menu for today’s adventure. All aboard the train from Venice to Florence. Being one of Italy’s most sought after food capitals, make sure you stuff your face while here. Eat the city’s signature pasta and venture out of those comfort zones to sample any specialty dishes you may stumble upon. Your CEO will point you in the right direction on CEO-led food and market tour. This evening happens to be perfect if you are looking to relax, eat some more (if you can), or recover from those food comas in your hostel before a quick highlight tour of the city. Stay: Hostel Plus Florence (B)

Live your best life on this free day in Florence! Grab some pals, lace up those walking shoes, and let the good times roll. Take in famous works of art hung in the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia. “Oh and ah” at the grand architectural masterpieces of the Duomo and the Palazzo Pitti, and smell the flowers in Boboli Gardens. Looking for more chill vibes? We got you covered. Walk along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio before eating your way through the Firenze’s many cafes, ristorantes, and gelato shops. Stay: Hostel Plus Florence (B)

Leave Florence behind and catch the train to Rome. Upon arrival grab your travel mates and enjoy a walking your before letting your appetites run wild on an afternoon food tour; cue those Italian fantasies. Sample pizza, gelato and more as you learn about the heart and soul behind Italian cooking. The night is yours! Did someone say dance party? Stay: Jo&Joe Roma B&B (B)

From gardens to museums and gelato to slices of pizza we’re pretty sure you’ll have your hands full (literally) on this free day in Rome. You can visit the mighty Colosseum, home to past gladiator tournaments. Walk up the 135 stairs of the Spanish steps. Meander around the Roman Forum; one of the most important Roman ruins in Italy, and stare up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (knowing you could probably never paint something as grand). Whatever you decide, make sure you meet up for tiramisu, limoncello, a glass or two of wine and whatever else you crave along the way. When in Rome right? Stay: Jo&Joe Roma B&B (B)

It’s all about those good vibes and finding that connection today. Say, “Arrivederci Rome”, as you cruise towards the Adriatic Coast. Once we arrive in Ancona you’ll board an overnight ferry to Split, Croatia. Sleeping cabins are included and we bet you’ll have some stories to tell afterwards. We can’t wait to hear them! (B)

Wipe the sleep from those eyes with a quick breakfast onboard the ferry. Then, on your mark, get set, GO explore the second largest city in Croatia! Modern life and ancient history collide here ensuring there’s plenty of experiences to keep you preoccupied. The only challenge? Seeing as much as you can without rushing it. We’ll let you in on a secret. For the best views of the city consider climbing the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, then head out on a sightseeing guided tour to explore Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace. But after all this we wanted to do you a favour, so we’ll give you back your evening to do as you will. Think drinks in the hostel with new friends, or heading out on the town for a night of laughter and dancing. Doesn’t sound like you could go wrong. Stay: En Route Hostel Split (B)

Take two at exploring Split? Yes, please! Stroll along the Riva Promenade with its palm trees, colourful buildings and striking views of the Adriatic Sea; a great place to get those steps in. Looking for a hike? Consider climbing Marjan Hill where a series of trails crisscross their way to the top. Or... hear us out. You could venture a bit farther to Klis Fortress for panoramic views of the Dalmatian Coast and the “Game of Thrones” filming location for Meereen, just make sure there are no dragons flying about. Stay: En Route Hostel Split (B)

Wow, your friends and family back home will be totally jealous of you today. Set those devices to island time and hop on a Hydrofoil sailing trip to Korčula. Yes, we said Hydrofoil. Feel inspired by the views of the rugged coastline, feel the wind whip through your hair, and be in the moment. Once you arrive, your CEO will come in clutch with another highlight walk of the area. Meet up and see some cool places like the Old Town walls, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Discover the local beer scene in the evening or get classy and sip some wine while eating seafood in one of the many delicious restaurants on the island. Stay: Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik (B)

Did someone say Peljesac Peninsula? No? Well anyway, you’ll be seeing this gem on your way from Korčula to Dubrovnik. Wave your goodbyes as your fleet of small boats pulls away from shore and head to a place renowned for the best red wine in Croatia. Wander the wall of Ston, from Ston to Mali. Then live your best life with your travel buds and choose to taste this renowned vino and order a dozen of the best oysters in Europe at a local restaurant. Finish up in Dubrovnik on a group walk through the Old Town. Play eye spy and see if you can spot Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, and a Franciscan Monastery. Afterwards, revel in the timeless atmosphere of this port city. You might never leave and we wouldn’t blame you. Stay: Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik (B)

