Itinerary
- Day 1
Barcelona
You'll arrive in Barcelona and meet the group at 6 pm for a welcome meeting and vermouth aperitivo. If you get there early, there's time to check out the city's galleries, cafes and historic spots. Consider taking the funicular up Montjuic or Tibidabo if you want panoramic harbour views. After the meeting, you might grab tapas with other travellers.
Included Activities
- Welcome meeting with group
- Vermouth aperitivo
Optional Activities
- Funicular ride to Montjuic
- Funicular ride to Tibidabo
- Tapas dinner with fellow travellers
- Gallery exploration
- Cafe exploration
Landmarks/POIs Montjuic Tibidabo - Day 2
Barcelona to Girona
Your leader takes you on an orientation walk through Barcelona, sampling local treats along the way. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace, hitting up Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia or Park Guell if those interest you. Later you'll catch a train to Girona where your leader guides you through this medieval city sitting beside the Onyar River.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk of Barcelona
- Local treat sampling during walk
Optional Activities
- La Sagrada Familia Basilica visit
- Park Guell exploration
Landmarks/POIs La Sagrada Familia Park Guell Onyar River - Day 3
Girona
Walk along Girona's medieval walls, originally built by Romans and rebuilt in the Middle Ages, for bird's-eye views of the city, river and the San Felix cathedral. Spend your afternoon exploring at your own pace, checking out the Arabic Baths or trying gelato at Rocambolesc. There's also a Game of Thrones walking tour available if that's something you'd do.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walk along medieval walls
Optional Activities
- Arabic Baths visit
- Rocambolesc Gelateria visit
- Game of Thrones walking tour
- Local restaurant dinner
Landmarks/POIs Girona Medieval Walls San Felix Cathedral Arabic Baths - Day 4
Girona to Nimes to Avignon
Head out from Girona and travel to Nimes in southeast France. Your leader will show you around town before you have free time. The Amphitheatre of Nimes is worth visiting if you're interested in Roman history. Later you'll board a train to Avignon, check into your hotel and explore the walled city that once housed French popes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Nimes
Optional Activities
- Amphitheatre of Nimes visit
Landmarks/POIs Amphitheatre of Nimes - Day 5
Avignon
Start the day with an orientation walk through local markets featuring fresh produce. You'll have time to explore the Palais des Papes, the Pont St-Benezet bridge or art collections. Renting a bike to explore the valley and visit local bakeries is a good option. Later you'll gather with other travellers for a French-inspired dinner at one of the regional bistros.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Market orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Palais des Papes visit
- Pont St-Benezet visit
- Art collection exploration
- Bike hire
- Local bakery visit
- Regional French dinner
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes Pont St-Benezet - Day 6
Avignon to Dijon
Travel to Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region. You'll participate in a mustard-making workshop where a master shows you the traditional process from grinding seeds to mixing wine, vinegar and salt. You'll take home your own jar of homemade Dijon mustard. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mustard making workshop
Optional Activities
- Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy visit
- Church of Notre-Dame visit
- Musee des Beaux-Arts visit
Landmarks/POIs Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy Church of Notre-Dame - Day 7
Dijon to Paris
Take the train to Paris. After checking into your hotel, your leader gives you an orientation walk through the famous streets before you have time to explore on your own. You can wander the Champs-Elysees, the Latin Quarter or bohemian Montmartre. Consider visiting the Louvre, climbing the Eiffel Tower or exploring the Musee d'Orsay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Louvre visit
- Eiffel Tower climb/visit
- Musee d'Orsay visit
- Champs-Elysees exploration
- Latin Quarter exploration
- Montmartre exploration
- Group dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Louvre Eiffel Tower Musee d'Orsay Champs-Elysees Latin Quarter Montmartre - Day 8
Paris
You have another free day in Paris. Visit the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, or climb the Eiffel Tower for aerial views. Pack a picnic of baguette and cheese to enjoy at The Tuileries, Plantes or Jardin du Luxembourg. There's a group meeting at 6 pm, then you have the option to head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Louvre visit
- Eiffel Tower climb/visit
