Ready to tackle all of Europe in 80 days!? Let’s go!

First stop – Tallinn! The Estonian capital looked set to become the next cheap stag party destination but the city has shunned this in favour of preserving the fairy-tale medieval charm of its streets and spires, and whilst is still has its fair share of watering holes, Estonians have not forgotten their rich heritage.

Highlights

  Visit the museum of (both) occupations

  See the sumptuous Aleksander Nevsky cathedral

  Drink at numerous pubs with local Estonians

    Ferry to Helsinki – 2 hours

For an important harbour town it only seems right that you should take a ferry to or from Helisnki. In summer Finnish people enjoy their open parks, relaxed atmosphere, and quirky cafes before they all disappear indoors for winter as temperatures plummet.

Highlights

  Visit the Finnish folk museum with live actors

  Stroll through the magnificent Sibelius Park

  Take a boozy sightseeing tour on the red pub-tram

    Night Ferry to Stockholm- 17 hours

Stockholm has been described as the most beautiful city in Europe with its calm waterways, colourful buildings, and cobbled streets. The Swedes are known for their sleek design, polite manners, and propensity to have fun. Forget the meatballs, Stockholm has much more.

Highlights

  Wander up the cobbled streets of the old town

  Admire the colourful skyline from a boat tour

  Visit the ABBA museum

    Train to Oslo – 5 hours

Oslo will take you by surprise. It is not a big city, but it has exceptional museums and you can walk all over and around it into the overlooking hills. Head to the ski jump for a thrilling view but if that’s not your thing go and see Edvard Munch’s The Scream at The National Gallery.

Highlights

  See some excellent preserved viking ships

  Understand Norway’s heritage at the Folk Museum

  Have a go at the ski jump overlooking the city

    Train to Copenhagen – 8 hours

Copenhagen is a place where equal rights and liberal attitudes take precedence, a land where the atmosphere incredibly safe and remarkably relaxed. Make sure you visit the hugely characteristic hippie commune of Christiania where squatters’ rights hold sway.

Highlights

  Visit the little mermaid

  Go to one of the world’s oldest theme parks

  Sample the fruity beers at plenty of microbreweries

    Train to Berlin – 7 hours

Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe and a pro at being edgy. It’s how people dress, their liberal attitudes, the graffiti, the skaters and BMXers, the art, the clubs and the food. Berlin is also crammed full with fascinating WWII history around every corner.

Highlights

  See a section of the old Berlin Wall

  Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag

  Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg

    Train to Amsterdam – 7 hours

Despite being credited with certain recreational pastimes, there is actually a lot more to the city than the stereotypical picture, with its abundance of engaging museums, beautiful townhouses, and canals. Find out what makes Amsterdam the beating heart of the Netherlands.

Highlights

  Visit the Van Gogh Museum

  Discover Europe’s biggest historic centre by pedal

  Take a tour of the Red Light District

    Train to Brussels – 2 hours

Belgium’s biggest city accommodates an eclectic mix of old and new, from Europe’s most beautiful square lined with guild houses and continental cafes, to its bureaucratic alter-ego as the capital of the European Union itself. Come for the delicious beer, waffles, and moules frites.

Highlights

  Visit Mini Europe in the capital of the EU

  See Europe’s most beautiful square, the Grand Place

  Try to find the Manneken Pis fountain statue

    Train to Paris – 1.5 hours

Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style, and the epitome of elegance. The pride of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf, it bedazzles visitors and oozes charisma at every turn.

Highlights

  See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum

  Watch a cabaret act at the famous Moulin Rouge

  Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais

    Train to Zurich  – 4 hours

Being a city in a historically neutral country means that the medieval centre of Zurich is untouched by war damage, unlike many of its European neighbours. The city has a lot more going for it than the banks it is associated with and a walk along the picturesque lake Zurich is a must.

Highlights

  See the glass-stained windows of Fraumünste

  Go to the Lindt chocolate factory outle

  Go window-shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

    Train to Munich  – 4 hours

The capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third largest city, Munich will draw you in with its elegance and attractions to match those of the big names in Europe, with its pedestrianised city centre and impressive monuments, museums and art galleries. Let’s not forget the beer, and plenty of it at Oktoberfest!

