Big European

Welcome to London, the city that never sleeps.

Touch down in London town: drop your bags and get ready to meet your new friends – the folks you'll be sharing laughs, snacks and train journeys with over the next few weeks.

Dinner's on us: think classic British comfort food, big plates, warm welcomes and plenty of chatter to break the ice. Whether you're a pie person or all about the veggie roast, you're in for a proper feast.

Later, your way: jet lag? No worries. Feel free to call it a night early and recharge. Or, if your energy's still buzzing, slip out for a gentle stroll or something to drink nearby – the city's got plenty of allure after dark. Stay: Generator London (or similar) (D)

Bienvenue à Paris.

London fades, Paris dazzles: jump on the Eurostar and watch the UK countryside give way to rolling French fields – just over two hours from St Pancras to Gare du Nord, but the atmosphere flips instantly with the language, the pastries and that unmistakable Parisian buzz.

Picnic like a local: once you've dropped your bags, hit the markets for picnic essentials – a crusty baguette, creamy cheese and maybe something fizzy if you're feeling fancy. Because places like Paris are best enjoyed with a snack in hand.

Dinner with a backdrop: if there's time, enjoy your picnic on the Seine, drifting past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and all the iconic sights as the sun sets and the city lights start to twinkle. Paris sure knows how to roll out the red carpet. Stay: ibis Paris Gare Du Nord (or similar) (B)

Pedals, pastries and Parisian streets.

Morning on the move: start with an optional bike ride through quiet streets, hidden courtyards and tree-lined boulevards as Paris slowly wakes up. Not keen on cycling? No worries – grab a café crème and watch the city come alive at your own pace.

Montmartre moments: this afternoon, join your Trip Leader for a stroll through the city's most picture-perfect neighbourhood. Expect buttery croissants, silky éclairs and, if you're feeling adventurous, a nibble of escargot (that's snails, for the curious).

Rooftop wrap-up: end your day at Sacré-Cœur, soaking in sweeping views over Paris's rooftops. Cameras ready – it's a snapshot-worthy finish to a day well spent. Stay: ibis Paris Gare Du Nord (or similar) (B/L)

Choose your own Paris.

Make the day yours: it's a free day in Paris, and whether you're chasing art, admiring architecture or simply hunting down the best bread, the city's got you covered. Climb the Eiffel Tower, peek at Notre-Dame, or get happily lost in the Louvre. No wrong moves here – just follow your curiosity.

Take a royal detour: opt for a day trip to Versailles, where golden gates, over-the-top gardens and tales of big egos and even bigger wigs come to life. Fit for a king – or at the very least your camera roll.

Evening options aplenty: tonight you'll be tucking into an included dinner with your fellow travellers. Later, if you're feeling glamorous, treat yourself to a cabaret show packed with feathers and sequins, and wash it down with something sparkling. Or keep it chill with a sunset walk and one last flaky pastry. Paris delivers, whatever mood you're in. Stay: ibis Paris Gare Du Nord (or similar) (B/D)

Sip, stroll and speed your way south.

Bonjour, Bordeaux: after touching down in France's wine capital, join your Trip Leader for a welcome walk around this elegant riverside city. Think grand boulevards, leafy squares, gothic spires and some of the most photogenic façades in France. Keep an eye out for the Miroir d'eau – the world's largest reflecting pool – and the stunning Place de la Bourse.

Wine o'clock: this afternoon, it's time to toast your arrival with an included tasting session. You're in one of the world's top wine regions, after all. Expect bold reds, crisp whites, and a few new favourites to jot down so you can wow your friends back home with your chic wine know-how. Stay: MEININGER Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean (or similar) (B)

Rolling south for bites and sights.

Hello, San Sebastián: on arrival, stretch your legs with a walking tour led by your Trip Leader. Get your bearings among Belle Époque buildings, swoon-worthy beaches and dinky fishing boats bobbing in La Concha Bay. Stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, where every lane seems to lead to another pretty plaza or centuries-old church. Now for the main event – food! You'll visit a few handpicked pintxos spots (just don't call them tapas here unless you want to annoy the locals). Expect skewered anchovies, melt-in-your-mouth jamón, sizzling prawns and mini mountain-sized tortillas – all washed down with a cold txakoli (a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine) or a local soft drink. Stay: Downtown River Hostel (or Similar) (B/L)

Sun, surf and sunset vibes.