- Picnic lunch at The Tuileries
- Picnic lunch at Plantes
- Picnic lunch at Jardin du Luxembourg
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Neighbourhood exploration
Landmarks/POIs Louvre Eiffel Tower The Tuileries Jardin du Luxembourg - Day 9
Paris to Brussels
Leave Paris and take the train to Brussels. When you arrive, your leader takes you on a city walk where you'll sample traditional Belgian fries. You'll have free time to explore at your own pace, checking out Manneken Pis, the Musical Instrument Museum or heading to Ilot Sacre for dinner and nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Belgian fries snack
Optional Activities
- Manneken Pis visit
- Musical Instrument Museum visit
- Ilot Sacre exploration and dining
Landmarks/POIs Manneken Pis Musical Instrument Museum - Day 10
Brussels
You have a free day in Brussels. Explore the Jeu de Balle Flea Market, visit Cantillon Brewery or walk through the Magritte Museum. You can see the Grand Palace, discover Mini Europe Attraction Park at 1:25 scale, or just relax. Your leader has dinner recommendations for when you head out with the group later.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Jeu de Balle Flea Market visit
- Cantillon Brewery visit
- Magritte Museum visit
- Grand Palace visit
- Mini Europe Attraction Park visit
- Group dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Magritte Museum Grand Palace - Day 11
Brussels to Ghent
After breakfast, take the train to Ghent, a port city northwest of Belgium known for medieval architecture and artwork. Your local leader conducts an orientation walk around town. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, visiting Gravensteen Castle, taking a guided boat tour on the canal or trying local specialties.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Gravensteen Castle visit
- Guided boat tour on canal
- Local restaurant dinner
- Gentse waterzooi (fish or chicken stew) tasting
Landmarks/POIs Gravensteen Castle - Day 12
Ghent to Bruges and return to Ghent
Board a train to Bruges, a fairytale coastal city with medieval buildings and canals. You'll have the day to explore on your own, strolling the UNESCO Protected Old Town and admiring Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is worth seeing. You'll return to Ghent for dinner and try moules-frites, the local Flemish mussels with crunchy fries.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- UNESCO Protected Old Town exploration
- Gothic and Renaissance architecture viewing
- Basilica of the Holy Blood visit
- Moules-frites dinner
Landmarks/POIs Basilica of the Holy Blood - Day 13
Ghent to Amsterdam
Head to Amsterdam this morning. Your leader shows you around the city, famous for its narrow houses and artistic heritage, stopping at FEBO for traditional snacks. Spend the rest of the day exploring, checking out Anne Frank's House or the 15th-century De Waag building. The Heineken Museum is another option if you want to learn about Dutch beer history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- FEBO snack stop
Optional Activities
- Anne Frank's House visit
- De Waag (15th-century building) exploration
- Heineken Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Anne Frank's House De Waag - Day 14
Amsterdam to Rotterdam day trip
Take a day trip to Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport. You'll visit the Floating Farm, the world's first self-sufficient dairy farm, to learn about sustainable farming and see the resident cows. Spend your afternoon at your own pace, checking out Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Euromast Observation Tower for panoramic views. You'll return to Amsterdam for a free evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Floating Farm visit
Optional Activities
- Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen visit
- Euromast Observation Tower visit
- Canal wandering
Landmarks/POIs Floating Farm - Day 15
Amsterdam to Berlin
Rise early to catch the train to Berlin for this long travel day. Grab a window seat to enjoy the scenery. Your leader will give recommendations about must-see spots and great bars. You have a group meeting at 6 pm with new members. After that, join other travellers for dinner and explore Berlin's diverse food scene from traditional schnitzel to international influences.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader recommendations during travel
Optional Activities
- Group dinner with new members
- Day 16
Berlin
You have a free day exploring Berlin at your own pace. Check out the Brandenburg Gate, see remnants of the Berlin Wall or explore the Reichstag building. Taking a bike tour is another option. Climb the Berlin TV Tower observation deck for panoramic views. Visit the Jewish Memorial or the Topography of Terror museum. Your leader can suggest where to find great food for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Brandenburg Gate visit
