Berlin to Rome

Guten Tag! Welcome to Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Berlin. There are no activities planned until then, so feel free to arrive at any time during the day. You may like to take a Spree River cruise, visit the multiple museums and galleries at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz or stop by the impressive Berliner Dom Cathedral. Tonight after your meeting, 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. But who can go past a traditional currywurst, schnitzel or pretzel together with a stein of beer?

Set out to discover more of Berlin in detail today, as you’ll have free time to enjoy it as you please. There are plenty of impressive sites for you to check out – the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall and the dominating Reichstag building – either on your own, during a bike tour or all at once from the observation deck of the Berlin TV Tower. There are also a couple of unique memorials, like the Jewish Memorial and the Topography of Terror, which are well worth your time. Tonight, maybe explore Berlin’s thriving foodie scene with a few dinner suggestions from your leader. (B)

This morning, say goodbye to Berlin and hop on an early train to Dresden. After checking in to your accommodation, another quick train trip will take you to Rathen, where you can enjoy a hike to the sandstone pinnacles of Bastei. The unique rock formation offers some of Germany’s best views and is home to the remnants of the medieval Neurathen Castle. If a hike doesn’t take your fancy, you’re welcome to join in on the journey to Rathen and spend your time exploring the riverside village or stay in Dresden, immersing yourself in the city’s history and heritage. (B)

Leaving Germany behind, board the train to Prague. When you arrive, check-in at your hotel and then see the highlights of this beautiful city on a leader-led orientation walk. Prague's architecture can be traced from the Middle Ages through to the avant-garde of the Gehry-designed Dancing Building (also called the Fred and Ginger Building). Your walk will finish with a visit to a Czech brewery, where you can sample a pilsner in its homeland. Spend your free afternoon at Prague Castle – the biggest in the Czech Republic – where you'll find the famous St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. Continue to wander through the old Jewish Quarter to see what remains of the city's formerly significant Jewish community.

Another day in Prague and so many possibilities! Perhaps learn how the Bohemian artists, writers, dissidents and the Bohemian mentality 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 the 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.

Leave Prague and travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Set along the Danube, Bratislava blends past and present with its charming Old Town and lively boutiques and cafes. You have a free day to explore it all today. You could 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 to learn about the country’s communist past 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 lowdown on the best spots.

Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest and enjoy a free day in the self-proclaimed Pearl of the Danube. Perhaps explore the historical Buda Castle and palace complex. Forget about the bustling city and lose yourself in the history of the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, you could take a slow cruise along the Danube for some pretty epic views of the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. The spectacle is particularly beautiful, especially at sunset and at night. (B)

Today, you’ll have a second 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). Why not head out to Statue Park to get an insight into the city’s past or take a soak in one of the many thermal bath complexes around town? After the meeting tonight, 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 – unique nightlife hubs that are great for groups and feature a whole heap of weird and wonderful decor. (B)

Hop on a train this morning to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, you’re in for a real treat! Stop for kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) with your group 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. (B)

You’re free to choose your own adventure today, and Vienna has a lot to offer! Art lovers will be delighted by the 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 should visit the Belvedere Palace – home to Gustav Klimt's painting 'The Kiss'. Check out the colourful Hundertwasserhaus or admire the dome of the Secession building. Perhaps visit Hofburg Palace – once the imposing winter retreat of Habsburg royals and now the official residence of the Austrian president, or visit the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the neo-classical Graben. If you want to see something impressive, 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 or discover Mozart’s birthplace. Head to the medieval walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg and marvel at the architecture (you can also pay to get inside) or find a great viewpoint and snap some epic 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 to the stunning Slovenian resort town of Bled today. Sitting at the edge of the Julian Alps, this place is full of picturesque sights that are sure to take your breath away. When you arrive, follow your leader to the shore of glistening Lake Bled, from which many of the town’s attractions can be seen, and walk along the shoreline. After soaking in the sights with your group, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own route. For a taste of the local cuisine, try some Bled cake made of vanilla, custard, cream and pastry (many local cafes and cake shops claim theirs is the best, so if you must, maybe try a few and compare). After settling into your accommodation tonight, why not get together with your group for dinner, feasting on local specialities? (B)

