Interrail 2023

Follow me on my interrail trip through Europe in January 2023

[travelwithdebsi]

The end - summary (29.01.2023)

On Friday I returned to Germany and spent the weekend in Munich. Now I‘m sitting on the train back home and thinking about my whole trip. It ended really fast - unbelievable.

I saw 20 cities in 24 days. I stayed in 10 different hostels (never stayed in one before). I am so grateful for all the people I met and all the experiences I had.

I was a little unsure if an Interrail trip in January was right for me, but I would definitely recommend it! I was pretty lucky with the weather in France and Italy. I had a few rainy days, but then I went to a museum or a coffee, so no problem at all. But in general the cites are very empty In January, you can do a lot without planning ahead because you get the tickets on the spot without waiting. You are also very flexible when it comes to trains and hostels. You can book the same day and get a place. There are not so many tourists, but in the hostels there are enough people to meet and do something together.

This leads me to my next point: travelling solo (as a woman) in Europe. I have to say: no problem at all. I have always stayed in women-only dorms, but I have heard other women who have also stayed in mixed dorms and had no problems. Personally, I felt more comfortable in a female dorm, and mostly they were the same price - so it didn’t make any difference.

I had a rough plan of what I wanted to see and where I wanted to go before Is started my trip, but other than the first train to Lyon and the hostel there, I didn‘t book anything. I really wanted to be flexible and changed my plan twice as well. The first time, I added Milan and decided to do Monaco as a day trip only (no overnight stay). And the second time, I booked a regular train (without using a travel day of my Interrail pass) to go to Florence. So I had one more travel day to go to Venice as well. Besides, the visit to Cinque Terre wasn’t planned. I met nice people who asked me if I want to join them and I did. So it’s definitely a recommendation to stay open and flexible.

What I also noticed is that you don’t have to stay in Cannes itself. It is only 20 minutes away from Nice. So you can stay in Nice, which is cheaper and also more visited and then take a day trip to Cannes. Also for Pisa, I think a day or two is enough to visit Pisa. So next time I would only stay there one night and not three. Also, it would have been nice to spend a few more days in Marseille and Milan, and of course there is so much more to do in Rome.

I think I made the most out of my 3.5 week trip through France and Italy. Rome was the only city I knew before. The rest was completely new to me. Sometimes the trains are very cheap, it was better to buy a regular ticket than to use a travel day from my Interrail pass. Maybe it is different in summer, or I guess when you travel longer distances and more countries. Anyway, I learned that it is definitely possible to travel by train in Europe and I really want to take the train again to get to some destinations in Europe.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 24 - Milan (26.01.2023)

I started my day at the „Piazza del Duomo“. I had already bought my ticket for the Duomo, so I could take the stairs directly and climb to the roof. Once at the top, it was very special and impressive. There are so many details and statues on every single column. You also had a beautiful view over the „Piazza del Duomo“ and the city in general. Afterwards, I also went into the cathedral. It was very big inside and there were so many beautiful and colourful windows. I could also go under the church to visit the archeological area.

After visiting the „Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II“ I did a little shopping on the „Corso Vittorio Emanuele II“. Since it was my last day, I thought it would be okay to do a little shopping and take an extra bag for the way back home tomorrow.

After a pizza for lunch, I visited two churches. The first one was the „Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore“. This is a small, very beautiful church. What was special about it was that it had two halves, one for the people and the other for the nuns. There were also many paintings on the walls, which made it very special for me. The other church was the „Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie“ with the famous painting „The Last Supper“. Unfortunately the tickets were sold out until January 31, so I couldn’t go in.

In the afternoon I also visited the „Castello Sforzesco“ and had an ice cream at „Gelateria La Romana“ - my last Italian ice cream for a while, I guess. Before returning to the hostel, I went to see the „Teatro alla Scala“ too.

I had a beautiful last day of my Interrail trip!

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 23 - Venice -> Verona -> Milan (25.01.2023)

Today was another travel day. I got up early and took the train to Verona, where I had 2.5 hours before I had to take the next train to my last destination, Milan.

Verona was more of a random stop but I had heard about it because of Romeo and Juliet, so I decided to take a tour of the city. I saw the „Arena di Verona“ and the „Palazzo Barbieri“. Then I walked to the „Casa di Giulietta“, where you can see the famous balcony and a statue of Juliet. There were many tourists and some of them climbed on the balcony. After that I also saw the „Piazza delle Erbe“ and the „Palazzo della Ragione“. I really have to say that Verona is very beautiful. There are many colourful houses and lots of restaurants and bars. I‘m glad that I made a stopover here.

