Barcelona to Venice

Hola! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Barcelona with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Maybe take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of the harbour. After the meeting, maybe head out for some tapas with your fellow travellers and get to know each other.

Say good morning to Barcelona before heading out with your group on a leader-led orientation walk through the city, stopping along the way for a local favourite treat. Then, explore the city at your own pace. Why not visit Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia Basilica – possibly the most iconic landmark in Barcelona! Or head to Park Guell – the largest green space in the city, where you can stroll through the gardens if the weather’s nice and explore more of Gaudi’s incredible architectural work. This afternoon, make your way to the train station, where you’ll travel to the city of Girona – the jewel of Catalonia known for its medieval architecture and set alongside the Onyar River. Arrive in the early evening, then your leader will take you on a walk through the city. After, you have the chance to explore on your own.

Head off with your group this morning for a walk along the medieval walls of the city. Originally built by the Romans and then rebuilt and extended in the Middle Ages, these walls have stood watch over the city since the 14th century. From the walkway along the top, the city of Girona spreads out beneath you, giving you a bird’s-eye view over the streets and houses, the river and the iconic cathedral and bell tower of San Felix. This afternoon is yours to explore the city. Why not visit the Arabic Baths or stop at the Rocambolesc Gelateria to grab some of Spain’s finest gelato. Or take a walking tour, where you’ll be transported to the streets of Braavos and King’s Landing, which featured in the Game of Thrones. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have some recommendations.

Leaving the city after breakfast, you’ll make your way to Nimes in southeast France. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walk through the town, giving you the lay of the land. This afternoon is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe chat to your leader about visiting the famous Amphitheatre of Nimes – one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Europe, built around the year AD100. This evening, take the train to Avignon. When you arrive, check into your hotel and walk around the walled city that was once home to French popes for more than a century.

This morning, set off on an orientation walk through the markets, where you’ll find fresh produce that’s locally grown in the fertile soil surrounding the city. After, maybe comb the impressive collection of art, visit the grand Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace) or cross the iconic bridge of Pont St-Benezet. If the weather is good, maybe hire a bike to see more of this picturesque valley and head to one of the city’s amazing bakeries. There are also many small local bistros that serve up great regional cuisine – why not get some of your travel pals together for a French-inspired feast tonight!

Travel to Dijon – the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France. Take an orientation walk through the city famous for its mustard, wine and gingerbread, then venture out on your own. Perhaps you’ll visit the preserved medieval centre, or the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Maybe see the Church of Notre-Dame or walk through the Musee des Beaux-Arts. Feeling tangy? Maybe join a mustard-making workshop and learn the traditional process, from grinding the seeds to mixing in wine, vinegar and salt – you get to take home your very own jar of homemade Dijon mustard, infused with your custom blend of flavours. More of a wine person? Attend a local Burgundy tasting.

This morning, take the train to the city of light and love – Paris, of course! Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and delicious food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and things to do. When you arrive, check into the hotel, then join your leader for an orientation walk through the famous city streets before exploring at your leisure – wandering around the Champs-Elysees, the student-filled Latin Quarter or bohemian Montmartre will give you a good feel for the city. Maybe visit the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower or walk through the Musee d’Orsay. Tonight, you might want to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, you’ll have a second meeting with new members of your group at 6 pm. Until that time, Paris is yours to do as you wish. If you didn't have time yesterday, maybe check out the Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, or do as the locals do and take a picnic lunch of baguettes and cheese to the Tuileries, Plantes or the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Leave Paris behind and jump on a train to Brussels. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk around the city. Craving some traditional Belgian fries? Grab some along the way to eat as you go, true local style. After your walk, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander down to the Manneken Pis (Little Peeing Man) – an iconic symbol of Belgium. Or visit the Musical Instrument Museum to get your fix of cultural history. Tonight, maybe explore Ilot Sacre – a great place to find good food and fun bars.

