20-Days Milan to Amsterdam

Connect with your U.Guide and Group – Your Alps Odyssey Begins

Welcome to Milano! Or should I say, “Ciao, hallo, and bonjour!” It’s Day 1 of your wild ride through the Alps, and we’re kicking it off in this vibrant city where the pasta’s hot, the pizza’s hotter, and the views are as stunning as your future selfies. 🏔️📸

Gather ’round, adventurers! It’s 4 pm, and it’s time for introductions.. Get ready to bombard our experienced guide with any last minute questions. Today’s the start of a rollercoaster ride through breathtaking mountains and valleys, and amongst vibrant European hot spot destinations.

After we’ve all exchanged hellos and found out who snores the loudest, it’s time for a wander around Milano! Explore incredible piazzas that’ll make your hometown square look like a parking lot, the jaw-dropping Duomo, and then, why not hunt down a local trattoria for a group pizza and pasta fest.

Sip on a Montipulcciano or a Chianti, or crack open a Peroni with a classic Margherita pizza. Feeling brave? Spice it up with a pasta arrabiata! This is just the beginning of your epic odyssey. 🍕🍝

Included activities: Evening exploration of Milan
Accommodation: Triples and quad share in central Milan hotel

Swiss Mountain Adventuring

Travelling from Milan to Zermatt goes from “Buongiorno” to “Guten Tag” in the blink of an eye, and from big city to spectacular scenery quicker than you can say boo, as we travel north into the towering alps! 🇮🇹🏔️, It is absolutely the case that the journey is a beautiful as the destination!
Welcome to Zermatt, where cars take a holiday too! Nestled cozily at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, it’s like stepping into a postcard. 🚗❌

Picture-perfect pedestrian streets beg for a leisurely stroll and a small hike around the village for the most Instagram-worthy views. Oh, and if you fancy a bit of “I conquered the mountain” bragging rights, you’ve got the option to hop on three gondolas up to the tippy-top of the Matterhorn! 🚠🏔️

Zermatt isn’t just about breathtaking views; it’s also a haven for Swiss mountain cuisine. Tonight, it’s all about hunting down raclette for a dining experience so local, even the cheese is speaking Swiss German! 🧀🇨🇭

So, get those hiking boots on, prepare for some gondola antics, and get ready to eat your weight in cheesy goodness — it’s just day one of our Swiss mountain adventure! 🥾🧀🏔️

Included activities: Exploring Zermatt village and surrounds, Zermatt glacier train
Accommodation: Quad share local hostel

From the sublimely beautiful to the ridiculously jaw-dropping

If you didn’t get up early for a mountain trail run to grab the sunrise, then hit the snooze button – relaxation mode activated, as we enjoy a late start to day 3 for a short hop from the sublime beauty of Zermatt to the ridiculously jaw-dropping Swiss wonderland of Interlaken! 🚂💤

Interlaken, the cozy heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, is like a postcard come to life! It’s not just a town; it’s like someone sprinkled magic on it. Imagine cute wooden houses giving you a warm hug, peaceful lakes Thun and Brienz high-fiving each other, and green parks casually flirting with the Aare River. 🏞️🏠

But wait, it gets better! Surrounding this picture-perfect town are mountains so epic they put superhero backdrops to shame. We’re talking forests that’ll make Red Riding Hood envious, meadows straight out of a Sound of Music scene, and glaciers that sparkle brighter than your favourite glitter. This place is a Swiss dream come true! 🇨🇭✨

Arriving in the early afternoon means it’s check-in time followed by a dash to explore this Swiss paradise. Hike around the picturesque edge of the lake and along river, watch the paraglider come in from their days activities, and pursue the “ridonculously” expensive luxury watch and jewellery shops.

