Play & Pause: Southeast Europe

You. Us. Bella Roma. Name a more iconic trio, we’ll wait. Welcome to the home of pizza, piazzas and pizzazz. First: say ciao to the small bunch of trip mates sharing the adventure. Then: we’ll get our first taste of those legendary Italian dishes at tonight’s included dinner. You wore your fat pants, right?

You’ve got 24 hours to live out all your Eat. Pray. Love. fantasies. Get out there and do your own, spontaneous, this-is-what-you-came-for thing. But if you need some local tips, we’ve got your back. Count your blessings on an optional tour of Vatican City. Hike up Capitoline Hill for awesome views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Head to the Knights of Malta Keyhole to see an alternative view of the city. Battle the lunchtime rush for a slice at Pizzarium Bonci. Hunt down the Mouth of Truth. Or simply do as the locals do and indulge in a little dolce far niente (delicious idleness) at a local cafe. You’re in Disneyland for foodies, so finding dinner tonight is gonna to be a breeze. Thought you’d tried all the gelato flavours? Head to Fatamorgana – and think again.

Truth bomb: you’ve got a bit of a travel day today. We’ll head from Rome to Ancona – where we’ll swap the coach for a ferry. On board you’ll have a cabin for the ride. Plus, you’ve got your awesome trip mates for company. UNO, anyone? Or just make the most of the down time – relax, refresh and recharge those batteries. And when you wake up? You’re in Croatia – heck, yes! Please note: single cabins aren’t available on the overnight ferry. You’ll be sharing a cabin with up to 3 trip mates of the same gender.

Wave farewell to the ferry and bok (read: hi) to sunny Split! It’s time to explore this stunner-of-a-city however YOU choose – but your in-the-know Trip Leader’s got recommendations, obvs. Keen to tick off a few thousand years of history? There’s an optional walking tour on the cards to discover the likes of Diocletian’s Palace, Saint Domnius Cathedral and the Riva. Or head up Marjan Hill for immense sunset views over the city. This is what you came for. Tonight: round up the fam and hunt down some black risotto (disclaimer: prepare for sexy Victorian-era stained teeth).

You wanted more time to explore – so here’s a free day we prepared earlier. Go get it. Our hot tips? ‘Split’ (we had to do it) your time between chill Kasjuni Beach and the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Track down some fresh-off-the-boat seafood along the harbour. Or take to the sea on an optional boat trip to the eye-popping Blue Lagoon or Brac island’s shark fin-shaped beach. And this evening? We’ll dig into more local eats at another included group dinner. Živjeli (ji-vo-li) – cheers to that!

So long Split! This morning it’s time to make tracks for up-and-coming Sarajevo – a city that's shaking off its tragic past. But first: a quick stop in Mostar to see the scenic AF Old Bridge (and the Red Bull-style-bridge-jumpers). Then: we’ll roll into Sarajevo, where there's free time to get your explore on. Our suggestion? Head to Bascarsija – an Ottoman-influenced 15th-century bazaar and cultural heart of the city. Or sit back at a riverside café and let it all sink in.

You wanted freedom to do your thing. So this is your chance to discover one of Europe’s most underrated cities. There’s an optional walk around the Sarajevo Museum, Gazi Husrev-Beg's Bezistan, the Latin Bridge and Sebilj Fountain, if you’re up for it. Then: it’s your turn to hit the streets. Check out the Sarajevo Roses – resin-filled memorials to the Siege of Sarajevo. Marvel at Vijecnica’s amazing stained-glass ceiling. Head to Sevdah Art House and tuck into Bosnian coffee and pastries as you learn about the history of traditional Sevdah music (it’s folky). Or hike up to Yellow Bastion Hill for ultimate views over the city. Later, find a local restaurant and fill up on cevapi, washed down with a glass of bambus (red wine + coke – don't knock it until you try it).

After another brekkie with the gang, we’re making a beeline for Belgrade. This ‘White City’ has been razed to the ground 44 times, and fought over by more empires than you can shake a shiny sword at. First: we’ll soak up some of the top sights on a whip around town with our Trip Leader. Expect a pick-and-mix of Soviet-era blocks and fancy art nouveau architecture. Afterwards, it’s time to locate some sarma (pickled cabbage rolls: better than they sound) and knedle dumplings (why shouldn’t plums and mashed potato be friends?). Wash it all down with the local poison – šljivovica plum brandy – or a chilled craft beer at Dogma Brewery.

Slurp up that Serbian coffee – today we’re setting course for the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Here we’ll get the local low-down from our Trip Leader, and start sampling the treats on the streets. Goulash. Chicken paprikash. Langos. Dobos cake. Hope you like paprika, they’re kinda obsessed with it here. Tonight, we’ll give this incred adventure the send-off it deserves with an included dinner cruise down the Danube. Buda Castle and House of Parliament look extra spesh lit up like Christmas. Trust us.

Wait, it’s over? Swap Insta handles at breakfast – you’ll need them to organise next year’s reunion trip. Where to next?