Highlights

   Learn about the city at the Stadtmuseum

  Walk across the sprawling Englisher Garten

  Join the Bavarian beer festival of Oktoberfest

    Train to Prague – 5 hours

Prague is stunning; there’s no better word to describe it. On any side street or square you’ll find unique buildings full of colourful detail. The Czech Republic is also the home of Pilsner beer, with no lack of establishments to sample it in.

Highlights

  Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge

  Marvel at the curvy design of the Dancing Building

  Try all the Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town pub

    Night Train to Krakow – 8 hours

Krakow escaped being reduced to rubble in WWII, preserving the postcard-perfect Old Town and the cellars housing its famous bars and clubs. That’s not to say it doesn’t share a chapter of history in the nearby Auschwitz concentration camp which demands a humble visit.

Highlights

  See Europe’s largest medieval market square

  Take photos of Poland’s best-preserved city

  Find one of many Gothic cellar bars open until late

    Night Train to Bratislava – 7.5 hours

Bratislavans are incredibly friendly and, as the city has not yet been discovered by the mainstream tourist (stag-dos aside), food, beer, and wine are still cheap here. It’s just as beautiful as its neighbouring Eastern European capitals, but smaller, quieter, and with an idyllic medieval feel.

Highlights

  Climb up to the 19th century castle

  Take a night tour to admire Bratislava’s beauty

  Do some folk-art shopping at Úľuv

    Train to Budapest – 2.5 hours

Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. With its rickety trams and turn-of-the-century feel, you’ll be charmed by its past while you cure your hangover at any of the multitude of hot baths.

Highlights

  Relax in the 15th century thermal spas

  Take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle

  Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August

    Train to Ljubljana – 8 hours

Ljubljana is a colourful chocolate-box city with a café culture that brings a festival atmosphere to it all summer long. See the castle perched above the city or take a day trip out by train to the picturesque Lake Bled, where you can hire a rowing boat and visit the island in the middle.

Highlights

  See the 16th century castle on the hill

  Wander through the colourful streets

  Take in 360-views from an art-deco skyscraper terrace

    Train to Zagreb – 2 hours

A city of flowers and fountains with a curious Mediterranean feel, Zagreb is a year-round destination with a museum-café-theatre culture by day and a lakeside party by night. In winter, a tram ride out of the city provides scenic hiking and skiing opportunities.

Highlights

  Catch a 360-view from the Lotrščak Tower

  Stroll through the beautiful Mirogoj cemetery

  Have a coffee in Kino Europa, Zagreb’s oldest cinema

    Train to Split- 6 hours

Even though Split is a port for many Croatian islands, sitting elegantly between the Adriatic and the mountains, the country’s second largest city has two Unesco World Heritage sites within its walls, a marble waterfront walkway and a buzzing atmosphere around its bars and pubs.

Highlights

  See the amazing ruin of Diocletian’s Palace

  Admire the city as you approach it from the sea

  Stroll along the glittering waterfront

    Bus to Dubrovnik- 4 hours

Dubrovnik is an absolute pearl with its wonderful marble streets and Baroque buildings, totally recovered after being bombed in 1991. You won’t be anything but awe-struck at its beauty, a medieval city perched against the Adriatic and positively beaming with charm.

Highlights

  Unesco World Heritage Medieval City

  Wander the streets of the Old Walled Town

  Sip cocktails at the Hard Jazz Café

    Bus to Sarajevo- 4 hours

Explore stunning Sarajevo, with its bustling markets, colourful streets and friendly people. This historic city has a distinctly Arabic feel, adding to its unique atmosphere.

Highlights

  Wander round the historic streets and visit the Arabic inspired markets

  Take a tour with a local guide to find out about the city’s turbulent history

  Sample crazy Bosnian nightlife (with some compulsory Rakja)

    Bus to Belgrade – 6.5 hours

The capital of Serbia won’t disappoint you. Visitors from surrounding countries come here for the all-night party scene and friendly atmosphere. Tourists also come to see the world’s largest Orthodox church or just wander around the bohemian town centre from a bygone era.

