London, UK (min. stay 2 nights) This is Europe's third largest and most vibrant city. London's mixture of culture offers the chance to see the world in one day. As an extra bonus all the major galleries and museums are free. Buy a day pass on the underground and see how much you can fit into your time there. England's size makes it easy to travel further afield to see Ireland and Scotland.
Amsterdam, Netherlands (min. stay 2 nights) Packed with bars, clubs, art galleries, coffee shops and museums Amsterdam's reputation as a cultured party city precedes it. Hugely popular as a tourist destination, it can have the feel of a city where the world has gathered to have a good time - whatever your definition of that is.
Groningen, Netherlands (min. stay 1 night) Holland's most youthful city in terms of its population (half of its inhabitants are under 35). Greater minds than bus2bus have called it a city that parties beyond its size. Helped by a large student population it may be the most welcoming and open city on the route.
Hamburg, Germany (min. stay 1 night) Hamburg's music scene prompted an early line-up of The Beatles to go and live there and this musical culture continues today. Of particular interest is The Reeperbahn, a street that comes alive after dark with music venues, theatres and casinos. Also, keep an eye open for the frequent street parties held over the summer. If you stay here long enough it's possible to make a short journey to the port of Lubeck where you can get a ferry to explore Scandinavia.
Berlin, Germany (min. stay 2 nights) Having already called London Europe's most vibrant city is it possible to change our minds? Berlin's transformation since re-unification has probably robbed London of its title as Europe's music and creative centre. This has been helped by a late night culture closer to that of the Mediterranean and an influx of young people into the area.
Dresden, Germany (min. stay 1 night) Dresden's recent popularity as a destination for travellers obviously owes much to the events of WW2, when much of the inner city was destroyed in bombing raids. City wide a great deal of the Baroque architecture that has made it famous still remains, in a place considered the most "classically German". - It is also well worth heading out to the Saxon Switzerland national park on the outskirts of Dresden.
Prague, Czech Republic (min. stay 2 nights) Nicknamed "the golden city", and often called Europe's most beautiful. In Prague it is possible to see examples of architecture from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic and Neo-Classical. All this is mixed with modern bars, music venues and museums. Try finding a finer beer anywhere else as well.
Vienna, Austria (min. stay 1 night) A hot summer's day in Vienna (of which there are many) provides the perfect opportunity to experience its numerous beautiful parks and gardens. Particularly impressive are the grounds of the opulent baroque palace and the Donauinsel, a 21.1 Km man-made island which is home to bars, nightclubs, cycle routes, watersports and a nudist beach.
Graz, Austria (min. stay 1 night) In Austria's second largest city you will find the unspoilt prettiness of the old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its inhabitants have a relaxed and friendly attitude. The effort it takes to walk up the Schloberg (translates as "castle mountain") is rewarded with striking views of the city and the chance to dine al-fresco at the top. Graz is also peppered with numerous outdoor pools for you to cool off after your trek.
Venice, Italy (min. stay 2 nights) Comprised of 118 small islands the world's only pedestrian city is a unique and beguiling experience. Use the vaporetti (water bus) or the more intimate, and expensive, gondolas to get around this "City of Water". You may also consider to catching a boat to the Greek islands or staying a few days to explore the rest of Italy.
Milan, Italy (min. stay 1 night) The home of world fashion, thankfully, has much more to offer than overpriced shoes. With a, perhaps exaggerated, reputation as being unattractive compared with Europe's finest, the focus here is more on what you can do inside: shopping, eating, clubbing and the theatre.
Interlaken, Switzerland (min. stay 2 nights) This is Switzerland's main destination for backpackers because of the opportunity to try skydiving, canyoning, hang gliding and paragliding, all set against a lush backdrop, which includes the Jungfrau Mountain and beautiful lakes. Also on offer is the chance to experience the humans-as-hamsters fun of zorbing.
Stuttgart, Germany (min. stay 2 nights) A big city that has been described as having the atmosphere of a small town. This is helped by the greenery and mineral springs which are dotted everywhere. Whilst there it is more than likely you will catch one of the frequent seasonal festivals, giving you a chance to experience real German hospitality. It's also worth taking a day trip to the imposing Black Forest in the surrounding area.
Chalons-en-Champagne, France (min. stay 1 night) Champagne can only be called Champagne if it is made in the five wine producing districts of northeast France. A picturesque and peaceful stop on route, it also offers the chance to see first hand the production of the drink that has made the region famous.
Paris, France (min. stay 2 nights) A city that can sometimes seem like a living postcard because of iconic landmarks sitting next more iconic landmarks - Eiffel tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe etc. Also has a collection of the finest restaurants and bistros in the world.
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (min. stay 1 night) The last stop in France is the chance to see Europe's beaches. A fun place with an attractive medieval quarter and, like much of France, a reputation for excellent food. From here we'll be taking a short ride to Calais to use the ferry service.
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