Europe By Rail - Paris to Milan

Bonjour! You're in Paris - this is the start of our adventure through some of Europe's biggest cities. It's going to be the most amazing 19 days. For now, unpack and get ready to start exploring. Tonight you'll meet the rest of the group and experience your first night out in Paris.

Today, we're off to explore and make the most of Paris. We’ll catch a glimpse of the iconic Arc du Triomphe, and, of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. You'll discover the magnificent Sacré-Cœur from the top of the dome, the alluring Moulin Rouge, the romantic 'Le Mur des Je t'aime,' and more.

It's time to set off towards the 'Venice of the North' - Amsterdam! We’ll hop on the train before checking into our hostel. Upon our arrival, we'll dive headfirst into the city's legendary Red Light District and explore its inviting bars. Get ready to paint the town red ;) as we head out on a legendary bar crawl of this incredible city. Try out the local drinks, some colourful cocktails and or a beer or 2 as we dance the night away!

Today, Amsterdam reveals its artistic and aquatic secrets in all their splendour. We'll begin with an 'underground tour' offering a unique perspective of the city through the eyes of someone who used to live on the streets who’ll show us the city in a new light. It’s important to see every destination from a different perspective and understand what makes Amsterdam what it is today. Afterwards, you'll have plenty of time to strike a pose by the picturesque canals. As the day unfolds, we'll embark on a canal cruise to explore more of this beautiful city. Set sail with the TruFam, beer in hand as we see the city by water!

Today’s a travel day and trust us, it’s needed after an unforgettable few days in some of Europe’s biggest cities. Catch some zzzz’s as we head to our next destination. Say Guten Tag to Berlin and our home for the next two nights. Our hostel is nestled in the heart of the Mitte district, a haven for eateries and drinkeries so it’s the perfect place for our TruTravels adventure. Fun fact: in Berlin, beer isn’t considered a luxury; it's a necessity, and our hostel even brews its own! So, let's raise a glass or two in true Berliner fashion this evening!

Prepare to dive into Berlin's history and vibrant art scene. We’ll head on a walking tour as our knowledgeable local guide takes us to iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the awe-inspiring German Parliament Building, the poignant Holocaust Memorial, the historic Berlin Wall, and the intriguing Checkpoint Charlie (it's not quite what you might expect!). After a lunch stop, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of graffiti art at the East Side Gallery, where Berlin's past and present collide. Berlin is home to rich history and culture so immerse yourself in it all. In the evening we head out for dinner. Did someone say Currywurst?

All aboard! Today, we're en route to Prague, and we're granting you a well-deserved lie in after Berlin's antics. Today is a chilled travel day so use this time to swipe through the 10,000 photos you’ve taken on your phone, update your Insta story or get to know your TruFam better, like what’s everyone’s death row meal or go to sandwich. After arriving it’s a free evening to spend as you please! You might like to take the tram to one of the cities spectacular viewpoints in time for golden hour or find somewhere to enjoy a traditional dinner, the choice is yours!

Prague, the city of a thousand spires, welcomes us with open arms! Today's adventure takes us on a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Town, where you'll glimpse the astronomical clock and the enigmatic twin towers. Walk over the iconic Charles Bridge before a guided tour of the magnificent castle. Afterwards, it’s a free afternoon to explore. Prague is famous for its ridiculously cheap beer so if the sun is shining we’ll head to a local beer garden to try them out. It’s only right… right?

Today is a travel day so take the time to take in the scenic journey, sit back and relax. Travelling by train isn’t just sustainable, eco friendly and better for the environment, it’s stress free and you don’t have to worry about the dreaded 100ml only liquid restrictions and that’s a win for anyone! Once we’ve arrived we'll have some time to freshen up before hitting Budapest’s famous ruin bars! Top of our list is the famous Szimpla Kert!

Ready for a dip? Today we’ll head to the world-famous Szechenyi thermal baths. On the way, your guide will take you to see some of the most important landmarks of Budapest - we will see the beautiful parliament building and the Basilica of St. Stephen. Today promises good vibes and 10/10 scenic Budapest views. Spend the rest of your day splashing away, swimming or sweating out this week's alcohol in the local sauna. It’s a chilled day and the perfect way to relax in the sunshine. Head out with the TruFam, grab a delicious dinner and then jump on board a cruise along the river - get ready to see the city all lit up!

