Essential: Room with 3+ other travelers in conveniently located hostels. For social butterflies who thrive on meeting other people.
Plus: Stay with just one other person in 3- or 4-star hotels. Perfect for couples or anyone who enjoys recharging in their own space.
Why go?
What do you get when you combine picturesque Venetian canals, hilltop Bavarian castles, snow-capped Swiss mountain ranges, and bustling medieval cities? Some would say this trip and, sure, theyβd be right. But what do you really get? A fairytale.
Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)
8 nights in handpicked accommodations
8 breakfasts
2 dinners
Expert Tour Director
24/7 support from our travel gurus
3 insider city tours with local guides
Picture yourself
Riding in a gondola through the canals of Venice
Yodeling from atop the majestic Swiss Alps
Raising a toast inside one of Munich's legendary beer halls
Saying, βHasnβt everyone been to Liechtenstein?β
Living a fairytale on the balcony of a hilltop castle
Limited time only
Book for $99 down
Lock in a deal up to $1000 off, book with a $99 deposit, and pay off your trip over time.
Itinerary
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Pack your appetite for adventure (and pasta) and board your overnight flight to Italy. This is the time to rest upβnew countries, cultures, and cuisines await.
Day 2: Arrive in Venice + Welcome Dinner
Benvenuto (welcome) to the Venice Region, otherwise known as Veneto. Once one of the richest and largest maritime trade empires in the world, the sheer number of canals, bridges, and boats should come as no surprise. Youβll drop off your bags, stretch your legs, then venture over to an authentic neighborhood on the western side of Venice.
In the evening, it's time for our Welcome Dinner and Event.Β Every great trip deserves a great beginningβand that's exactly what the Welcome Dinner and Event delivers. Hosted by your new bestie, your Tour Director, this kickoff moment is all about meeting your fellow travelers, learning their names, swapping stories, and easing into the adventure ahead. It's casual, fun, and the first step in turning a group of strangers into something more. Because at Ultimate Break, we believe memories are best made together.
Todayβs highlights
Arrive at the airportβyour Tour Director will be waiting to show you how to get around the city.
Venture into Venice proper or see the area surrounding your accommodation.
Head to the classic spots like St Markβs Square, or the Rialto bridge in the evening for no crowds, just magic.
Learn about andar per bacari, the local past time of going from bacaro to bacaro (bacaro = wine bar) enjoying inexpensive local wines and prosecco, the company of friends and strangers while enjoying Venetian tapas, the cicchetti [chee-KEHT-tee].
Free time suggestions
Ask Your Tour Director
For the perfect time and the perfect spot to help arrange a gondola ride (extra cost)
If you can row a gondola? It's possible, thanks to a unique partnership with Row Venice (extra cost, see FAQ)
About how to beat the lines and get inside St Markβs basilica to look at 900 years of Venetian art and history (extra cost)
To visit to colorful Burano for a picture perfect afternoon and lunch (extra cost)
The times for the local markets, the most ramous, the Rialto Mercato, is right on the Grand Canal and is open six days per week
When to go to the famed bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta is just a few minutes walk from St Markβs square and is beloved as a unique, chaotic spot in the heart of Venice (see Venice FAQ Section)
Getting to one of the citiesβ famed view points, like the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore, whether you want the perfect photo of St Markβs or the Grand Canal, weβll point you to the spots to snag those iconic photos from Venice
About the places to buy locally made souvenirs that support the community, local producers and the Veneto region
We handpick every accommodation and focus on locations and properties where local culture is at your doorstep. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used properties for this tour.
This one-of-a kind design hostel is located in Mestre with easy access to the heart of Venice. Guests enjoy modern accommodations, an onsite bar and Anda-hosted parties. Nearby you'll find cocktail bars, gelato shops and the...
Meininger Salzburg
This modern hostel is located in central Salzburg. Guests enjoy ensuite bathrooms, free internet, and a bar onsite. Nearby you'll find Rockhouse Salzburg, ZIB shopping centre and picturesque Kapunzinerberg mountain.
