Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Paris
You'll start in London this morning, then travel down to the White Cliffs of Dover. After taking in those dramatic cliffs, you'll cross the English Channel by ferry toward France. During the drive, you'll pass through the Valley of the Somme and see the WWI battlefields before heading on to Paris. By evening you'll arrive in the city, and if you're interested, there's the option to catch views of the Eiffel Tower tonight.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit Eiffel Tower
Landmarks White Cliffs of Dover Valley of the Somme Eiffel Tower 
- Day 2
Paris
Your day in Paris can go several ways depending on what appeals to you. There's a city tour covering major sights, or you can spend time shopping in designer stores, checking out Notre Dame Cathedral, or wandering through the Louvre's galleries. Coffee and crepes are basically mandatory at some point. Come evening, you'll either head to Montmartre for a traditional Parisian dinner with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica nearby, or catch a cabaret show.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator (or similar))
Included Activities
- Paris city tour
Optional Activities
- Shopping at designer boutiques
- Shopping at French vintage stores
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
- Visit Louvre museums
- Parisian dinner in Montmartre
- Parisian cabaret show
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Arc de Triomphe Louvre Champs-Élysées Notre Dame Cathedral Sacré-Cœur Basilica - Day 3
Paris to Switzerland
You'll leave Paris and travel through Burgundy's wine region, taking in the rolling vineyards as you head toward Switzerland. The drive crosses into the mountains, and you'll see the scenery shift to alpine views. By afternoon you'll reach a traditional Swiss resort town where you're staying for two nights. There's time to settle in and take in the mountain air around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Schützenbach (or similar))
Included Activities
- Travel through Burgundy wine region
Optional Activities
- Taste Swiss chocolate
Landmarks Burgundy - Day 4
Switzerland
Wake up to mountain views from your room and spend the day at your own pace in this classic European town. There are shops, cafes, and paths to wander. If you're feeling adventurous, there's an optional trip to Jungfrau mountain, known as the Top of Europe, where you can take the train up and see the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Schützenbach (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore the resort town
- Ascend Jungfrau mountain (Top of Europe)
Landmarks Jungfrau 
- Day 5
Switzerland to Beaujolais
You'll leave Switzerland today and drive back into France, catching one last bit of mountain air along the way. During lunch, you'll stop in Geneva, where you can see the UN headquarters and the famous water fountain. Before heading out, there's one more chance to sample Swiss chocolate. Later in the day you'll arrive at a 16th century château in the Beaujolais wine region. After settling in, an included dinner and wine tasting kicks off your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Wine tasting included)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Château de Cruix (or similar))
Included Activities
- Lunch break in Geneva
- Visit UN headquarters area and water fountain
- Dinner and wine tasting at château
Optional Activities
- Purchase Swiss chocolate
Landmarks Geneva - Day 6
Beaujolais
Another full day at the château in the French countryside. You could start with optional sunrise yoga on the lawns if you're an early riser, or sleep in and relax by the pool. The highlight is a picnic set up in the château's gardens with panoramic views and red wine. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy the grounds and the castle-like setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic in the gardens)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Château de Cruix (or similar))
Included Activities
- Picnic in château gardens with red wine
Optional Activities
- Sunrise yoga on château lawns
- Poolside relaxation
- Day 7
Beaujolais to Barcelona
Today you'll head south from Beaujolais toward Barcelona, crossing into Spain. As you drive, the Pyrénées mountains keep the scenery interesting. You'll arrive in Barcelona just in time for evening, where sangria and tapas are waiting. The city has an electric energy at night, so there's plenty to explore once you've eaten.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Urbany Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Travel through Pyrénées mountains
Optional Activities
- Explore Barcelona
- Enjoy tapas and nightlife
Landmarks Pyrénées Mountains Sagrada Familia - Day 8
Barcelona
You'll have time to walk through the cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter and check out the architecture throughout the city. Montjuic hilltop offers great views over Barcelona. The afternoon is free, so you can either wander more, take a dip in the Mediterranean, or relax. There's an optional flamenco show in the evening that comes highly recommended if you want to experience Spanish culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Urbany Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Explore Gothic Quarter
- Visit Montjuic hilltop
Optional Activities
- Swim in Mediterranean Sea
- Flamenco evening
Landmarks Gothic Quarter Montjuic Mediterranean Sea - Day 9
Barcelona to French Riviera
You'll leave Barcelona and drive back into France, heading toward the Riviera. The landscape changes as you go, with lavender fields, sunflowers, and wild herbs appearing along the route. You'll stop in Arles for lunch, where there's an ancient Roman arena to see and a typical provincial French town to explore. After lunch, the drive continues along the glitzy French Riviera coastline with sapphire blue waters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Beach Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Lunch in Arles
- Visit Arles Roman Arena
Optional Activities
- Explore Arles
Landmarks Arles Roman Arena - Day 10
