Day 1 : Start London
Your European train adventure begins here in the famous city of London. Tonight we'll get to know each other over a three course dinner in London's premier entertainment district, the West End. Cheers!
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Gloucester Road (or similar)
Day 2 : London
We'll get started early this morning on our London adventures with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience - a not-for-profit tour of iconic Covent Garden and London's West End, hosted by the men and women who once lived on the streets of London. They know this grand old capital better than anyone, and will show you the secrets of London's historic hidden alleys not usually seen by tourists. Then you have a free day to explore this city your way - head to Southbank to check out the London Eye, the Thames, views of Big Ben and the famous skyline, browse the stalls at Portobello Road or Camden Stables Market, stroll through Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath, promenade on Primrose Hill, or explore some of the world famous exhibits at the V&A and Natural History Museum. Early this evening you have the option to join an East End food walking tour around Brick Lane, tasting British, European and international street food from pie & mash to Jewish-style filled beigels and the UK's number one favourite dish, curry.
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Gloucester Road (or similar)
Day 3 : London to Paris
Say ta-ra to the Thames after your buffet breakfast. It's time to hop on the Eurostar through the channel tunnel to Paris today.
An iconic train journey later, and we're in Paris. We'll waste no time getting acquainted with the city's 'ooh la la' worthy sites with a free afternoon to see the icons and maybe check out one of Paris's coolest neighbourhoods, Montmartre or Le Marais, close to our hotel. You can even take an optional E-Scooter tour and whizz between the city's most quintessential sites on two wheels.
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Gare de l’Est Château Landon (or similar)
Day 4 : Paris
We'll start the next morning with an optional patisserie walking tour, winding our way around the cutest cafes in Paris while enjoying an array of delicate flaky creations. Afterwards, we'll have all day to explore. Want to see the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Aching to get a snap of the Arc de Triomphe? The city is yours to uncover. How does a picnic in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower sound? As evening draws in, our hearts will be stolen by the city of love.
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Gare de l’Est Château Landon (or similar)
Day 5 : Paris to Amsterdam
Another day, another train journey to an incredible European city...
Pulling into Amsterdam, we'll immediately fall in love with the cute gable houses, canals, neo-Gothic architecture and friendly locals. First up, an option to sample cocktails whilst cruising the UNESCO World Heritage Listed canals of Amsterdam. In the evening, we'll head to Foodhallen, with its eclectic bars, live music and art exhibitions and sample some of the best food in Europe.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
Day 6 : Amsterdam
Rise and shine! This morning you'll have the option to get an exclusive morning entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing, skipping the queues to enjoy epic views over the sprawling city below. The rest of the day is all about exploration - from Anne Frank's museum to the Heineken Factory. You'll also have the option to captain your own boat down the canals. Then, the night is yours to explore this vibrant city and experience its legendary nightlife.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
Day 7 : Amsterdam to Berlin
You've been a blast, Amsterdam, but we're making tracks for the next adventure today.
Hallo Berlin! This eclectic, richly historical and culturally charming city will blow us away as soon as we arrive. We'll waste no time in checking out the cutting-edge culinary scene. Berlin is considered the vegan capital of Europe... and there is plenty for the carnivores too! Then the evening is yours to explore the city's world-famous nightlife. The buzzing scene here is a joyous tribute to German reunification, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall the city has staked its claim as the techno capital of the world.
Accommodation : Moxy Berlin Humboldthain Park (or similar)
Day 8 : Berlin
2 walking tours today. This morning we'll get to enjoy an exclusive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience with a social enterprise called Refugee Voices, learning from young refugees on a fascinating walking tour that draws parallels between the city's turbulent past and the situation in Syria today. This evening, you’ll have the chance to explore Berlin's oh-so-historical (and oh-so-hipster) Kreuzberg district… followed by an included dinner.
Accommodation : Moxy Berlin Humboldthain Park (or similar)
Day 9 : Berlin to Prague
Berlin you've been a blast, but we're making tracks for new adventures today, jumping on the train to Prague.
Arriving in Prague, we'll explore the cobblestones, cathedrals and castles on a walking tour, before refuelling with a traditional Czech dinner. Believe us when we say that the beer here is the best in Europe.
Accommodation : Meet Me 23 (or similar)
Day 10 : Prague
Make the most of your free day today by signing up for a morning bicycle tour, the perfect way to navigate the narrow alleyways and quaint corners of the city otherwise forgotten. Afterwards, maybe catch the tram to one of Prague's outer neighbourhoods like hipster Vršovice, boasting art nouveau buildings, offbeat coffee haunts and streets lined with communal pianos. Prague is a paradise for beer lovers and in the afternoon you have the chance for a local expert to take you on a tour of some of Prague's coolest and best micro-breweries.
Accommodation : Meet Me 23 (or similar)
Day 11 : Prague to Vienna
We're jumping on another train today and making our way to Austria.
Ah Vienna! We'll kick things off in this grand capital with a walking tour and explore the opulent classical architecture and wide streets. Evenings can be spent like a local, watching the sun set over the Donaukanal at a gorgeous beach bar or a classic Viennese coffee house.
Accommodation : A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Day 12 : Vienna
Waking up in the stunning capital of Vienna, a city known for its coffee culture and baroque architecture, we'll have plenty of adventures to pursue today. Opt to take a Kick Bike tour to explore the city's heritage-rich streets and buildings on two wheels. Finish your day at one of the world's most historic theme parks: Prater, and eat some schnitzels in the leafy surrounding park.
Accommodation : A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Day 13 : Vienna to Budapest
Today we're making our way to Hungary!
Another scenic train ride will take us into the grandeur of Budapest. Tonight, something a bit different, as we have the option to escape the masses and cook dinner with the locals. This immersive, fully interactive experience will bring us closer than ever before to Hungary’s rich history and culinary culture.
Accommodation : A&O Budapest (or similar)
Day 14 : Budapest
This morning choose to learn about the past & present of Hungarian history and culture culminating at Budapest's most famous thermal baths - Szechenyi - enjoying the most traditional spa experience in the world. The water here is supplied by 2 thermal springs to make up the largest medicinal baths in Europe. Tonight we'll enjoy the best way to experience the city's flamboyant architecture, as we take a dreamy night time cruise down the Danube, getting to see all of Budapest's historical buildings from the water as we enjoy an authentic feast.
Accommodation : A&O Budapest (or similar)
Day 15 : End Budapest
Today we say farewell to our Contiki family and our European adventure, but we'll stay in touch, and we'll no doubt be back soon enough.