Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe

Get ready to leave the routine behind and uncover extraordinary. We'll hit the road early and drive across the English Channel. Paris, we have arrived. The home of Coco Chanel, the Mona Lisa and the world's yummiest macarons – Paris has earnt its rep as the European capital for all things culture, fashion and drool-worthy food. Tick off all the showstoppers on a driving tour before getting OUT there! Keen to make the most of it? There's even an optional river cruise on offer this eve.

Today, Paris is all yours. Tick off that bucket list, explore the backstreets or hunt down the best patisseries in town (your in-the-know Trip Leader has plenty of recommendations). Not a walker? Stretch those legs and cruise the city on an optional bike tour.

Tonight, it's welcome meal time (get ready to test those mad name-memory skills – or not). Then: there's an optional cabaret on the cards. Think sparkling lights, glittering feathers and incredible acrobats! (D)

Banging tunes and scenic views – we'll be trading in Parisian streets for snowy peaks as we head to the mountains. Home to the ‘Top of Europe', 72 waterfalls and one of the largest nature conservations in Switzerland – tonight we're bunking down in the jaw-dropping Swiss Alps. Sit back in the fresh alpine air with a cold beverage and dig out those playing cards you panic bought at the dollar shop. Go Fish, anyone? (B)

If the Swiss Alps had a Tinder bio it would read: fun-filled outdoor enthusiast – looking for a fellow adrenaline junkie to share adventures with. Swiping right? Hell yes. Hiking. Biking. Skydiving. Helicopter-ing. This place has it all. Fancy something more grounded? Strap on the Nikes and walk the valley floor. Or simply hop aboard the Jungfraubahn railway for an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Trust us, whatever you choose - you'll have views for days.

Trade in your gruezi for bonjour as we head to the sun-soaked and stylish ‘Coast of Blue'. The playground for the rich and famous. This, my friends, is the French Riviera. We'll drop our bags and have the afternoon to take it all in. Explore the waterfront promenade, ogle at the superyachts, head to the beach for a dip or find a local haunt for some seriously good seafood.

Tonight, gather the gang for a night of glamour. Oh là là! (B)

This morning, you do you! Laze on the beach or go wild in the designer boutiques in Nice's Old Town. The choice is yours.

Later: we'll turn it up a notch as we roll with the jet set on a walking tour of Monaco with our Trip Leader. See how the 1% live (hint: it involves Ferraris and bathing in caviar), stroll by the world-class casinos as you play ‘spot the movie set' and let your jaw drop as you learn more facts about the wealth swirling around this city-slash-country.

Squeeze in one last swim. Down your coffee. And wave au revoir to France – we're heading to the boot-shaped peninsula, the home of romance and the mother of carb-laden cuisine. First stop is Pisa, if you do opt for THAT photo, think of something unique (please). Then: make your food baby sing as we roll into the capital of Tuscan cuisine and birthplace of gelato. Quiz your Trip Leader on where to find the best ravioli before a stroll along the Arno River to watch the sunset. Did someone say karaoke? If you're feeling it, join the fam in a battle of the classics at the bar later. (B)

This morning, we'll delve deeper into this capital of culture. Walk through centuries of history with a local guide – soaking up all the artistic charm and dazzling architecture only Florence can deliver. Uffizi Gallery? Tick. Ponte Vecchio? Tick. Piazza della Signoria? Tick. And the showstopping Duomo? Big. Fat. Tick. This arvo is yours to spend as you please (stuffing your face with every gelato flavour, probably).

Onwards! First: a pit stop at the hilltop town of Orvieto to see the grand cathedral and dig into a wild boar panini (unless you're a vegetarian, sorry). Then: bella Roma awaits. Strap on your Nikes, fill up your water bottle and pack your anti-chafing cream – today's walking tour is one for the books. We're talking a solid few hours of non-stop sights, off-the-tourist-trail hidden gems and a run-down of almost 3000 years of history. Pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, (don't) sit on the Spanish Steps and wind things up under the shadow of the mighty Colosseum. Epic doesn't even cut it.

Tonight: go show that pizza who's boss. (B)

Create the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso, two-cheek kisses and pizza the way it's supposed to taste. Play ‘I-spy' with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history on a guided tour (think Vatican City and the Colosseum). Want more? You could always shop till you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for awesome views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness).

Later: round up your trip mates and get ready to party Roman style (but with fewer gladiators, more Negroni).

No lies – we have a long drive today. Now is the chance to share snaps with your new mates, catch up on some zzzzs and text the 'rents (trust us, you'll be too busy later). We'll park up later in the Floating City – home to over 400 bridges and birthplace of Vivaldi. We're talking about Venice FYI. (B)

Today we'll check out the big dogs of Venice on a walking tour – ticking off the likes of St Mark's Square, Doge's Palace and Accademia Bridge. Need suggestions for your free afternoon? Float past the famous Rialto Bridge on a gondola ride. Spend your time seeking out the epic Libreria Acqua Alta bookshop. Or forget all the above and hunt down the perfect gelato. It's your trip after all.

