Play & Pause: Central Europe Highlights (Winter) 2023-24

You’ve watched (or been made to watch) Love Actually. And now you’re *actually* in London, in winter, about to have the best damn two weeks of your life. Wild, right? First, say hi (or give a fancy royal wave) to the small bunch of trip mates joining the ride. Then, it’s time for our first included group dinner. Ready for Central Europe’s highlights in all their sparkling, frost-filled, wintery glory? Let’s DO this.

Cheerio London – after brekkie, it’s time to hop across the English Channel. Use the ride to brush up on your bonjours and s’il vous plaîts – and get to know your awesome AF trip mates. This is what it’s all about! The home of Coco Chanel, the Mona Lisa and the world’s yummiest pastries – Paris has earnt its rep as the European capital for all things fashion, culture and drool-worthy food. Tick off all the showstoppers on a driving tour before tracking down a REAL French meal. Need recommendations? Your in-the-know Trip Leader’s got that covered. Bon appétit!

There’s more here than over-priced handbags and unoriginal poses under the Eiffel Tower. And to prove it, we’ve given you a full 24 hrs to discover the real Paris. Our suggestion? Spend your free day ticking off those bucket-list items (and keeping those calves warm) on an optional bike tour. Then: explore the backstreets. Hunt down the best patisseries in town. Get lost amongst the shelves of history at Shakespeare and Co. Books. Or uncover the city’s secret underworld at Catacombes de Paris. Want an alternate angle? Grab a takeaway chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and settle in for an optional river cruise down the Seine. Tonight, there’s an optional cabaret show on the cards – just to really round things off. You’re in the home of the can-can after all.

Disclaimer: today is a bit of a drive day. But you already knew that, right? Strap in. Get to know your trip mates better. Or just treat your eyeballs to all the jaw-dropping, snow-capped scenery as it whizzes past the window. They don’t have views like this back home. Cue the fairytale villages and romantic castles of your imagination – the oh-so-quaint Engelberg will be our base for the next two nights. Later, we’ll get stuck into a group dinner before heading to the hotel bar. Or sit back in the crisp (note: freezing) alpine air with a steaming cup of glühwein. Yep, this is what you came for.

There’s one word to describe Switzerland in winter: MAGIC. So, here’s a free day to discover exactly what that means. Our suggestion for a clear day? Take the revolving gondola to the top of Mt Titlis for all the unbelievable panoramas (without the effort). Or strap on your boots and explore the forest trails – ‘holy sh*t’ scenery guaranteed. Rather uncover the gastronomic wonders of this place? Head into town and sip on the world’s best hot chocolate by a crackling fire. Whatever you choose, you’re gonna have views for days. Dinner tonight is on you – haven’t tried cheese fondue yet? Now’s your chance (unless you’re lactose intolerant, obvs).

Pelt your Trip Leader with one last snowball and snap another pic of the dreamy frosted-peaks (it'll never do this place justice) – we're rolling on to the capital of Tuscan cuisine today. You packed your fat pants, right? Before you hunt down some penne alla vodka for dinner (trust us on this one), rug up and take a stroll along the Arno River for those this-is-what-I-came-for-vibes. Then: did someone say karaoke? If you’re up for it, join the gang in a battle of the ballads at a local bar. Or hunt down a gelateria for a scoop (or two) of the good stuff. Who said you can’t have gelato in winter? You do you – it’s your brain freeze, after all.

Florence has more storylines than Game of Thrones, more culture than a Fitzroy hipster AND it gave the world David. First up today, we’ll get the inside scoop on this incredible city with a locally guided walking tour. Later, bella Roma is calling our name. Slip on your boots, grab your beanie and pack your camera – this afternoon’s walking tour is one for the books. We’re talking a solid few hours of non-stop sights, off-the-tourist-trail hidden gems and a run-down of almost 3000 years of history. Pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, (don’t) sit on the Spanish Steps and wind things up under the shadow of the mighty Colosseum. One word, four syllables: INCREDIBLE. Tonight, you’re in Disneyland for foodies – so shake out those fat pants and ask your Trip Leader where to find the best cacio e pepe. You won’t be disappointed.