And hey, if your dreams are filled with visions of traditional Swiss meals tonight, guess what? We’ve got you covered! We know the awesome place for a traditional fondue! 🧀🏔️🍫🏔️

Included activities: Traditional Swiss fondue
Accommodation: Triple and quad share local hostel

Adventure day

In Interlaken, it’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about Swiss-style adventures that make you feel like Heidi on adrenaline! Today’s agenda? It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but instead of flipping pages, it’s a menu as long as your arm, jam-packed with Swiss fun! 🇨🇭🤸

Options today include a thrilling Jet boat ride, the rollercoaster of lake adventures! Imagine zooming around Lake Brienz with a guide who’s part Captain Jack Sparrow, part local storyteller, and part speed demon. Hold onto your lederhosen because you’ll be making 360 turns and getting VIP access to the famous Giessbach Falls. It’s like a movie stunt without the CGI! 🚤💦

Or if getting immersed in the water is totally your thing – the canyons and rivers around Interlaken have some of the best white water rafting found anywhere in the world.

Perhaps, embrace some sky-high fun! Want to feel like a bird? Skydiving and paragliding over the Swiss Alps offer epic views of the lake and surrounding Jungfrau and Monch peaks! Unless you’re more of a “chill at the top” kind of person, then hop on the famous train to the Jungfrau mountain, because at 4,158 metres who doesn’t want to brag about visiting Europe’s highest train station? 🏔️✈️🚂

Feeling a bit more grounded? No worries! A short train ride to the incredibly beautiful village of Grindelwald awaits, where you can hike in the Gletscherschlucht — the glacial gorge — with it’s iconic view of the north face of the Eiger mountain! 🏞️🥾

After a day of epic adventures , it’s story time and boasting hour! We’ll regroup for a gentle wander around some of the regional breweriesin the old town, maybe finishing with a gut-busting pork knuckle – yum! 🍻🏰 🍫🏔️

Included activities: Old town brewery tour
Accommodation: Triple and quad share local hostel

The hippest place in Switzerland right now, plus more chocolate!

Rise and shine, adventurers! Today we continue our journey to Zurich, arriving mid afternoon, in time to enjoy a quick city break. ☕️🇨🇭

But before we hit Zurich, we’ll make a pit stop at enchanting Lake Lucerne—where medieval magic meets 21st-century awesomeness! ✨🏰
We’ll stroll through the rainbow-coloured Altstadt(Old Town) that’s surrounded by the 14th-century Musegg Wall, and the Insta-famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) that’s been standing strong since the Middle Ages! If time’s feeling generous, we might just take a little hike up to the moving Lion of Lucerne sculpture. 🦁🏞️ 🏰🌈✨

Back on the train and arriving into Zurich this afternoon, we’re on a quest to uncover the secrets of this hip metropolis that has culture, shopping, and history packed tighter than a Swiss sauna! 🧀🛍️🏰 First up, it’s a charming jaunt through the Old Town. Then, hold onto your chocolate-loving hearts because it’s time for a sweet escapade—a chocolate tour! 🍫✨

As the evening turns to night we’re turning this day from chocolate crawling to bar crawling. Zurich comes alive at night with hotspots from cozy pubs to funky bars. Who knows, we might even uncover the secrets of Swiss yodelling! Now, if bars aren’t your cup of cocoa, fear not! You’re free to venture off on your own Zurich adventure. But remember, safety first — no scaling the Alps at midnight! 🏔️🦉 🍻🎶

So, grab your sense of adventure, your sweet tooth, and maybe a Swiss army knife (you never know), because Zurich awaits with a blend of culture, chocolates, and a nightlife that’ll make your playlist jealous! 🎉🏙️

Included activities: Lucerne walking tour, exploring Zurich Old Town, Swiss chocolate tour
Accommodation: Triple and quad share central hotel

Big scenery in a little country

Today’s wakeup call comes with a snooze-friendly departure time because, let’s face it, yodelling late into the night in hip Zurich has been known to trip up the best of us — it’s tough out there! 😴⏰

But fear not, because our destination makes it worth prying yourself from those cozy sheets—we’re off to Liechtenstein for a dose of Alpine charm and a pinch of exclusivity! This country is so tiny, it’s practically Europe’s best-kept secret. 🏔️🎩

As we roll into Vaduz, mid to late afternoon, get ready for some pint-sized exploration! Despite its compact size, this place is like a treasure trove of charm. From charming streets to the iconic Vaduz Castle with vast vistas, this place packs a cultural punch! It’s the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein so if marrying a prince is on your bucket list then make sure you smile. 🏰📸

