Central & Western Europe: Classic Cities

Welcome to the Dam!  Arrival: drop your bags off and meet the small group of like-minded explorers who you’ll be spending the next few weeks with.   Your first group meal: ready for your first taste of Dutch cuisine? It’s all about comfort food – we're talking cheesy potato croquettes, mini cinnamon-dusted pancakes and warm apple tart.  Your evening, your way: if you don’t feel like calling it a night after dinner, Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife awaits – from cozy canal-side bars to lively music venues, there’s plenty of options to keep the good times rolling.  

Bikes, bites, and Berlin-bound dreams. Amsterdam highlights: kick off the day like a local with a guided bike tour through the city’s leafy parks, canal-lined streets, and colourful neighbourhoods. You’ll wrap things up at the buzzing Albert Cuyp Market with a tasting tour of classic Dutch bites – think salty herring, crispy kibbeling and creamy cheese. Craving more sugar-fuelled fun? Don’t miss the optional stroopwafel-making workshop – think gooey caramel, crisp edges, and the chance to craft (and devour) your very own Dutch delight. Sweet tooths, this one’s for you. Overnight adventure: later, it’s time to hop aboard the overnight train to Berlin. You’ll be tucked into your private Topdeck-only 5-berth couchette (mixed gender), ready to ride the rails in comfort. Watch the lights flicker past, drift off to the gentle rhythm of the tracks, and wake up rolling into Berlin – rested, recharged, and ready for the next adventure. 

Guten Morgen, Berlin Say hallo to Berlin: roll into Germany’s capital bright and early. After dropping bags at your accommodation, fuel up with breakfast – then it’s straight into a walking tour with a local guide. Expect iconic sights, stories from Berlin’s layered past, and tasty pit stops along the way – with a doughnut and currywurst to keep you going. Later, your way: this afternoon? It’s all yours – and Berlin’s not short on ways to win you over. Dive into Cold War history at Checkpoint Charlie or stroll along the East Side Gallery, where art meets activism. Prefer museums? The Jewish Museum is a must. Craving sunshine? Tempelhofer Feld – once an airport, now a sprawling park – is perfect for lazing or people-watching. Or maybe you’ll chase creativity through the buzzing streets of Kreuzberg and the indie galleries of Mitte. However you choose to explore, Berlin’s got layers – and they’re all waiting for you.  

History and hidden colours of Berlin. Step back in time: with a thoughtful visit to Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp, where you’ll reflect on an important chapter in history with your Trip Leader guiding the way. It’s a powerful experience that offers insight, remembrance, and quiet reflection. Ready to switch gears? Later, sink your teeth into Berlin’s culinary scene with an optional food tour. Think currywurst sizzling on the grill, Turkish treats in bustling markets, and local favourites you’d never find without a guide. Come hungry – Berlin doesn’t hold back. 

Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin! Today, we’re swapping one beer-loving city for another.  All aboard for Prague: four-and-a-half hours on the road means plenty of time to plot your Prague adventures. Soon, you’ll be wandering cobbled streets on a walking tour through winding alleys and historic squares, soaking up the fairy-tale atmosphere of this magical city. Evening delights: gather for an included dinner where you can swap first impressions and toast to your new surroundings – delicious food and great company set the perfect tone for your stay. 

It’s your day, your way in Prague. Dive into the day: today’s all about choice. Whether you want to explore Prague’s stunning sights at your own pace or jump into some unique activities, the city’s ready to deliver. Fancy something a little different? Try the optional stand-up paddleboarding on the Vltava River – glide past iconic landmarks while getting your balance and your heart rate up. Feast like it’s the Middle Ages: when evening falls, why not transport yourself back in time with the optional medieval dinner? Expect hearty fare, lively entertainment, and a chance to soak up some historic atmosphere while indulging in classic dishes fit for a noble feast. Perfect for making memories (and maybe a few new friends). 