Two-and-a-half millennia of history. Vespas. Espresso. Two-cheek kisses. Aggressive hand gestures. And pizza the way it's supposed to taste. There’s a reason Rome is on the top of Europe’s must-do list. And it’s even better in winter (in our totally unbiased opinion). Here’s a free day we prepared earlier. Don’t just skim the surface, experience every moment to the fullest. Count your blessings and play I-spy with historical masterpieces on an optional tour of Vatican City. Check out Castel Sant’Angelo (aka Hadrian’s Tomb). Snack on roasted chestnuts and stroll along the Tiber River. Battle the lunchtime rush for a slice at Pizzarium Bonci. Shop till you drop on Via Condotti. Or strap on the skates and hit the rink (depending when you’re here, obvs). Tonight, prepare for more carb-loaded deliciousness at our included dinner. When in Rome...

Tums filled with another included brekkie, we're making tracks for that famous sinking city today. After checking in at the hotel, it’s time to see what all the fuss is about. Acquaint yourself with the who's who of Venice's usual suspects on a walking tour – ticking off the likes of St Mark's Square, Doge’s Palace and Accademia Bridge. And then – this beautifully romantic city is yours for the taking. Our suggestion? Grab a macchiato overlooking the canal and watch the gondoliers guide their vessels through the fog. This place has romance written all over it. Later, score a cheap meal at Osteria Al Portego or fill up on alllll the drool-worthy Venetian pastries (no judgement here).

Centuries-old architecture. Inventive cuisine. And a bucket-load of culture. Venice is just begging to be explored. Good news: you’ve got the whole day to do just that. Jump on an optional gondola ride and explore the gobsmacking Grand Canal, without the filter. Seek out the ramshackle-chic Libreria Acqua Alta bookshop or head off the tourist trail with a trip to Giudecca Island. Go wandering. Get lost in the maze of canals and piazzas. Then seek out Café Florian for a piping mug of rich hot chocolate and zaletti biscuits. That’s what makes memories.

Today: we’re setting a course for Salzburg. So much more than strudel and The Sound of Music – this place has got elegance written on every grand Baroque building. Don your fave beanie and slip on your woolly socks – we’ll tick off the likes of the Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s birthplace, Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Cathedral on a walking tour with our expert Trip Leader. Getting hangry? We got you – dinner tonight is on us. Then: settle into a cosy, lantern-lit beer hall. Or head back to the hotel for some recharge time. It’s 100% up to you.

Down one last cup of Austrian coffee, we’re making tracks to fairytale Heidelberg today. This place is all about hilltop ruins, cobblestone old quarters and Nobel Prize winners (they’re a brainy bunch here). Get your bearings on a stroll with your Trip Leader, then the rest of the afternoon is up to you. Take the cable car up to the Palace for some unbeliEVABLE views. Or find a local haunt to chow down on a head-sized pork knuckle – this is Germany after all.

Our trip may be coming to a close, but it’s not over yet! We’ve got our eye on Amsterdam today. Dump your stuff and hit the cobblestones – Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the National Monument are waiting. For dinner tonight, you’re gonna be spoilt for choice – Dutch steakhouses, trendy vegan haunts, fancy à la carte menus and the best takeaway hot chips you’ve had in your life. Guaranteed. Later: head to Hannekes Boom for waterfront views and good vibes galore. Or grab a bar (or six) of Tony’s Chocolonely and watch life float by on the canals. It’s ALL the chills.

This is our last full day. FFS don’t hang about – join the locals and get on your bike! Check out Amsterdam's iconic canals, bridges and parks on an optional bike tour. History buffs should pay a visit to the Anne Frank House (don’t forget to book in advance!). And for the culture fiends – the Van Gogh Musuem and Rijksmuseum. Then get lost amongst backstreets of the different districts – each with their own unique vibe. Just make sure you’re back in time to toast the final night of our wonder-filled adventure at tonight’s included dinner.

After breakfast, it’s time to head back across the Channel to London Town. Get a warm piece of appeltaart to takeaway. Blast the Trip Song one last time. And get planning – that reunion trip won’t book itself! Where to next?