After that I went to Milan. It will be the last stop on my trip. It was already afternoon when I arrived, but I wanted to see the „Duomo“ already. So I took the metro and got there. I saw the cathedral in the light of the setting sun - very beautiful. Tomorrow I will go inside and also to the terrace of the cathedral.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 22 - Venice (24.01.2023)

This morning I joined a free walking tour of Venice. It was very interesting and the tour guide told us a lot about the history of Venice, but also showed us some hidden places with beautiful views. For example, we saw the „Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute“ and also the „Peggy Guggenheim Collection“ from the outside. We didn‘t see the other main attractions because she said we would see them anyway.

So after the tour, I went to „Piazza San Marco“ to see the „Basilica di San Marco“ and the „Palazzo Ducale“. I was quite surprised because the whole square was under water. There were extra elevations set up so that the shoes didn’t get wet. Afterwards I had lunch in a very nice restaurant near a canal. Then I wanted to see the „Rialto Bridge“ and the „Scala Contarini del Bovolo“. I also went to the „Teatro La Fenice“ and at the end I saw the „Bridge of Sighs“. In general, I really enjoyed walking through the small streets without the crowds of tourists. The tour guide told us again that we should appreciate this in January because you can not walk through the streets in summer.

As there was finally a bit of sun today, I decided to take the boat back to the train station via the „Grand Canal“. The tour guide recommended that we should also see Venice from the seaside. And it was worth it. The facades are so beautiful, you never saw that from the street. There are also historical reasons for this, because in the past it was important that the houses looked nice for the boats on the water and the rest was just the back of the houses.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 21 - Rome -> Venice (23.01.2023)

Today I took the train from Rome to Venice Mestre. I was quite sad to leave Rome already, but the rain in the morning makes it easier to say goodbye. It will definitely not have been my last time in Rome.

My hostel is located in Venice Mestre, the mainland area of Venice. But it only takes 10 minutes by train to get from there to Venice Santa Lucia. I arrived around 3 pm and then took the train to go to Venice for the first time. It was very windy today, but I really enjoyed walking through the streets and over the many bridges of Venice. It is such a beautiful place. And I didn’t see a single car, unbelievable.

Here again you noticed that January is not the season. Many restaurants were closed and streets generally very empty. Nevertheless, I had a pizza and a tiramisu there before I went back to Venice Mestre. Tomorrow I will see the typical sights in Venice.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 20 - Rome (22.01.2023)

I saw a lot again today. I started my day in the Vatican City, where I also saw St. Peter’s Basilica. At 12 o’clock the Pope prayed to the people at the St. Peter’s Square from a window. That was quite an experience. There where so many people listening. Also, I waited in the line for two hours to get into the Basilica, but it didn’t go forward and then I left. At least I had already been to the Basilica the last time I was in Rome.

After that I went to Castel Sant‘Angelo and across the Ponte Sant‘Angelo towards Navona Square. There I had lunch at a recommended restaurant and for dessert a tiramisu from „Two Sizes“ - very delicious.

Then I walked to Trastevere. It was such a charming neighbourhood with lots of young people and many restaurants, cafes and bars. Very different atmosphere than in the historical part of Rome around the Colosseum, but also very nice.

On the way to the metro I also saw Circus Maximus. By metro I went to Crypt of the Capuchins. It was very impressive. There were skeletal remains all over the crypt to decorate the ceilings and to build statues. I have never ever seen anything like that before. An absolute recommendation to go there. Unfortunately, it was not allowed to take photos.

After that I looked at two more churches (there are over 900 churches in Rome). I saw the „Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano“ and the „Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore“ - two very beautiful and impressive churches.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 19 - Rome (21.01.2023)

Today was my first real day in Rome. Yesterday I bought a 48-hour ticket for the metro and this morning I took the metro to „Closseo“ to see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and all the historical buildings around. When I arrived, there were so many tourists and also many vendors trying to sell their guided tours. There was no getting around them. One of them told me that there were no more tickets for today and I could only buy one for tomorrow or join the guided tour. But I just scanned the QR code for the online tickets and there were still some left. So I bought my ticket for the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Platine Hill. I spent around two hours at the Roman Forum just walking around and admiring the buildings and the view. After that I went to the Colosseum to get my time slot.

Then I walked to the „Altare della Patria“ past the Forum of Augustus and the Foro di Cesare. The Altar of the Fatherland is so impressive and so beautiful - inspires me every time.

After that I wanted to see the Pantheon and get something to eat there. There was a demonstration at the Pantheon, but I could still see it. Then I got some pasta at a little pasta store that a girl recommended. After that, of course, an ice cream - delicious as always. Then I was back at the Spanish steps and saw the sun already setting. So I googled „best viewpoints“ in Rome and found the „Piazza del Popolo“ with the „Terrazza del Pincio“. It was so beautiful there. A band was playing live music and I watched the sunset for half an hour.