Ski Lodge Engelberg
This mountain hostel is located in the center of Engelberg. Guests enjoy a cozy atmostphere, onsite restaurant, and lively bar. Nearby you'll find mountain shops, a 12th-century monastery and Mount Titlis.
When you include flights with your trip, our dedicated team of experts will handle all the details, so your travel experience is as seamless as possible. Just select your dates and airport to see pricing.
The Alps are calling, book the trip! We recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip. The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes.Β
Visa Requirement:
U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Germany, Italy, and Switzerland without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your countryβs consulate for your specific entry requirements.Β Β Β
Passport Validity: We recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.Β Β Β
Venice Tourism Tax:Β The city of Venice requires that all travelers must pay a fee/tax for entering the city unless their accommodations are within the municipality of Venice. All Ultimate Break accommodations are within the municipality, so you do not need to pay the tax. You MUST, however, complete a form confirming that you are staying within the city and download a QR code. If you do not have this QR code, authorities may fine you.
Switzerland keeps the vibes high with jaw-dropping landscapes and chill city scenes. Lucerneβs medieval charm and lakeside views are peak fairy tale, and ZΓΌrich blends historic architecture with a seriously cool art and nightlife scene. Whether you're wandering across Chapel Bridge or diving into the local food (fondue, anyone?), every moment feels next-level. Expect crisp air and snow-capped magic in winter, or sunny days and lush mountain views in summer. These cities bring the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and once-in-a-lifetime momentsβdesigned for travelers who want to see it all and have the time of their lives doing it.
Libreria Acqua Alta: Veniceβs most photogenic bookstore, famous for its staircase made of old books, cozy reading nooks, and books stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and boats to protect them from flooding. Resident cats roam freely, adding to the charm of this quirky, Instagram-worthy literary treasure.
Glass blowing at Vecchia Murano: Venetian glassblowing isnβt just a craftβitβs an art form passed down for generations. At Vecchia Murano, youβll meet the Maestri, master glassblowers who have dedicated their lives to shaping molten glass into breathtaking works of art. With skill, precision, and a little bit of magic, they transform raw materials into delicate vases, intricate sculptures, and shimmering jewelry. Watching them work is like stepping into historyβan ancient tradition still alive today, in the hands of true artisans.
Rosa Salva: Weβre all about teaming up with locals to bring you the most authentic (and delicious) experiences. Thatβs why we grab fresh pastries from Rosa Salva, a legendary, family-run Venetian bakery thatβs been serving up the good stuff since 1870. Passed down through six generations, the Rosa Salva family continues to craft traditional Venetian treats with the same passion and quality that made them famous. Whether itβs a flaky croissant or a perfect sfogliatella, every bite is a taste of real Venice.
St. Mark's Basilica is always worth a visit but requires planning to navigate when to go as there are often long lines. Entry costs 3 Euro.Β Inside there are several additional entrances that are extra, such as the balcony and the treasury.
The Campanile at St Mark's is also an incredible viewpoint, there is an elevator to the top and their are options to skip the the line. Chat with your Tour Director about how best to plan your visit.
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Row VeniceΒ Beginning in 2025, EF Ultimate Break is partnering with Row Venice to give travelers a firsthand experience of cultura acqueaβVeniceβs unique water-based heritage. Row Venice is a non-profit organization led by passionate, expert women vogatriciβVenetian rowers who preserve and promote the tradition of voga alla veneta, the standing, forward-facing rowing style made iconic by gondoliers. Many of the women are athletes and regatta competitors, and theyβreΒ devoted to keeping this centuries-old sport alive.Β
Groups average around 30 travelers but can range from 20 up to 44. Generally, the average age is 25. The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.
Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between - our tours are designed for you to build connections Β that will last a lifetime. With experiences like our included Welcome and Farewell dinners, we'll make sure you have time to get to know your fellow travelers. Β First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here
When you book flights with us youβll get:
The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
One checked bag per traveler included.
Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. Youβll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.
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If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.
Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.
