Itinerary
- Day 1
Berlin
Your Germany adventure starts with a 6 pm welcome meeting in Berlin. If you land earlier in the day, there's time to take a Spree River cruise, walk through the museums at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz, or see the Berliner Dom Cathedral. After meeting your travel group, you'll head out for dinner and get a feel for Berlin's food scene.
Optional Activities
- Spree River Cruise
- Museums and galleries at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz
- Berliner Dom Cathedral visit
- Dinner with travel group
Landmarks/POIs Berliner Dom Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz Spree River - Day 2
Berlin
Berlin is yours to explore today at your own pace. The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall remnants, and Reichstag building are all on the list of things to see. You can climb the Berlin TV Tower for observation deck views, visit the Jewish Memorial, or check out the Topography of Terror. Your leader will have dinner suggestions for the evening to help you navigate the city's restaurants.
Optional Activities
- Brandenburg Gate
- Berlin Wall visit
- Reichstag building (bike tour or observation deck)
- Berlin TV Tower observation deck
- Jewish Memorial
- Topography of Terror
- Dinner exploration
Landmarks/POIs Brandenburg Gate Berlin Wall Reichstag Berlin TV Tower Jewish Memorial Topography of Terror - Day 3
Berlin to Dresden
An early train takes you to Dresden. After dropping your bags, head to Rathen for a hike up to the Bastei sandstone pinnacles, where you can see the medieval Neurathen Castle ruins. Not interested in hiking? The riverside village of Rathen has its own charm, or you can stay in Dresden and explore the city's history instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Bastei sandstone pinnacles
Optional Activities
- Explore Rathen riverside village
- Stay in Dresden to explore city history
Landmarks/POIs Bastei Neurathen Castle Rathen - Day 4
Dresden to Prague
The scenic train ride through the Labe Valley to Prague offers fairytale landscapes on both sides as you leave Germany behind. Once there, your leader takes you on an orientation walk through medieval and modern architecture, including the Dancing House. Later you'll visit a brewery to try Czech pilsner. The afternoon gives you freedom to see Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, or the Old Jewish Quarter.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Prague
- Visit to Czech brewery with pilsner tasting
Optional Activities
- Prague Castle visit
- St Vitus Cathedral
- Golden Lane
- Old Jewish Quarter exploration
Landmarks/POIs Dancing House Prague Castle St Vitus Cathedral Golden Lane Old Jewish Quarter Labe Valley - Day 5
Prague
Another free day in Prague lets you explore the stories of Bohemian artists, writers, and dissidents who shaped the nation. Try traditional and modern Czech snacks throughout the day. If you want more adventure, take a day trip to Kutna Hora to see the Church of Santa Barbara and the Church of Bones containing 40,000 to 70,000 skeletons. Tonight, Prague's Old Town comes alive with restaurants, pubs, jazz clubs, and absinthe bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Kutna Hora day trip (by public transport)
- Church of Santa Barbara
- Sedlec Ossuary (Church of Bones)
- Explore Old Town restaurants and pubs
- Nightlife - dance clubs, beer halls, jazz clubs, absinthe bars
Landmarks/POIs Church of Santa Barbara Sedlec Ossuary Old Town Prague Kutna Hora - Day 6
Prague to Bratislava
You'll travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital on the Danube River. The city blends old architecture with modern cafes and boutiques in the charming Old Town. Your day is free to explore as you wish. Try climbing Michael's Gate tower or the UFO Tower for panoramic views, visit the Bratislava City Museum, or hunt for the city's quirky statues. For dinner, seek out kapustnica, a local sauerkraut and sausage soup.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Michael's Gate tower climb
- UFO Tower visit
- Bratislava City Museum
- Quirky statue spotting
- Local dining on kapustnica
Landmarks/POIs Michael's Gate UFO Tower Bratislava City Museum Danube River - Day 7
Bratislava to Budapest
After breakfast, you'll travel to Budapest. The rest of the day opens up for your own exploration. The historic Buda Castle and medieval Castle District from the 13th century are worth your time, or wander through the streets to get your bearings. Later in the afternoon, consider a Danube River cruise to see the Parliament Building and the bridges connecting Buda and Pest. You'll join the group for dinner to celebrate your progress so far.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Buda Castle visit
- Castle District exploration
- Danube River cruise
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Buda Castle Castle District Parliament Building Danube River - Day 8
Budapest
