Europe Backpacking and Camino Itinerary: Paris to Oktoberfest and Beyond

Day 1-3: Arrival in Paris & City Exploration

Morning: Upon arrival, settle in a budget hostel or campsite near Montmartre and enjoy a walk around this artistic neighborhood.

Afternoon: Visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, making use of affordable or free entry times.

Evening: Explore the Latin Quarter for inexpensive dinner options and street performances to soak in the local vibe.

Day 4-15: Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage

Morning: Travel by train or budget bus from Paris to the starting point of your chosen Camino route, such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Afternoon: Begin walking the Camino, staying at pilgrim hostels (albergues) or camping along the route, embracing the simplicity and community spirit.

Evening: Experience local village life, share meals with fellow pilgrims, and rest for the next day's stage.

Day 16-18: Travel to Munich and Oktoberfest Arrival

Morning: Take a budget flight or night train from northern Spain to Munich, aiming to arrive before the festival starts.

Afternoon: Settle into affordable hostels or campgrounds near the Oktoberfest grounds, then explore the city’s historic center including Marienplatz.

Evening: Start enjoying Oktoberfest festivities, sampling local beers and traditional Bavarian food in the festival tents.

Day 19-30: Oktoberfest Experience & Munich Exploration

Morning: Recover and relax at English Garden or visit free museums like the German Museum.

Afternoon: Attend Oktoberfest events, trying different tents and enjoying folk music, carnival rides, and street food around the site.

Evening: Join group activities or meet other travelers to share tips and plan subsequent adventures.

Day 31-44: Backpacking Central & Eastern Europe

Morning: Travel on budget buses and trains exploring cities like Prague, Budapest, Krakow, and Vienna, focusing on economical accommodations and campsites.

Afternoon: Visit main attractions such as Prague Castle, Buda Castle, historic old towns, and local markets, prioritizing free walking tours and local street food.

Evening: Experience vibrant nightlife in hostels or city squares while meeting fellow backpackers and locals.

Day 45: Return to Paris

Morning: Take a budget flight or train back to Paris.

Afternoon: Last-minute sightseeing or shopping at affordable places like Canal Saint-Martin.

Evening: Prepare for departure and enjoy a final inexpensive dinner in Paris.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Paris sightseeing: 3 days, approx. 8-10 hours/day, €50 for meals and local transport
• Camino de Santiago: 12 days, approx. 5-7 hours walking/day, €15-20/day accommodation and food (mostly albergues and self-cooked meals)
• Travel Paris to Camino start: 1 day, €40-70 (budget train or bus)
• Camino to Munich travel: 2 days, €60-90 (budget flights/trains)
• Oktoberfest (Munich): 12 days, 6-8 hours festivities/day, €30-40/day (food/drink and accommodation)
• Backpacking Central/Eastern Europe: 14 days, 6-8 hours city exploring/day, €20-30/day (hostels/food/local transport)
• Return travel Munich to Paris: 1 day, approx. €50 (budget flight/train)
• Miscellaneous and contingency: €100
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €1,500 - €1,800 per person

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider spending more time on the Camino or adding additional Eastern European countries like Serbia or Romania, where costs are lower. To shorten the trip, you can focus on just the Camino and Oktoberfest, skipping some backpacking destinations or shortening stays in cities, thus reducing travel and accommodation expenses.