French Riviera
You have a relaxed day on the French Riviera to enjoy market hopping and swimming in the Mediterranean. If you're interested, there's an optional bike ride along the coastline. Later, you can add more glamour by heading to Monaco for the evening, where you can check out the casino and experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous before heading back to the coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Beach Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Market hopping
- Visit Monaco
Optional Activities
- Swim in Mediterranean Sea
- Bike ride with coastline backdrop
- Gamble at casino
Landmarks Monaco Monte Carlo Casino - Day 11
French Riviera to Venice
This morning includes a visit to a French perfume house where you'll learn the art of fragrance creation and can even craft your own signature scent. After that, you'll say goodbye to the French Riviera and head to Italy. You'll arrive in Venice as evening approaches, the floating city with its gondolas and canals. There's time to settle in and rest up for tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Anda Venice Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Perfumery and create signature scent
Landmarks Venice - Day 12
Venice
You'll explore Venice by water this morning. There's a private motoscafo boat that'll take you through the canals toward the historical heart of the city. From there, you can either take a traditional gondola ride or join a guided tour of the best foodie hotspots in town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Anda Venice Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Private motoscafo boat cruise through canals
Optional Activities
- Traditional gondola ride
- Guided tour of foodie hotspots
Landmarks Venice - Day 13
Venice to Florence
Today you'll wind through the Apennine Mountains and reach the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where you'll get that classic photo of yourself holding it up. After that, you'll head to Renaissance Florence. Once there, you can walk through the streets and see the Duomo Cathedral with its sacred art. There's an optional Tuscan dinner with olives, pastas, focaccia, meats, and wine if you want the full experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A&O Florence (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore Florence and Duomo Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Tuscan dinner with local specialties
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa Duomo Cathedral - Day 14
Florence to Rome
This morning you'll learn about traditional leatherwork from a local guide, then you're free to roam Florence and make the most of your final hours. After lunch, you'll head toward Rome, driving through rustic Tuscan hillsides with cypress trees and glowing fields. Once you arrive in Rome, there's a walking tour hitting the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hostel Trustever (or similar))
Included Activities
- Traditional leatherwork demonstration
- Rome city walking tour
- Visit Trevi Fountain
- Visit Pantheon
- Visit Piazza Navona
Optional Activities
- Explore Florence
Landmarks Trevi Fountain Pantheon Piazza Navona - Day 15
Rome
You can optionally take a guided tour of the Colosseum this morning. After that, the day is yours to do what Rome does best - sipping espressos and people watching from a café. Grab lunch at a trattoria and work your way through pasta, gelato, and caprese salad, all washed down with local red wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hostel Trustever (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Colosseum
- Enjoy espresso and people watching
- Dine at local trattoria
Landmarks Colosseum - Day 16
Rome to Brindisi
You'll head south toward Brindisi, your ferry port for the crossing to Greece. First, you'll visit Pompeii, the ancient Roman town preserved by Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD. An optional guided tour lets you walk through the ruins and step back in time. Later you'll board an overnight ferry to Greece.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Overnight Ferry)
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Pompeii
Landmarks Mount Vesuvius Pompeii - Day 17
Ferry to Athens
You're sailing to Athens via the Corinth Canal, a narrow man-made passageway that squeezes boats between two steep cliffs with blue ocean below. Once you're through, you'll head overland to reach Athens. A sightseeing tour covers the Parthenon, Acropolis, and the 1896 Olympic Stadium with a local guide walking you through the history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Dorian Inn (or similar))
Included Activities
- Pass through Corinth Canal
- Athens sightseeing tour
- Visit Parthenon
- Visit Acropolis
- Visit 1896 Olympic Stadium
Landmarks Corinth Canal Parthenon Acropolis - Day 18
Athens to Ios
You'll spend the last few hours of the morning in Athens, then ferry to the island of Ios. As you approach this less-developed Greek island, you'll see why it has a loyal following. You have 3 full nights here, so there's plenty of time to find your rhythm.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Far Out Beach Resort (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Athens
Landmarks Ios - Day 19
Ios
During the day you can get out on the water on a boat trip or hang by the pool and beach to get sun-kissed. By evening, the island really comes alive. The nightlife here is what Ios is known for, so if you're into that scene, you'll have options aplenty.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Far Out Beach Resort (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Boat trip
- Pool time
- Beach swimming
- Day 20
Ios
Another day to soak up the Greek sun and relax on the sand. If you want action, there are watersports available. Otherwise, explore the town itself and grab a hearty meal at a local café. If you're planning to join the party scene in Hora later, you'll want the fuel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Far Out Beach Resort (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Watersports
- Explore town