Wave Italy goodbye from the back of the coach as we turn our attention to Austria. Spend the ride warming up those vocal cords ready to reenact The Sound of Music. Mozart's birthplace and surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes – it's no wonder Salzburg was labeled Austria's most inspiring city.

Tonight, get to know this mesmerising city on a walking tour before introducing yourself to all its heavenly foodie creations. Strudel, anyone? (B)

Our Salzburg sleepover was short oh-so-sweet. Up next? The twin cities of Buda and Pest. We'll be chauffeured past the Chain Bridge, Castle District, Heroes' Square and House of Terror on a driving tour of the city.

Afterwards: free time to do your own sweet thing. Our rec? Swing by a few of the city's rooftop bars for sophisticated vibes, creative cocktails and UN-real views. (B)

A free day to take on the city! Check out the Central Market Hall. Explore the Jewish Quarter. Play pinball at the Flippermúzeum. Hunt down the Anonymous Statue. And be sure to ask your trusty Trip Leader on their recommendation for the best thermal bath in town. Believe us when we say there are a LOT of pools here – indoors and out – and water temps go up to a massive 40 degrees! Tonight, opt for a dinner cruise down the Danube (Buda Castle and House of Parliament look extra spesh lit up like Christmas). Or hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. Maybe even sample a pickled carrot or two (random? Yep, but they're a thing).

As the legend goes, a dragon had to be defeated for Kraków to be built – bit tougher than the usual council approvals emmiright? Get acquainted with Poland's beating heart and the largest medieval town square in Europe on today's walking tour. Then? Take Fleetwood's advice and go your own way. Top up your history knowledge at Wawel Castle, explore the quirky cafes and boutiques in the Jewish Quarter, head to Schindler's Museum (be prepared to queue) or find a local haunt and tuck into a piled plate of pierogi. (B)

It's your day to delve deeper – need some suggestions? Head to Hamsa in the heart of the Jewish Quarter for some 'Hummus and Happiness', shop for amber in the UNESCO-listed Cloth Hall. Or do as the locals do and head to Okraglak for some drool worthy street food – Zapiekanki is a must! Then: it's vodka time! On an optional tasting tour, you'll wander the cobblestone streets with a local guide – learning the history behind Polish vodka and sampling a few flavoured varieties as you go. This stuff is not for mixing with cranberry juice. Trust us.

Onwards to the spire-filled skyline and mysterious streets of Prague! Our Trip Leader will get us acquainted with this picture-perfect city – complete with quirky clock tower – and point out all the must-dos for our free day tomorrow.

Tonight? Grab some sma~ený sýr (fried cheese = yes please) for dinner, then head to The Alchemist for the city's best cocktails: small in size but big in character. Hint: ask for a 'choose your fate' off the menu – we'll see you in the morning. (B)

Free day FTW! Trust us, there's plenty to Czech out (ha!). Seek out the John Lennon wall. Soak up some history at the Communist Museum. Take the funicular up Petrin Hill for allll the views. Or grab a delish roast pork roll at one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square. Fancy yourself as a bit of a beer connoisseur? Don't miss the beer tasting optional this afternoon. 11 different Czech beers + tapas = good times all around.

From one beer capital to the next. Get acquainted with 800 year-old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – before we make tracks to Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see the main sights including (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Museum Island, the Holocaust Museum and Alexanderplatz. Then: gather the crew and track down some Berliner Weisse wheat beer and a döner kebab (trust us on this one). Prost! (B)

You've got 24 hrs here. Make the most of it. Our advice? Opt in for a historic walking tour that's, you know – not boring. Get a local insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule and tick off the likes of the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate. Or put those taste buds to the ultimate test on an awesome AF food tour. We're talking kebabs, pastries, more currywurst, pierogi and local beers (you're in Germany after all).

Tonight, it's time to see whether this city's nightlife really lives up to the hype.

Our trip may be coming to a close, but it's not over yet! We've got our eye on Amsterdam today. When we get there, you're free to explore the likes of the Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Then, this place is a foodie's haven – give in to temptation and grab a cone of hot chips with mayo. Mmm.

Later, head to a canalside wine bar or brewery to keep the good times rolling. (B)

This is our last full day together. So, don't hang about – join the locals and get on your bike! Check out Amsterdam's iconic canals, bridges and parks on an optional bike tour. Or for the culture fiends – delve a bit deeper with a visit to the Anne Frank House (don't forget to book in advance!) or the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum.

If you *did* forget to book your tix to the Anne Frank House, there's the chance to join a virtual reality tour of the Secret Annex instead. After, head to Brouwerij 't microbrewery – a bar inside a windmill serving up craft beers and cheese-laden tapas. Sun's out? The outside terrace is awesome. Whatever you get up to, make sure you're back in time to toast the final night of our European adventure at tonight's group dinner. (D)

24 days. 11 countries. Countless thrills, spills and good times. You embraced it all and shared the Euro ride with a bunch of strangers who are now like family. But now it's time to hit the road back to ol' Blighty. Stick next year's trip in the iCal – who's coming? (B)