- Berlin Wall remnants exploration
- Reichstag visit
- Bike tour
- Berlin TV Tower visit
- Jewish Memorial visit
- Topography of Terror visit
- Restaurant dinner
Landmarks/POIs Brandenburg Gate Reichstag Berlin TV Tower Jewish Memorial Topography of Terror - Day 17
Berlin to Dresden to Bastei
Take an early train to Dresden. After checking in, travel to Rathen where you'll hike to the sandstone pinnacles of Bastei for some of Germany's best views and remnants of medieval Neurathen Castle. If hiking isn't your preference, explore the riverside village of Rathen or stay in Dresden to learn about the city's history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bastei hike to sandstone pinnacles
Optional Activities
- Rathen riverside village exploration
- Dresden history and heritage exploration
Landmarks/POIs Bastei Neurathen Castle - Day 18
Dresden to Prague
Take a scenic train ride through the Labe Valley to Prague, with fairytale-like landscapes on both sides as you leave Germany behind. Your local leader guides you on an orientation walk through this medieval city. You'll see Prague Castle, the avant-garde Dancing House and visit a Czech brewery to sample pilsner. The old Jewish Quarter and St Vitus Cathedral are also worth seeing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Czech brewery visit with pilsner tasting
Optional Activities
- Prague Castle visit
- St Vitus Cathedral visit
- Golden Lane exploration
- Old Jewish Quarter exploration
- Dancing House viewing
Landmarks/POIs Prague Castle St Vitus Cathedral Dancing House Golden Lane - Day 19
Prague
You have another free day in Prague. Learn how Bohemian artists, writers and dissidents shaped the nation and sample traditional and modern Czech snacks. Ask your leader about 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. Prague's nightlife offers dance clubs, beer halls, jazz clubs or absinthe bars to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Bohemian culture exploration
- Czech snack sampling
- Kutna Hora day trip
- Church of Santa Barbara visit
- Sedlec Ossuary (Church of Bones) visit
- Old Town restaurant and pub exploration
- Nightlife exploration (dance clubs, beer halls, jazz clubs, absinthe bars)
Landmarks/POIs Church of Santa Barbara Sedlec Ossuary - Day 20
Prague to Bratislava
Travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital set along the Danube River. This city blends past and present with its Old Town and lively boutiques and cafes. You have a free day to explore at your own pace, climbing to the top of Michael's Gate or UFO Tower for bird's-eye views. Visit the Bratislava City Museum or spot quirky statues around the city. Try local specialties like kapustnica soup for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Michael's Gate tower climb
- UFO Tower visit
- Bratislava City Museum visit
- Quirky statue spotting
- Local restaurant dinner with kapustnica
Landmarks/POIs Danube River - Day 21
Bratislava to Budapest
After breakfast, travel to Budapest. The rest of the day is free for exploration at your own pace. Visit the historic Buda Castle or wander the Castle District's winding medieval streets. Take a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges connecting Buda and Pest. Head out for dinner with fellow travellers to celebrate your travels so far.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Buda Castle visit
- Castle District exploration
- Danube River cruise
- Parliament Building viewing
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Buda Castle Parliament Building - Day 22
Budapest
Today features a group meeting with new members at 6 pm. Before then, explore Budapest's grand architecture and boulevards, hitting local markets or trying langos, the deep-fried Hungarian pastry. Statue Park offers insight into the city's past. One of the many thermal bath complexes is worth soaking in. After the meeting, gather with new friends for a Hungarian feast of goulash or explore ruin bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Grand architecture and boulevard exploration
- Local market visit
- Langos tasting
- Statue Park visit
- Thermal bath complex visit
- Hungarian goulash dinner
- Ruin bars exploration
- Jewish quarter exploration
Landmarks/POIs Statue Park - Day 23
Budapest to Vienna
Hop on a train to Vienna this morning. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, enjoy kaffe and kuchen with your group at Vollpension, a local cafe that supports older community members through employment. Chat with friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm, welcoming environment.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at Vollpension cafe
Landmarks/POIs Vollpension - Day 24
Vienna
