Paris to Berlin

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris – the City of Lights. Your trip kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, 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 for some impressive aerial views of the city. If the weather’s nice, maybe take a picnic lunch of baguettes and cheese to the Tuileries, Plantes or the Jardin du Luxembourg. After your meeting, why not head out for an optional welcome dinner at one of the 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. (B)

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. (B)

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).

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)