Amsterdam to Budapest by Train (Winter)

Your European train adventure begin here. Starting in Amsterdam, we'll immediately fall in love with the cute gable houses, canals, neo-Gothic architecture and friendly locals. First up, an option to join a Refugee Boat Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience) to learn about the people that shaped Amsterdam, as we cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage Listed canals of Amsterdam.

In the evening, we'll head to Foodhallen, with its eclectic bars, live music and art exhibitions and sample some of the best food in Europe. (D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)

Rise and shine! This morning you'll have the option to get an exclusive morning entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing, skipping the queues to enjoy epic views over the sprawling city below. The rest of the day is all about exploration - from Anne Frank's museum to the Heineken Factory. You'll also have the option to captain your own boat down the canals. Then, the night is yours to explore this vibrant city and experience its legendary nightlife. (B)

You've been a blast, Amsterdam, but we're making tracks for the next adventure today. Hallo Berlin! This eclectic, richly historical and culturally charming city will blow us away as soon as we arrive. We'll waste no time in checking out the cutting-edge culinary scene. Berlin is considered the vegan capital of Europe... and there is plenty for the carnivores too!

Then the evening is yours to explore the city's world-famous nightlife. The buzzing scene here is a joyous tribute to German reunification, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall the city has staked its claim as the techno capital of the world. (B/D) Stay: Moxy Berlin Humboldthain Park (or similar)

This morning we'll get to enjoy an exclusive Contiki Cares experience with a social enterprise called Refugee Voices, learning from young refugees on a fascinating walking tour that draws parallels between the city's turbulent past and the situation in modern Syria. The rest of the day is yours - why not spend the afternoon eating your way through Berlin's hipster Kreuzberg district? (B)

Berlin you've been a blast, but we're making tracks for new adventures today, jumping on the train to Prague. Arriving in Prague, we'll explore the cobblestones, cathedrals and castles on a walking tour, before refuelling with a traditional Czech dinner. Believe us when we say that the beer here is the best in Europe. (B/D) Stay: Meet Me 23 (or similar)

Make the most of your free day today by signing up for a morning bicycle tour, the perfect way to navigate the narrow alleyways and quaint corners of the city otherwise forgotten. Afterwards, maybe catch the tram to one of Prague's outer neighbourhoods like hipster Vršovice, boasting art nouveau buildings, offbeat coffee haunts and streets lined with communal pianos. Prague is a paradise for beer lovers and in the afternoon you have the chance for a local expert to take you on a tour of some of Prague's coolest and best micro-breweries. (B)

We're jumping on another train today and making our way to Austria. Ah Vienna! We'll kick things off in this grand capital with a walking tour and explore the opulent classical architecture and wide streets. Summer evenings can be spent like a local, watching the sun set over the Donaukanal at a gorgeous beach bar. In the winter, cosy up in a classic Viennese coffee house. (B) Stay: A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)

Waking up in the stunning capital of Vienna, a city known for its coffee culture and baroque architecture, we'll have plenty of adventures to pursue today. Opt to take a Kick Bike tour to explore the city's heritage-rich streets and buildings on two wheels. Finish your day at one of the world's most historic theme parks: Prater, and eat some schnitzels in the leafy surrounding park. (B)

Today we're making our way to Hungary! Another scenic train ride will take us into the grandeur of Budapest. Tonight, something a bit different, as we have the option to escape the masses and cook dinner with the locals. This immersive, fully interactive experience will bring us closer than ever before to Hungary's rich history and culinary culture. (B) Stay: A&O Budapest (or similar)

This morning choose to learn about the past & present of Hungarian history and culture culminating at Budapest's most famous thermal baths - Szechenyi - enjoying the most traditional spa experience in the world. The water here is supplied by 2 thermal springs to make up the largest medicinal baths in Europe. Tonight we'll enjoy the best way to experience the city's flamboyant architecture, as we take a dreamy night time cruise down the Danube, getting to see all of Budapest's historical buildings from the water as we enjoy an authentic feast. (B)

Today we say farewell to our Contiki family and our European adventure, but we'll stay in touch, and we'll no doubt be back soon enough. (B)