Choose your own adventure in Vienna. Art lovers can explore the Albertina, Leopold, Kunsthalle Wien or Museum of Modern Art. Visit Belvedere Palace for Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' or explore the colourful Hundertwasserhaus. See the gothic St Stephen's Cathedral, explore the Hofburg Palace or visit the State Opera House. There's something for every interest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Albertina museum visit
- Leopold museum visit
- Kunsthalle Wien visit
- Museum of Modern Art visit
- Belvedere Palace visit
- Hundertwasserhaus exploration
- St Stephen's Cathedral visit
- Graben neoclassical area exploration
- Hofburg Palace visit
- State Opera House visit
Landmarks/POIs Belvedere Palace St Stephen's Cathedral Hofburg Palace State Opera House - Day 25
Vienna to Salzburg
Travel to Salzburg via train, an Austrian hub on the German border backdropped by the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River. You have a full free day exploring the Old City and New City. Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a picnic, discover Mozart's birthplace or walk along medieval fortress walls. Find a viewpoint to photograph the city with mountains in the background and ask your leader for dinner recommendations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Mirabell Palace and Gardens visit with picnic
- Mozart's birthplace visit
- Fortress Hohensalzburg walk and interior visit
- Old City exploration
- New City exploration
- Mountain photography and viewpoints
- Local restaurant dinner
Landmarks/POIs Mirabell Palace and Gardens Fortress Hohensalzburg Salzach River - Day 26
Salzburg to Bled
Hop on a train to the Slovenian resort town of Bled, situated at the edge of the Julian Alps. Grab a window seat to cross the Alps through a 1300m high tunnel with mountain vistas on every side. Upon arrival, your leader takes you to the glistening Lake Bled's shore where attractions come into view. You have a free afternoon to explore. Try Bled cake and settle in for group dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led walk to Lake Bled shore
Optional Activities
- Bled cake tasting at local cafes and cake shops
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Lake Bled Julian Alps - Day 27
Bled
You have a free day in Bled with plenty of outdoor activities available. Adventure seekers can explore the Triglav Massive with rafting, caving, canoeing or swimming. Hire a bike and head to Vintgor Gorge to walk through a natural canyon. Explore Bled Castle on the cliff overlooking the lake or catch a pletna wooden boat to the island to ring the wishing bell. Alternatively, relax by the lake with a book.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Triglav Massive exploration
- River rafting
- Caving
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Mountain bike hire
- Vintgar Gorge visit
- Natural canyon walk
- Bled Castle exploration
- Pletna boat ride to island
- Wishing bell ring
- Lakeside relaxation
Landmarks/POIs Lake Bled Triglav Massive Vintgar Gorge Bled Castle - Day 28
Bled to Venice
Travel to Venice today on a bit of a long journey. Get through your book or favourite podcasts as you travel. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. Upon arrival, your leader guides you on an orientation walk, the best way to see Venice, passing the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco and Bridge of Sighs. You'll have iconic Italian cuisine with your group this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Views of Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs
Optional Activities
- Shop exploration
- Market exploration
- Gallery exploration
- Church exploration
- Group Italian dinner
Landmarks/POIs Grand Canal Rialto Bridge Palace of the Doge Piazza San Marco Bridge of Sighs - Day 29
Venice
Dive deeper into Venice today. Browse boutique shops in Piazza San Marco selling Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. Sample sweet Venetian treats at Ca Grifalconi Market or explore the stores lining Rialto Bridge. You have a final group meeting at 6 pm. Afterwards, enjoy optional dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Boutique shopping in Piazza San Marco
- Venetian masks purchase
- Handmade Murano glassware shopping
- Ca Grifalconi Market sweet treats tasting
- Rialto Bridge store exploration
- Optional group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Piazza San Marco Rialto Bridge - Day 30
Rome
Explore Venice's diverse architecture featuring Classical, Gothic and Baroque styles around San Marco Square. Your leader will show you where to get the best cicchetti, the local snacks Venice is known for. Join the lively scene at a local bacaro for lunch or watch the world go by at a canal-side restaurant. Take the water bus to San Giorgio island to climb the bell tower for city views or enjoy a gondola journey down the Grand Canal.