While here, we highly recommend you sample the local Käsknöpfle, a dish that’s like a crepe’s cool cousin, served with a cheesy twist, fried or caramelised onions, and an apple puree. It’s weirdly awesome, like discovering a secret flavour combination! 🥞🧀🍏

So, grab your sense of adventure, your appetite for the unconventional, and maybe a magnifying glass because this tiny country is ready to show us that size doesn’t matter when it comes to fun, flavours and unique experiences! 🌟🍽️🔍

Included activities: Liechtenstein walking tour
Accommodation: Shared rooms in unique local hostel

Goodbye yodelling and hello oompah-pah

Rise and shine, cheese-loving mountaineers! You are ticking countries off like an over-achievers to-do list. Today, we’re packing our lederhosen and hiking boots as we venture deeper into the land of pretzels and beer—Bavaria, Germany! 🥨🍺

Our grand entrance into Munich is all about perfect timing — late lunch means bratwursts are calling our names, and Munich is the home of the brewhouse culture! Legend says the beer flows like a river here, but what we do know is that Munich is a blend of tradition and oompah-pah!

Once we’ve checked into our awesome city hostel it’s time for a city tour through the historic old town heading to the incredible Marienplatz. You’ll then head to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum! It’s like a crash course in all things beer, where history meets hops and barley.

Then, we’ll soak up the Bavarian brewing vibes by hitting the beer gardens, clinking glasses in the traditional beer halls, and making our mark at the iconic Hofbrauhaus! Prepare to learn 50 different ways of singing we all live in a yellow submarine – it is a hugely entertaining evening. 🎉🍻🎶

Included activities: Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, Bavarian beer tour
Accommodation: Triple and quad share central hostel

Real world Disneyland castles

Today, we change our train for a bus as we hit the road on a one-day adventure to explore Germany’s ‘Romantic Road,’ where castles and picturesque villages await like hidden treasures on a pirate map! 🏰🚗

First stop, the iconic Harburg Castle.Think ancient, big, historical and of fairytale proportions 🐉🛡️

Next up, Rothenburg! This town is so perfectly preserved, it’s like the medieval version of a time capsule. We’re talking cobblestone streets, city walls straight out of a knight’s dream, and views that’ll make you want to break out into song like in a Disney movie! 🏰🍺

Wander around the old city, walk the walls like a medieval guard, soak in the views, then chill at a local beer garden with a Bavarian beer and a traditional sausage or sauerkraut🍻🤺

And fear not, night owls, even though we’ll be rolling back into Munich fashionably late, the night is yours to explore! You’re the hero choosing your own quest — whether it’s climbing the castle turret for an early night in your royal bed or riding off in search of dragons in the vibrant streets of Munich – today was a magical fairytale day. 🌃🎉

Included activities: Bavarian Romantic Road tour, Harburg and Rothenburg castles
Accommodation: Triple and quad share central hostel

The home of Mozart

Our last travel day together you’re off on a speedy sprint from Munich to Salzburg, where we’re like time wizards—leaving in the morning and landing just in time for the lunch bell. ✨🕰️

Salzburg, the city of culture, Mozart, and more Baroque beauty than a royal court’s wig collection! It’s like stepping into a living history book—complete with Old Town treasures and a fortress that’s so grand, it gives Hogwarts a run for its money! 🏰🎶

This afternoon your wonderful U.Guide will whisk you away on a historical journey, Salzburg style! Visit the bridge of love, wander along the river, and woo your princess in the Salzburg castle with a little Mozart rendition. 🌙🎩

And the cherry on top of our Austrian sundae — for those not travelling on the Northern Stomp, it’s our last night together! Let’s make it legendary! It has been an amazing trip of alps, cheese, adrenalin, castles, more cheese, and fairytale medieval villages.

Let’s seek out a meal fit for kings and queens, dive into Bosna (Austrian street food magic), find the biggest schnitzel ever and wash it all down with a few Austrian Schnapps! What an amazing journey! 🍽️🥂🎶🎉

Included activities: Salzburg exploration
Accommodation: triple and quad share central hostel

A symphony of hellos as our Norther and Eastern journey begins!

