Get Social: Europe Express

You’ve got 24hrs here. Make the most of it. Our advice? Get onto a historic walking tour that’s gonna get those daily steps in and fill your brain with facts. Every day’s a learning day, right? You’ll get local insight into what Berlin was like under Nazi rule and see those incred sights up, close and personal. Here in Nov or Dec? Grab the fam and wander German Christmas markets. The food. The lights. The atmosphere. Ain’t nothing like it. Or get some Christmas shopping done at Kaufhaus des Westens, Europe’s largest department store. Just make sure you don’t go over your weight limit! This eve, see if the nightlife really lives up to the hype. FYI, queues for the big clubs are long af – pack your comfy dancing shoes.

From one beer capital to the next. Onwards to the spire-filled skyline and mysterious streets of Prague! Our Trip Leader will get us acquainted with this gothic city on a walking tour – complete with quirky clock tower and striking castle on the hill. Then, the rest of the day is yours. Jump on the Metro to whizz through the city. Visit one of the MANY Christmas markets for some festive fun – Trdelník and Svestkove Knedliky are must eats. Warm up with a range of local beers at a tasting experience. Or be a group of Olympic Skater Barbies and Kens at an ice rink. That happy, fuzzy feeling you’re feeling rn. Magic.

Today we'll head to Austria's Capital: Vienna. Ten points if you can guess what Vienna is famous for! Musicians. Grand coffee houses. And strudel (duh!). Enjoy a quick stop at the opulent Schönbrunn Palace (home of Princess Sisi), before driving by the likes of the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Museum Quarter and Ringstrasse. The rest of the afternoon is 100% up to you. Wanna see Viennese music in action? Stupid question. There’s a sick opportunity to watch the orchestra. Not just watch, but FEEL. Y’know how music can bring a tear to your eye? Get those tissues ready, cos you’re about to blubber. Want dinner plans? Grab your trip mates and head to Naschmarkt to try some knödel (Austrian dumplings) or go for the obvious choice – schnitzel. Don’t forget to find some maroni (roasted chestnuts) and lebkuchen (Gingerbread cookie) en-route to get the real feel of winter in Vienna!

Wave goodbye to Austria, but don’t be sad. We’re heading to the motherland of pizza, pasta and hand gestures (approx. 250 are used every day, no cap). Venice is our next stop. Ready for bridges, gondolas and gelato (yep, even in winter)? Bet. Acquaint yourself with the usual suspects on an orientation walk – ticking off the likes of St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and Accademia Bridge. Then, this beautifully romantic city is yours for the taking – soz if we reminded you of your last situationship. Jump on the bus to the other side of the city. Find outdoor heating and order a hot chocolate with your new besties. If you’re lucky, there might be blankets available too! You're here. You’re living your best life. Nothing else matters.

You wanted the freedom to do your own spontaneous this-is-what-I-came-here-for thing. So here’s a free day we prepared earlier. Suggestions? Seek out the epic Libreria Acqua Alta bookshop. Escape the cold air at some of the best museums in Europe (no cap). Hunt down Italian shrimp for the classic Venetian dish: scampi alla veneziana. Get lost. Find yourself. Then, grab a caffè amaretto at a local bar and watch the world go by. Fun, free and sometimes juicy revelations can be seen on these streets. Later, score a cheap meal at Osteria al Portego and do it Italian-style: with H-O-U-R-S of love, laughter and gossip.

You wanted snow? We got you snow. Check out the scenery past the window. Jaws’ll be on the floor cos they don’t have views like this back home. Proud owner of the ‘Top of Europe’, the Swiss Alps has rushing waterfalls and one of the largest nature conversations in Switzerland, this place is anything but mid. After dinner, sit back in the fresh Alpine air or head into town and mingle with the locals. Then, we’re bunking down for the night. This? This is travel.

Ready for a day playing in the snow? You’ve got a full free day to Experience. It. ALL. Hiking. White-water rafting. Mountain biking. Skydiving. Helicopter-ing. That body and mind of yours is gonna feel better than the post-gym glow. Fact. If you’re a thrill-dodger, there’s plenty to get excited about too. Jump aboard the Jungfraubahn railway and get all the summit views (minus the effort). Or slip on your Birks and go chasing waterfalls. Haven’t had cheese fondue yet? Get your tastebuds ready, this is the place.

Disclaimer: today is a bit of a drive. Strap in. Prep the card games. And take one more longing glance at the Alps – but don’t be sad cos this travel life’s still sweet like cinnamon. Aka we’re heading to the City of Love. Tick off all the showstoppers with an orientation walk – we're talking: the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Place de la Concorde and THAT pointy tower.

Ahh, Paris. There’s more here than coffee, croissants and catacombs (iconic staples that still slay, fyi). And to prove it, we’ve given you a full 24hrs to discover the REAL Paris. Suggestions? Spend your free day ticking off those bucket list items on an optional bike tour. Want more of a laidback, tranquil feel? Hit the River Seine for the cruise option instead. Then: explore the famous market streets – Rue Cler’s the place for REAL Paris. Get the true meaning of the City of Lights with a trip down Champs Elysées or Avenue Montaigne. Or share your fave trip mems over a Vin Chaud – delish French mulled wine - with the people who MADE this trip. Want to end your trip on a HIGH? Tonight, after your included farewell dinner, there’s an optional cabaret show on the cards. Glam, glitter, grandeur – the home of the Cancan does not disappoint.

Back in Amsterdam, this is the moment we’ve been dreading *sucks up the tears*. On second thoughts, maybe we should just carry on the adventure... You in? Cos London’s only a train ride away...