A second group meeting happens at 6 pm with new members joining, but the morning and afternoon are yours. Stroll the grand boulevards to get oriented, explore local markets, and try langos, a deep-fried Hungarian pastry. Visit Statue Park for insights into the city's past or relax in thermal bath complexes. After the meeting, enjoy a Hungarian feast of goulash or explore the ruin bars in the Jewish quarter for unique eclectic nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Grand architecture and boulevard exploration
- Local market visit
- Langos tasting
- Statue Park visit
- Thermal bath complexes
- Hungarian goulash dinner
- Jewish quarter ruin bars
Landmarks/POIs Statue Park Jewish Quarter - Day 9
Budapest to Vienna
A train takes you to Vienna this morning. After you drop your bags at the accommodation, your group heads to Vollpension, a local cafe where older community members work. You'll have coffee and cake while chatting with the friendly staff in this warm, welcoming space.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Snack (Coffee and cake at Vollpension)
Included Activities
- Kaffee and Kuchen experience at Vollpension
Landmarks/POIs Vollpension - Day 10
Vienna
Today is your choice. Vienna has multiple art museums like the Albertina, Leopold, Kunsthalle Wien, and Museum of Modern Art for those who love paintings. The Belvedere Palace holds 19th and 20th century Austrian art including Klimt's 'The Kiss'. You could also explore the colorful Hundertwasserhaus, the Secession building, St Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, or the State Opera House.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Albertina Museum
- Leopold Museum
- Kunsthalle Wien
- Museum of Modern Art
- Belvedere Palace
- Hundertwasserhaus
- Secession building
- St Stephen's Cathedral
- Graben
- Hofburg Palace
- State Opera House
Landmarks/POIs Albertina Leopold Museum Kunsthalle Wien Belvedere Palace Hundertwasserhaus Secession building St Stephen's Cathedral Hofburg Palace State Opera House - Day 11
Vienna to Salzburg
A morning train carries you to Salzburg, an Austrian hub on the Germany border with the Eastern Alps as a backdrop and the Salzach River running through it. You have the full day free to explore. Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a picnic, find Mozart's birthplace, walk the medieval walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg, or find a viewpoint to photograph the city against the mountains. Ask your leader for dinner recommendations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Mirabell Palace and Gardens
- Mozart's birthplace
- Fortress Hohensalzburg walk
- City viewpoint photography
- Dinner recommendations
Landmarks/POIs Mirabell Palace and Gardens Mozart's Birthplace Fortress Hohensalzburg Salzach River Eastern Alps - Day 12
Salzburg to Bled
A train ride takes you to the Slovenian resort town of Bled. Grab a window seat as you cross through the Alps via a tunnel sitting 1,300 m above sea level for spectacular mountain views. Upon arrival, your leader walks you to Lake Bled's shore. The afternoon is free to explore and try Bled cake while debating with locals which cafe makes the best version. Consider a group dinner to celebrate the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Lake Bled shore walk with leader
Optional Activities
- Bled cake tasting at local cafes
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Lake Bled Julian Alps - Day 13
Bled
A free day means you can choose your own outdoor activities around Bled. Nature lovers can explore the Triglav Massive with options for rafting, caving, canoeing, and swimming in warmer months. Rent a bike to reach Vintgar Gorge and walk through the natural canyon. You can explore Bled Castle overlooking the lake, catch a pletna to the island to ring the wishing bell, or relax by the lake with a book if weather permits.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Triglav Massive exploration (rafting, caving, canoeing, swimming)
- Bike hire to Vintgar Gorge
- Bled Castle exploration
- Pletna boat to island and wishing bell
- Relaxation by the lake
Landmarks/POIs Triglav Massive Vintgar Gorge Bled Castle - Day 14
Bled to Venice
The longer journey to Venice means settling in with a book or podcasts. Once you arrive, your leader takes you on an orientation walk, which is really the best way to see Venice spread across a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. You'll pass the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco, and Bridge of Sighs, with shops, markets, galleries and churches around every turn. Tonight brings iconic Italian cuisine with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Italian cuisine with group)
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Venice
- Visit to Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Grand Canal Rialto Bridge Palace of the Doge Piazza San Marco Bridge of Sighs - Day 15
Venice
Free time lets you explore Venice deeper. Browse boutique shops in Piazza San Marco selling Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. Sample sweet Venetian treats at Ca Grifalconi Market or shop the stores lining Rialto Bridge. A second group meeting happens at 6 pm. After that, join fellow travelers for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Boutique shopping for Venetian masks and Murano glassware
