EUROPEAN CONTRASTS

London:

• Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life – we’re calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we’ll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights.

Via Dover:

• A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we’ll see on our trip.

Via Calais:

• After we ferry across the English Channel for France we’ll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme.

Paris:

• Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It’s straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night.

Ibis Budget Paris Porte De Bagnolet (or similar)

Included Meals: Dinner

Included Experience:

• Marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover
• Take a Tour of Paris

Paris:

• Today’s the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the many museums of the Louvre. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!

Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Additional Cost Applies:

• Parisian Dinner
• See a Paris Cabaret Show

Paris:

• Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we’re dragging you away in search of vineyards and a very special château.

Via Fontainebleau:

• With its medieval stature and grand surrounding ponds, Château Fontainebleau will take your breath away. We’ll amble around the gardens then recommence our scenic journey to Beaujolais.

Beaujolais Wine Region:

• Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we’ll arrive at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. This might just be our most decadent accommodation yet, complete with newly-renovated bedrooms & bathrooms, an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, and a powder room for makeup and hair. And we haven’t even shown you the pool or the gardens yet! Tonight we’ll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France…

  Please note: On occasion, certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Château de Cruix to the French gastronomic capital of Lyon (a title which ain’t given lightly, believe us!)  We’ll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine.

Château de Cruix (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experience:

• Taste Wine at the Château
• Marvel at Château de Fontainebleau

Beaujolais Wine Region:

• Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château’s gardens, relax in the courtyard with a coffee & croissant, or loll about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine.

Château de Cruix (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Picnic Lunch

Included Experience:

• Take a Guided Yoga Session on the château Lawns
• Enjoy a Picnic Lunch

Beaujolais Wine Region:

• It’s time to say ‘au revoir’ to our time in France. We’ll never forget you, land of baguettes and wine, but Switzerland is calling us. Back on our coach we’ll cruise out of Beaujolais, passing Lake Geneva as we climb onwards and upwards toward the Swiss Alps.

Swiss Alps:

• With magical views unfolding outside our windows, we’ll arrive in the picture perfect setting of the Swiss Alps. Home for the next 2 nights, we’ll start off with a free evening and enjoy a traditional cheese fondue.

Schützenbach (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Swiss Alps:

• Today you’re free to explore this classic European adventure town. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, today is your chance to discover the Jungfrau mountain.

Schützenbach (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Additional Cost Applies:

• Jungfrau Mountain
• Jungfrau Mountain and Jet Boat

Swiss Alps:

• Out with the altitude, in with sun-kissed streets and iconic waterways. Today we’re moving on to the passionate lands of Italy, bound for Venice.

Venice:

• Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture – we’ve arrived in one of Italy’s most famous cities. Tonight we’ll relax here with free time to find some dinner, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.

Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Additional Cost Applies:

• Gooses T-Shirts

Venice:

• Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We’ll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Here we’ll take selfies at the Bridge of Sighs, see the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Square. Next, you have the chance to take a traditional gondola ride, or just explore these famous streets on your own. Tonight, you can choose to sign up for a city exploration combined with food in a Traditional Tastes of Venice walking tour.

Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Cruise on a Motoscafo to Venice
• See canals and gondolas

Additional Cost Applies:

• Gondolas
• Traditional Tastes of Venice

Venice:

• Farewell floating city, but Italy, we’re not done with you yet, our next destination Florence is just around the corner.

Via Pisa:

• No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world’s most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you’ve got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you’re Arnold Schwarzenegger, we’ll be on the fast-track to Florence.

Florence:

• Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Here you’ll be free to drift along the River Arno, get into the Tuscan vibes with a drop of Chianti wine, visit the markets and taste the local gelato, and admire the beauty of the city and its magnificent Duomo Cathedral. Take it all in! Tonight you’ll have the chance to sign up for a delicious Tuscan dinner, visit the historic Red Garter bar or enjoy a free evening.

A conveniently located hostel

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Visit Pisa (for that Epic Selfie)

Additional Cost Applies:

• Tuscan Dinner

Florence:

• Ready for even more of Italy? The eternal city of Rome awaits…

Rome:

• The evening will really take it up to high key as we uncover Italian icons in the country’s capital of Rome. With a city tour on arrival, we’ll get a glimpse of Rome’s glory by night, ready to be fully unveiled tomorrow. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments, we’re here for it all.

