The Way to Byzantium: Backpacking, Love and Adventure through late 1960s Europe by PJE Bailey

The Way to Byzantium: Backpacking, Love and Adventure through late 1960s Europe by PJE Bailey

It’s the end of the Swinging Sixties, and four Higher Education graduates embark on a gap year world tour. Eager to experience foreign countries before settling into employment, they choose hitchhiking and local public transport to immerse themselves among the real people.

Their journey across Europe is packed with challenges—from encounters with the friendly and hostile locals to run-ins with Swiss and Italian police. As they navigate through historic cities, from Naples to Rome, each moment brings them closer to understanding the complexities of love and life in a changing world.

The expedition, seemingly well-planned, takes a thrilling turn after a bumpy ride across Europe. When they reach Istanbul, one member decides to stay behind, only to face hard lessons about life, love, work, and the real world.