Finally as we bid adieu to those leaving us after the Cheese n Alps route we take the much needed opportunity to sleep-in, spam your old friends on Instagram, and quick get some washing done because this afternoon our incredible journey north continues.  In the twinkling city of Salzburg, we are joined by those coming on our Northern Stomp and head out for a guided stroll through Salzburg, a city where UNESCO heritage sites are as common as notes in a symphony 🏰, and where the Hohensalzburg Fortress stands guard like a strict conductor overseeing the orchestra. 🏔️

With its skyline kissed by the majestic Austrian Alps and Mozart’s legacy gracing every corner, Salzburg sets the stage for our grand Northern European adventure. 🎻 Sure, we won’t paint the town red tonight – it’s more like a subtle pastel hue as we head out for a group meal before the big kickoff north tomorrow! 🎨

Included activities: guided Salzburg walking tour
Accommodation: Triple share central hostel

History, music, culture and a schnitzel the size of a building

Rise and shine, adventurers! 🌞 Time to bid Auf Wiedersehento the epic Salzburg skyline and hop aboard our magic carpet… uh, I mean, our comfy train carriage! 🚂 Prepare for a visual feast because Vienna’s coming at you. Stay close to the window, the views on this journey are going to be spectacular. It could just be our favourite train trip in Europe! 🏰🌄

Vienna’s like that perfect blend of history, culture, and pastries – a city that seamlessly blends architectural grandeur and everyday culture together. Whether you’re drooling over history, fangirling about classical music, or just plain salivating over food, this city’s got your back. We’ll toss our bags aside (in the hostel), hit the streets like locals, and dive into Vienna’s historical tapestry with a walking tour that’ll have you navigating these streets smoother than a Viennese waltz. 🏛️🎻🥨

And speaking of diving, our culinary crusade begins! We’re talking about the dish that’s the Beyoncé of Austrian cuisine—the legendary Wiener (as in German for Viennese) Schnitzel! 🍽️🎉

Included activities: Guided Vienna walking tour
Accommodation: Quad and triple share central hotel

A real fairytale city comes to life

Good afternoon, sleepyheads! Yes that’s right, the morning’s yours to carry on soaking up Vienna’s vibes and hey, ever heard of an Apfelstrudel? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds and the old city has has the best ones! 🍏🥧

After lunch, we’ll train to Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital. It’s a destination where fairy tales ditch the pages and jump straight into reality! 🏰🌟 Cobblestone streets, castles that look like they were plucked from a Disney movie, and a historical presence that literally oozes from every brick. Old Town Square? Electric! Charles Bridge? Straight out of a masterpiece gallery!

Join your U. Guide or embrace your inner explorer and meander those charming streets solo. Prague after dark comes alive as crazy nightlife spills onto those cobblestone streets. There’s zero pressure to rush through it all! Tomorrow we have another day to conquer this magical city!

Accommodation: Deluxe apartment or hotel

Getting the Euro vibe like a local

Alright, time to strut the streets like the local legends we are! 🚶‍♂️🔍 We’re kicking things off with a grand tour of the city, investigating the local history and culture that makes this one of the most amazing cities in Europe! 🏰🎭

Prague’s been a magnet for the cool cats and history buffs hunting that authentic Euro vibe. From movie backdrops to stories that’ll have you clutching your sides, we’re hitting the road, digging up tales about visiting rockstars, scandalous political antics, Russian invasion bloopers, and why the Czechs treat beer like their own royal elixir. 🍻👻

Joining the ranks of adventurers, wanderers, rockers, and Hollywood big shots who’ve been hypnotised by this city’s architectural splendour and glamorous culture, your U.Guide will lead you to Insta-gold spots that’ll make your friends envy your travels—from majestic castles to clock towers with stories to tell! 📸🌆 And since we’ve got a soft spot for brews, and well, the locals adore their beer, we’re wrapping up the day in a medieval tavern for a show and dinner that’ll make you raise your tankards! 🍺🎉”