You have a whole day ahead of you to experience Dubrovnik as you please. Admire one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world, stroll along the city’s walls, hike up to Minčeta Fortress; the highest fort in Dubrovnik only accessible from the city walls. (yes, we know it sounds cool!) Hunt down some Game of Thrones filming locations (there are plenty) and let out your inner Khaleesi! Grab a towel, find a place to swim your heart out, kayak for unique views of the city from the water, and perhaps end your day sipping a beverage and witnessing a gorgeous sunset from a cliff top bar. Sounds like a win in our book. Stay: Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik

Pull out those travel journals and cross another country off your bucket-lists today because it’s time to leave Croatia behind and give some love and attention to Montenegro. All of the boxes will be checked today, beautiful sites, quaint villages, and your first glimpse of Kotor Bay, a unique fjord of the Adriatic. You’ll check out the historic village of Perast. Think marvellous buildings, postcard-like churches, and a romantic waterfront that seems to feature in every painting of European sailing towns. Rest of the day you get to hang out with your super cool and fun CEO. They will take you on a highlights walk of UNESCO protected Kotor and show you places like the Old City, St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the famous Clock Tower. Don’t let the fun end here! Make a plan and keep hanging out and see if your CEO can accompany you to a few hole in the wall places that will make your time here truly unique. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

Amazing views and a magical experience are on the menu for today. It all starts as the sun rises over the land on a morning walk to the San Giovanni Fortress. Grab some fun group photos with your CEO as you stand atop the city and revel in the views. The rest of the day belongs to you. Explore, bop around, and experience Kotor as you wish. Even if that means laying low at the hostel with a few friends, we won’t judge, in fact, the best moments often happen when you least expect them. Cat lovers rejoice! Because Kotor has their very own Cat Museum you can visit. Not feeling an afternoon of felines? That’s ok, walk into the impressive interior of St. Nicholas’ Church, hop on a boat and visit Our Lady of the Rocks, or book an excursion to Blue Cave for a bucket-list worthy swim spot. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

Another day, another dollar. Just kidding, it’s free to make awesome memories with your friends and it’s guaranteed that you will as you travel along the Montenegrin coastline towards Tirana, Albania. Make a pit stop to St Stefan, part island, part luxury resort. It’s a great place to get out, stretch those legs and pretend you have just arrived on your private yacht like most guests do. From there you’ll get to visit Dolphin-shaped Lake Skadar on the border of Albania and Montenegro. Explore the area surrounded by steep mountains, island monasteries, and crystal-clear waters by foot. Finish the day in Tirana with a half day guided walking tour through the streets featuring Skanderbeg Square! Stay: Hotel Kruja (B)

The day is yours! Take advantage of free time and get to know Tirana. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, this city hardly ever makes travel bucket lists. Tirana boasts a wide range of optional activities that are guaranteed to charm you. Opt to hike through national parks in the area, or maybe explore history museums that unveil Tirana's turbulent past. Check out food markets full of local cuisine and sweets while you admire the local landmarks of this special place. Stay: Hotel Kruja (B)

It’s no secret that travelling is exhausting! Build up that energy with breakfast in the hostel then drive along the coastal route to Saranda known fondly as the “Albanian Riviera”. Strap those sea legs on as you catch the ferry from Saranda to the island of Corfu where once you arrive you’ll have free time to grab a drink, explore Corfu, and laugh it up with your pals at the hostel. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Wake up in paradise and know that the choice is yours today and there’s nothing holding you back! Take a taxi and explore the UNESCO-listed town, wander by the laundry swaying in the sea breeze and search for a place to grab lunch and a cocktail or two. Searching for something more exciting and unique? Chill out on an olive oil tasting experience, or learn about bees and honey production in Corfu. Looking for more adventure? Visit an ancient monastery on steep cliffs overlooking the azure waters. Want to just relax? Lay out beachside working on your tan and swimming in the refreshing waters. Turns out you really can’t go wrong on this Greek island. Tonight, opt to go out with the group to Corfu Town and hit up some of the best nightlife spots. The transfer to and from the hostel is included if you choose to go. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading south for some good times and epic views in Greece. (B)