All aboard for Vienna. Roll into romance: once you arrive in Vienna, it’s time to drop your bags, check in, and get your bearings in Austria’s capital of coffee, culture, and classical charm. Your Trip Leader will help you get the lay of the land – from grand boulevards to hidden laneways, you’ll see why this city has inspired artists, composers, and dreamers for centuries. Later, your way: after the tour, the evening is yours to shape. Want to soak up some imperial glamour? Head to the Belvedere Palace and catch the golden hour light glinting off Klimt’s The Kiss. Craving a culture fix? Snag a last-minute ticket to the opera or check out a live concert – Mozart isn’t just for museums here. Prefer something low-key? Pull up a chair at a candlelit heuriger (wine tavern) and sample local vintages with a side of schnitzel. 

Let Vienna work its magic. Choose your own adventure: today’s all about doing Vienna your way – no rules, just good times and great discoveries. Got a thing for art? Dive into the Museum Quartier and lose yourself among bold brushstrokes and Schiele’s angsty masterpieces. More into kings, queens, and crown jewels? Strut through the Hofburg Palace like you own the place, peek into the Imperial Treasury, or bask in the bookish glow of the ridiculously grand Austrian National Library. Want to mix it up? The wonky, wonderful Hundertwasserhaus is your ticket to Vienna’s wilder side – no straight lines allowed.. Cue the crescendo: as evening falls, consider joining the optional orchestra experience for a night of soaring strings and soul-stirring sonatas. It’s a chance to hear Mozart and Strauss right where their music was born – an unforgettable way to wrap up your Vienna stay. Or, if you're in the mood for something more laid-back, find a rooftop bar for sunset views over the Danube and toast to a day well spent. 

Vienna’s grandeur meets Ljubljana’s charm. Trading opera for old town charm: today you’re trading Vienna’s grandeur for the charm of Ljubljana. There’s plenty of time to kick back, soak up some alpine scenery and recharge before arriving in Slovenia’s laid-back capital to settle in and get ready to explore.  Time to meet the magic: your Trip Leader will lead the way on a laid-back stroll to help you get your bearings – think of it as a mini adventure to uncover Ljubljana’s quirks, corners and colourful lanes. With its leafy riverside paths, pastel buildings and fairytale bridges, Ljubljana is small but full of surprises. Then it’s time to come together for a group dinner – think local flavours, great company and a chance to toast your arrival in Slovenia’s storybook capital. 

A little slice of Slovenian paradise. Postcard perfect: today you're heading to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic spots, where fairy tales come to life and every angle is postcard-perfect. There’s emerald-green waters, a church-topped island, and a castle perched high like it’s straight out of a dream. Walk the scenic lakeside loop, hike up for views that’ll blow up your camera roll, or dive fork-first into a slice of legendary Bled cream cake. Pure magic.. Later, your way: back in Ljubljana, the evening is yours to shape. Find a cosy riverside bar for a spritz and some people-watching, or tuck into dinner at one of the city’s buzzing bistros. Fancy something cultural? Check out a live jazz set, pop into a gallery opening or join the locals for an outdoor film screening if the weather’s right. Whatever your pace, Ljubljana’s got your night sorted. 

Venice is always a good idea. Float into something unforgettable: today you’re saying arrivederci to Ljubljana and making our way to Venice. Once you arrive, it’s straight to the islands by bus and boat for your first taste of the floating city. Venice, unveiled: after check-in, your Trip Leader will guide you through the canals and cobbled lanes with a welcome walk to get your bearings. Then it’s time to do Venice properly – we’re treating you to a classic gondola and glide beneath centuries-old bridges, with music in the air and photo ops at every turn. In the evening, you’ll come together for an included group dinner – expect fresh flavours and a setting so atmospheric it almost feels like a film set. There’s even an optional water taxi ride back if you’re up for travelling in style. 