- Ca Grifalconi Market visit for Venetian treats
- Rialto Bridge shopping
- Optional group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Piazza San Marco Ca Grifalconi Market Rialto Bridge - Day 16
Venice
Your leader takes you on an orientation walk exploring Classical, Gothic and Baroque architecture around San Marco Square, pointing out where to find cicchetti, local Venetian snacks. For lunch, join the social scene at a bacaro or watch the world from a canal-side restaurant. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Take the Vaporetto water bus to San Giorgio island and climb the bell tower for city views, or experience a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Snack (Cicchetti (local Venetian snacks))
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk of Classical, Gothic and Baroque architecture around San Marco Square
- Cicchetti snack stop with leader
Optional Activities
- Vaporetto to San Giorgio island and bell tower
- Venetian gondola ride on Grand Canal
Landmarks/POIs San Marco Square San Giorgio island Grand Canal - Day 17
Venice to La Spezia
A morning train takes you through scenic northern Italy to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from five tiny villages positioned on coves between sheer cliffs: Monterosso, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. After checking in, take a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione or head out for dinner with the group since time is limited today.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk around Via del Prione pedestrian zone
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Cinque Terre Monterosso Vernazzo Corniglia Manarola Riomaggiore - Day 18
Cinque Terre
Your included 24-hour pass gives you access to paths and trains connecting all five Cinque Terre villages. Your leader will walk you to two of them. Paths vary in difficulty with some having challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges, so talk with your leader about the best route for you. Alternatively, take the train between villages or back to La Spezia. Consider an optional pesto-making class after working up an appetite, and try focaccia as a lunch starter.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cinque Terre exploration with included 24-hour pass
- Leader-led walk to two villages
Optional Activities
- Pesto-making class
- Focaccia and lunch specialties
Landmarks/POIs Cinque Terre Monterosso Vernazzo Corniglia Manarola Riomaggiore - Day 19
La Spezia to Florence
You'll catch a train from La Spezia to Florence. After checking into the hostel, take a brief walk around to get your bearings. Florence is the heart of Tuscany with Renaissance heritage throughout, where the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Donatello and Michelangelo all worked at the height of their creativity. Explore the city's culinary history on an optional Florence Foodies Walk, or try Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the Florentine T-bone steak.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Beef Steak) tasting
Landmarks/POIs Florence - Day 20
Florence
Another day in Florence gives you time to relax and pick what really interests you. Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David, or stop by the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries. Active types can walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo on a hill south of the Arno River for beautiful city views. Many optional activities are available, so ask your leader about what interests you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Galleria dell'Accademia (Michelangelo's David)
- Uffizi Gallery
- Piazzale Michelangelo walk and viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Galleria dell'Accademia Uffizi Gallery Piazzale Michelangelo Arno River - Day 21
Florence to Rome
The morning train carries you to Rome. Your leader walks you to iconic sights: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. After all that walking, grab lunch, maybe a slice of pizza and strong espresso at Piazza Navona. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Visit the Vatican for St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, or explore the ancient Pantheon. Link up with the group for dinner at one of Rome's many trattorias.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Rome
- Visit to Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
Optional Activities
- Vatican visit and St Peter's Basilica
- Sistine Chapel
- Pantheon exploration
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Spanish Steps Trevi Fountain Pantheon Piazza Navona Vatican St Peter's Basilica Sistine Chapel - Day 22
Rome
Your adventure comes to an end today with no activities planned. You're free to depart anytime after check-out. Since Rome has so much to see, consider staying longer to soak up more of the city. Speak to your booking agent about additional accommodation if you'd like to extend your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
