Day 1 : DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam
Welcome to the first day of this incredible adventure through Europe! Look forward to a jam-packed first day. Meet the tour leader and group at the hotel this morning before hitting the road and exploring the scenic Dutch countryside. Visit a local farm and learn how local cheese and clogs are crafted. Next, enjoy free time for lunch in Volendam before heading over to Zaanse Schans to admire the rolling green hills and windmills that the Netherlands is famous for! Later, travel back to Amsterdam for a sightseeing cruise along the city’s famous canals. Tonight, end the first day of your tour with a welcome dinner with the group.
Day 2 : DAY 2: Amsterdam: Free Day
Today is free to discover the delights of Amsterdam! Explore the city at your own pace; see the museums, parks, historic sights and markets. Why not visit the Anne Frank House for a look into the city and Europe’s sordid past? Or, explore the famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, MOCO Museum or the Rijksmuseum and take in the splendour of their impressive collections. This evening, indulge in a delectable local experience by joining the Dutch Pancake Soiree optional dinner.
Day 3 : DAY 3: Amsterdam - Berlin
Today, this Europe tour continues towards Germany. Arrive in Berlin, Germany’s fascinating capital city, in the afternoon. This vibrant cultural hub has a positive energy which bursts in every direction. It boasts an eclectic mix of different styles and intriguing street art - a stark contrast to the times when the city was divided into East and West during the Cold War. Although there are constant reminders of the oppression suffered by the German people who were contained within the walls of the city, the modern day version is almost entirely the opposite of this. Learn more about Berlin’s history on a walking and driving tour before enjoying dinner at a local, Bavarian-style beer hall!
Day 4 : DAY 4: Berlin: Free Day
Enjoy a full free day in Berlin today! To further understand Berlin’s history, a visit to one of the city’s many free museums is highly recommended. Alternatively, join the Berlin+ optional excursion and explore Berlin’s top attractions and hidden gems. Visit the East Side Gallery, the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall, and the Museum in the Kulturbrauerei to discover what life was like in the German Democratic Republic. Then, uncover the hidden sights of the Hackescher Markt with a local guide and taste traditional currywurst! End the tour with a visit to the Berlin TV Tower for spectacular views of the city.
Day 5 : DAY 5: Dresden - Prague
It’s time to bid farewell to Berlin, and ‘Czech’ out Prague, but not before stopping at the German city of Dresden. Virtually rebuilt from the ground up after bombing attacks in WW2 destroyed the city centre, Dresden is immaculate and stylish. Try some of the local German food - such as Bratwurst, and have a wander around the beautifully paved streets. Heading east to the Czech Republic, it is time to get excited about what lies ahead. Prague's historic centre was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and your locally guided walking tour will introduce you to many locations, which you will want to explore in more depth on your free day tomorrow. For dinner, experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 6 : DAY 6: Prague: Free Day
Treat yourself to the fairytale magic of Prague - an ancient city that has an essence of youthful inquisitiveness and old world wisdom. To experience some of the incredible highlights of the city, join the Prague+ optional excursion. This includes a visit to the majestic Prague Castle and charming Mala Strana neighbourhood as well as a cruise along the Vltava River complete with a buffet lunch! Alternatively, explore Prague on your own. There are numerous beer halls in which to sample a local brew and many areas and landmarks to explore including the famous Charles Bridge, the ‘Old Town’ and the Jewish Quarter. This evening, a traditional Czech folk performance and four-course dinner is on offer.
Day 7 : DAY 7: Bratislava - Vienna
Today, this tour of Eastern Europe continues towards the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. Located on the Danube River, the city is a melting pot of numerous nationalities and religions which explains the very relaxed and down to earth nature of its residents. After an orientation tour, depart for Vienna. Austria’s capital boasts some of Europe’s most impressive architecture and a UNESCO-listed city centre. Enjoy the views of the famous Schönbrunn Palace as you approach Vienna before arriving at the hotel. Then it’s time to explore the city centre on a guided walking and driving tour. Taking in the Golden Mile, Imperial Castle and St Stephen’s Cathedral, get ready to marvel at Vienna’s beauty! Dinner tonight will be served in a historic Viennese wine cellar!
Day 8 : DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice
This morning head for the compact city of Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. A local guide will escort a walking tour of this fairytale city, pointing out the numerous bridges and brilliantly preserved Baroque, Gothic and medieval architecture. After some free time, take in the stunning scenery as the tour travels south, crossing the border into Italy. Welcome to Venice! This unique city straddles 118 islands and is known for its canals, gondolas, art and traditional glass and lacemaking. This evening, enjoy free time to relax at the hotel, or join an optional excursion to experience Venice by night on a traditional water taxi.
Day 9 : DAY 9: Venice: Free Day
This morning, head into the heart of Venice with your tour leader for an orientation walking tour of the city. Get your cameras ready for the world famous St. Mark's Square, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and more! The rest of the day is free. A visit to Venice is not complete without a traditional gondola ride which can be arranged by your tour leader. To see how Venice's iconic glass and lace art is created, join an optional excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. This optional excursion will take place later in the day meaning that it is possible to enjoy both optionals available today!
Day 10 : DAY 10: Venice - Rome
Continuing on the Italian leg of this Europe tour, get ready to experience the richness of Rome! After a picturesque drive through the Italian countryside, the Italian capital awaits, buzzing with activity and ancient traditions. A local Roman guide will introduce the group to the locations which make this city so beloved and famous on an evening walking tour. See the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum, the Colosseum and more! Whilst at the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin over your shoulder; legend has it that you will return to Rome again one day. Keep note of all the destinations to be explored further on the free day tomorrow. Enjoy an included group dinner tonight.
Day 11 : DAY 11: Rome: Free Day
Today is a free day to experience Rome’s ancient history, exquisite culture and delicious Italian food! Stroll the streets and experience the delights of this historic city. Why not use this day as an opportunity to visit the Vatican City? This is the official residence of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Visit the Vatican’s museums and galleries including the Sistine Chapel where you can see Michelangelo's famous masterpiece painted on the ceiling. Or, choose to stay in the “Eternal City” and explore some of the many magical sites that this city has to offer!
Day 12 : DAY 12: Rome: Free Day
Enjoy another free day in the capital to explore as you wish. Choose to accompany your tour leader on an optional excursion to the ruins of Pompeii, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Or, visit the spectacular Colosseum, which offers an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time, to the days when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena! This is the last evening of the tour. Why not chill out at a trattoria with some tasty treats, a cold beverage and some good conversation with your newfound travel buddies?
Day 13 : DAY 13: End of Tour
On the last day of your tour, ensure that you swap numbers with your fellow travellers, before you part ways. The tour concludes after breakfast.