Included activities: Guided local Prague walking tour, Medieval Tavern dinner
Accommodation: Central apartment or Hotel

The famous Poland party

Okay, folks, it’s the ‘journey-between-two-awesome-places’ day! 🚂😎 Get ready to settle into your comfy train spot and embrace the scenic views – think of it as your own private movie marathon, just with better scenery! 🌄🍿

By the time we roll into Krakow in the early evening, you’ll be feeling like a seasoned train nomad. Time to drop our bags at our cozy crash pads. But hold your stomachs tight, tonight’s dinner quest leads us on a mission to hunt down Bigos Stew – the ‘Hunter’s Dish’ full of sauerkraut, Polish sausage, and enough fresh cabbage to make a rabbit envious! 🥘🌭

Krakow’s nightlife is like a firecracker factory on New Year’s Eve! 🎆 So, let loose, explore, dance, sing karaoke, try some crazy local cocktails – the night’s yours to conquer! Just remember, save a bit of that oomph for tomorrow; Krakow’s got secrets waiting for you to uncover! 🎉🌃🍹”

Accommodation: quad share central hostel

A inspirational U. Impact! Experience

Ah, Krakow, dating back to the 7th century, sitting so majestically on the banks of the Vistula River, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains! We are not the only ones who regularly vote you Europe’s most beautiful city. 🌉🏰🏞️ UNESCO agreed, ‘This place is so amazing, let’s put a ring on it,’ they said in 1978 making it the first World Heritage Site EVER! 🏅✨

But there is serious side to today too. It’s time to switch gears and embrace an uncomfortable part of humanity’s horrible history – a day trip to Auschwitz & Birkenau. We encourage you to be brave and join your U.Guide on this U. Impact! Experience to the largest Nazi concentration camp of WW2, where you’ll gain profound insights into the history and the horrors that mark this important site. We believe that from being courageous and open minded, and from not shying away from the hard discussions, we can learn and grow from experiencing these past horrors first hand.

On the way back, don’t worry we take a deep breath and a reset, as we balance the day by visiting the awe-inspiring Wieliczka Salt Mines – where local artists sculpt the salts into impressive works of art. 🏕️⛏️

For those that would prefer a day of local pedal power , we recommend a Krakow Bike Tour! It’s a three hour-date with history exploring 25 different spots throughout Krakow’s colourful past. 🚴‍♂️📚

Krakow is one of this travel days that’ll leave your brain buzzing!

Tonight we reconnect as a group to share stories, perhaps try the crazy local cheesecake, and for some of you more than likely get that rubber arm twisted and sample the equally crazy nightlife that has made modern Krakow so well known.! 🍰🍷🎉

Included activities: U! Impact Experience Auschwitz & Birkenau
Accommodation: Quad share central hostel

he indestructible City

Rise and shine, time travellers! 🌅 We’re off to Warsaw bright and early, so get ready for another beautiful journey of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as the morning show of rolling landscapes has us arriving pre-lunch to explore yet another UNESCO historical old city! 🌄💫

Ah, the trendy vibes of Warsaw, where history’s got a cool makeover, a city that’s a melting pot of tradition, art, and cuisine. 🏰🎨 Our U.Guide’s got the keys to unlock the secrets of this UNESCO gem, guiding you through historical nooks and cultural crannies.

Prepare for an afternoon of epic street wandering and treasure hunting to the meticulously rebuilt old town (after it was bombed during WWII), the beautiful Lazienki Park, the Baroque style Wilanów Palace, and to the alternative face of Warsaw – street art and Praga district. 🕵️‍♂️🗺️

And when the sun starts to wink at the moon, you can indulge in Polish cuisine at the local Hala Koszyki food markets, and then it’s time to explore Warsaw’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary culture in a nightlife famous for trendy bars and trendy clubs! 🔥🐜 🦁📚🌃

Included activities: Guided Warsaw walking tour
Accommodation: Twin and triple central city hotel

A city of striking contrasts

If you explored Warsaw late into the night, fear not, we’ve got a midday train to Berlin. Gotta maintain that balance between cultural immersion and nighttime shenanigans, right? It’s all about the yin and yang of travel experiences! 🤕