Laid-back San Sebastián: today is all yours to soak up the best of this seaside gem. Kick off with a morning stroll along La Concha Beach – stretch out on the golden sand, dip your toes in the waves, or watch the surfers slice through the Atlantic swell with effortless style. This afternoon, try a café stop for café con leche or a lazy browse through quirky boutiques and buzzing markets. Don't miss the chance to wander the tree-lined Paseo de Francia, or snap some pics of the colourful boats bobbing in the harbor.

Sunset magic at Peine del Viento: as the day winds down, make your way to the iconic Peine del Viento sculptures – where the sea meets art in a spectacular clash of wind and waves. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon and close your day with a moment of pure Basque bliss. Stay: Downtown River Hostel (or Similar) (B)

Barcelona's a-calling.

Time to meet Gaudi: this afternoon, you'll be visiting the legendary Sagrada Familia. With its soaring towers and kaleidoscopic windows, this fever dream is unlike anything you've seen before. Prepare to be amazed by Gaudí's surreal and spiritual vision.

End your day with a bang: if you're feeling inspired after all that sightseeing, join an optional flamenco show this evening. Expect foot-stomping, heart-pounding, castanet-clicking drama that brings a fiery finish to your day in Barcelona. Olé! Stay: MEININGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via (or similar) (B)

History, bites and bustling market vibes.

Step into the heart of Barcelona: this morning, your Trip Leader will lead you through the winding maze of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter – a neighbourhood where even the cobbled alleys have juicy stories to spill. Expect hidden squares, towering cathedrals and centuries of secrets tucked behind shuttered windows. Keep your eyes peeled for the show-stopping Barcelona Cathedral and the moody charm of Plaça del Rei – this place wears its history well.

Taste the soul of the city: next stop is Mercat de Santa Caterina, a rainbow of stalls packed with fresh local goodies. Dive into crispy croquettes, creamy manchego, melt-in-your-mouth jamón and salty olives – all the Catalan classics to keep you fuelled for a proper wander around this quirky neighbourhood. Dinner's sorted tonight too: it's a meal-packed day! Stay: MEININGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via (or similar) (B/L/D)

Gaudí's garden and a Provençal journey.

Whimsy meets wonder: this morning, you're off to the technicolour wonderland that is Parc Güell — Gaudí's playful masterpiece overflowing with mosaic lizards, wavy benches and storybook allure. As you wander through this dreamy hilltop park, don't forget to stop and soak up those knockout views over Barcelona – they're pretty hard to beat.

A new chapter begins: you'll roll into Provence by late afternoon, greeted by golden fields and lavender breezes. The evening's yours to enjoy – wander through sleepy streets at sunset, sip a chilled glass of rosé or just kick back and embrace that easygoing joie de vivre (enjoyment of life, the French way). Stay: Ibis Avignon Centre Pont de l'europe (or similar) (B)

Roaming and rustic French charm.

Provence at your pace: today is yours to soak up the slow, sun-drenched rhythm of Provence. Start your morning wandering through fragrant local markets – there'll be lavender-scented soaps, sun-ripened tomatoes, crusty baguettes and olives so good you'll consider moving here permanently.

Sip, snack and stroll: find a shady spot in a village square and people-watch like a pro, one pétanque toss at a time). Or pop into a fromagerie and sample your way through creamy brie, tangy chèvre and the kind of cheeses that don't need translating.

Bon appétit: this evening, dig into a dinner full of Provençal flavours, lively chatter and more bon viveur than you can shake a baguette at. Stay: Ibis Avignon Centre Pont de l'europe (or similar) (B/D)

From olive groves to sea breeze feels.

All aboard: this morning, hop on the train and coast your way to the glittering French Riviera. Watch the Provençal countryside melt into Mediterranean blues as you make your way to the coast – it's a journey worth window-gazing for.

Riviera your way: after checking in, it's time to choose your own coastal adventure. Fancy getting lost in the old town? Grab a gelato and follow your nose through winding lanes and pastel-hued buildings. More of a beach bum? Claim your spot on the sand, slip into something breezy and soak up that Côte d'Azur sparkle like a local (with absolutely no intention of moving any time soon). Stay: Hostel Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar) (B)

Sun-soaked mornings and Monaco glamour.

Nice and easy: grab a frothy coffee, snag a buttery croissant and let your eyes feast on the glittering Mediterranean. Wander the Old Town's candy-coloured streets, or flop by the sea and pretend you're in a movie – your Riviera morning, your rules.

Monaco magic: after a short journey with your Trip Leader, you'll arrive in the playground of the rich and famous. Explore the yacht-filled harbor where luxury cars zip by, see the royal palace and pretend you're rubbing elbows with Monaco's glitterati.

