Embark on the Cultural Express is a DiscoverEU Inclusion project designed to open up Europe by train to young people who wouldn’t normally have the chance to travel. Through three exciting and educational journeys, the project offers 15 young participants from Harghita County the opportunity to explore different themes across European cities:

• Activity 1: Explore the Green Lifestyle in the City – Participants will embark on a multi-city journey, immersing themselves in sustainable living practices and urban nature experiences. Through hands-on exploration of biking routes, outdoor sports infrastructure, and green spaces, they will learn about environmental sustainability and urban planning.

🗺️ Estimated planned route includes stops in the following cities: Budapest - Bratislava - Vienna - Ljubljana - Rijeka 

• Activity 2: What is a Smart City – Participants will visit technologically advanced cities to explore the concept of smart cities. Through museum visits, virtual reality exhibits, and city-specific apps, they will gain insights into innovative urban technologies and their role in addressing societal challenges.

🗺️ Estimated planned route includes stops in the following cities: Planned Route: Tallinn - Tartu - Valga - Riga - Daugavpils - Vilnius - Warsaw

• Activity 3: Cultural Diversity and Religion’s Impact on Architecture – Dive into Europe’s rich cultures through architecture, history, and local communities.

🗺️ Estimated planned route includes stops in the following cities: Krakow - Cologne - Paris - Lyon - Milan

These journeys aren’t just about sightseeing—they're immersive learning experiences. Participants will gain valuable skills, build confidence, and develop a greater sense of initiative. The project also helps break down barriers by offering guidance, logistical support, financial aid, and recognition through Youthpass certificates.

At its core, this initiative empowers young participants to:

• Understand the benefits of travel and European opportunities

• Learn how to plan meaningful, eco-friendly trips

• Embrace cultural diversity and active citizenship

• And gain tools for personal and professional growth.

❗ Once the groups are selected, we’ll work together to plan the travel routes, taking all logistics into account — so please note that the routes might be subject to changes. 

To take part, firstly you must be 18 years old at the time of the project start date, which in our case is 1st March 2025. That means you’re eligible if you were born between 2 March 2006 to 1 March 2007 (inclusive). 

This project is made for young people who are ready for a new experience — even if international travel has never felt possible before.

Each group will include 5 young participants, all aged 18, accompanied by a group leader, with a total of 15 participants involved.

No previous travel experience is required. If you’re unsure about your English or nervous about language barriers — don’t worry. We’re here to support you, and we’ll find solutions together. This is a safe and welcoming opportunity to grow, explore, and take your next step forward.

We especially welcome young people who:

• Live in smaller communities or travel long distances for school — you're used to adapting and managing time well.

• Are still figuring out what's next after graduation — this journey could spark ideas, open doors, and inspire future plans.

This project is about discovering new paths, building confidence, and experiencing life beyond your everyday environment. It’s a chance to connect with others, grow personally, and explore new educational or career opportunities in a supportive and inclusive space.

Accommodation, daily meals, and local transport are all covered within a maximum budget of €78 per person per day.

ARAO will handle the booking of accommodation and activities in a practical and cost-effective way. Our team will ensure all arrangements are safe, budget-friendly, and located in secure areas.

We’ll prioritize shared apartments, so participants can stay together — this helps build connection, cooperation, and a supportive group atmosphere. Whenever possible, we will also encourage shared, home-cooked meals to help reduce costs and create a sense of community.

All bookings will be finalized after the group is selected and the final travel route is confirmed, so we can make sure everything is tailored to the group’s specific needs and journey.

As mentioned earlier, selected applicants will mainly travel by rail during the project. To facilitate this, you will need to download the Discover EU travel app.

The Interrail Pass provides 7 travel days within a 15-day period, covering all transport expenses. A travel day is a 24-hour period from 00:00 AM (midnight) to 23:59 PM on the same calendar day. If you start your journey at 23:00, you’ll lose that travel day, as it ends at 23:59 PM.

Both participants and their accompanying person will travel together on the same means of transport.

In order to apply,  you have to create  an ASEY account, using  the link below.  If you already have an account  you  need to  log in  and complete the application form!
When you are creating the account and applying please carefully read the application form and note that:
1. We are not responsible for the wrong or incomplete data you introduce in the form.
2. Your data such as name, e-mail, and date of birth must be correct. Making mistakes will automatically translate into wrong information on your certificate received at the end of the project.
3. You must use no other e-mail address other than yours. Make sure you have access to it.
4. You have to specify to us if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan menu or have any allergies or intolerances - this cannot be changed during the project . 

DiscoverEU Learning Station - https://www.eurodesk.ro/discover-eu-learning-station - A platform to help you prepare for your DiscoverEU adventure, offering useful resources and guides. 

DiscoverEU Help Centre - https://helpcentre.start-discover.eu/hc/en-gb - A helpful support center with answers to common questions and practical information for your travels. 

European Youth Portal - https://youth.europa.eu/go-abroad/travelling/what-you-need-know-your-discovereu-travel-you-pack_en - A detailed guide to help you prepare for your DiscoverEU travel, with useful information and resources for young travelers. 

Travel Journal: https://www.eurodesk.ro/library/Eurodesk/DiscoverEU/TravelJournal-135x210-RO.pdf - A downloadable travel journal to document your adventures and experiences along the way. 

events@asey.org