After getting back to the hostel, I decided to end my day with a gym session. I finally found an Italian city with my gym. Afterwards I got a slice of pizza and the guy there just gave me a second slice for free. So kind of him. The perfect end to the day.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 18 - Florence -> Rome (20.01.2023)

Today was a travel day. I took the train from Florence to Rome. I‘ve been to Rome before and was really looking forward to coming here again.

When I arrived in Rome, I wanted to see a few things. I walked to Trevi Fountain because it’s near my hostel. On the way to Trevi Fountain I saw so many sights and also just beautiful streets and corners. As I said, I've been in Rome before and loved it. And that's exactly why. Everywhere you go, you can see something. So I saw „St. Paul‘s Within the Walls“, „Via delle Quattro Fontane“ and „Palazzo Barberini“. Then I arrived at Trevi fountain and it was quite crowded there. I think Rome is the first city where I see many tourists now in January. I ate an ice cream there (even if it was very cold) and then went on.

My next destinations were the Spanish stairs and the „Piazza di Spagna“. I just strolled around at the many stores there. After that I went back to the hostel because it started to rain.

It’s Friday night. Let‘s see what the night brings.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 17 - Florence (19.01.2023)

This morning I had some sunshine and was very happy about it. So I decided to go to „Piazzale Michelangelo“, from where you have a beautiful view over the city. And indeed, it was very nice - especially with the sun. I sat there for half an hour and just enjoyed the moment and the sun.

Afterwards I went to a pizzeria recommended by a girl from the hostel and had the best pizza of my life - and I’ve had a lot of pizzas. But they baked it in a wood-fired oven right in front of you and everything smelled like fresh pizza and tomatoes. I loved it.

Freshly strengthened, I then discovered some dark clouds in the sky. So I went to the „Galleria degli Uffizi“, an art museum. If you are an EU citizen between 18-25 years, you only have to pay only 2€ instead of 12€. A very good offer. And the museum was also very impressive. You can see everything from Roman art to Picasso and Michelangelo to more modern paintings.

I had a nice day in Florence and can know imagine how the city feels when it’s sunny. Tomorrow I will continue to Rome.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 16 - Pisa -> Florence (18.01.2023)

Today I arrived in Florence. Unfortunately it rained again … But there where a few rain-free hours and I used them to explore the beautiful city.

There are so many things to see here. I started with the “Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore“. What a sight - really great from the outside. I had to take many photos and you can see the best ones below. I decided not to visit the cathedral from the inside. There was a long line and I heard it is not that great from the inside.

I went on to the „Palazzo Vecchio“. Here I paid the entrance fee and went into the palace. First you enter the „Hall of the Five Hundred“, very impressive. But the whole building is interesting. When I came out at the end, I saw the statue of David by Michelangelo. Then it started to rain heavily and I had some lunch. I had very delicious pasta with salmon (I really love Italian food).

After lunch the weather was a little better, but it was very cold today. Nevertheless, my next destination was „Ponte Vecchio“, a bridge over Arno River with many jewellery stores on it. After that I went to the „Cappelle Medicee“ and also entered it. It was so beautiful from the inside and also quite impressive. My last stop for today was then the „Basilica of Santa Croce“.

I really have to say that I like Florence very much. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the summer. There are so many cute little stores and beautiful streets. I really like the flair. In every street and on every corner you can discover something new. And the hostel is really nice too. The rooms are very spacious and modern. It also has an indoor pool and sauna.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 15 - Pontedera (17.01.2023)

Today was another very rainy day. Therefore I decided to visit a museum. I searched for interesting museums in or near Pisa and found „Museo Piaggio“ in Pontedera. Pontedera is 20 minutes by train from Pisa.

Piaggio is a motor vehicle manufacturer, headquartered in Pontedera. They produce many brands but the most famous besides „Piaggio“ is „Vespa“. „Vespa“ means „wasp“ in Italian. I learned a lot about the history of Piaggio and its brands and also about different motorcycle models.

It was a very interesting stay there. I also think it was quite nice because you see so many Vespas and motorcycles in Italy in general. I heard from an Italian in Genoa that you need a motorcycle to get through the streets in Italy. And really (in my opinion) they ride like crazy here.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 14 - Pisa (16.01.2023)

Since it was supposed to rain in the afternoon I got up early and went to the city. I really wanted to see the „Leaning Tower of Pisa“ and so that was my first destination. I was surprised how leaning the tower really is (more than on the pictures). There were many tourist taking the typical pictures holding the tower. Next to the leaning tower there is the „Cathedral of Pisa“, also a very beautiful building.

