37 Days,
London to London
There’s a whole continent to discover on this Europe tour
Visiting 17 countries: France, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands
Join us on a European getaway that lets you experience the continent’s best countries in just over five adventure-crammed weeks. From bustling Barcelona in the west to the beautiful Balkans in the East, and from über cool Berlin in the north to the glitzy beaches of Greece in the south, this unforgettable trip will having you ticking off bucket list experiences, one group selfie at a time. Three. Two. One. Say, ‘Topdecker’!
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Day 1:
London, England to Paris, France (or join in Paris)
All good things start with Paris. Meet the crew, grab some supplies and hit the road early in the morning as we jump across the English Channel. Pinch yourself and Instagram your first selfie before we kick off the trip with a driving tour and picnic next to the Eiffel Tower. Home to Coco Chanel, the Pompidou Centre and the Mona Lisa, Paris more than deserves its reputation as the European capital for all things culture, fashion and food. Now’s your chance to find out why.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Paris and gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower
Meals:
-Dinner
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Day 2:
Paris
This morning: free time en Français. From the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées, you'll be sure to make a solid dent in your bucket list. Later on, you can stretch those legs on an optional bike tour of Paris, or simply roam the streets on your own. End your day with an optional Seine River cruise or a #throwback bohemian cabaret show.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Traditional cabaret show
-Seine river cruise
-Bike tour of Paris
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Day 3:
Paris
Grab your baguette and go. Run, don’t walk. Another free day in Paris to soak up all those Frenchy vibes. Oui oui! Have you ticked off all the sights yet? If you haven’t gone fromage crazy just yet, hit up as many local food markets as you can. You can thank us later.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 4:
Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Trade in Parisian streets for snowy peaks. Home to the highest point in Europe, 72 waterfalls and one of the largest nature conservations in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is where we'll be spending the night. Upon arrival, chow down on fondue and hit the bar for a nightcap.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
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Day 5:
Swiss Alps
Scenic hikes and jaw-dropping views are high on today's agenda. Go low key with a mountain walk or hop on board the Jungfraubahn railway for an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Expect fairytale villages en route and skydiving out of a helicopter upon arrival (if heights don't scare you). Another feast awaits your return, regardless of how you make your way back down.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Scenic excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe')
-Skydiving
-Scenic helicopter ride
-Tickets for the Schilthorn cable car
-Visit a Swiss watch shop
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Day 6:
Swiss Alps to Avignon, France
This afternoon we crack on to Avignon, home of the magnificent Palais des Papes (aka one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe). Tonight: hit up a local bistro or gather with your Topdecker brethren for a makeshift picnic. Either way, be sure to pair your meal with some local Rhône Valley wine, one of France's finest reds.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
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Day 7:
Avignon to Barcelona, Spain
On our way to Barcelona, we’ll check out the Pont du Gard – a 2000-year-old Roman engineered aqueduct. When we get to the Catalonian capital, we’ll take you on a driving tour to see the likes of Montjuïc (where the 1992 Olympics were held) and Gaudi's yet to be finished Sagrada Família. Later: let loose at an optional flamenco show.
Included today:
-Visit Pont du Gard
-Driving tour of Barcelona
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Flamenco show
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Day 8:
Barcelona
Who needs the snooze button when you’ve got a whole day in a city packed to the rafters with art nouveau, alluring accents and (most importantly) tapas? Hit the side streets and alleyways of Las Ramblas, go boho in the Gracia neighborhood, go Gaudí at Parc Güell or give in to your inner football fanatic and kneel to the sporting gods at the Nou Camp.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 9:
Barcelona to French Riviera, France
Get that selfie stick out! We’re rolling north along the coast to rub shoulders with the rich and famous at the world's most lavish waterfront property: the French Riviera. Oh, and by the way – we’ll be making a pit stop at a traditional French perfumery en route. Later, swap your patatas bravas for hearty French cooking and get ready for tomorrow's adventures.
Included today:
-Visit a traditional French perfumery
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 10:
French Riviera
Hit the beach with the paparazzi posse, or go wild in the designer boutiques in Nice's Old Town. Later: roll with the jet set on a guided tour and see how the 1% live (hint: it involves Ferraris and bathing in caviar). Feeling lucky? Hit the tables at the Monte Carlo Casino and make it rain (or not).
