Central & Eastern Europe: Main Cities & More

London's calling: iconic sights, classic bites, and friendships in the making.

Arrival and welcome: you've touched down in one of the world's most iconic cities. Drop your bags at your accommodation and meet the incredible crew you'll be adventuring with for the next three weeks. Big Ben, double-decker buses, and new best friends – your European adventure starts now.

Our first dinner: tonight, we're going classic – because what better way to kick things off than with some British comfort food? Think fish and chips, mushy peas, and sticky toffee pudding served in a cozy local spot. Warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Later, your way: feeling a bit travel-weary? Curl up with a cuppa back in your room and get a good night's sleep. Still buzzing? Head out for a twilight stroll along the Thames – London looks especially magical under the city lights. Keep an eye out for that first glimpse of the London Eye. Stay: Generator London (or similar) (D)

Canals, stroopwafels, and cycling through Amsterdam.

From Big Ben to bicycles: this morning, hop on the high-speed Eurostar and zip under the Channel and through the countryside to Amsterdam Centraal – just over four hours and you're in the heart of the city.

First taste of Amsterdam: you've made it! Time to stretch your legs, breathe in that crisp canal air, and start exploring. Whether it's a stroopwafel in hand, a bike beneath you, or a quiet wander through cobbled streets, say hallo to The Netherland's vibrant capital. Stay: Hans Brinker (or similar) (B)

Biking, bites, and sweet Amsterdam charm.

Morning bike tour: rise and shine – it's time to explore Amsterdam the local way: on two wheels. With a friendly guide leading the way, you'll cruise along canals, through leafy parks, and past storybook streets. Expect plenty of stops, snaps, and fun facts as you get your bearings in this bike-loving city.

Market munchies: you'll roll into the lively Albert Cuyp Market just in time for a mid-morning feast. Your Trip Leader will find some classic Dutch snacks for the group – think salty herring (for the bold), golden-fried kibbeling (battered chunks of fish), creamy cheeses, and fluffy poffertjes (pancakes to those not in the know).

Afternoon, your way: the rest of the day is yours. Keep the sweet mood going with an optional stroopwafel-making workshop, or slow things down with a browse of Amsterdam's vintage shops, or a quiet moment by the canals. Stay: Hans Brinker (or similar) (B/L)

Your Amsterdam, your way.

Free day: today's all yours to dive into whatever calls your name. Museum hop through the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh, browse indie boutiques in De Negen Straatjes, or laze in Vondelpark with a picnic and a good book. However you spend it, this is your chance to soak it all in at your own pace. Keen for more pedal action after yesterday's ride? Join an optional guided e-bike tour through Amsterdam's postcard-worthy countryside – windmills, wildflowers, and all the Dutch charm you can handle.

Evening agenda: as the sun dips, we'll regroup for a relaxed group dinner – perfect for swapping stories from the day. Then it's time to see the city from a new angle: aboard a dreamy canal cruise. Lights twinkle, bridges glow, and Amsterdam shows off its most romantic side. Stay: Hans Brinker (or similar) (B/D)

All aboard to Berlin!

From canals to currywurst: this morning, you'll swap Amsterdam's laid-back feel for Berlin's bold energy as you travel by train to the German capital. Settle in, watch the scenery roll by, and get ready for a city that's equal parts history and hedonism.

First taste of Berlin: once you arrive, the afternoon is yours to roam. Explore buzzing neighbourhoods, hunt down a slice of Berliner street style, or just kick back with a coffee and soak it all in.

Bavarian beats & bratwurst: tonight, we're turning up the gemütlichkeit (that's good cheer to us) with an included dinner at Hofbräuhaus. Big steins, bigger flavours, and a proper Berlin-style welcome. Prost (cheers) to your first night in the capital! Stay: A&O Hostel Berlin Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B/D)

Bites, sights and a bit of Berlin grit.

Hit the streets, Berlin-style: this morning, lace up for a guided walking tour with a local twist. You'll hit the streets with a Berlin insider, uncovering stories, sights, and bites along the way. Expect a Berliner jam donut and a sizzling sample of currywurst – it's sightseeing with flavour.

Your afternoon, your adventure: maybe you'll check out the East Side Gallery – a stretch of the Berlin Wall turned open-air art exhibit – or head to the Topography of Terror, a powerful museum that traces the chilling history of the Nazi regime. If you're after something a little lighter, explore Museum Island, home to five world-class galleries, or simply park yourself in a beer garden and watch Berlin life unfold. Want more street cred? Join the optional Berlin Street Art Tour to dive into the city's bold, ever-evolving creative scene. Walls talk here – and they've got plenty to say. Stay: A&O Hostel Berlin Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B/L)

Heavy history, thoughtful reflections, and Berlin's quiet corners.

