Gotta-See Europe: Germany, Austria, Italy

Arrive in Amsterdam whenever suits you and check in. Rest up or head out on your own for a first look around.

In the evening, the group meets up and takes an easy walk through the Old Town, snacking on the city's famous street food as you go.

This morning you join a guided bike tour along Amsterdam's canals, cycling the way the locals do and stopping for photos.

After lunch, catch the train to Berlin. The evening is free: explore on your own or hang out with the group.

Your Soca Islands Host leads an orientation walk to help you find your feet in the German capital. You'll see the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

For something different, rent a bike and ride the runways of Tempelhof, the old airport that's now a vast public park. Tonight, sample the city's famous nightlife or take it easy.

On the way to Prague you stop in Dresden to stroll its cobbled lanes, see the rebuilt Frauenkirche and get a feel for its art and culture scene.

You reach Prague in the evening and set out on a guided walk past the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock and the John Lennon Wall, finishing with a tasting of traditional Czech beer.

A free day in Prague. Cross the Charles Bridge again at a quieter hour, watch the clock tower in Old Town Square strike the hour, or settle into a classic Czech beer hall with new friends.

Break the journey to Vienna in medieval Cesky Krumlov. Climb the castle tower for the view over red roofs and the river bend, then explore the Old Town and castle gardens.

In Vienna that evening, a guided walk takes you past St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Rathaus and the National Library.

After a short walking tour, the day is yours. Take in the State Opera, the Belvedere Palace or the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and make time for a café stop with apple strudel or Sachertorte.

Your Soca Islands Host is happy to point you toward lesser-known corners of the city.

Today begins at the Königssee, a clear alpine lake on the border between Germany and Austria.

Then it's on to Salzburg for an orientation walk through the Old Town, including Hohensalzburg Fortress and the house where Mozart was born.

Take the train to Munich and explore its historic center. Stand in Marienplatz as the Glockenspiel performs, see the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), or find a seat in a beer hall.

Spend the evening however you like, on your own or with the group.

A free day for museums, galleries, gardens and squares, or simply shopping and eating your way around town. If you need a rest, take one before the group gets together in the evening.

A guided walk in Munich fills the morning before a train ride to Innsbruck.

An orientation walk introduces the city, with Ambras Castle, the Grassmayr Bell Foundry and Maria-Theresien-Strasse on the list and the mountains rising behind it all.

Visit Innsbruck's Imperial Palace (Hofburg) before crossing the mountains into Italy, with alpine scenery all the way to Venice.

Meet up for drinks when you arrive, then spend the evening wandering the canals and alleys.

A guided food tour introduces you to Venetian snacks and local legends, ghost stories included.

Then explore at your own pace: take a gondola ride, stand in St. Mark's Square and climb the Campanile for the view across the lagoon.

Travel on to Florence, one of Italy's great food cities, where a guided market and food tour gets you tasting regional specialties right away.

In the evening, relax, eat, or join a short walk past the city highlights.

The whole day is yours. See Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Uffizi, the Duomo or the Palazzo Pitti, or walk along the Arno to the Ponte Vecchio. Gelato breaks are strongly encouraged.

Take the train to Rome and join the group for a walking and food tour, tasting pizza, gelato and other Italian favorites.

Your last evening is free for exploring the city or enjoying its nightlife together.

Your trip ends today. Leave Rome whenever you're ready, or stay a little longer on your own.