LONDON TO ATHENS

London

Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life! After a few pleasantries in London we’ll get the show on the road.

Dover

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.

Calais

We’ll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme.

Paris

We’ll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It’s straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we’ll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason.

Paris

Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we’re dragging you away in search of vineyards and châteaus.

Beaune

We’ll make a quick lunch stop in this picturesque little town, known for its rich wine heritage. Plus, you’ll have the chance to check out the iconic Hospices De Beaune (a stunning 15th century hospital with a vibrant tiled roof). Cameras at the ready!

Beaujolais Wine Region

Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we’ll arrive at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. That’s right, we’re trading hotels for a castle tonight! You’ll stay in newly-renovated rooms. What’s more? Not much, just an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, a powder room for makeup and hair, a beautiful sprawling garden AND a pool! Tonight we’ll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France…

Beaujolais Wine Region

Bye-bye Beajoulais! And hello Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain’s most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last.

Barcelona

Well would you look at that for timing, we’ve pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o’clock. Fate, you’ve done it again! A scrumptious Spanish feast and a night exploring this culturally rich city should have us in the fiesta mood soon enough.

Barcelona

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more…

Arles

After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we’ll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town.

French Riviera

You’re not a real celebrity until you’ve frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline.

French Riviera

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn’t miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.

Monaco City

Please tell us you didn’t throw away all of your pennies today? Because you’re going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We’re visiting Monaco tonight, and youll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace!

French Riviera

After a night on the blackjack table it’s back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

French Riviera

Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner.

Eze

But first we’ll make a  a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you’ll learn how your favourite scents are made – and even have a go at crafting your own signature fragrance!

Venice

The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges – what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you’ll want to be alert for tomorrow’s magical agenda.

Venice

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways.

Pisa

As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal.

Florence

For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it’s heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo.

Florence

Farewell Florence – today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas…we’re coming in hot.

Rome

After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we’ll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we’ll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets.

Rome

As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we’re a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii.

Pompeii

Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year…wait for it…79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying “stepping back in time” is about to take on a whole new meaning!

Bari

We’ll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail.

Overnight Adriatic Ferry

Although we don’t arrive in Athens tonight, it’s in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you’ll wake in a brand new country.

Overnight Adriatic Ferry

Ahoy there, we’ll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land…

Patras

We’ll roll off the boat in Patras and then it’s straight back on the road.

Corinth Canal

The awe of Greece’s mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean.

Athens

A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city.

Athens