Let's Go Europe 2019. Harvard Student Agencies

from any background. For all the hullabaloo around this small continent, the fairytale-like legends that you hear from old men in parks, friends, and parents are, for the most part, true stories. Well, maybe all except Uncle Marty’s story claiming he found an old manuscript of Ulysses on a Dublin bar crawl..

      Pub crawls and pretentious reading material aside, Europe awaits you. Paraglide above the Swiss Alps, shimmy your way into Berlin’s most exclusive clubs, or scuba dive between two tectonic plates in Iceland. When in Dubrovnik, find love on Lokrum Island and, in Athens, find your Adonis or Aphrodite. Get blown away by the beat of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls and cheer on European sports teams in Munich’s beer gardens. Europe has been, and will likely continue to be, the starting point for the adventures of students all around the world. Join the company of your fellow wanderlust-stricken adventure seekers and set your trip apart from the rest.

      Ready, set, Let’s Go!

       WHEN TO GO

      Summer is the most popular time to travel to Europe, meaning that if you take a trip during high season, thousands of backpackers will be right there with you. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet students from around the world in hostels of varying social degrees, restaurants with communal tables, and in the long lines for incredible churches and monuments (small talk is a real thing, especially if you’re alone). While it is very possible to complete a budget trip in the summertime, it’s important to note that the season’s many festivals can jack up prices for accommodations, restaurants, and general sightseeing. Keep an eye out for huge summertime events such as Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls, Dublin’s Bloomsday, Lisbon’s Festas de Lisboa, and Edinburgh’s Fringe. You’ll need to plan ahead—like way ahead—if you intend to travel while these world-renowned events take place. They’re definitely worth the extra effort (and perhaps even the extra cash).

      If you’re not into the summer backpacking experience, late spring and early autumn attract fewer tourists, meaning that you can save a bit on airfare and bookings, but it can be difficult to take time off during these seasons. Unfortunately, spring break isn’t quite long enough to do a full tour.

      For those looking to celebrate the holidays in Venice or shred the slopes of the Italian Alps, winter travel is also a viable option. However, this isn’t the best time to hit the clubs of Ibiza or take a walking tour of Prague. You’ll also find that some hotels, restaurants, and sights have reduced hours or are on vacation…from you.

       SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

       THE GRAND TOUR (40 DAYS)

      For the travel-hungry soul who wants to see the most famous highlights of Europe—buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride. We highly recommend tackling this bad boy with the trusty help of budget airlines or a rail pass.

      • LONDON (4 days)—God save the Queen. Your first stop on your full-fledged adventure begins in an English-speaking country (baby steps). Make London your cup of tea by delving into its music culture and royal history. Here’s hoping you’ll catch a glimpse of the Queen (no, no, no not Elizabeth, J.K. Rowling). (see p. 258)

      • COPENHAGEN (2 days)—It’s time to venture north, as in Nordic. Blond people, Viking history, a whole soap opera of feuds with Sweden, and, of course, insane taxes await you in Denmark. Time to immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s hygge. (see p. 121)

      • AMSTERDAM (3 days)—Amsterdam has it all: imperial history, artistic pedigree, and killer music. Burn some calories in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world and see some classic Dutch windmills. Let’s not forget crossing over to the dark side either; if you so choose, the coffeeshop scene is out there—just keep this part of the trip to yourself (Mom doesn’t want to know). (see p. 462)

      • PARIS (4 days)—Go ahead, be romantic. This is the quintessential European destination for artists, lovers, tourists, foodies, and romantics alike. If you don’t go here on your Grand Tour, you didn’t go to Europe. Paris, enchanté. (see p. 173)

      • BARCELONA (3 days)—Get your Gaudí on in one of the hottest (and we mean searing hot) parts of Europe. Architecture geeks will be awestruck by the beauty of La Sagrada Familia, foodies will triumph in the exquisite Catalan cuisine, and soccer fans will rejoice in the buzz of one of the world’s most beloved teams at the Camp Nou. Let’s get Messi. (see p. 542)

      • LISBON (2 days)—Part of the beauty of Lisbon is that it’s largely undiscovered. This hidden gem is bound to blow your mind with its seafood delights and geographic wonders. It’s time for leg day, so gear up to hike as you soak up the sun and culture in Lisboa. (see p. 521)

      • MADRID (2 days)—The Spanish capital reigns with the promise of pitchers of sangria, one of the most poppin’ nightlife scenes on the globe, and countless opportunities to explore Spanish history from the Age of Exploration to present day. Madrid loves you already and you will fall for it even harder. (see p. 571)

      • ROME (4 days)—Hop on that vespa, baby. It’s time to talk fast, move your hands fast, and drive even faster. Get the best of the old Roman Empire and the new Roman paradise in the Eternal City. Gelato will cool you down as you climb Palatine Hill and pretend to be a gladiator in The Roman Colosseum. (see p. 429)

      • FLORENCE (3 days)—Travel back in time to the Renaissance and get #cultured in this epicenter of art. This is Michelangelo’s hometown, but today it is a modern hotspot for art, music, shopping, and gelato-mongering. (see p. 394)

      • PRAGUE (3 days)—Prague’s Old Town looks like a fairytale and it’s time to make your dreams come true. This often-overlooked gem boasts must-sees like the Charles Bridge and castle, but the young and grungy bars, beer gardens, and galleries are more eager to see you. (see p. 100)

      • MUNICH (2 days)—Munich is the quintessential German city, layered in tradition. Munich is a little quiter than other cities, but you can still appreciate its Bavarian roots as you tour its high-quality beer gardens. (see p. 230)

      • BERLIN (3 days)—Pick up the pace and head to a city that never sleeps. Riddled with the history of a war-torn city and trendy, exclusive club scenes, Berlin is a true cosmopolitan center. Make sure you say, “Hallo!” to Merkel for us. (see p. 202)

      • ATHENS (3 days)—Make your way back down south and turn up the temperature. Climb Mount Olympus, walk around the ruins of the Acropolis, and find your Adonis or Aphrodite under the sweet, Greek sun. Apollo, is that you? (see p. 296)

      • SPLIT (2 days)—Top it all off in the Balkans. Split is the place to cool down, relax, and enjoy the beach as you dance the night away. (see p. 81)

       ISLAND HOPPING (14 DAYS)

      Does Europe even have any islands, you ask? That’s preposterous. Tons of lively ones eagerly await you on your European adventure. We’re talking palm trees, sand, pebbly beaches, bumping party beats, and master DJs. Tell Corona we’ve found our beach.

      • IBIZA (2 days)—Kick it off with superstar DJs like David Guetta and show Mike Posner you can handle a rager better than he can in the nightclubs of this iconic Spanish island. (see p. 563)

      • MALTA (3 days)—Combine cliff-jumping with clubbing in this 122-mile archipelago. The best part? You can mix the history of repeated conquest by the Phoenicians and Romans and the colonial rule of the British into your island vacation by visiting limestone temples, ancient ruins, and monumental forts. (see p. 404)

      • MYKONOS