Get Social: Europe Express

Rise n shine, today’s the day! Meet the gang in Amsterdam, stock up on snacks and whip out the AUX cord. Find the Swifties and Team Drizzy early cos they’re playing DJ at every poss moment. First stop: Berlin. Tick off all the i-con-ic sights on a driving tour. We’re talking: Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Wall, Reichstag, and Brandenburg Gate. It’s only the first day and you’ve already seen so much. Tonight, we’ve got an included dinner to get to. Dig into some grub and get to know your new trip mates. They’re gonna be your ride or dies for the next 10 days. 

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. Or see what all the fuss is about when it comes to German food on an afternoon food tour. Treats that slap? Kebabs, pastries, currywurst, pierogi and sausages (obvs). 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 and start exploring. Check out the local beer scene at a cool microbrewery. Or find one of the secret cocktail bars in the city. Tonight, why not jump back in time to the city’s heyday at a medieval banquet? The experience features era-appropriate entertainment (think jugglers and sword fights!), plus a delish five course feast *wipes drool from chin*.    

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 other dinner plans? Grab your trip mates and head to Naschmarkt to try some knödel (Austrian dumplings) or go for the obvious choice – schnitzel. 

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? 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. Go get an Aperol with your new besties and watch as the sun sets over the canals. 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. Quench your thirst for history 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 S.Pellegrino 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.  

Today we’re rolling into Swiss Alps. 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’, 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 in Disneyland for outdoor enthusiasts? You’ve got a full free day to Experience. It. ALL. Skydiving over BEAUT snowcapped peaks. Helicopter-ing across epic glaciers. 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 scenic views (minus the effort) at the ‘Top of Europe’. 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. Then, there’s an optional evening Seine River cruise on the cards. Cue = all the goosebumps as you sail past some truly ICONIC sites. This is what you came for.  

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. Then: explore the famous market streets – Rue Cler’s the place for REAL Paris. Get lost between overflowing shelves of stories at Shakespeare and Co. Books. Or relax and share your fave trip mems at the beaut Tuileries Garden. 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... Or keep the good times rolling in Amsterdam with our post (or pre) trip activity option! Think: a guided bike tour along the city’s incred canals. It’s available to book via ‘Your Topdeck Experience’ in the app when you book your chosen trip. FYI you can also enjoy this activity before your trip begins, too.