About this tour
Spend a week exploring some of the best bits of northwestern Europe, from Paris to Berlin. With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace and a local leader on hand with insider information, it’s easy to make the most of your days. Walk the streets of romantic Paris, have a beer in Brussels and explore a fairytale castle in Antwerp. From the City of Lights to the cobbled alleys of Belgium, you’ll be cycling along the canals of Amsterdam if the weather’s good and exploring the nightlife of Berlin. Tick iconic landmarks off your bucket list and discover hidden gems in Bruges, all with like-minded travellers. What are you waiting for? Europe is calling! This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in. We recommend booking tickets one month in advance for any optional activities that require pre-booking.As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but the central locations makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm waterproof layers will be needed as snow and rain can be expected. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however they can get busy. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the Essential Trip Information.The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – and in this case that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters or running up the stairs at a metro station.