Venice unwinds with canals art and cicchetti. Step into the city of water and wonder: today is all about wandering Venice at your own pace. Get lost in the labyrinth of canals and narrow alleys, explore hidden piazzas like Campo Santa Margherita, or visit the stunning Basilica di San Marco. Fancy a bit of art? Head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for modern masterpieces or the Gallerie dell’Accademia for Renaissance treasures. Venice isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it’s one for the tastebuds too. Go beyond the gondolas and dive into the city’s rich food scene: graze your way through a cicchetti crawl (Venice’s answer to tapas), sip on spritzes by the canals, and don’t even think about skipping the gelato – one scoop simply won’t cut it.  Later, your way: as the sun dips low, consider a sunset stroll along the Zattere promenade, where the views over the Giudecca Canal are nothing short of cinematic. Or hop aboard a vaporetto to Murano – the island where Venice’s legendary glassmakers have been firing up their furnaces for centuries. Watch molten glass transform into delicate masterpieces before your eyes – it’s hypnotic, a little bit magical, and pure Venetian artistry in action.  

All aboard for la dolce vita. Speed through Italy: today you’ll hop on a high-speed train from Venice to Rome, with plenty of time to watch the landscape change from shimmering canals to ancient ruins. Ready to Rome: once you arrive, your Trip Leader will take you on a gentle welcome walk through Rome’s buzzing streets. Along the way, you’ll snack like a true Roman – we’re talking piping-hot pizza by the slice and creamy gelato that’s worth writing home about. It’s not just fuel for the walk, it’s your first taste of Rome’s legendary food scene – and the perfect warm-up act for the feast to come. It’s the perfect way to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and fuel up for your Roman adventures. 

Unlock your Roman holiday.  Seize the day, Roman style: whether you want to roam ancient streets, visit world-class museums, or simply soak up Rome’s lively café culture, today’s all about following your curiosity. For history lovers, there’s an optional tour of the Colosseum – where you’ll be able to step inside the iconic amphitheatre and imagine the gladiators’ roar. Or slow it down with a wander through Trastevere, where ivy-clad alleyways, laundry-strewn balconies and the scent of espresso lead you from one surprise to the next. There’ll be buskers, boutiques, and possibly the best tiramisu of your life. Roll up your sleeves: it’s time for an included food class where you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn some Italian cooking secrets. Whether you’re twirling pasta or crafting the perfect pizza, dinner is served fresh from your own hands. It’s the perfect way to end the day – delicious, fun, and just a little bit messy. 

Rome on your terms. Choose your own adventure: dive into the art and history of the Vatican with an optional guided tour, where you can marvel at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Or take a delicious detour on the optional food tour, sampling authentic Roman bites from neighbourhood markets and hidden trattorias. Whether you’re soaking up culture or tasting your way through the city, the day is yours to make memorable. Later, your way: sip a spritz at a terrace bar in Piazza Navona, watch the Trevi Fountain light up at night, or grab a slice of pizza from a local forno (bakery or pizzeria) to enjoy by the Tiber River. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out a live jazz spot in Trastevere or simply wander the cobblestone streets with a gelato in hand. In Rome, every evening offers a new way to soak up the magic. 

Whistle-stop to a Florentine feast. Next stop, Florence: this morning you’re travelling from Rome to Florence – a short jaunt that gives you a taste of Italy’s beautiful landscapes before arriving in the Renaissance city of art and history. Snack attack, Florentine style: you’ll break up the sightseeing with a pit stop at one of Florence’s most beloved sandwich shops – think crusty bread, salty-sweet cured meats, truffle spreads and bold Tuscan flavours packed into one glorious panino. Locals queue up for it. Travellers Instagram it. Now it’s your turn to taste it – standing in the street, sunshine on your face, dripping olive oil on your shoes. Later, there’s the option to wind down at Red Garter – a slice of Florentine history and one of Italy’s first American-style bars, where the atmosphere’s as classic as the cocktails (and the dance floor never sleeps). 

Florence at your pace. Yours to explore: choose your own adventure in the city of art, architecture and endless charm. Wander the Uffizi Gallery or climb the Duomo for breathtaking views. Stroll through the leather markets or relax in the Boboli Gardens – Florence is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered. Sip, savour, repeat: for something a little different, join the optional tipsy tour of Florence – a lively way to sample local wines and cicchetti while hearing fun stories about the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re toasting in a cozy enoteca or laughing in a bustling piazza, this is your chance to experience Florence like never before – scandals included.  