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When you book flights on your own, youβre responsible for:
Transfers to and from the airport on your tourβs arrival and departure dates.
Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.
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We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if thatβs not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airlineβs website for weight limits.
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For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center
When you book flights with us youβll get:
The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
One checked bag per traveler included.
Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. Youβll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.
Β
If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.
Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.
Generally, expect to depart your home gateway in the afternoon or evening on Day 1. All overnight flights from the US to Europe will arrive mid-morning to early afternoon on Day 2.
Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.
When you arrive at the airport, you'll head through baggage claim and customs before being greeted by your Tour Director. They'll set a designated place for you to meet as the trip gets closer. For travelers who booked flights through Ultimate Break, you'll then be transported to your first accommodation to freshen up before the Welcome Dinner.Β
We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.Β
The local currency will be both the Euro and the Swiss Franc. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.
Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with your local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!
In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.
On Essential trips, roommates are assigned randomly unless a specific roommate is requested in advance, you can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure. Rooms may accommodate 4+ travelers of the same gender. Please note that rooming upgrades and mixed gender rooming are not available.
These destinations are considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Β
Here are a few additional points:
Health and Safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, itβs important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
Nightlife: As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
You can learn more about our safety commitmentΒ here.
We categorize this trip as a low activity level. This means you're ready to choose your own adventure. You may spend more time on a bus or vehicle but there will be some walking and activities as well. Thereβs also some free time for you to enjoy at your own pace. On these tours, be prepared to:
Walk a minimum of 7,500k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
Use public transportation
Climb on and off a motor coach or vehicle unassisted
Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if no elevator)
Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
For Essential Trips: Be able to climb a ladder for bunk beds (if applicable)
Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.Β Β
We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you donβt miss the deadline to add them.
When you travel with Ultimate Break, youβll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. Thatβs because our three core Responsible Travel commitmentsβprotecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfareβare at the heart of every tour we offer.
Venice is a city unlike any other, which is why we're committed to helping maintain its beauty while helping you experience its magic. As we encourage travelers toΒ travel with care, we're excited to learn from local initiatives that support sustainable tourism. Read more about Venice's sustainable tourism initiative #EnjoyRespectVeniceΒ hereΒ and explore Venice responsibly.
If you're itching to travel a tad longer and want to experience another destination (or even country) during your tour, consider adding your tour's extension. Some tours offer a tour extension giving you a few more days to explore with your Tour Director and other tour members.Β
We suggest adding the tour extension when booking your tour. If you've already made your reservation and would like to add the extension, we'll do our best to make it happen. The sooner you let us know, the better, so we can adjust your flight dates and airport gateways as needed.
I want to express how incredibly happy and amazed I was with my tripβit truly exceeded all expectations! What made the entire experience so fun, organized, and unforgettable was our tour guide, Fab. From the moment we met, Fab brought warmth, humor, and heart to every part of...
Incredible!
5 out of 5 stars
3rd-time traveler Taylor, traveled in May 2025
If youβre considering booking this trip, book it! Lots of fun adventures and beautiful scenery. A good balance of free time and planned activities. Loved the road trip portion as well because of the beautiful views and places we got to stop and visit along the way. Ingo was an...
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5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in May 2025
Traveling through 4 countries within 10 days was absolutely insane but genuinely a wonderful experience. The balance created by the Tour Director Ivana allowed me to enjoy all the beautiful scenery, the food, and the culture while still maintaining some time to get down-time...
Italy, Germany, Austria & Switzerland
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Sarah, traveled in May 2025
This trip was amazing! The most beautiful countries, food, and views. The people in our group were great and our tour director Jenci was fantastic! Always positive, fun, and charismatic! The food was outstanding. Out of all the countries, Germany and Austria were for sure my...
Passport Stamped!
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Demontae, traveled in May 2025
This was my first time traveling overseas and it definitely wonβt be my last. My tour director Marco, was a breath of fresh air! Knowledgeable, welcoming and all around an amazing individual. The experience wouldnβt have been the same without him. I look forward to more culture,...