Explore Europe through Erasmus+
The DiscoverEU travel programme, part of the Erasmus+ initiative, gives young people aged 18 the opportunity to explore Europe’s cultural and historical diversity. Eligible participants include EU citizens and legal residents of EU member states or third countries associated with Erasmus+.
According to the Lifelong Learning European Programmes Management Foundation, applicants born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 can travel for 1 to 30 days across Europe, mainly using the continent’s rail network, between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027.
Application process
Interested candidates must submit their applications via the European Youth Portal between 8 April and 22 April 2026. Participants are required to register and outline their travel plans. The application includes a short quiz of five multiple-choice questions about general EU knowledge and youth-focused EU initiatives.
Successful applicants can travel individually or in groups of up to five, all aged 18, using the DiscoverEU travel card for mainly train journeys. To ensure equal access, other modes of transport such as buses and ferries are also available. In countries like Cyprus without railway connections, flights are exceptionally included to allow travel to and from other European countries.
Cultural and educational experiences
Participants can create their own routes or follow suggested itineraries focusing on sustainability, culture, architecture, and the New European Bauhaus initiative. They may visit European Capitals of Culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locations with the European Heritage Label, and cities recognised with the Access City Award for accessibility.
Additional benefits
Selected participants receive a special youth discount card offering thousands of discounts on transport, accommodation, cultural activities, food, sports, and services across Europe. Erasmus+ National Agencies also organise pre-departure information sessions and multi-day meetings in Cyprus that combine travel with learning experiences.
Inclusion is a core priority of DiscoverEU, with additional support provided for young people with disabilities or health conditions to ensure equal participation.
Source: CNA
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