Trip Region: Western Europe
Country(ies): Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2540
Airfare Estimate: $1000
Structure: 3   •   Lodging: 3   •   Nightlife: 3   •   Activity: 3

In the Summer of 2016, five wide-eyed MBA-1s embarked on a 10-day Eastern European Mtrek. It was through the shared experiences of sleeping through a Viennese symphony, raving in the mold-infested basement of a Budapest ruin bar, and ingesting enough beer and schnitzel to put an elephant into cardiac arrest that Adi, Ben, Drew, Pauline, and Sabrina forged bonds (we mean relationships, not counterfeiting) and memories to last a lifetime.

Now, it’s our chance to pay it forward. Against a backdrop that includes the scintillating sights, sounds, and tastes of Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague, we five have organized “…the greatest, most amazing, most tremendous…” Mtrek that Ross will ever know.

If you choose to join us, you too will become the stuff of legends.

Day 1 — Saturday, Aug 19

Our adventure begins on Saturday, August 19th at 6pm in Amsterdam.** After dealing with the typical formalities, we’ll go on a guided tour of Amsterdam to get the lay of the land, followed by a casual group dinner. Shenanigans to follow. ** We recommend taking an afternoon/early evening flight out of Detroit on Friday, August 18 to ensure you’re that you’re on the ground and ready to roll Amsterdam-style on Saturday.

Day 2 — Sunday, Aug 20

When in Amsterdam, do as the…Amsterdam-ans do? We’ll take in the city on a 2 hour bike tour. After working up an appetite, we’ll cancel out those bike-burned calories with a carb-loaded binge-fest, Amsterdam-style: Salty fries, boozy spirits, and gouda cheese await. After feasting, we’ll have a chance to wander the scenic streets and canals, do a little shopping, take some pics, and most importantly, shower before an epic bar/club crawl in Amsterdam.

Day 3 — Monday, Aug 21

We start the day off by visiting Anne Frank’s house and then making our way to De Waag, a 15th century building on Nieuwmarkt square, a building with a rich history. Chinese food for lunch, followed by the Heineken Museum for a brewery tour and tasting. Finally, we end the night with a 1.5 hour scenic cruise along the canals, while enjoying all the food and beer you can handle.

Day 4 — Tuesday, Aug 22

We take a train to Berlin in the late afternoon. After arriving, we will have an orientation walk to get the lay of the land, followed by a group dinner. After dinner, we’ll head to the Brandenburg Gate to explore the nightlife.

Day 5 — Wednesday, Aug 23

We spend today exploring the Reichstag, which holds a special meaning outside of its role as the Parliament. It also offers sweeping views over Berlin. After this, we will then explore the Bauhaus museum. We shall then go and explore one of the many beer gardens that plays live music.

Day 6 — Thursday, Aug 24

Spend some time exploring the remnants of the Berlin Wall, pay a visit to the Holocaust Museum, or explore Berlin's many parks. Don't be surprised if we end up at an absinthe bar, the city is famous for them.

Day 7 — Friday, Aug 25

We board a late morning train to Prague. After arriving, we will explore the Prague Castle (not completely as there is too much to see here) and wander through the old Jewish Quarter. Prague has one of the most respected Jazz scenes in Europe and we will start the night by exploring one of these bars, enjoying a few cocktails, and then go clubbing!

Day 8 — Saturday, Aug 26

Continue exploring all that Prague's gothic architecture has to offer, but make sure you're back in time for dinner. We'll be worshipping at Strahov Monastic Brewery, where we'll have dinner and all of the beers!

Day 9 — Sunday, Aug 27

In the morning, we will be taken to Cesky Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town that dates back to the 13th century that appears to be plucked straight out of a fairy tale. We will spend the day wandering the cobbled alleyways, climb up the castle perched on a hill and check out it's fabulous Masquerade Hall. We then return to Prague and go out to explore the night life.

Day 10 — Monday, Aug 28

We spend the day discovering the Bohemian Prague. We will learn how the Bohemian artists, writers, and dissidents shaped the Bohemian mentality of the nation. We will continue to sample Czech beers and food along the way. The evening is spent hanging out with other beer appreciators on a tour to sip local ales and learn why Prague is one of the best city in the world for drinking beer. Along the way, we will savour Czech’s ‘beer tapas’ in different pubs. Lastly, we will explore the local and less-touristy districts of Zizkov and Vinohardy.

Day 11 — Tuesday, Aug 29

It's time to say goodbye to Prague and a great Mtrek. Thank the stars that you don't have to get off a plane and start classes immediately...you may event want to continue exploring Europe just a little longer. After all, the first game of the season is away.