- Day 31
Venice to La Spezia
Board a morning train through the scenic north of Italy to La Spezia, known as the gateway to Cinque Terre. The five tiny villages of Monterosso, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are positioned on coves between sheer cliffs. After checking into your hotel, take a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione or head out for dinner with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Via del Prione pedestrian zone walk
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Cinque Terre Monterosso Vernazzo Corniglia Manarola Riomaggiore - Day 32
Cinque Terre
Spend today exploring winding footpaths and pastel villages with your included Cinque Terre Pass. Your leader walks you to two of the five villages. The pass provides 24-hour access to area paths and trains. Check with your leader on which walking section suits you since some have challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and footbridges. Take the train between villages if you prefer or return to La Spezia anytime. A pesto-making class is optional.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cinque Terre Pass (24-hour access to paths and trains)
- Leader-led walk to two villages
Optional Activities
- Self-guided village exploration
- Train travel between villages
- Pesto making class
- Focaccia tasting
Landmarks/POIs Cinque Terre - Day 33
La Spezia to Florence
Leave La Spezia and catch a train to Florence. After checking in, take a brief walk to get your bearings. Florence is the culturally rich beating heart of Tuscany where Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived and worked. Food is central to the city's identity. Explore the culinary history on a Florence Foodies Walk or try Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the Florentine T-bone steak.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Brief leader-led walk around immediate area
Optional Activities
- Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures
- Local culinary history exploration
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Beef Steak) tasting
Landmarks/POIs Florence - Day 34
Florence
You have another day in this Renaissance wonderland. It's impossible to see everything so pick a few things you really want to do. 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 might walk up Piazzale Michelangelo on the south bank of the Arno River for beautiful city views. Your leader can detail optional activities available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Galleria dell'Accademia visit to see Michelangelo's David
- Uffizi gallery visit
- Piazzale Michelangelo walk for city views
- Other optional cultural activities (consult leader)
Landmarks/POIs Galleria dell'Accademia Uffizi Gallery Piazzale Michelangelo Arno River - Day 35
Florence to Rome
Take the morning train to Rome and join your leader on an orientation walk to see iconic sights like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. After all that walking, grab lunch at Piazza Navona. Spend your afternoon as you wish, visiting the Vatican to see St Peter's Basilica or exploring the Sistine Chapel's Michelangelo masterpiece. Browse trattorias for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Views of Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
Optional Activities
- Lunch at Piazza Navona
- Vatican visit
- St Peter's Basilica visit
- Sistine Chapel visit
- Pantheon visit
- Restaurant dinner
Landmarks/POIs Spanish Steps Trevi Fountain Pantheon Piazza Navona St Peter's Basilica Sistine Chapel - Day 36
Rome
Your last day in Rome gives you complete freedom to shape however you'd like. After checking out from your hotel, you can either spend more time wandering through the city streets, catching any spots you might've missed, or head straight to the airport depending on your flight time. There's nothing scheduled, so the morning and afternoon are entirely yours to use however works best for your departure plans.
Optional Activities
- Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
- Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Pantheon - EUR5
- St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Galleria Borghese - EUR17
Landmarks/POIs Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine Hill Pantheon Trevi Fountain Vatican Museum St Peter's Basilica Castel Sant'Angelo Galleria Borghese