Highlights

  Visit the 18th century Belgrade Fortress

  Climb the cobbled streets of Skadarlija

  Float down the Danube on the splavovi party boats

    Train to Budapest – 8 hours

Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. With its rickety trams and turn-of-the-century feel, you’ll be charmed by its past while you cure your hangover at any of the multitude of hot baths.

Highlights

  Relax in the 15th century thermal spas

  Take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle

  Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August

    Train to Vienna – 2.5 hours

Vienna is crisp, clean, and chic with its biggest draw factor being the multitude of classical palaces and grand imperial buildings. Whether you’re into royal history or not, the sheer scale of it here will be encapsulating for all, whilst not forgetting the great bars and eateries.

Highlights

  Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna

  Eat real apple strudel and wiener schnitzel

  Go to a classical concert in a city renowned for its music

    Night Train to Venice- 8 hours

Venice is nothing short of unique, built on mudbanks in the lagoon, it forwent the convenience of cars for the charisma of canals. Getting lost in Venice is part of the fun, and if you’re on foot you’ll only find small backstreets or large piazzas, not a single street in sight.

Highlights

  Cross the iconic St Mark’s Square

  Get lost in the alleyways and canals of the city

  Ride a vaporetto down the grand canal

    Train to Rome – 3 hours

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If that means indulging in ice-cream, pizzerias, cafes, and trattorias, then so be it. Rome will delight you with its eateries and mesmerise you with its monuments. Also visit the Vatican City, the world’s smallest country!

Highlights

  Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum

  See the world-famous Colosseum

  Try real Italian coffee, ice-cream, and pizza

    Trains to Nice – 8 hours

Looking out on to the French Riviera, Nice is a chic city with some of the best food in the country. Its appeal was future-proofed by 19th century British aristocrats who commissioned the popular Promenade des Anglais beachside walkway by which to stroll at sunset.

Highlights

  Explore the old-world town of Nice

  See the sunset from the Promenade des Anglais

  Take a sightseeing cruise of the Cote d’Azur

    Trains to Barcelona – 9.5 hours

Barcelona is a city which offers everything in abundance. Delicious food, awesome nightlife, spectacular views from on high, and architectural and artistic marvels all around. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s plenty of green space (and beaches) around. A trip to the Sagrada Familia cathedral, still in construction, is a must.

Highlights

  See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter

  Spot Gaudi’s distinctive architecture in Parc Guell

  Crawl the bars around Las Ramblas

    Train to Seville – 6 hours

Seville is so unmistakably Spanish, with fierce heat in the middle of the day that rubs off onto its fiery character, its Flamenco dances, and its lively conversation. The café and tapas culture here is as good as it gets and the backdrop of the old town exudes charm and elegance.

Highlights

  Visit the sumptuous Alcazar Palace

  Experience the characterful Flamenco dances

  Have a drink on the terraces of an old town café

    Bus to Faro – 4 hours

From the city of Seville you’ll head to the soft sand and sunsoaked coast of the Algarve. Soak up the rays, explore the old towns, try surfing on those famous west coast rolling waves, or even go dolphin-spotting!

Highlights

Relax on the beach and soak up the sun!

Jump aboard Comboio Turística, or tourist train, which provides a novel way to discover Faro

Go on a dolphin watching boat trip, cave tour, or both!

    Train to Lisbon – 4 hours

Lisbon doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not; it’s picturesque and modest whilst maintaining an enthralling urban landscape imbued with exhilarating sights, sounds, and smells. Head to Lisbon for history, hilly heights, hedonism, and a whole lot more.

Highlights

  Learn about Portugal’s colonial past

  Climb up steep cobbled streets to the castle

  Dance to live rock and electro at the Music Box club

     Train to Porto – 2.5 hours

The coastal city of Porto is your final stop on this mammoth trip and it affords the perfect opportunity to stroll along narrow cobbled streets before sampling local cuisine in the pretty riveriside cafes. If you fancy tasting Port, then you’ve come to the right place and you can work that off by climbing the stairs of the Clerigos Tower to view sunset over this up and coming destination.

Highlights

  Go to the famous 19th century Felgueriaras Lighthouse

  People watch or bar hop your way around The Ribeira district.

  For a different pace, take a cruise on the Duoro river and view the city from a different perspective.