Later, your way: strut down the promenade like a local (or a movie star) as the Med does a serious glow up for sunset. Stop at a cosy bistro tucked away in one of the city's pretty side streets for socca (a traditional crêpe), salade niçoise or freshly caught seafood. It's Riviera living at its tastiest. Stay: Hostel Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar) (B)

From Riviera glam to Ligurian alure.

Stretch your legs, Italian style: once we arrive and check in, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Wander up to Castello di San Giorgio for sweeping views and medieval magic, or take a seaside stroll along the palm-lined Passeggiata Costantino Morin – the perfect way to ease into la dolce vita. Stay: Hotel Genova (or similar) (B)

Cinque reasons to fall in love today.

Five villages, endless possibilities: today's all about Cinque Terre – five postcard-perfect villages clinging to the cliffs of the Ligurian coast, and you've got a full day to explore them at your own pace. With your Cinque Terre pass in hand, you can hop between the villages by train or hit the scenic hiking trails if you're feeling adventurous (and ready to earn your next taste of something sweet).

Each village has its own flavour: Riomaggiore's colourful marina, Manarola's dreamy sunsets, Vernazza's perfect piazza, Corniglia's hilltop charm, and Monterosso's sandy beach. Walk, snack, swim – whatever your style, today's about basking in every last drop of Cinque Terre's allure. Stay: Hotel Genova (or similar) (B)

From coastal calm to Renaissance romance.

Say ciao to the coast: hop on the train to Florence – a city that's equal parts art, architecture and amore.

Florence on foot (and by flavour): join a local guide for a walking tour through the city's cobbled heart. Expect grand piazzas, marble masterpieces and secret spots only the locals know. You'll break up the sightseeing with a pit stop at one of Florence's most drool-worthy sandwich shops – think crusty bread, salty-sweet cured meats, truffle spreads and bold Tuscan flavours packed into one glorious panino. This isn't just a snack, it's a rite of passage. Locals queue up for it. Travellers Instagram it. And now you get to try it like a true Florentine – standing in the street, sunshine on your face, dripping olive oil on your shoes (worth it). Stay: A&O Hostel Firenze Campo Di Marte (or similar) (B/L)

Florence, your way

Do as the Florentines do: today is all yours to dive deeper into the Renaissance capital. Whether you're in the mood for art, architecture or just a really good carbs, Florence has you covered. Hop on a bus (or climb the stairs if you're feeling energetic) up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views. Wander through Piazza della Signoria and admire open-air sculptures like Michelangelo's David (well, a very convincing copy), then lose yourself beneath the towering dome of the Duomo. And of course, no day here is complete without a wood-fired slice of quattro formaggi pizza enjoyed in the sunshine.

Later, your way: join the optional tipsy tour of Florence, where the drinks flow, cobbled streets wind and history lessons get better with every glass. Stay: A&O Hostel Firenze Campo Di Marte (or similar) (B)

Speed, sights, and scrumptious bites.

Rome on the move: once you arrive, join your Trip Leader for a lively welcome walk through the city's iconic streets. The best part? Along the way, you'll get to sample a couple of crispy, cheesy slices of authentic pizza Romana and finish on a sweet note with some creamy gelato. It's a taste of Rome you won't forget – sunshine, ancient history and deliciousness all rolled into one. Stay: YellowSquare Rome (or similar) (B/L)

Rome at your rhythm.

Roam, your way: today is all yours to soak up the Eternal City at your own pace – dodge the selfie sticks at the Trevi Fountain, join the lively buzz of people-watching at the Spanish Steps, gawp up at the Pantheon's massive dome or wander through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. And remember, no sightseeing mission is complete without a panino oozing with mozzarella, and a slab of ricotta cake. Keen to see the Colosseum up close and personal? Join the guided tour and step into the arena where lions, gladiators and questionable loincloths once stole the spotlight.

Pasta, please: this evening, come together for a hands-on pasta class where you'll learn to roll, shape and sauce like a true Roman chef. Bellissimo! Stay: YellowSquare Rome (or similar) (B/D)

A Roman finale.

Pick your Roman adventure: today's your chance to dive into whatever tickles your fancy. For divine art and history, join an optional tour of the Vatican: part holy ground, part art overload, 100% worth craning your neck for.

Bites over sights: opt for a Roman food tour to sample secret trattorias, sip on espresso where the locals do and discover why Roman cuisine is a love affair on a plate.

Later, your way: when the sun sets, grab a bike and cruise the Tiber like a local night owl, go on a street art scavenger hunt and peruse the moonlit gardens of Villa Borghese. Rome after dark? Pure magic – and totally yours to own! Stay: YellowSquare Rome (or similar) (B)

From ruins to romance.