There’s no better place to get active than in Bled! Today you have a free day to enjoy all the fun activities Bled has to offer (calling all nature lovers!) Maybe take a full-day adventure around Triglav Massive – there are many outdoor activities available here to get the blood pumping, such as rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming. Why not hire a bike and head four kilometres out of town to Vintgar Gorge, where you can walk through a beautiful natural canyon. Perhaps explore Bled Castle, perched 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 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 just enjoy the beauty of Lake Bled, find a quiet spot near the lake and spend the day reading or people-watching.

Travel by train and local bus through stunning scenery to one of the world's most unique cities today – postcard-perfect Venice. A city of canals, Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your tour leader – the best way to see Venice is by foot – passing by the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Wander the cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing bridges and stopping for a gelato on your way, if the moment calls. There are shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner here, so there’s plenty to explore. Tonight, what better to do than tuck into some iconic Italian cuisine (and maybe a big glass of vino?).

Today you’re free to dive deeper into Venice. You might browse the endless amounts of boutique shops in Piazza San Marco that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware, sample the sweet Venetian treats on sale at Ca Grifalconi Market or venture back to the stores that line Rialto Bridge. Later, you’ll have a second meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe enjoy an optional dinner with your new travel companions at a local restaurant.

This morning, head out for an orientation walk of the city and marvel at the Classical, Gothic, and Baroque styles of architecture surrounding San Marco Square. Your leader will show you where to get the best cicchetti today, a tasty local snack that Venice is famous for. For lunch, maybe get involved in the lively social scene at a local bácaro or simply watch the world go by at a restaurant perched on the edge of the canals. Then you’re free to explore Venice at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Maybe take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for views over the city. Or fulfil a bucket list favourite and take a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola if you haven’t already.

Board a morning train through the scenic north of Italy to the once important naval base of La Spezia (approximately 6–7 hours). La Spezia is known mainly as the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – positioned on a series of coves between sheer cliffs. On arrival in La Spezia there won't be too much time to explore (that’s what tomorrow is for), but after checking into your hotel perhaps get your bearings with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione or head out for dinner with the group.

Spend today exploring winding footpaths and pastel coloured villages with your included Cinque Terre Pass. Your leader will walk you to two of the five villages, and the pass gives you access to the paths and trains of the area for 24 hours. Please consult your leader on which walking section is right for you, as some have challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Alternatively, take the train between any of the villages, or back to the group's base in La Spezia whenever you want. After working up an appetite, maybe take advantage of an optional pesto class. Focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch, if you’d prefer. (B)

Depart La Spezia today and catch a train to Florence (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, check into the hostel and go for a brief walk around the immediate area to get your bearings. Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Food is a major part of the city's identity and the optional activities on offer reflect this. Maybe explore the city’s culinary history (and taste some local treats) on a Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures. Carnivores might be drawn to try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the Florentine Beef Steak, essentially a huge T-bone steak that comes with classic sides. (B)

Enjoy another day in beautiful Florence. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so the best idea is to relax and pick a few things you really want to do. Maybe start with a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, or perhaps stop by the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries. Active types might want to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city – a lovely way to while away the day. There are plenty of optional activities on offer during your time here, so be sure to grill your leader for the details on each so you can get a sense of what interests you.

Take the morning train to Rome (approximately 2 hours). Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city to see icons such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Phew. After all that walking it’s probably time for lunch. Maybe grab a slice of the good stuff and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona. You can spend your afternoon how you wish and there are plenty of heavy hitters to choose from. Maybe enter the Vatican and check out St Peter's Basilica. Within the Vatican, art lovers could visit the Sistine Chapel to admire the timeless work of Michelangelo, while history buffs may enjoy a jaunt through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Rome is packed full of trattorias that cater to every taste and budget, so this evening maybe link up with the group for dinner.

Your adventures come to an end today. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. As there is so much to see in Rome, we recommend you stay a little longer to soak it up. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to an agent at the time of booking. (B)