From Renaissance to runways. Next stop – Milan: zip from Renaissance Florence to fashion-forward Milan on a sleek high-speed train. Step into Milanese style: after check-in, join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through Milan’s vibrant streets. Discover iconic landmarks like the Duomo and La Scala, while soaking up the city’s unique blend of history, art, and modern flair. 

From city chic to alpine peaks. All aboard for the Swiss Alps: today, get ready for an epic journey through winding mountain roads, breathtaking alpine vistas, and charming villages that feel straight out of a postcard – your perfect intro to the Swiss Alps. Dinner with a view: after check-in, settle in and enjoy a delicious included dinner – the perfect way to end your day surrounded by mountain magic and cosy fare. 

Your alpine adventure, your way. High-altitude thrills: or take it slow with mountain views and meadow strolls. For those ready to level up the adrenaline, there’s an optional helicopter skydive over Lauterbrunnen or a scenic glacier ride for jaw-dropping views without the freefall. Want to stay grounded? Join the Jungfrau excursion and climb (via train) to the "Top of Europe" for snow, ice, and seriously epic panoramas. Choose your mountain moment: whether you're chasing clouds, snapping snowy selfies, or sipping hot chocolate in a cosy chalet, the Swiss Alps serve it all with a side of fresh air and fairy-tale beauty. It’s your day to explore – high, low, or somewhere in between. 

From peaks to Paris. Swap mountain air for city flair: today you’re travelling from the Swiss Alps to the sparkling streets of Paris. Cruise into the City of Light: after check-in, head out to gather some picnic goodies – think cheese, baguette, fruit and a sweet treat or two. Then it’s off to the Seine for a dreamy river cruise, where you’ll enjoy your picnic dinner on board as the city glows around you. It’s a perfect welcome to Paris – simple, scenic and très magnifique

Croissants, cobblestones and city views. Pedals and pastries: kick off your day with the optional Paris bike tour – the breeziest way to roll past the city’s icons. Glide through elegant boulevards and along the Seine, snap postcard-worthy pics, and soak up the magic of Paris at street level. Bonus points if you end it with a pastry in hand. Flavours, views, and Montmartre magic: in the afternoon, meet your Trip Leader for a wander through Paris’s most artistic hilltop neighbourhood. You’ll see winding cobbled lanes, bohemian charm, and bites that are pure joy – buttery croissants, glossy éclairs, and, for the bold, a little escargot adventure. You’ll finish up at the stunning Sacré-Cœur with sweeping views over the city – the perfect end to a très délicieux day. 

Palaces, pastries and Parisian nights. Yours to explore: today you can choose from getting lost in the city’s charming backstreets, ticking off iconic sights or joining the optional trip to Versailles. Wander the lavish palace halls, stroll through the endless gardens and channel your inner royal as you explore one of France’s most extravagant landmarks. Dinner and a dash of dazzle: tonight kicks off with an included dinner – a chance to raise a glass, share stories, and savour some French classics. But the real showstopper? An optional trip to a legendary Parisian cabaret. There’ll be sequins, champagne, high-kicks and iconic can-can energy – it’s bold, boisterous and oh-so-Paris. An unforgettable finale to your time in the City of Light. 

From city streets to candlelit canals. From Parisian chic to Dutch cool: this morning, board the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal – a smooth journey through the heart of Europe. On arrival, make your way to the accommodation and check in – welcome back to the land of canals, bikes and stroopwafels. Cruise into Amsterdam: the afternoon is yours to explore – maybe wander the Jordaan district, check out a quirky museum or grab a coffee by the canal. Later, you’ll come together for an included group dinner, followed by a classic Amsterdam canal cruise. Expect twinkling lights, scenic views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to kick off your stay. 

A final farewell to a big adventure. One last bite of Amsterdam: enjoy an included breakfast this morning – one final chance to soak up the city’s charm over coffee and croissants. The tour ends today – but the stories, friendships and photos are yours to keep. Tot ziens, (that’s goodbye, in Dutch) and see you on the next adventure.  And if you don’t want the fun to be over just yet, there’s a host of post-trip activities to do in Amsterdam. Find them on the Topdeck Travel app by going to Trips > Your Topdeck Experience > Your Options > Pre/Post Activities.