Slip into Venice's storybook streets: after arriving in Venice, wander with your Trip Leader through its tangled maze of alleys and bridges – expect secret corners, bustling piazzas and that unmistakable Venetian energy. Then, glide through the city together on an included gondola ride – friendships forming, cameras snapping and bridges overhead making the perfect backdrop for that Instagram grid shot.

Golden hour in Venice: this evening it's time to tuck into an included dinner bursting with Venetian flavours. There'll be plenty of stories to share in this floating fairytale! Stay: A&O Hostel Venezia Mestre (or similar) (B/D)

Venice your way.

Dive into Venice's quirky corners: spend your day discovering Venice, one dreamy corner at a time. Get lost in the chaotic charm of Libreria Acqua Alta, where books spill out of bathtubs and gondolas like a literary treasure hunt. Then wander through the story-soaked streets of the Jewish Ghetto, before swooning over the art, chandeliers and faded glamour of Ca' Rezzonico.

Islands of whimsy await: feeling adventurous? Head out to Murano and Burano islands, where you can watch master glassmakers at work and stroll through streets painted in every shade imaginable. It's the perfect way to add some serious pizzaz to your final day in Venice. Stay: A&O Hostel Venezia Mestre (or similar) (B)

From canals to crisp mountain air.

Goodbye gondolas, hello mountains: once you arrive in Waidring, the afternoon is all yours. Explore picturesque alpine streets dotted with cozy cafés, pop into local shops for tasty treats, or take a leisurely stroll to soak in the dramatic mountain scenery. Time to snap some pics (to make your friends back home green with envy, naturally). Stay: Hotel Tiroler ADLER (or similar) (B)

Alpine adventures, big or small.

Today's a choose-your-own-mountain-adventure kind of day: go full throttle with canyoning or tandem paragliding (yes, really), or keep it mellow with lake dips, forest wanders and sun-soaked strudel stops. Whatever your pace, the Alps are serving peak mountain thrills.

Mountains and mealtime: after a day of alpine antics it's time to come back together. Tonight's included dinner is your chance to warm up, wind down and trade tales from the trail. Splash zone mishaps, scenic snaps and strudel reviews all welcome. Stay: Hotel Tiroler ADLER (or similar) (B/D)

From alpine air to castle flair.

Wave goodbye to mountain vistas: travel from the Austrian Alps to Prague, rolling through hills dotted with quaint villages, dense forests and winding rivers. You might catch glimpses of medieval castles you'd half-expect a fairy godmother to pop out of.

Prague unplugged: after check-in, join your Trip Leader to uncover the secrets of Prague's winding streets, colourful squares and sights like the Astronomical Clock – equal parts baffling and beautiful. Wrap up your stroll with a tasty included dinner – a perfect first bite of the city. Stay: The Gold Bank (or similar) (B/D)

Prague like a local.

Dive into the heart of Prague: today's all about exploring at your own pace. Meander across the iconic Charles Bridge, get lost in the fairy-tale streets of Old Town Square, or channel your inner royalty at Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. The city's your oyster – shuck it however you like!

Adventure served your style: feeling active? Try stand-up paddle boarding on the Vltava River for a fresh take on sightseeing. Or dive into history with a medieval feast where knights joust for your attention, tales fly faster than arrows and plenty of good times are on tap, just like the beer! Stay: The Gold Bank (or similar) (B)

Castles, cobbles and a change of pace.

Kraków calling: after check-in, your Trip Leader will take you on a wander through this enchanting medieval city. Expect grand squares, cobbled lanes, dragon legends, and more churches than you can count on fingers (trust us, we tried). In the evening dinner's on us, and then it's all yours to make memorable – find a cosy cellar bar or just get happily lost in the glow of Old Town. Stay: MEININGER Kraków Centrum (or similar) (B/D)

Pierogi, palaces and plenty to explore.

Make your Kraków move: wander the historic streets of the Jewish Quarter, full of quirks, culture and cafés. Climb Wawel Hill for sweeping views and a peek at the royal castle, step inside the stunning St. Mary's Basilica or follow the path of kings along the Royal Road.

Feel like free-styling?: ditch the map and follow your curiosity – sip coffee while people-watching in Rynek Główny, haggle for trinkets at the Cloth Hall, go Google Map-free if you're feeling spontaneous or add an optional vodka tasting to toast your Kraków-venture. Let the day unfold one cobbled street at a time. Stay: MEININGER Kraków Centrum (or similar) (B)

All aboard to Warsaw!