History that moves you: you'll visit Sachsenhausen, the former concentration camp just outside Berlin. It's a sobering experience that offers important insight into a difficult past, guided by the Trip Leader, who bring the stories of the site to life with care and clarity.

The afternoon is yours to unwind: after a morning of heavy history, take some time for yourself – whether that means wandering through the nearby Tiergarten park, visiting a cosy café, or exploring one of Berlin's many museums at a gentler pace. It's your chance to absorb the day in your own way. Stay: A&O Hostel Berlin Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B)

Cityscapes and stories served with a side of pierogi.

On the move: this morning, you'll travel from Berlin to Warsaw, enjoying the changing landscapes as you make your way eastward into Poland's vibrant capital.

Step into Warsaw: after settling in, join a walking tour where you'll find out about Warsaw's fascinating history and lively neighbourhoods. From the reconstructed Old Town to hidden courtyards and bustling markets, you'll get a real feel for the city's spirit and stories.

Evening delight: to round off the day, enjoy an included dinner featuring traditional Polish flavours. Expect hearty dishes like pierogi – those famous stuffed dumplings – alongside comforting classics like bigos (hunter's stew) or żurek, a tangy sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg. It's a tasty excuse to connect with Warsaw's food scene, and kick back after a day of finding your feet (and maybe a few wrong turns). Stay: A&O Warschau Wola (or similar) (B/D)

History that stays with you.

Step back in time: start your morning with a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, where immersive exhibits bring to life the city's courageous fight for freedom during World War II. It's a haunting experience that offers a deep understanding of Warsaw's resilience and spirit.

Your afternoon, your pace: the rest of the day is yours to explore Warsaw at leisure. Wander through the colourful streets of the Old Town, relax in the peaceful Saxon Gardens, or hunt down the city's best street food. Whether you choose to soak up history, culture, or simply enjoy a coffee in a bustling café, Warsaw is ready for you. Stay: A&O Warschau Wola (or similar) (B)

History, heart, and mouthwatering bites.

Step into the story: after rolling into Kraków by train (legs stretched, snacks demolished), join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through the city's enchanting Old Town – from the lively Main Market Square to the iconic Wawel Castle, every corner has a story to tell.

Savor the flavours: wrap up the day with an included dinner featuring classic Polish flavours like creamy żurek soup, golden potato pancakes, or comforting gołąbki – a true taste of Krakow's culinary heritage. Stay: MEININGER Kraków Centrum (or similar) (B/D)

Kraków uncovered: history, flavour, and a splash of local spirit.

Your day, your Kraków: today's free for you to dive into the city's rich layers however you like – whether that's getting lost in historic streets, hunting down the best local bites, or simply soaking up the atmosphere

Step into Kazimierz: don't miss the Jewish Quarter, Kraków's coolest neighbourhood where history meets creativity. Wander past synagogues, vibrant street art, and cosy cafés, and feel the pulse of a community that's both rooted and revived.

Later, your way: fancy more? Visit the Galicia Jewish Museum for a thought-provoking look at the past – or sample Poland's national spirit on an optional vodka tasting experience, where you'll sip your way through local favourites and learn the stories behind them. When hunger calls, Kazimierz's restaurants serve up everything from traditional Jewish dishes to modern Polish flavours. Stay: MEININGER Kraków Centrum (or similar) (B)

On the move: from Kraków streets to Budapest beats.

Hello Budapest: after crossing the border into Budapest, get your first taste of this grand, river-straddling capital. Split by the Danube into hilly Buda and bustling Pest, Budapest is full of surprises – from romantic boulevards to dramatic skyline views – just waiting to be uncovered.

Dinner is served: this evening, enjoy an included dinner featuring Hungarian favourites – think paprika-rich stews, hearty goulash, and rustic breads – the perfect way to toast your arrival in style. Stay: Wombat's City Hostel Budapest (or similar) (B/D)

Budapest buzz: grand views, quirky spots, all yours to explore.

Unlock Budapest: this morning, get to know Hungary's capital with an included tour led by a local guide. From the grand boulevards of Pest to the historic hills of Buda, you'll hit the highlights – think Heroes' Square, the iconic Parliament building, and panoramic views from Fisherman's Bastion.

City of contrasts: as you explore, you'll get a feel for what makes Budapest tick – a mix of old-world elegance and edgy energy, thermal baths and ruin bars, grand cafés and gritty charm.

Afternoon's all yours: after the tour, spend the rest of the day your way. Grab a honey-glazed kürtőskalács, dip into the Széchenyi Baths, or simply wander and watch the city unfold around you. Stay: Wombat's City Hostel Budapest (or similar) (B)

Bratislava bound: charm, castles, and stories in every step.

