Berlin to Rome

Guten Tag! Welcome to Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Berlin. If you arrive early, maybe take a Spree River cruise, visit the multiple museums and galleries at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz or stop by the impressive Berliner Dom Cathedral. 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.

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. (B)

This morning, hop on an early train to Dresden. After checking into your accommodation, travel to Rathen, where you’ll set off on a hike to the sandstone pinnacles of Bastei. The rock formations offer some of Germany’s best views and are home to the remnants of the medieval Neurathen Castle. If hiking isn’t your thing, you’re welcome to join the journey to Rathen and spend your time exploring the riverside village or stay in Dresden and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and heritage. (B)

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 to the right and left. 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). Finish your walk with a quick visit to a Czech brewery, where you can sample 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. (B)

With another free day in Prague, maybe 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 daytrip 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 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! (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, maybe get a group together for a Hungarian feast of goulash or stroll to the Jewish quarter and check out some ruin bars – nightlife hubs 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! 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 should visit the Belvedere Palace – home to Gustav Klimt's painting 'The Kiss'. 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. 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. (B)

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. Maybe 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. (B)

Hop on a train to the Slovenian resort town of Bled. Sitting at the edge of the Julian Alps, this place is full of panoramic sights and the rail journey from Salzburg is a great way to start! Grab a window seat if you can, as you'll be crossing the Alps through a tunnel that sits 1300 m above sea level, with mountain vistas on every side. When you arrive, follow your leader to the shore of glistening Lake Bled, where many of the town’s attractions can be seen. 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 maybe try a few and compare). After settling into your accommodation tonight, why not head out for a group dinner. (B)

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 heart rate up, like rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming in the warmer months. Why not 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 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.

This morning, travel to Venice. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. 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 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. 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) with your group.

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, exploring the Classical, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture that surround 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 bacaro or simply watch the world go by at a restaurant 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. Ore, 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 – known mainly as the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – positioned on a series of coves between sheer cliffs. When you arrive in La Spezia, there won't be much time to explore (that’s what tomorrow is for), but after checking into your hotel you can take 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 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. When you arrive, 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. 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 and 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. 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 walk 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, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer to soak it up. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. (B)