Today is another free day in Brussels. Maybe wander the Jeu de Balle Flea Market, visit the Cantillon Brewery or walk through the Magritte Museum – an art museum in the Royal Quarters, dedicated to the work of the Belgian artist, Rene Magritte. This afternoon, maybe explore the Grand Palace or discover the miniature world at Mini Europe Attraction Park, where monuments in the European Union and other countries have been reproduced and are on display at a scale of 1:25. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

After breakfast, take the train to Ghent – a port city northwest of Belgium, known for its medieval architecture and artwork. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk around the city with your local leader. Then, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Gravensteen Castle, take a guided boat tour on the canal or find a restaurant for dinner and try a local dish like gentse waterzooi (fish or chicken stew).

This morning, take the train to Bruges. This city on the coast of Belgium looks like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale book with its medieval buildings and crisscrossing network of canals. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the UNESCO-protected Old Town, discover the Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassicism architecture or visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is said to be home to a vial of cloth stained with a drop of the blood of Jesus. When you return to Ghent, maybe find the best bowl of moules-frites (a Flemish classic of mussels cooked in white wine and served with a side of crunchy fries) for dinner.

Travel to Amsterdam this morning. When you arrive in the Netherlands capital, your leader will show you around the city, best known for its narrow houses and artistic heritage. Along the walk, stop at FEBO – an iconic local food stop where you can buy traditional snacks. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Maybe head to the Heineken Museum and learn about the Netherlands’ brewing history, wander along the canals, visit a gallery or settle into a cosy cafe and count the number of bikes that roll by.

Rise bright and early this morning before jumping on the train to Berlin. Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can. Berlin has plenty of impressive sites and is known for a great bar scene. Get some of the best recommendations and must-see spots from your leader while you make your way towards the city. Tonight, you’ll have another meeting with the new members of your group at 6 pm. After, why not join your newfound travel pals for dinner? Berlin’s food is a mix of classic German with Bavarian, Italian and Middle Eastern influences and who can go past a traditional schnitzel with a stein of beer!

Today is a free day to explore Berlin at your own pace. There are plenty of sites to see, including the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall and the imposing Reichstag building, whether on your own, on a bike tour or all at once from the observation deck of the Berlin TV Tower. This afternoon, maybe visit the Jewish Memorial or explore the Topography of Terror. Tonight, why not discover Berlin’s thriving foodie scene with a few dinner suggestions from your leader.

Kick off your day with a train ride to Dresden. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your trip leader, finding inspiration for your own exploration in the afternoon. Maybe visit the rebuilt Old Town, passing the Frauenkirche, Zwinger and the grand buildings around Neumarkt. For lunch, maybe stay around Neumarkt to try Saxon classics like roast beef in sauerbraten sauce or hearty potato dumplings. Or head to the Elbe for a river cruise and see the city’s Baroque skyline from the water. This evening, maybe gather a few new friends and head to creative Neustad, where street art, independent bars and a more alternative local scene show you a different side of Dresden.

Take a scenic train ride to Prague today, leaving Germany behind. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Labe Valley, with fairytale-like landscapes all around you. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk through town. Prague’s architecture can be traced from the Middle Ages through to the avant-garde of the Gehry-designed Dancing House (also nicknamed Fred and Ginger). Perhaps finish your walk with a quick visit to a Czech brewery, where you can try a pilsner in its homeland. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Prague Castle, the biggest in the Czech Republic, where you’ll find the famous St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. Later today, maybe wander through the old Jewish Quarter to see what remains of the city’s formerly significant Jewish community.

With another free day in Prague, maybe learn how the Bohemian artists, writers and dissidents shaped the nation. Don’t forget to sample some traditional and modern Czech snacks along the way. If you feel like a day trip out of the city, ask your leader to help you organise a trip to Kutna Hora. See the Church of Santa Barbara and Sedlec ossuary or The Church of Bones – a small Roman Catholic chapel that contains skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people! At night, Prague’s Old Town comes alive with many great restaurants and pubs, some in old, vaulted cellars. The nightlife in Prague is also some of the best in Central Europe. Whether you’re after dance clubs, beer halls, jazz clubs or underground absinthe bars, there’s something for everyone.