Included today:
-Walking tour of Monaco
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 11:
French Riviera to Venice, Italy
Maketh haste to fair Verona, the place where Romeo and Juliet found love. Snap a selfie at Juliet’s balcony and join throngs of lovers leaving notes on the wall (or avoid the crowds and just marvel at the ancient arena). Then: say ciao to Venice from across the lagoon as we check into our campsite, have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal) and get pumped for living out our own version of The Italian Job tomorrow.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Verona
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Get a personalised trip T-shirt or hoodie
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Day 12:
Venice
You know it as The Floating City, but this place is actually sinking (slowly). Today we’ll check out a who's who of Venice's usual suspects on a guided walking tour (ticking off the likes of St Mark's Square and Accademia Bridge), then jump on a vaporetto to explore the Grand Canal. If that’s not enough, you can also hop on an optional gondola ride. Throw away your map in the afternoon and try to find the world's most epic little bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta, or just go on a mission to find the perfect gelato.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Venice
-Vaporetto ride
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Gondola ride
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Day 13:
Venice to Florence
Stop for THAT photo at Pisa, then make your food baby sing as we roll into the land of hearty Tuscan cuisine and birthplace of gelato: Florence. Whip around Santa Maria del Fiore before tucking into amore on a plate. The evening is yours to stroll along the the Arno River and watch the sunset. #Bliss
Included today:
-Walking tour of Florence with a local guide
-Visit Pisa and the famous Leaning Tower
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
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Day 14:
Florence to Rome
Today, it’s onwards to Rome. Time to give that bucket list a workout! Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a ‘colossus’ hunger as you pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Steps and visit ancient history's version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum. Tonight, you're in Disneyland for foodies. Have fun.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Rome
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 15:
Rome
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. Count your blessings on an optional tour of the Vatican City, then play ‘I-spy’ with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history. Want more? Then 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).
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Guided tour of the Vatican City
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Day 16:
Rome to Athens, Greece
Play connect the dots with the stars or let the swell rock you to sleep as we ferry our way from from bella Italia to Greece. Restaurants, bars, and cosy cabin rooms will keep you comfortable.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 17:
Athens
It doesn’t get feta than this! Orient yourself as you wander around ticking off the likes of the Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square and the Acropolis. Whatever you do, take the day to get lost – you're free until dinner.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 18:
Athens to Mykonos
Today we hop on a ferry over to Mykonos (aka 'that island with the cute windmills’). Epic beaches, sinfully good local restaurants and a bustling nightlife. What's not to love?
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 19:
Mykonos
Free day in para-para-paradise. Loving it? We hope so! Soak up those rays and dive into 50 shades of blue.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 20:
Mykonos
You could totally get used to Mykonos’ dreamy backdrop of chalky villages, sky blue churches and laze-worthy beaches. Another free day to spend exactly how you please.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 21:
Mykonos to Athens
Today it’s back on the ferry to Athens for a second dose of ancient vibes. Make sure your camera’s charged today – we’re taking you on a driving tour.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Athens
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 22:
Athens to Meteora
Leave your fear of heights in Athens. We're driving to Meteora, perched on the nail biting cliffs of Thessaly (Google it). Later, round off the day with good friends, good food and some FaceTiming.
Included today:
-Visit the cliffside monasteries of Meteora (entry not included)
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 23:
Meteora to Tirana, Albania
Next stop, Tirana! Your Trip Leader will clue you up on everything you need to know about this former hardline communist state. Add a splash of colour to your Insta story today as you take a wander around.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Tirana with a local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 24:
Tirana to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Press your nose to the window and soak up all the stunning views that race past the coach window as we head up Montenegro’s coast on our way to the most famous walled city in Europe (stopping at Budva on the way). Later, we’ll take a wander around Dubrovnik's tiny cobblestoned streets and explore a few hidden cafés and shops before grabbing dinner and checking out the glitzy nightlife.
Included today:
-Visit Budva
-Walking tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 25:
Dubrovnik
Yay! A free day in Dubrovnik! Spend some time checking out the residential homes further up in the Old Town for some awesome views, then relish a cold beer on the wall as the sun sets over the Adriatic. Alternatively, take to the turquoise water with a spot of optional sea kayaking around the city walls. This is the good life.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Sea kayaking around the Dubrovnik Walls
-Game of Thrones tour
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Day 26:
Dubrovnik to Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Roll out of Dubrovnik and into Sarajevo, a city that’s still shaking off its tragic past – but first, there’s just enough time for a pit stop in historic Mostar. When we reach Sarajevo, we’ll show you the sights on a guided tour and round off the day with some delicious local food.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Sarajevo
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 27:
Sarajevo Belgrade, Serbia
Gritty but charming Belgrade is up next. Honour the victims of the 1995 genocide at the haunting Srebrenica Genocide Memorial, a sobering reminder of the greatest atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Belgrade
-Visit the Srebrenica Memorial
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 28:
Belgrade to Budapest, Hungary
Hungary for more? Budapest is up next! A driving tour will get you down and Danube (that being the river) with twin cities Buda and Pest. Check out Hero's Square, Parliament House, the National Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and the swanky Andrássy Avenue. Then it's time to meet the major food groups: goulash, cabbage rolls and dumplings.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Budapest
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 29:
Budapest
A free day to take on a city with enough baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture to keep you entertained for hours. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. Wanna go one step further? An optional dinner cruise on the Danube has your name on it.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Dinner cruise on the Danube River
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Day 30:
Budapest to Vienna, Austria
Prepare your retinas – there’s gonna be some amazing scenery playing outside the coach windows today as we make our way to Vienna. Don’t forget to wave hello to the President as we go past the Hofburg Palace! Vienna is famous for three things: musicians, grand coffee houses and, of course, apple strudel. Classical music fans, opt in for a night out to hear the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Strauss at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Vienna
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Tickets to the Viennese Chamber Orchestra
-Tickets to the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner included)
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Day 31:
Vienna to Prague, Czech Republic
First, a visit to former concentration camp Mauthausen for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, on to Prague. Get Insta-happy and seek out the John Lennon Wall, soak up some Czech history at the National or Communist Museum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera (you gotta see it to believe it).
Included today:
-Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen
-Walking tour of Prague
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 32:
Prague
Another free day for the win. Snap a selfie at Prague's own Eiffel Tower, visit a miniatures museum, eat roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and wash it all down with a beer. As in, a really good beer. Prague, we love you.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Local beer tasting
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Day 33:
Prague to Berlin, Germany
Get acquainted with 800 year-old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – and check out the Frauenkirche before we make tracks to Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst, absinthe and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building.
Included today:
-Walking tour of the restored city of Dresden
-Driving tour of Berlin
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 34:
Berlin
Today, why not step out on an optional Third Reich walking tour for a local insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule during World War II? Kreuzberg is a hit for lunch. Afternoon suggestion? Have a picnic at the historic Tempelhof airport-turned-public park. Tonight: explore the city after dark on an optional alternative street art and nightlife tour.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Third Reich walking tour
-Street art and nightlife tour
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Day 35:
Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky café stops as we roll through tulip and windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. DAM, it's going to be a good day! Learn how cheddar and clogs are made, then get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital. We’re talking the Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the National Monument, so get your cameras at the ready. For the perfect end to the perfect day, give in to temptation and grab a cone of hot chips with mayo. Mmm.
Included today:
-Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 36:
Amsterdam
Join 881,000 bikes and get your cycle on with an optional bike tour of Amsterdam's iconic canals, bridges and parks. Culture fiends, delve deeper with a visit to the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum. Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience and indulge in a spot of beer tasting. What better way to toast the final night of your Europe Inspired adventure than with a dinner cruise on the canal?
Included today:
-Canal dinner cruise
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Bike tour of Amsterdam
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Day 37:
Amsterdam to London, England
After all the Amster-damage has been done, it’s time to hit the road back to ol’ Blighty. Soak up all the happy group vibes you can possibly handle – this is your last coach ride with the gang. #sadface.
Meals:
-Breakfast