Vienna is calling our names! We’ll catch the train and embark on the next big adventure. Kick things off with a wander around Vienna, taking in all its beauty and sights, maybe we fancy trying some local drinks as the sun goes down. Tru bliss. Vienna, known as the ultimate "City of Music" and the "City of Dreams," is a must visit on any Euro tour. From the jaw-dropping Schönbrunn Palace to the delectable wonders of Sachertorte, Vienna is a city that won’t disappoint!

Today, we're unleashing our inner Willy Wonka for a chocolate-making extravaganza that's bound to make your sweet tooth sing with joy! Get ready to immerse yourself into a world of sugary delights! After this, you'll be the master of creating silky-smooth chocolate, and you'll have the chance to savour your own mouth watering masterpieces. But hold onto your hats because the adventure is far from over! If you fancy it let's go to a bar, sip on some signature cocktails, challenge each other to a dance-off or just sit back and unwind as you pinch yourself that yes you really are hopping around Europe! A sweet night. Sweet as chocolate some might say ;)

This morning we are travelling towards Ljubljana. It's a stunning journey so be sure to get some photos in between your naps - yes we know train naps are the best! You'll be a pro now at sleeping on the go too! Once we arrive in Ljubljana, we will go out on an orientation walk around the capital city, we'll walk along the canals and explore the old town too.

Rise and shine for an early start to our adventure at Lake Bled! Today we'll get up early and take a picturesque bus journey to one of the absolute highlights of the trip - Lake Bled. Depending on the season, you might even have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip or a trek to the awe-inspiring Bled Castle viewpoint. Lake Bled is an Instagram lover's dream so take some time to soak it all in… (quite literally if you spend some time at our favourite swimming spot.) We’ll watch the sun go down and sip beers lakeside as we take in these magical moments on tour.

Wake up in paradise. Today, we're grabbing our bikes and exploring the countryside. We'll make our way outside of Bled, cycling through small villages and making pit stops for pics that scream "Instagram goals!" But wait, there's more! In the afternoon, choose from optional activities as it's time to kick our adventure levels into high gear. Picture this: thrilling rafting, epic kayaking, and a whole lot more! Lake Bled is a thrill-seeker's paradise. Whatever you choose you’re in for a treat!

Our morning in Lake Bled is free for us to take in the incredible views. Whether you want to savour a quiet moment by the lake, explore the charming town, or simply relax with a book, this is your chance to bid farewell to this Alpine paradise in your own way. Take in one last look at the jaw-dropping sights before we head to our next destination - Venice! Wave goodbye to Slovenia and hello to Italy! Today is a travel day so sit back and relax as we speed through cities and coasts. We’ll arrive in the evening so it’s a chilled one before a BIG day of exploring tomorrow.

Venice, baby! A Venetian adventure isn't complete without a gondola ride through the canals and that is our plan today - brace yourself for gondoliers who could moonlight as stand-up comedians! But of course, there's more to Venice than canals and gondolas! Let’s finish the day exploring Venice's winding streets, sipping Aperol spritzes, and making your Rialto Bridge debut. This city is a living, breathing work of art, with hidden alleys, captivating history, and delectable Italian cuisine just waiting to be discovered!

Wake up and grab a coffee, it’s time to head to our final stop - Milan! Arrive in the afternoon and check into our hostel before we head out to explore. Our first stop will be the awe-inspiring Piazza del Duomo, a must-see for its architectural grandeur and breathtaking views. Nearby you'll find the famous old mall of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some more insta worthy pics! Get ready for a night of delicious local food, and 10/10 tasty cocktails surrounded by the best company in the world (your TruFam duh) Tomorrow we say goodbye to our European adventure so tonight we go BIG!

It’s time to say Ciao. Today is a chilled check out, and we’re not quite ready to say goodbye. If you’re planning on travelling more of Europe, your Tru Leader is on hand for recommendations or help with onward travel plans. It’s been an insane 19 days of exploring Europe by rail. We’ve created memories to last a lifetime and taken enough pics to spam your instagram for the next 12 months. You’re part of the TruFam now and that’s for life, so it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later!