After that I just walked around the city and saw the „Palazzo della Carovana“ and some churches. The city is crossed by a river called „Arno“ and it feels like it separates the older part from the newer part of the city. Near the river I had lunch in a little restaurant and after that unfortunately it started to rain. The whole day was very windy, but together with the rain it became really uncomfortable. I decided to have another coffee and then went back to the hostel.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 13 - Genoa -> Pisa (15.01.2023)

Today was travel day. My next destination was Pisa. I didn’t want to pay for seat reservations so I decided to take regular trains which meant that I had to change trains twice. Unfortunately, one train didn’t show up and I had to wait for two hours at the first transfer station. Then I didn’t get my connecting train either and didn’t arrive in Pisa until 5 pm. By this time it was already getting dark, so I could only take two pictures of the train station today.

But now I finally have time to do my laundry tonight. In the hostel here is a washing machine with dryer. Unfortunately, only rain is forecast for the next few days. I hope that I still have the chance to see the city and not only museums or interiors.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 12 - Cinque Terre (14.01.2023)

Yesterday I met a girl and a boy from Ireland and we spent the evening together. They told me that they want to go to the „Cinque Terre“ on Saturday and asked me if I would like to join. I had never heard about it, but thought why not. The „Cinque Terre“ consists of five old fishing villages on the Italian coast - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

So this morning we got up at 06:30 and took the train to the first stop Monterosso. We had such a beautiful view over the sea and the beach was still pretty empty. The sun was just rising and it was breathtaking. The next stop was Vernazza, where we also saw many beautiful and colourful old houses around the fishing port. In Corniglia, the next stop, we had also a nice view over the sea.

Around noon we took the train to Riomaggiore and had lunch there. I had pasta with Pesto Genovese again and it was very delicious. The last stop was Manarola where we saw the sunset and had a cocktail at the coast.

It was such a wonderful day and I‘m glad they asked me to be there.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 11 -> Genoa (13.01.2023)

Today was my first day in Italy. And I just love Italian food! I started my day with a very good Latte Machiatto and a Foccacia. To lunch I had the famous Pasta Pesto Genovese and then I had an Italian ice cream with whipped cream - so good!

In the morning it was very cloudy, but from noon the sun came out and it became warmer and nicer. After having a plan for every city I visited so far, I decided to just walk around Genoa today without a specific plan. But still I saw many beautiful buildings, churches, the port and the old town. See below for some impressions.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 10 - Nice -> Monaco Monte-Carlo -> Èze -> Genoa (12.01.2023)

Today was a very full day. I had planned a lot.

In the morning I started with a trip to Monte-Carlo in Monaco. They say it is the city of billionaires. When you arrive by train, you notice already by the station that everything is very clean. When you get off, you can see the harbour with all its big yachts. But you can also see the city which is built on a slope. After that, of course, I wanted to see the famous Casino Monte-Carlo. But I only visited it from the outside. There is also a very nice beach (Plage du Larvotto) where I had a (very expensive) cappuccino in the morning sun - but the view was worth it. On the other hand there is a lot of construction going on in Monte-Carlo and you can see and hear that from all over the city.

Around noon I took the train to Èze sur mer. Everyone told me to take the bus and go to „Èze village“ on the hill, because there you can really see a very old historical village and cute little streets. But I didn’t have enough time so I stayed down by the sea. I mean, you always need a reason to come back, right? Next time I will definitely visit the old village on the hill. Other than that I had a nice stay there as well. I found a very good restaurant and had lunch there before heading back to Nice to take my backpack and head to Italy.

I just arrived in Genoa, Italy and I‘m going to stay here for the next three nights.

[travelwithdebsi]

Day 9 - Nice (11.01.2023)

Today I joined the free walking tour of Nice. I saw many new things and learned a lot about the city, its history and some buildings.

We started at „Place Masséna“ at the fountain. Then we walked towards the „Promenade des Anglais“. Our guide showed us some building facades with drawn windows. There was a time when you had to pay taxes for each window, so the people just drew them on the buildings. You can find them everywhere in the city. After that we visited the opera house, where Queen Victoria was also a frequent guest.

Then we went to the „Cours Saleya“, the market. Our guide told us that there was a language called „Nissart“ in Nice before Nice became French, and in the old town you can still see some street signs in Nissart. Also, one of the traditional dishes in Nice is „Socca“. It is baked in the oven and contains chickpeas and is very tasty. We all tried it.

We also climbed the Castle Hill to see the harbour, the city and the sea from above. Unfortunately there is no longer a castle because it was destroyed. But the view is worth it. There is also a waterfall. Our tour ended here after almost three interesting hours.

After that I wanted to go to the „Avenue Jean Médecin“ because the lady at the reception in my hostel told me that today the „Soldes“ starts. It‘s like Black Friday and you can get many special offers. Unfortunately I didn’t buy anything because I can not carry it with my backpack. But I also saw the „Basilique Notre-Dame de l‘Assomption“ in this street. My last sight in Nice was the „Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice“, an Russian Orthodox church.