We’ll roll into Berlin just as the city’s nightlife is stretching its legs. From funky underground clubs to pubs with histories as long as a medieval saga, Berlin’s got vibes for everyone. 🌃 And oh, if you’re an EDM aficionado, this city’s your neon-lit paradise. 🎶

Berlin is all about embracing your inner funky, quirky self. So, whether you’re a disco diva or a casual bar hopper, tonight’s your chance to shine. Let loose, be whoever or whatever tickles your fancy, because Berlin celebrates uniqueness like it’s the latest trend! 🕺💃✨”

Or maybe, just maybe, after the highs of Krakow and Warsaw perhaps tonight is the perfect time for an early night in our awesome funky East Berlin hostel. After all, tomorrow is a big Berlin day of exploration.

Accommodation: Twin and triple in awesome East Berlin hostel

The historic past and vibrant street art scene

Alright, time to unravel Berlin’s story beyond the ‘West vs East’ saga! 🤓 Sure, we’ve got the remains of the Berlin Wall Hitler’s Bunker, and the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, but hold your history books—Berlin’s got more twists than a pretzel factory! 🥨

Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of history, spiced up with raw humour and stories juicier than a Berliner jelly doughnut! 🍩 It’s a marathon, not a sprint, folks. We’ll fuel up along the way because history’s no fun on an empty stomach! Landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate are like Berlin’s ‘Instagram Hotspots! Museums, outrageous parks (watch out for nudies), cultural hubs like the community focussed like the abandoned Tempelhof Airport — Berlin’s got more variety than a buffet table. 🏛️🌳 🏃‍♂️💬

But it is not all just telling tales of history. Berlin’s street art scene is like an epic gallery on the city’s walls, where history meets spray cans and creativity runs wild. The East Side Gallery is not your average stroll through history; it’s a kilometre-long explosion of colours and creativity, where the Berlin Wall became a canvas for artists to shout their messages of unity! And RAW-Gelände is like an urban jungle gym for street art, where abandoned buildings get house graffiti, murals, and art installations. We will take a crash course in “Graffiti 101,” where you learn about art, culture, and probably spot a few paint-splattered geniuses at work. 🖌️🏢🎨🏙️

Included activities: Berlin guided walking tour and local street art scene
Accommodation: Twin and triple in awesome East Berlin hostel

Amsterdam, a city with something for everyone

Our penultimate travel day has a relaxed start as we’re boarding the mid-morning direct train to Amsterdam. Late arrival? Perfect! Gives you plenty of time to explore the 165 canals and savour our last supper together, reminiscing about the legendary moments from your Northern Stomp Rail Trail adventure.

We have been through stunning Krakow and Warsaw, funky Berlin, the medieval cities of Prague and Vienna – it’s time to vote, does Amsterdam top them all?

Once checked into our legendary hostel, our U.Guide’s taking us through De Wallen, the OG medieval city centre, with narrow alleys and old school type bars surrounded by canals and tacky neon lights of the nearby red light district. It is a great way to finish an exceptional travelling experience.

Included activities: Guided Amsterdam walking tour
Accommodation: Quad and triple rooms in central hostel

Good bye, farewell, & safe travels

Auf wiedersehen, lebewohl und gute reise…
Do widzenia, żegnamy i bezpiecznej podróży…
Tot ziens, tot ziens en veilige reis…
Sbohem, sbohem a bezpečné cestování…

It is hard to believe this day has come around. We have just spent 40-days travelling together, touring iconic cities, and breathed in the magical atmosphere of many of Europes UNESCO sites. You’ve experienced the incredible sadness and bone deep loss of war, but balanced it with an insightful peek into a world of creativity where strength and inclusion have grown from adversity. You’ve enjoyed many traditional and authentic meals and drunk in local taverns, wineries and bars.

You have, over 39 days, experienced new and fabulous cultures and we bet you’ve grown as a person.  And you have done and experienced all of this while travelling responsibly and as sustainably as you could. Congratulations! Whose up for South East Asia next?!?!