An adventurous backpacking trip to Europe could be the international trip of your life and add to your to-do list. I was on the fence when the idea was presented to me, but it didn’t take long for me to change my mind. Some seasoned travelers have said that backpacking is the only way to go, especially if you’re looking for magnificent nature, a cultural melting pot, world-famous landmarks, and a world full of adventure. Backpacking has very few time restrictions and is unique when compared to other travel routes. There is no right or wrong way to hike in Europe, but here is an example of our route that has worked for us.
1. London:
Our first stop was Heathrow Airport because it is connected to public transport that will take you safely to famous places. Our first stop was Buckingham Palace, and it was far better in person than any picture or video could convey. The interior of the royal family home is as incredible as the outside. We missed the iconic change of guards but I heard it was amazing. Add to your “When in London” list and the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. They are also of historical importance and are must-sees during your walk around the city.
2. Paris
Trust me on this one. Known as the City of Love, Paris is a wonder. Take the Eurostar underground train from London to Paris. Even the thought of traveling under the English Channel is unbelievable. There is so much to experience here. What about the one and only Eiffel Tower. My wife and I enjoyed an enjoyable picnic lunch (French staples, wine, and bread) from the outside, but my travel partners paid a ticket to get a bird’s-eye view from the top. Either way, take a photo or two because seeing this iconic tower in person was at least surreal. We could have stayed on the grass forever, but when they came down from the hill, we set off to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Montemartre arts district, where the Sacre Coeur Basilica is located. The architecture alone is great. Whether you appreciate the art or not, these landmarks will impress you.
3. Rome
This is truly the best place for backpacking. It is full of ancient history and cultural sites that look like postcard photos but better. I’ve read about the many places this eternal city has to offer, and the fact that we’ve personally experienced it is truly fascinating. It takes a while to get there, but it’s worth the train journey. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so take your time and spend some extra time here if your schedule allows. One of the must-see places (in fact, all of them must-see) is the Colosseum. Wander around, experience the historic architecture, and travel back to the time when the Romans sat in the same arena and watched gladiators fight. Then I suggest you visit the Pantheon Vatican to have a prayer and take in Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. If time permits, head to the Trevi Fountain and toss a few coins for good luck. According to tradition, one coin is for love and the other is for guaranteeing that you will return to Rome. I wish I had time to discuss many different restaurants. Our policy was to eat where the locals did and to live as the Romans did when the old rule was “when in Rome”. We haven’t had a single bad meal.
4. Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre transforms into five small towns that resemble a colorful building boutique on the coast of western Italy. The villages are Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola and each is a marvel. I can’t speak a word of Italian, but it didn’t matter. My senses were able to drink in all the culture and personality presented here. We marveled at one of the unique natural cliffs in their National Park, which conveniently surrounds all five towns. It has to be one of Mother Nature’s best works. Perfect for backpackers who don’t like being in big city crowds all the time. We took a train with a daily pass that allowed us to ride as many times as we wanted between these picturesque towns. You also need to buy a pass to get around. It would probably be a good idea to stay overnight. There are several accommodation options that offer a good night’s sleep that are comfortable and affordable. Cinque Terre is perhaps a place where I’ll go back and stay a little longer next time without a backpack.
5. Berlin
Germany is fascinating and never impresses me. Sightseeing opportunities and sights abound with history, architectural wonders, and even castles. This European country is like no other, and the scenery is like walking back in time with an eclectic collection of modern buildings. For example, the famous Brandenburg Gate icon is not once considered a symbol of the division of the country, but Dark granite pillars create a maze of walking tours and are the perfect prather unification. lace for photos. The most disturbing yet emotional place we visited was the underground museum, which showcased the plight of the Jews under Nazi control. Talk about a difficult time. But Berlin also has a much lighter, modern side. There are cool neighborhoods to explore, really cool locals to meet, and delicious food to taste. I ordered the vegan cuisine with Vietnamese noodles which were delicious. Then we went for a walk on a closed airport runway that is now open to the public. There is so much to do and see, but the common denominator of Berlin is that wherever you go, backpacker or not, the sky is the limit for amazing sights, sounds, tastes and experiences.
There’s never enough time to explore Europe in a single visit, so don’t wait. But I recommend planning where you want to go and leaving enough room for unexpected stops along the way. Europe is one of the most interesting continents in the world and is especially interesting when you take your best friends and a backpack with you.