Say goodbye to Prague as you travel to Bratislava – the capital of Slovakia. Set along the Danube, Bratislava blends past and present with its Old Town and lively boutiques and cafes. Today you have a free day to explore it all at your own pace. Maybe climb to the top of the tower at Michael’s Gate or UFO Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Bratislava, visit the Bratislava City Museum or spot as many of the city’s quirky statues as you can. For dinner, maybe seek out some local delicacies like kapustnica (a sauerkraut and sausage soup) – your leader will have the best recommendations!

After breakfast, travel to Budapest. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe take a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, why not head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!

Today, you’ll have another meeting with the new members of your group at 6 pm. Before then, the day is yours. Why not stroll around the grand architecture and boulevards to get your bearings. Maybe explore one of the local markets and pick up a langos (a deep-fried Hungarian pastry with an assortment of different toppings). Or head out to Statue Park to get an insight into the city’s past After the meeting, perhaps get a group of friends together for a Hungarian feast of goulash or stroll to the Jewish Quarter and check out some ruin bars – these unique nightlife hubs are great for groups and feature lots of weird and wonderful decor.

Hop on a train this morning to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Then, set off with your own agenda, perhaps visiting the Naschmarkt for food stalls and local produce, seeing the Spanish Riding School or relaxing in the Prater. Or take a tram to Schoenbrunn Palace. If you like, rejoin your group for kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. Have a chat with the friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm and welcoming environment.

You’re free to choose your own adventure today, and Vienna has a lot to offer! For art lovers, there’s a vast array of museums, including the Albertina, the Leopold, Kunsthalle Wien and the Museum of Modern Art. Those interested in 19th- and 20th-century Austrian art might like to visit the Belvedere Palace – home to Gustav Klimt’s painting The Kiss. Or check out the colourful Hundertwasserhaus or the dome of the Secession building. Perhaps visit the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the neo-classical Graben or wander through Hofburg Palace – once the imposing winter retreat of Habsburg royals and now the official residence of the Austrian president. For a knock-your-socks-off moment, head to the State Opera House – one of the world’s most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture.

Travel to Salzburg this morning via train – this Austrian hub on the border of Germany is backdropped by the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River. When you arrive, you’ll have a full free day to explore all this gorgeous city has to offer, from the Old City to the New City. Maybe head to Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a picnic if the weather’s nice or discover Mozart’s birthplace. Consider a walk along the medieval walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg and take in the architecture (you can also pay to get inside) or find a great viewpoint and snap some photos of the city in the shadow of the mountains, with the fortress looming above on the hill. Tonight, why not ask your local leader for the best spot for dinner.

Travel by train this morning from Salzburg to Ljubljana, crossing into Slovenia and continuing to the capital. After checking in to your hotel, head out with your leader on an orientation walk through the compact city centre. Ljubljana’s riverside streets, Central Market and Plecnik-designed bridges make it easy to get your bearings on foot. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore your own way. You might join a local walking tour, ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle or wander through Tivoli Park. Maybe browse the stalls around the Central Market or follow the Ljubljanica River past the Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge. This evening, maybe stay by the river for dinner or ask your leader for a local restaurant recommendation.

After breakfast, board the train again for a daytrip to Bled. The day is yours to discover this natural wonderland. Maybe take a full-day adventure around Triglav Massive – there are many outdoor activities available here to get the heart rate up, like rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming in the warmer months. Or hire a bike and head out of town to Vintgar Gorge, where you can walk through a natural canyon. Perhaps explore Bled Castle, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the lake, or catch a pletna (small wooden boat) over to the island in the middle of the lake to ring the iconic church’s wishing bell. Your leader will have all the best options, so be sure to chat with them for their recommendations. If you’d prefer to have a relaxing day and the sun is out, maybe just find a quiet spot near the lake and spend the day reading or people-watching. Feeling peckish? Try Bled cake (made of vanilla, custard, cream and pastry) – many local cafes and cake shops claim theirs is the best, so maybe try a few and compare! Return to Ljubljana by train this evening.