- Dining at local café
- Experience Hora nightlife
Landmarks Hora - Day 21
Ios to Santorini
After a few days on Ios, you'll ferry to Santorini. Thousands of years ago, a massive volcanic eruption created this island. The blue-domed churches came later. Today is yours to wander and take photos. The views here are something else.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kalipso Villas (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Photography
- Explore island
Landmarks Santorini 
- Day 22
Santorini
You can swim at Perissa Beach, try the local specialty fried tomato balls called domatokeftedes, and walk the streets of Fira. Make sure to plan your day around the trip to Oia - this is definitely worth your time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kalipso Villas (or similar))
Included Activities
- Excursion to Oia
Optional Activities
- Swim at Perissa Beach
- Try domatokeftedes (fried tomato balls)
- Explore Fira streets
Landmarks Perissa Beach Fira Oia - Day 23
Santorini
Having two days on Santorini means you can both relax and explore. If you've already seen what you wanted, just head to the black or red sand beaches and spend another day by the water. Life here really is grand.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kalipso Villas (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit black sand beaches
- Visit red sand beaches
- Explore remaining sites
- Day 24
Santorini to Athens
You'll leave the Greek islands today and head back to Athens. From here, the next stops are Turkey, Austria, and Germany. You'll reunite with your group this evening and have a night together before hitting the road tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Dorian Inn (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Reunion activities
- Day 25
Athens to Kavala
Before leaving Athens, you'll visit Thermopylae, the ancient battlefield where 300 warriors faced thousands. From there, you'll drive to the coastal town of Kavala for the evening. You'll have Greek salad, toast the country with ouzo, and rest well before Turkey comes next.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nefeli Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Thermopylae battle site
Optional Activities
- Enjoy Greek salad and ouzo
Landmarks Thermopylae - Day 26
Greece to Turkey
You'll cross into Turkey via ferry and start your Turkish exploration with a visit to Gallipoli's battlegrounds, where ANZAC troops landed during WWI. You'll arrive in this seaside town and have time to settle in before tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Bashir Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Gallipoli WWI battle site
Landmarks Gallipoli - Day 27
Eceabat to Istanbul
You'll travel along the Turkish coast heading toward Istanbul. This city is unlike anywhere else and will capture your attention. Rest up tonight because the city is yours starting at sunrise tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sude Konak Hotel (or similar))
Landmarks Istanbul - Day 28
Istanbul
You'll see the Blue Mosque with its 20,000 handmade tiles, walk through lively spice markets, and check out bazaars filled with silver and jewels. Your local guide can show you the main attractions, or you can get lost and find your own secrets. There's an optional Turkish evening with dinner and a show if you want.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sude Konak Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Blue Mosque
Optional Activities
- Explore spice markets
- Browse bazaars
- Turkish evening with dinner and show
Landmarks Blue Mosque - Day 29
Istanbul
Istanbul deserves more than one day. You can visit sites you missed yesterday or head to a hammam spa for a traditional Turkish bath. Drink tea and eat your body weight in baklava to round out the full Turkey experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sude Konak Hotel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit missed sites
- Turkish hammam spa bath
- Tea and baklava
- Day 30
Turkey to Bulgaria
You'll cross from Turkey into Bulgaria, arriving at the Black Sea late in the afternoon. Coastal resort towns and bar-lined waterfronts greet you. This evening you'll have dinner and get a taste of local nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mirage Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Dinner and local nightlife
Landmarks Black Sea - Day 31
Bulgaria to Romania
You'll cross into Romania and arrive in Bucharest, a city full of beautiful architecture and street art. Rooftop cafes and the ornate Parliament building (the world's heaviest) are on the landscape. You have free time to explore the colorful umbrella passage or eat authentic traditional meals in the Old City.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Bucharest City Center (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Parliament building
- Visit umbrella passage
- Dine at Old City bistros
Landmarks Parliament Building - Day 32
Bucharest to Transylvania
After breakfast you'll head to Transylvania and visit Bran Castle, the real-life inspiration for Dracula. From there, you'll drive toward Târgu Mureş. The evening is free, so you can explore the local bar scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Continental Forum Târgu Mureș (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Bran Castle
Optional Activities
- Explore local nightlife
Landmarks Bran Castle - Day 33
Transylvania to Budapest
You'll leave Transylvania behind and travel to Budapest. Buda and Pest sit on opposite sides of a river and together create one of Europe's best cities. There's an optional cruise with goulash and cabbage rolls tonight to get into the Hungarian spirit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (JO&JOE Budapest (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Optional dinner cruise with goulash and cabbage rolls
Landmarks Budapest - Day 34
Budapest
There's optional sightseeing this morning visiting St. Matthias Church, the Royal Palace, and Chain Bridge. After that, spend the afternoon relaxing in Budapest's famous outdoor thermal pools set among Art Nouveau architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (JO&JOE Budapest (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit St. Matthias Church