Next stop: Slovakia: this morning, travel from Budapest to the Slovak capital of Bratislava – a compact city packed with charm, castles, and colourful streets.

Stretch your legs: on arrival, join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through the heart of the city. Wander past baroque palaces, medieval towers, and quirky statues as you get to know this underrated city on foot.

Tuck in: this evening, enjoy an included dinner featuring hearty Slovak flavours – think potato dumplings, grilled meats, and a side of tangy sauerkraut. Na zdravie! (Cheers!) Stay: Hotel Tatra (or similar) (B/D)

Imperial grandeur meets modern flair, served with schnitzel and sachertorte.

Vienna bound: start your day with a quick jaunt from Bratislava to Austria's elegant capital – where imperial history meets modern cool.

Hit the highlights: on arrival, set out on a welcome walk to get your bearings. From the grand Hofburg Palace to the Gothic spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral, you'll uncover the stories, architecture, and charm that make Vienna unforgettable.

Dine in style: this evening, sit down to an included dinner and enjoy a taste of Viennese tradition – maybe a hearty schnitzel, creamy goulash, or a slice of famous sachertorte (a tasty chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam) to finish things off on a sweet note. Stay: A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B/D)

Vienna magic on your terms: art, coffee, and classical charm.

Vienna, your way: today is all yours to explore Austria's capital at your own pace. Dive into art at the Belvedere or Albertina, sip coffee in a grand old café, or wander the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace like royalty.

Encore, anyone? this evening, there's an optional classical concert on offer – the perfect chance to hear the music of Mozart and Strauss in the city where it was born. Expect soaring melodies, golden halls, and an unforgettable end to your Viennese day. Stay: A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof (or similar) (B)

Spires, cobblestones, and stories await.

Off to Prague: today kicks off with a border hop from Vienna to the Czech Republic's fairy-tale capital.

Hit the streets: once you arrive, get your bearings on an included walking tour with your Trip Leader. Wander across Charles Bridge, take in the beauty of the Old Town Square, and snap that must-have shot of Prague Castle in the distance.

Czech it out: this evening, sit down to an included dinner and tuck into local favourites and maybe a cold Czech beer to toast your arrival. Na zdraví! (Cheers!) Stay: Meetme23 (or similar) (B/D)

Prague: ready to seduce you with its old-world allure.

Your day, your pace: time to explore this storybook city however you like – wander winding lanes, discover tucked-away cafés, or hunt down the best chimney cake in town.

Dial up the adventure: feeling active? Opt for stand-up paddle boarding on the Vltava River and see Prague from a whole new angle – with castles and bridges as your backdrop. There's also the chance to step back in time with a medieval dinner experience, complete with candlelight, costumed performers, and plenty of hearty Czech fare. Stay: Meetme23 (or similar) (B)

Final Prague moments.

One last day in Prague: make the most of your final hours in the Czech capital with a full free day to explore at your leisure. Whether you're ticking off any last landmarks, picking up souvenirs, or simply soaking in the city's storybook charm, there's still time for one more chimney cake (or two).

All aboard: tonight, we're trading city lights for an overnight train to Brussels. You'll be in a sleeper cabin exclusively for Topdeckers — no upright snoozing here — so you can stretch out and settle in. Pack a snack, get comfy, and wake up ready to explore a brand-new country. Stay: The European Sleeper Train (B)

Brussels wakes up: explore, taste, unwind.

Good morning, Brussels: arrive rested and ready to roll into the next adventure (overnight train travel: tick!) and get ready to dive straight into the heart of the city.

Get your bearings: join your Trip Leader for a lively orientation stroll through Brussels' charming streets. From the iconic Grand Place to secret spots worth bragging about, you'll get a perfect intro to the city's feel and history.

Later, your way: the afternoon is yours for the taking – whether that means hunting down the best waffles, exploring the comic strip murals, or sampling chocolate straight from the master chocolatiers. Brussels is your playground today. Stay: MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi (or similar) (B)

Sweet strolls and chocolate treats.

Day trip delight: hop on the train with your Trip Leader and set off for the fairy-tale town of Bruges – a place where medieval charm meets cobbled streets and picture-perfect canals.

Walk and taste: stretch your legs on a guided walking tour, soaking in the stunning sights and stories of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, treat your taste buds to a chocolate truffle-making workshop. They might not all be perfect, but at least you can eat your mistakes...

Back to Brussels: return to the city for a relaxed farewell dinner, the perfect chance to swap favourite memories and toast to the adventures shared. Stay: MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi (or similar) (B/D)

London's a-calling: journey complete.

Homeward bound: board the high-speed Eurostar for a swift two-hour journey back to London St Pancras. It's time to say farewell to your fellow travellers – your adventure concludes here, but the memories will last a lifetime. (B)