18 to 35s Essential Europe

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure officially kicks off in Lisbon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. You could ride on the Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images! Explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto or try a pastel de nata (a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry). After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina with great views of the city and listen to the street performers play as the sun goes down.

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to Lisbon and head to Lagos by public transport. Set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos has a temperate Mediterranean climate, many beaches and a rich cultural heritage. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings before heading to the water along the Ponta da Piedade trail. A small section of the popular Fisherman’s Trail, the walk gives you great views of the natural arches, towers, grottoes and caves that have been eroded into this limestone coast. This afternoon you’re free to feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant overlooking the water or to watch the sunset before throwing yourself into the pumping local nightlife.

You have a free day in Lagos today to take on some fun, optional activities. After breakfast, maybe head out on the water to enjoy the natural rock archways and gorgeous coastal scenery. You could take a 1-hour boat tour around the Algarve Caves, sailing along the coast and soaking in the landscape.

After breakfast, you’ll travel to your first stop in Spain – Seville. If the legends are to be believed, this city was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Seville is famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the city’s proud people. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings with an orientation walk. Then, the rest of the evening is free. Maybe explore shaded Barrio Santa Cruz or San Jacinto – the bustling main street of the Triana quarter.

Today is a free day to wander Seville at your own pace. Check out the world's largest Gothic cathedral and maybe climb the adjoining Moorish tower known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it's well worth it for the views over the city! Perhaps visit the Alcazar – a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’re a museum buff, maybe head to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, you’ll link back up with your group this evening for a tasting tour with your leader. Sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. After, maybe keep the night going and catch a local flamenco performance.

Take a local bus to Granada today. Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. When you arrive, take a walk with your leader to get your bearings. After, you’re free to maybe climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. You may also want to pass by the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses.

This morning you’ll journey to Monachil, where you’ll set off on a hike through the scenic Los Cahorros trail. This exciting hike features long rope bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls and a few narrow paths that require the use of handles in the rock. After, take the bus back to Granada for a free evening. If you like, you can visit the Alhambra Palace to discover the 11th-century marvel and its red fortress towers and gorgeous gardens. Explore the fountains and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, and the viewpoints overlooking Granada. Tonight, maybe wander down Carrera del Darro or grab some local bites with your group.

Travel to the bus station to start your journey to Madrid – the Spanish capital known for its boulevards, architecture, cuisine and manicured parks. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on an orientation walk tonight with your leader to get your bearings. You’ll stop along the way for some churros (fried doughnuts), a staple snack in Spain. Then why not ask your leader the best spot for dinner and head out with your fellow travellers.

Head out on a street art tour today with a local guide. You’ll walk through the streets of Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood and explore the district to really experience the art culture like a local. Learn some backstories of local artists and maybe even try your hand at some stencil graffiti too (if you’re lucky)! The afternoon is then free for you to explore how you wish. Maybe hang out in El Retiro Park or explore Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters. You might also want to check out the Royal Palace of Madrid – the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

Today you’ll head to Barcelona, where Catalan cuisine, an eclectic art scene, Gothic architecture and non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. When you hop off the train, check into your hotel, recharge, then head out to walk the streets with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to maybe check out the iconic Sagrada Familia – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Tonight, why not head out on the town with your group to a local restaurant and explore Barcelona's nightlife.

Today is free for you to discover Barcelona at your own pace. There’s so much to see and do in this Mediterranean hub of food, culture and architecture. You could explore some of the city’s most iconic monuments like the multi-coloured Casa Batllo, with its facade decorated using a typical Catalan mosaic technique called trencadis. If you’d rather dive into local history and culture, there's the Museum of City History and the Ethnological and World Cultures Museums. Or you could check out some art at the Picasso Museum or the National Art Museum of Catalonia. For panoramic views of the city, take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of your trip. After the meeting, why not get to know your new group over some tapas.

This morning, board a high-speed train for a scenic journey north to Logrono. Known for its laidback vibe, charming Old Town and cuisine, Logrono is a great spot to dig into Spain’s sensory delights. When you arrive, you’ll do just that by heading out on a pintxo crawl with your leader. Make your way down Calle Laurel – Logrono’s famous pedestrian street lined with pintxo bars. Pintxo is the equivalent of tapas up here in the north, and you’ll sample as many of these delightful bite-sized snacks as you can as you make your way down the street. Some popular local pintxos you might try are tortilla de patatas, patatas bravas, grilled mushrooms, grilled chistorra (chorizo) and croquetas. Many of these bars are known for a particular specialty, so have fun working your way through the dishes, maybe pairing them with a corto (small glass of beer), a glass of txakoli (Basque sparkling wine) or rioja. After, you’ll have free time to keep exploring the city’s streets by night.

Leave Logrono behind and travel by public bus to the seaside city of San Sebastian. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk through the Old Town, then you have a free afternoon to spend as you wish. A popular surfing destination blessed with good beaches, San Sebastian is the perfect place to slow down and soak up the breezy atmosphere. Maybe kick back on the sand with a good book, take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Bay of Biscay or stroll along the promenade. This city is also known for its cuisine, particularly its seafood – for dinner, maybe go out in search of local favourites like baked spider crab, hake a la donostiarra (hake in green sauce) or squid cooked in its own ink.

Today is a free day for you to experience the sides of San Sebastian that interest you the most. The 19th-century neo-Gothic Catedral del Buen Pastor is a great place to start, and you can dig deeper into Basque culture and history at the San Telmo Museum. Get your blood pumping with a surfing lesson (Basque country is considered one of the best regions for surfing in all of Spain) or a tour of the city by bike. If you’ve been loving the local cuisine and are keen to learn some Basque cooking secrets to take home to your own kitchen, consider taking a cooking class using fresh ingredients that you’ll pick up from the market. Or you could take a boat ride to Santa Clara Island, located right in the middle of the city’s main bay (Bahia de La Concha) or take a boat trip on a catamaran. For views over the city, take the cable car to the top of Mt Igueldo.

Cross into France on the train to Bordeaux. When you arrive, go on an orientation walk with your leader to see the city’s historic centre and lively public squares. Bordeaux is famous for its wine, but you’ll also find plenty of 18th-century architecture, riverside promenades perfect for an afternoon stroll and a fun atmosphere owing to the city’s large student population. Ask your leader for some of their recommendations to help you plan your ideal day. There are plenty of markets where you can sample fresh produce and cafes serving up classic French pastries. Caneles are a Bordeaux specialty – these delightful bite-sized treats have a soft, custardy interior and a caramelised outer shell.

Hop on a local bus, headed to a winery for a tasting and tour where you’ll see for yourself why this wine region is so acclaimed. Learn about the production process, explore the vineyards and cellars and taste some of the region’s celebrated varietals. Return to the city in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is free. You might like to visit La Cite du Vin – an interactive museum showcasing wine culture and history through immersive, sensory exhibitions and classes. Maybe explore the Darwin Eco-systeme, a former military barracks that’s been converted into a creative hub. Or find a spot for dinner on the banks of the Garonne River.

Arrive in Berlin early this morning. Disembark from your train and take the metro to your accommodation where you can freshen up and have some breakfast. Then, head out with your leader for an orientation walk through this capital city that’s full of historic sites, cutting-edge galleries and iconic architecture. The rest of the day is up to you. Maybe take a cruise down the Spree River, visit the impressive Berlin Cathedral, browse the museums and galleries at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz or take in views of the city from the TV Tower. Ask your leader for the best spots to refuel with a classic currywurst, schnitzel or pretzel along the way.

Visit Refugio Cafe for a cake and coffee this morning. This community space brings together refugees and Berlin locals through food, conversation and shared experiences, promoting inclusion and cultural exchange. Your afternoon is free for you to explore. You might like to visit Museum Island, the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Wall Memorial or Brandenburg Gate, or simply relax in one of the city's many parks before enjoying another evening in Germany's dynamic capital. Consider gathering some of your newfound travel friends for dinner and a toast to your European adventure.

Today is free for you to discover Berlin at your own pace. Maybe explore the city by bike, visit the Charlottenburg Palace to see some impressive Baroque architecture or head to the dome and roof terrace at the Reichstag Building. You’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of your trip. After the meeting, why not head out with your new travel crew and get to know each other over a stein.

This morning, say goodbye to Germany and travel to Wroclaw – the cultural centre of southwest Poland sitting on the banks of River Oder. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Settle into your hotel, then follow your leader on an orientation walk around the city that makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of the day is free for you to explore how you wish. Maybe check out Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square and the Four Denominations District, where the city’s incredible architecture and history are on display. Or appreciate Wroclaw from River Oder and picnic with a few of your new travel buddies.

This morning, board a train to Krakow – your base for the next two nights. As you stroll the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, glimpse the medieval architecture, castles, churches and sprawling squares with your leader. Grab some zapiekanka along the way (a baguette topped with mushroom and cheese) – a beloved street snack. Later, strike out on your own and maybe visit Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River or glimpse the impressive St Mary's Basilica and its extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. If churches are your thing, the neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica is worth a visit.

Today is a free day for you to explore Krakow. Walking the ‘Royal Route’ – the former path of Polish monarchs – takes you past most of the Old Town’s greatest treasures, including Florianska Gate and the Barbican. Tonight, visit a traditional bar mleczny (milk bar) for dinner. Polish Milk Bars, which were popular in World War II, are local canteens where you can get a home-cooked meal. Offering a glimpse into authentic Polish life, having dinner here means no English menus, sharing tables when its busy and soaking up the local atmosphere. There are very few tourists who think to visit a milk bar, unless they know a local!

This morning after breakfast, head to the Czech Republic. Take a bus to the town of Ostrava, then board the train to Prague. After checking into your hotel, your leader will show you some of Prague’s best sites on an orientation walk. Then you’re free to explore on your own. Maybe wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter and check out the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe or learn about Prague’s favourite son at the Franz Kafka Museum. Make sure to take a scenic stroll along the Charles Bridge and watch the Astronomical Clock in action as it ticks over. This is a gorgeous city, so exploring on foot is often people’s go-to activity.

Today you can enjoy more free time in Prague to visit the sites you missed yesterday. Prague Castle has a great viewpoint that provides sweeping views of the city’s red rooftops and medieval architecture. Consider a day trip to Kutna Hora, where you can visit Sedlec Ossuary – an eerie chapel decorated with human skeletons – or St Barbara Church and its medieval frescoes. Prague’s Old Town becomes particularly magical at night. Return for an evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere before checking out some of the town’s cosy cellar hangouts or underground Absinthe bars. If you’re into jazz, Prague also boasts one of the best scenes in Europe! Ask your leader for suggestions if you’re not sure where to head out tonight.

Bid farewell to Prague today and travel south to the fairytale-like town of Cesky Krumlov. Dating back to the 13th century, this tiny town closely resembles Prague with its gorgeous castle across the river and pretty mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Head out on a leader-led walk around town, as they provide insight into the architectural symbolism and Old Town mysteries. After, use some free time to head to the top of the Castle Tower for a great view of the town’s red rooftops and distant rolling green hills, explore the castle and its gardens or browse the shops that line the riverfront. If you’re feeling active, ask your leader about rafting and canoeing activities on offer (time and weather permitting).

Hop into your private transfer and travel across the border to Austria and the Baroque city of Vienna. A perennial favourite for the world’s most liveable city, Vienna is also a dream for starry-eyed travellers looking for delicious coffee and pastries (sachertorte in particular), classical music and grand palaces. Get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walk and then enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Art lovers have their pick of museums to explore – maybe check out modern Austrian art at the Leopold Museum, paintings by Monet, Degas and Picasso at the neo-classical Albertina or the world’s largest collection of paintings by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt at Belvedere Palace. This evening, why not sample Vienna’s incredible musical heritage and catch a performance at one of the city’s historic venues such as the Vienna State Opera House.

Spend another day exploring Vienna’s rich artistic and intellectual heritage. Maybe head to Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace), Schoenbrunn Palace or the Hofburg Palace complex to discover Austria’s symmetrical take on over-the-top grandeur. Exploring some of the city’s more specific museums such as the Schnapps Museum, the Sigmund Freud Museum or the Globe Museum, which is located inside the impressive Austrian National Museum. Climb the tower of St Stephen’s Cathedral, take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel or catch a dressage show at the Spanish Riding School. If you didn’t head out last night, maybe cap off a culture-filled day with a spot of Mozart Bach or Schubert at the opera house.

This morning you’ll continue your exploration of Europe’s opulent past in Budapest. Take a train and watch the scenery pass you by – when you arrive, your leader will show you around the city on an orientation walk where you can sample a Hungarian specialty - langos (fried dough). More than just a fairy-tale-like ode to the past, Budapest is also a bustling city with hip bars, trendy cafes and plenty of cheap eats. Your evening is free and your leader will make sure that you're equipped with all the insider knowledge when it comes to which are the best (and best-kept secret) ruin bars. A night out here might just be your highlight of the trip!

Enjoy a free day to explore Budapest further today. Visible from pretty much everywhere in the city, the 13th-century Buda Castle is a must-see. Why not imagine how Hungarian kings used to live by touring the palace complex, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Or you could head to Fisherman’s Bastion for the best view of the city before taking a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets of the Castle District. Another option is a boat trip along the Danube River, where you’ll get a different view of the Parliament buildings, the Castle District and the bridges that link Buda and Pest. Tonight, find one of the many great dinner spots or head back to the ruin bars for a night out.

Get ready for a long day of travel today as you make the journey to Ljubljana. From there, you’ll travel to Bled – a scenic lakeside town tucked at the foothills of the Julian Alps. Arrive in the late afternoon and head to the iconic lake. Here, your leader will point out the town’s best attractions, like its 11th-century clifftop castle and the small island in the lake’s centre. Use the rest of the day to search for Bled’s famous cream cake (which shouldn’t be hard, every cafe in town claims to make the best one) or choose to join the group for an optional dinner of Slovenian specialties.

Postcard-perfect Bled (the perfect spot if you need a new banging Instagram) is also tailor-made for adventure, and as today is a free day, it’s up to you how you’d like to get active (or chill out and stare at the scenery – it never gets old). Hiking, biking, canoeing and rafting are all on the cards so you can choose to hire a bike and explore the surrounds, head to Vintgar Gorge for a walk through its natural canyon or go rafting along the Soca River. If you’d like to keep it more lowkey, head to Bled Castle for some exploration or take a pletna (small wooden boat) to the church on the island in the middle of the lake to ring the wishing bell. You could even venture further afield and take a day trip to Bohinj – another lakeside town.

This morning, travel to Venice – brace yourself for some amazing scenery on the way. Venice is one of a kind, built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. As well as all those romantic canals, it has all the hallmarks of a fine old Italian city – world-class food, performance, art and architecture. Use your free time to explore – the best way to go is on foot. Try to take in all the famous sights, like the Grand Canal, the shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and its golden basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Don't even think about leaving until you've eaten some tiramisu! This is where the dish was born, and they know how to do it just right.

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. As there is much to see here, you may want to book an extra couple of days in Venice to give yourself more time to explore – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.