- Visit Royal Palace
- Visit Chain Bridge
- Thermal pools
Landmarks St. Matthias Church Royal Palace Chain Bridge - Day 35
Budapest to Salzburg
You're leaving Budapest for Austria, where strudel and music are part of the culture. You'll head into the mountain ranges made famous by the Sound of Music. Salzburg is Mozart's birthplace and knows a tune or two. There's an optional evening on a working farm in the hills where a local family invites you to eat, drink, and learn about their lives.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A&O Salzburg (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit working farm in hills above Salzburg with family dinner
Landmarks Salzburg - Day 36
Salzburg to Austrian Tyrol
You'll have morning time in Salzburg with an optional tour of Sights and Sounds, then head to the Austrian Tyrol. The air gets fresher and more alpine as you settle into a local Austrian Gasthof guesthouse. It's a cozy spot to relax with your group and try authentic Austrian food and fresh local beer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Tour of Sights & Sounds of Salzburg
Landmarks Austrian Tyrol - Day 37
Austrian Tyrol
You'll wake to incredible views of the surrounding mountains. If you're feeling energetic, you can join a bike tour through green mountains and past waterfalls, or try tandem paragliding. Otherwise, just walk around, drink endless hot chocolate, ride a gondola up a mountain, or simply enjoy the setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Bike tour through mountains and waterfalls
- Tandem paragliding
- Gondola mountain ride
- Explore surroundings
- Day 38
Austrian Tyrol to Munich
You'll round out your Austria stay with an optional whitewater rafting adventure to get pumped up before Germany. Then you'll head to Munich, famous for its annual beer festival and year-round Bavarian culture. There's an optional bike tour through side streets or you can explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wombat's Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Whitewater rafting
- Bike tour of Munich
- Explore Munich streets
Landmarks Munich - Day 39
Munich to Prague
You'll leave Germany and head to Czech Republic. Before Prague, you'll stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the concentration camp memorial. After lunch in an old town, you'll continue to Prague. Once you arrive, there's time to explore castles and cathedrals. There's an optional folklore show and dinner to experience Czech culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Plus Prague (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Dachau concentration camp memorial
- Lunch in old town
Optional Activities
- Explore Prague castles and cathedrals
- Traditional Czech evening with folklore show and dinner
Landmarks Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site - Day 40
Prague
You'll get to know the real Prague today. There's an optional Hidden Prague tour with a local guide showing you the city's best-kept secrets. After that, Old Town Square is yours to explore and find places where you can let the hours slip away.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Plus Prague (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Hidden Prague tour with local guide
- Explore Old Town Square
Landmarks Old Town Square - Day 41
Prague to Berlin
You'll head to Berlin with a stop in Dresden. Sadly destroyed in WWII, Dresden's been rebuilt and now stands as a symbol of resilience with its beautiful Opera House, domed Frauenkirche, and Royal Residence. Once you reach Berlin, you'll see the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining Berlin Wall section covered in graffiti. An included dinner happens tonight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A&O Berlin Mitte (or similar))
Included Activities
- Tour of Dresden sights
- Visit East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)
- Dinner in Berlin
Landmarks Dresden Frauenkirche East Side Gallery - Day 42
Berlin
Really dig into Berlin with an optional historical walking tour that includes Hitler's bunker site. You can also explore Unter Den Linden's hidden gems, see the Brandenburg Gate, wander through Tiergarten nature areas, and check out quirky neighborhoods. There's an alternative walking tour showing less-touristy parts of the city. Find one of Berlin's famous underground raves or basement cocktail lounges tonight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A&O Berlin Mitte (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Historical walking tour including Hitler's bunker site
- Explore Unter Den Linden
- Visit Brandenburg Gate
- Explore Tiergarten
- Alternative walking tour
- Nightlife: underground raves or cocktail lounges
Landmarks Brandenburg Gate Tiergarten - Day 43
Berlin to Amsterdam
You'll travel through the flat Netherlands with Amsterdam as your destination. An included dinner happens tonight, and after that you're free to explore however you like. Pretty canals, unique museums, comedy shows, and quirky cafes are all waiting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar))
Included Activities
- Dinner in Amsterdam
Optional Activities
- Visit museums
- Comedy show
- Explore cafes and canals
Landmarks Amsterdam - Day 44
Amsterdam
You have free time to explore Amsterdam - hit the bars, walk the charming streets, or visit the STRAAT museum. After 44 days of traveling, you can treat yourself to an optional farewell dinner. Your final group experience is a canal cruise through the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit STRAAT museum
- Bar hopping
- Farewell dinner
- Canal cruise
- Day 45
Amsterdam to London
It's time to say goodbye to your travel group. If you need it, transportation to Schiphol Airport is available around 10am. Later you'll cross back from France to England and return to London, where you'll start thinking about your next big adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Airport transfer to Schiphol Airport
Landmarks Schiphol Airport
