Berlin to Budapest

Guten tag! Welcome to Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Berlin. If you arrive early, maybe take a Spree River cruise, visit the multiple museums and galleries at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz or stop by the impressive Berliner Dom Cathedral. After your meeting, why not join your newfound travel pals for dinner? Berlin’s food is a mix of classic German with Bavarian, Italian and Middle Eastern influences. But who can go past a traditional currywurst, schnitzel or pretzel together with a stein of beer?

Today is a free day to explore Berlin at your own pace. There are plenty of sites to see, including the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall and the imposing Reichstag building, whether on your own, on a bike tour or all at once from the observation deck of the Berlin TV Tower. This afternoon, maybe visit the Jewish Memorial or explore the Topography of Terror. Tonight, why not discover Berlin’s thriving foodie scene with a few dinner suggestions from your leader.

Kick off your day with a train ride to Dresden. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your trip leader, finding inspiration for your own exploration in the afternoon. Maybe visit the rebuilt Old Town, passing the Frauenkirche, Zwinger and the grand buildings around Neumarkt. For lunch, maybe stay around Neumarkt to try Saxon classics like roast beef in sauerbraten sauce or hearty potato dumplings. Or head to the Elbe for a river cruise and see the city’s Baroque skyline from the water. This evening, maybe gather a few new friends and head to creative Neustad, where street art, independent bars and a more alternative local scene show you a different side of Dresden.

Take a scenic train ride to Prague today, leaving Germany behind. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Labe Valley, with fairytale-like landscapes all around you. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk through town. Prague’s architecture can be traced from the Middle Ages through to the avant-garde of the Gehry-designed Dancing House (also nicknamed Fred and Ginger). Perhaps finish your walk with a quick visit to a Czech brewery, where you can try a pilsner in its homeland. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Prague Castle, the biggest in the Czech Republic, where you’ll find the famous St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. Later today, maybe wander through the old Jewish Quarter to see what remains of the city’s formerly significant Jewish community.

With another free day in Prague, maybe learn how the Bohemian artists, writers and dissidents shaped the nation. Don’t forget to sample some traditional and modern Czech snacks along the way. If you feel like a day trip out of the city, ask your leader to help you organise a trip to Kutna Hora. See the Church of Santa Barbara and Sedlec ossuary or The Church of Bones – a small Roman Catholic chapel that contains skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people! At night, Prague’s Old Town comes alive with many great restaurants and pubs, some in old, vaulted cellars. The nightlife in Prague is also some of the best in Central Europe. Whether you’re after dance clubs, beer halls, jazz clubs or underground absinthe bars, there’s something for everyone.

Say goodbye to Prague as you travel to Bratislava – the capital of Slovakia. Set along the Danube, Bratislava blends past and present with its Old Town and lively boutiques and cafes. Today you have a free day to explore it all at your own pace. Maybe climb to the top of the tower at Michael’s Gate or UFO Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Bratislava, visit the Bratislava City Museum or spot as many of the city’s quirky statues as you can. For dinner, maybe seek out some local delicacies like kapustnica (a sauerkraut and sausage soup) – your leader will have the best recommendations!

After breakfast, travel to Budapest. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe take a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, why not head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!