Jo&Joe Roma (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Tour Rome on Foot

Rome:

• Rise and shine, Rome awaits us! Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture and bucket list sights as we uncover all of Rome’s key features. There’s also the option to head back in time and discover Rome of the Emperors and Gladiators.

Jo&Joe Roma (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Additional Cost Applies:

• Emperors & Gladiators inc Colosseum
• Ancient Rome of the Emperors
• Rome Pasta Cooking Class & Dinner

Rome:

• Full of gelato and memories, we’ll cast our eyes over Rome one more time this morning before we hit the road, bound for new adventures.

Via Perugia:

• Perugia is a little hidden gem of Italy, where medieval vibes meet lively piazzas, making it the perfect spot to sip espresso, enjoy epic views, and embrace the dolce vita!

Via Ancona:

• Arriving at Ancona port, we’ll get ready for our overnight sail to Croatia.

Overnight Adriatic Ferry:

• We’ll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail. Let yourself be rocked to sleep as we cruise over the Adriatic Sea to Split.

Overnight Ferry

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight Adriatic Ferry:

• Last night we fell asleep in Italy, this morning we wake up in Croatia. How magical is Europe?

Via Split:

• Landing in the atmospheric port town of Split, we’ll have some free time to soak up the Roman heritage of Diocletian’s Palace, revel in Game of Thrones’ filming locations or indulge in some local street food before jumping on the coach, bound for the Riviera.

Croatian Riviera:

• Welcome to the Croatian Riviera, where we’ll be greeted by the rugged Biokovo mountains, a nature reserve with golden eagles, and a long stretch of beach ready to be enjoyed. With 3 nights here, it’s like having a holiday within a holiday.

Hotel Sveti Kriz (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Croatian Riviera:

• With no agenda today other than to live your best beach life, the Croatian Riviera awaits! The beaches, seafront promenade and nightlife are calling your name, with paddle boats for hire, a cobbled main square to stroll around, and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic ready for diving into.

Hotel Sveti Kriz (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Croatian Riviera:

• A new day, a new beach spot to laze about in. You also have food markets to explore, cafes to sit in, ice cream parlours to visit, and day trips to sign up to – the choice is yours.

Hotel Sveti Kriz (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Croatian Riviera:

• Relaxed and sun-kissed after our time on the Riviera, we’re ready to see more of Croatia – and knowing that UNESCO-heritage listed Plitvice Lakes is ahead of us makes leaving a lot easier.

Plitvice Lakes National Park:

• Arriving at the mesmerising teal-blue waters of Plitviče, you’ll have the chance to tread the wooden boardwalks and discover the cascading pools of this breath-taking natural wonder. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea! We’ll enjoy an included dinner together this evening at our accommodation on the edge of the National Park.

Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experience:

• Explore Plitvice National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park:

• Bidding farewell to Plitviče and Croatia today, the enchanting allure of Slovenia lies ahead as we make our way to the capital city of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana:

• Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries, a distinct identity within Slovenian culture has evolved from the melody of influences surrounding it. After our orientation of the city, you’ll have the chance to explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto or sit by one of Ljubljana’s atmospheric watercourses.

Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Get to know Ljubljana

Additional Cost Applies:

• Traditional Slovenian Evening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Ljubljana:

• So long Ljubljana, your unique charm will remain in our hearts forever. Hitting the road, we’ll journey north-west and cross-country into Austria.

Hopfgarten im Brixental:

• Late this afternoon we arrive in Hopfgarten and will be welcomed with open arms to Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guesthouse). Tonight is a welcome evening which means a traditional Austrian meal lovingly prepared for us by our on-site Contiki chefs, and tomorrow we’ll get into the swing of things with more of the adventure activities this town is famous for.

Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experience:

• Home Cooked Dinner

Hopfgarten im Brixental:

• Wake up, peel open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view. If you’re feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls. If you’re feeling really lively you can go tandem paragliding. Not so lively? Stroll around and take in the incredible setting; drink endless hot chocolate, go up a mountain in a gondola or relax at our Gasthof.

Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experience:

• Enjoy Another Home Cooked Dinner

Additional Cost Applies:

• Austrian Paragliding
• Bike Ride & BBQ

Hopfgarten im Brixental:

• This morning you have the chance to sign up for some wild water sports – whitewater rafting – before we leave the breath-taking Austrian Tyrol. Then it’s time to say ‘adieu’ as we head on to the German city of Munich – where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await.

Munich:

• “Prost!”. Here in Munich, the home of Oktoberfest, you’ll have the chance to sign up for an optional guided bike ride with Mike’s Bikes and visit the city’s best spots. Otherwise you’re free to roam the old town, buy yourself a pair or lederhosen or a traditional dirndl, or amuse yourself watching the antics of mechanical figurines in the city’s famous Glockenspiel. Making the most of our time in Munich this evening, we’ll get introduced to 800 years of history at a traditional Bavarian beer hall.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Munich Messe (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Clink your Steins at a Beer Hall

Additional Cost Applies:

• Austrian White Water Rafting
• Mike’s Bike Tour

Munich:

• Today it’s goodbye Germany, hello Czech. But first, we have an important stop to make.

Via Dachau:

• Journeying out of Munich, we’ll make a stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You’ll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on to Prague.

Prague:

• On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we’ll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings & Queens and gothic history. Don’t miss our optional ‘Hidden Prague’ adventure, where a local guide will show us the city’s best kept secrets.

Plus Prague (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Visit Dachau Concentration Camp

Additional Cost Applies:

• Take a ‘Hidden Prague’ Tour with a Local Guide

Prague:

• Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that’s begging you to come out to play. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. Or shop for traditional bohemian treasures. Tonight join us for an authentic Czech evening complete with dumplings, goulash and plenty of local beer!

Plus Prague (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Additional Cost Applies:

• Traditional Czech Evening

Prague:

• Pack your bags and say your sincere thanks to the Czech Republic for being such a lovely host. As promised, we’re heading back to Germany for a bout in Berlin.

Via Dresden:

• A drive from Prague to Berlin wouldn’t be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed in World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, boasting the born-again beauty of the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

Berlin:

• On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We’ve got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city and we’ll kick it off with a tour to learn about its troubled but fascinating past. Once we’ve gotten acquainted with the key sites, we’ll enjoy an included dinner together, ready for more exploring tomorrow.

Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experience:

• Tour Berlin

Berlin:

• Today you’ll have the chance to really uncover Berlin. You can opt to take a historical walking tour, including a visit to the site of Hitler’s bunker. Otherwise, you’re free to explore all the obscurities tucked away off the main street of Unter Den Linden, see the Brandenburg gate, discover nature at the Lustgarten, or catch the U-bahn to one of Berlin’s quirky neighbourhoods. Or, if you skipped the historical walking tour this morning, there’ll be the chance to join an alternative walking tour of the city, showing you a side of Berlin not often seen by tourists. And if you’re looking for a night out, now is the perfect time to scope out one of those underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that Berlin is famous for.

Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experience:

• Browse East Side Gallery

Additional Cost Applies:

• Historical Walking Tour
• Alternative Berlin

Berlin:

• We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights.

Amsterdam:

• We’ll enjoy an included dinner in Amsterdam this evening, then you’re free to explore this city with a peek of the canals, bicycles & 17th century gable houses lit up by night, plus plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Amsterdam:

• It’s our last full day on trip & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer. The best way to say farewell to this gorgeous city? Opt to take the A’DAM lookout swing, an incredible observation deck with unrivalled panoramas of the twisting canals below.

Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Additional Cost Applies:

• logs, Edam and Dinner Experience MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
• Have a Go on Amsterdam’s Highest Swing
• Highlights of Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Amsterdam:

• It’s been one heck of a trip, but all good things must come to an end. Whether you’re ending the trip in Amsterdam or returning to London, we’ll say our goodbyes and swap deets. New adventures lie ahead!

Via Calais

Via Dover

London:

• This afternoon we cross from France to England and then back to London-town, where you’ll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast