Your Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Barcelona, Spain. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm followed by a vermouth aperitivo to whet your appetite for the adventure ahead. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Perhaps take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of the harbour. After the meeting, maybe head out for some tapas with your fellow travellers so you can get to know them – your group leader will have all the best recommendations on where to go.
Day 2: Barcelona / Girona
Say good morning to Barcelona before heading out with your group on a leader-led orientation walk of the city, sampling a favourite local treat along the way. Then, explore the city at your own pace. Why not visit Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Basilica – possibly the most iconic landmark in Barcelona! Or, head to Park Guell – the largest green space in the city, where you can stroll through the gardens if the weather's nice and explore more of the incredible architectural work by Gaudi. This afternoon you’ll make your way to the train station, where you’ll head off to the city of Girona. Arriving in the early evening, your leader will take you on a walk through the city. Then, you have the chance to explore at your leisure. This jewel of Catalonia is known for its medieval architecture, sitting alongside the Onyar River. Make sure you get the best local dinner recommendations from your leader tonight!
Head off with your group this morning for a walk along the medieval walls of the city. Originally built by the Romans, and then rebuilt and extended in the Middle Ages, these walls have stood watch over the city since the 14th century. From the walkway along the top, the city of Gerona spreads out beneath you, giving you a birds-eye view over the streets and houses, the river and the iconic cathedral and bell tower of San Felix. This afternoon is yours to explore the city. Why not visit the Arabic Baths or stop at the Rocambolesc Gelateria where you can grab a cup or cone of some of Spain’s finest gelato. TV buff? Several scenes of HBO’s Game of Thrones were filmed in the city! Chat to your leader about joining a Game of Thrones walking tour and find yourself transported to the streets of Braavos and King’s Landing.
Leaving the city after breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Nimes. Arriving in the town of southeastern France, your leader will take you on a walk through the town, giving you the lay of the land before your free time to explore at your own pace. Why not chat to your leader about visiting the famous Amphitheatre of Nimes – one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Europe, built around the year AD 100. This evening, take the train to Avignon. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and take a walk around a walled city that was once home to French popes for more than a century.
Head out for an orientation walk through the markets this morning, where you’ll find fresh produce that’s locally grown in the fertile soil surrounding the city. After, maybe comb the city's impressive collection of art, visit the grand Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) or cross the iconic bridge of Pont St-Benezet. If the weather permits, you could even hire a bike to see more of this picturesque valley and head to one of the city's amazing bakeries. There are also many small local bistros that serve up great regional cuisine – why not get some of your travel pals together for a French-inspired feast tonight!
This morning, you’ll head by train to the city of Beaune, in the heart of France’s Burgundy wine region. When you arrive, take a leader-led walk through the town, then this afternoon, you can explore the town's rich history of food and wine production. Ask your leader about visiting the Caves Patriarche – the largest cellars in the Bourgogne wine region, in the 17th-century former convent of Les Vistandines. Here, you’ll find several million bottles of wine, some of which are from the most prestigious winemaking names in the region. Continuing your exploration of the town, see if you can find a fresh bread vending machine, or visit the incredible Hospices de Beaune. Founded in 1443 and originally a hospital that offered care to the less fortunate, it is now a museum and the host of an annual charity wine auction.
Leaving Beaune, travel by train to the city of light and love – Paris, of course! Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and delicious food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and things to do. When you arrive, check into the hotel, then join your leader for an orientation walk through the famous city streets before exploring at your leisure. Wandering around the Champs-Elysees, the student-filled Latin Quarter, or bohemian Montmartre will give you a good feel for the city. There is so much to do in Paris that it might be a good idea to make a plan before you arrive, so you can get to see all you want! Don’t know where to start? Check in with your leader for tons of advice and tips on how to make the most of your time in this incredible city.
You have a free day in Paris today until your next meeting at 6 pm. While you wait, why not check out the world-famous Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Maybe climb the Eiffel Tower – or take the lift – for some impressive aerial views of Paris. For a simple picnic lunch of baguette and cheese, The Tuileries, Plantes and Jardin du Luxembourg all make excellent backdrops. After you meet your new fellow travellers and trip leader, you might choose to head out for dinner at one of the gorgeous local restaurants or explore the surrounding neighbourhoods and discover why this city is known for its romantic appeal.
Leave Paris behind and jump on a train to Brussels, where your leader will take you on a walk around the city, sampling some traditional Belgian fries along the way. After, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander down to the Manneken Pis (Little Peeing Man) – an iconic symbol of Belgium or wander The Musical Instrument Museum – three floors of musical instruments coming from every corner of the world and hundreds of years of musical history in one place. Tonight, maybe explore Ilot Sacre – a great place to find good food and fun bars.
This morning, enjoy some free time in Brussels before making your way to the train station in the early afternoon to head to Bruges. Arriving mid-afternoon, your leader will take you around the city to give you the lay of the land before you explore at your own speed. Wander along the picturesque river this evening, watching the city illuminate around you in the setting sun. Your leader will be able to give you the best recommendations for dinner spots tonight, and maybe where you can find the best beer in town.
Today you have a free day to explore Bruges. This town on the coast of Belgium looks like it's been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale, and there’s so much to see and explore. Why not take a stroll through the UNESCO Protected Old Town, starting in the iconic Burg square. Right in the centre of town, this square is home to a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassicism architecture, and features the town hall, which was built in the 14th century. Don’t forget to check out the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is said to be home to a vial of cloth stained with a drop of the blood of Jesus. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hunt down the best bowl of moules-frites (a Flemish classic of mussels cooked in white wine and served with a side of crunchy fries).
Day 12: Antwerp - Amsterdam
Bid Bruges a fond farewell as you hop on the train to Antwerp. Your leader will take you around the city to help you get your bearings, then you can explore on your own. Why not visit the Het Steen Castle – a medieval fortress in the Old City centre. Built in the early 1200s and with towering walls and turrets, it’s not hard to imagine knights on horseback and princesses wandering through the castle grounds. Then, jump back on the train and cross into Amsterdam. When you arrive, why not find somewhere for dinner with your group? Amsterdam is a network of canals, bridges and parks, perfect for exploring on a bike if the weather’s good. If you’re an art-lover, Amsterdam is home to plenty of museums, like the Rijksmuseum, which houses one of Rembrandt’s most famous works – 'The Night Watch'. Alternatively, the Van Gogh Museum, which comprises nearly every painting, sketch, print, etching and piece of correspondence that Van Gogh ever produced, including 'Sunflowers'.
This morning, your leader will show you around Amsterdam before your free day to explore. You could visit Anne Frank's House – the former hiding place of the famous child diarist and her family during WWII, which has now been preserved as a museum. Or perhaps visit the De Waag – a 15th-century building on Nieuwmarkt Square first constructed as a gate for the city’s fortified walls. For a snack, try Pannekoeken (Dutch pancakes). This afternoon, why not visit the best bars, breweries and beer halls of the city. From a place where nuns used to brew ales, to the mothership of Dutch beer brewing (the original Heineken building), you could go on a tasting tour of the Netherlands’ strong beer history.
Rise bright and early this morning before jumping on the train to Berlin. Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can. Berlin has plenty of impressive sites and is known for a great bar scene. Get some of the best recommendations and must-see spots from your leader while you make your way towards the city. Arriving in the evening, your leader will show you around and share all the insider tips and tricks, like where to find the best schnitzel for dinner and the best local beer.
Today your adventure comes to an end. There’s so much to see and do in Berlin, so why not extend your time in the city and see the Brandenburg Gate, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the dominating Reichstag building or the popular Checkpoint Charlie. There’s also the Jewish memorial and the Topography of Terror, both of which are well worth your time. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to our booking agent.