Welcome to Warsaw: stretch your legs on a walking tour with your Trip Leader. You'll get a feel for the city's unique mix of restored grandeur and gritty charm – from the colorful Old Town to hidden corners that survived the test of time.

Tuck in, Warsaw style: your evening includes a group dinner celebrating hearty Polish flavours – think big, comforting dishes that feel like a hug from your grandma… with a few tangy pickles and surprises to keep things lively. Stay: A&O Warschau Wola (or similar) (B/D)

Big history, bold sights.

Step back in time: this morning includes entrance to the Warsaw Uprising Museum – a moving deep dive into the city's wartime resilience and spirit.

Your Warsaw, your way: channel your inner royal at the castle, or crane your neck at the Palace of Culture and Science. You could picnic in Łazienki Park, get lost in the backstreets or simply follow the scent of fresh pastries – Warsaw's full of surprises if you let it lead the way. Stay: A&O Warschau Wola (or similar) (B)

Where history meets hip: hello Berlin.

Big city energy incoming: today we roll into Berlin, where edgy street art, imperial grandeur and history hums through every neighbourhood. Why not stroll the gardens of Charlottenburg Palace or take a breather in the leafy sprawl of Tiergarten? Whether you're chasing culture or currywurst, Berlin's got something for everyone.

Tonight's feast? Our treat: Berlin's culinary scene is as bold and eclectic as the city itself. You might find yourself tucking into a schnitzel the size of your head, diving into a plate of buttery käsespätzle (Germany's answer to mac and cheese), or going classic with a tangy currywurst and crispy fries. Don't skip dessert – a slice of apfelstrudel or a scoop of gelato from a street-side spot might just be the sweet ending your day deserves. Prost! Stay: A&O Hostel Berlin Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B/D)

Snack, stroll, and street art roll – Berlin your way!

Bites and sights ahead: kick off your Berlin adventure with a wartime-themed walking tour led by a local guide – with a tasty twist at the end. Expect to see the big sights and to snack like a true Berliner.

Afternoon adventures: the rest of the day is yours to explore. Fancy diving deeper? Join an optional street art tour to uncover the city's edgier, more colourful side. Or simply wander, museum-hop or park yourself in a café and people-watch the Berlin way – laid-back, curious, and with a side of strong coffee. Stay: A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B/L)

From somber stories to midnight journeys.

Reflect and roam: spend the morning visiting Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp that serves as a powerful reminder of the city's history. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore or relax.

Afternoon unwind: before you hop on the overnight train, you could meander through the streets, join an optional Berlin food tour to sample more local bites, hunt down a cozy café for a well-earned coffee or snag some tasty snacks to fuel your journey.

Overnight rails: tonight, hop aboard the overnight train to Amsterdam. It's a cosy, quirky ride – stash your snacks, find your perfect seat and drift off to sleep as the stars and countryside do their slow dance outside your window. Stay: European Sleeper (B)

Pedal your way through Amsterdam's quirkiest corners.

Breakfast and bikes: settle in and fuel up with a breakfast that sets the tone for your day. Then, hop on your bike for a guided tour weaving through Amsterdam's iconic canals and lively streets. The ride wraps up at Albert Cuyp Market where your Trip Leader will scout some classic Dutch treats – if you're feeling adventurous go for the raw herring, or there's the crispy kibbeling (battered chunks of fish), rich cheeses and fluffy poffertjes (delicious Dutch pancakes) to try.

Later, your way: the afternoon's yours to roam free or sweeten things up with an optional stroopwafel-making class – because what's Amsterdam without its syrupy, chewy signature snack? Whether you're exploring solo or indulging your sweet tooth, the city's magic is impossible to resist. Stay: Hans Brinker (or similar) (B)

Amsterdam, your way.

Pick your perfect day: wander the halls of the Rijksmuseum, get inspired at the Moco or Van Gogh Museums or feast your way through the buzzing Foodhallen. Whether you're after art, eats or just a great photo op with a giant stroopwafel, Amsterdam's got you covered.

Raise a glass: when evening rolls around, our farewell feast is packed with Dutch delights that'll have you saying proost all night long. After dinner, slip into a dreamy canal cruise under twinkling lights, the perfect way to toast an incredible adventure before the curtain falls. Stay: Hans Brinker (or similar) (B/D)

Wrapping up your adventure in style.

Say goodbye to Dutch delights: hop on the Eurostar and zoom from Amsterdam's charming streets to London's buzzing heart in just over four hours. Time to kick back, relax and swap stories from an unforgettable trip! (B)