Play & Pause: Intro to Central & Eastern Europe 2022

Leave the everyday behind and uncover extraordinary. We’ll rendezvous in the twin cities of Buda and Pest and say szia (read: hi) to the small bunch of travel buds sharing the adventure. Then: we’ll kick things off with an included dinner cruise down the Danube – Buda Castle and House of Parliament look extra spesh lit up like Christmas. Trust us. SD cards full, it’s time to check out those ruin bars everyone’s raving about. Our fave? Szimpla Kert. Grab a cup of pálinka (fruit brandy) and go explore the neon-lit maze.

You wanted freedom to explore – here it is. Need recommendations? We’ve got it covered. Check out the Central Market Hall. Explore the Jewish Quarter. Play pinball at the Flippermúzeum. Escape the crowds on Margaret Island. Hunt down the Anonymous Statue. Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Head to Buda Castle and check out all the views from Fisherman’s Bastion. And tonight? It’s time to sample some of the local fare. Goulash. Chicken paprikash. Langos. Dobos cake. Hope you like paprika, they’re kinda obsessed with it here.

Wave goodbye to Budapest, we’re heading to Austria – a country that just screams elegance and grace. Ten points if you can guess what Vienna is famous for. Musicians. Grand coffee houses. And strudel (duh!). Prepare to have your heart captured as we drive by the likes of the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Museum Quarter and Ringstrasse. Then: there’s the option to have a poke around the opulent gardens and extravagant interiors of Schönbrunn Palace, if you fancy it. Later: the afternoon is yours. Explore the Museum Quarter in depth. Head to Cafe Central for the most boujee afternoon tea you’ve ever had (be prepared to queue). Or enjoy the sweet sounds of Mozart and Bach played by the Viennese Chamber Orchestra at an optional concert.

Onwards to the spire-filled skyline and mysterious streets of Prague! But first: a visit to former concentration camp Mauthausen for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Dump your bag at the hotel, before getting better acquainted with this picture-perfect city (complete with quirky clock tower) on a walking tour. Your expert Trip Leader will point out all the must-dos for tomorrow as we go. After dinner, you can hit the town to try some local Czech beer or sample a cocktail at The Alchemist. An old-school venue, with a 1950s' vibe. Hint: if you want the full experience, ask for the 'choose your fate' - we'll see you in the morning.

Another day done completely your way. Trust us, there’s plenty to Czech out (ha!). Seek out the John Lennon wall. Soak up some history at the Communist Museum. Take the funicular up Petrin Hill for allll the views. See what the Dancing House is all about. Or grab a delish roast pork roll at one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square. Fancy yourself as a bit of a beer connoisseur? Don’t miss the beer tasting optional this afternoon. 11 different Czech beers + tapas = good times all around. And later? Wander the cobbled streets, catch a smooooth jazz performance on Charles Bridge, or kick back at the hotel and let it all sink in.

From one beer capital to the next. Get acquainted with 800-year-old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – before we make tracks to Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see the main sights including (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island and Alexanderplatz. Tonight: there’s another included dinner in store, so prepare for hearty food and good times aplenty.

You’ve got 24 hrs here. Make the most of it. Our advice? Opt in for a historic walking tour that’s actually interesting. You’ll get a local insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule and tick off the likes of the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate. Plus, all the insider tips on how to spend the rest of your free day. Or put those elastic waistbands to the ultimate test on a locally led food tour. We’re talking kebabs, pastries, more currywurst, pierogi and local Pilsner beers (of course). Regroup with the gang later to put the city’s famed nightlife to the test. Or just relax on a sunny terrace with a bevvie or two – Germany is the OG of beer gardens, after all.

Ok, nobody panic – the adventure is coming to a close. But we’re not done yet! Set the course for Amsterdam and use your free time to check out the likes of Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the National Monument. This place is a foodie’s haven so you’ll have no issues finding somewhere to settle in for dinner. Give into temptation and grab a cone of hot chips with mayo. Mmm. Later, grab a bar (or six) of Tony’s Chocolonely and watch life go by on the canals. This is what it’s all about.

This is our last full day together. So, 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. Or if you’re wanting a more local vibe, head to Hannekes Boom for waterfront views, good food and all-round good vibes. Whatever you get up to, make sure you’re back in time to toast the final night of our European adventure at tonight’s group dinner.

London calling...time to hit the road to ol’ Blighty. Blast the Trip Song and swap Insta handles – you’ll need them to organise next year’s reunion trip. Where to next?