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European Whirl | Gap Year 18
22 | Start London
Tour Description:
Don't know where to start on your dream Euro Gap Year trip? This one takes you through all the biggest destinations – hitting up the modern vibes and bouncing nightlife of Berlin and Prague, the Italian Holy Trinity of Venice, Rome and Florence, some chill time in the Swiss Alps and much more. It’s a bit of everything. It’s unforgettable. It’s a whirl alright.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 07 Jun 24 — Monday 24 Jun 24 | Starting at $4,619 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
6 Dinner (D)
17 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
London: For this trip, we recommend that you carry the British Pound, Euro, Czech Koruna, Swiss Franc. (It’s a coin collector's dream!)
London: Usually, your trip manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
London: This trip includes plenty of interesting Free Time Add-Ons in Amsterdam. So if you’re planning to do any other activity, and looking to book in advance - it’s best to book your tickets between 12-3PM. Of course, you can always book any other time (we’re all about freedom to explore!). But make sure you don’t miss the other activities, or a coach transfer to the accommodation!
Included Experience
Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
Berlin: Get your culture on. It’s time to see Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag building.
Berlin: Heads up culture vultures. Here’s your chance to check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.
Dresden: See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings. Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche.
Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Beaujolais: Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la!
Beaujolais: Clear out the cobwebs and get in touch with you zen side with a guided yoga session on the sweeping lawns of the château.
Paris: Take a dreamy stroll across the charming streets and famous spots in Paris. Bet this is what your insta-profile was craving!
Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
6 Dinner (D)
17 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
London: For this trip, we recommend that you carry the British Pound, Euro, Czech Koruna, Swiss Franc. (It’s a coin collector's dream!)
London: Usually, your trip manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
London: This trip includes plenty of interesting Free Time Add-Ons in Amsterdam. So if you’re planning to do any other activity, and looking to book in advance - it’s best to book your tickets between 12-3PM. Of course, you can always book any other time (we’re all about freedom to explore!). But make sure you don’t miss the other activities, or a coach transfer to the accommodation!
Included Experience
Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
Berlin: Get your culture on. It’s time to see Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag building.
Berlin: Heads up culture vultures. Here’s your chance to check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.
Dresden: See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings. Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche.
Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Beaujolais: Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la!
Beaujolais: Clear out the cobwebs and get in touch with you zen side with a guided yoga session on the sweeping lawns of the château.
Paris: Take a dreamy stroll across the charming streets and famous spots in Paris. Bet this is what your insta-profile was craving!
Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
ITINERARY
ITINERARYLondon to Amsterdam
The adventure of a lifetime kicks off today. Meet up with your new Contiki family in London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam.
Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK!
Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north through Belgium before reaching...Amsterdam!
Tonight, the famed-for-fun Amsterdam is ours to explore. First fill up on your included group dinner, then an undisguised Red Light District & plenty of bars are there for the curious.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. This afternoon use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this town is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more.
Amsterdam to Berlin
Out of Amsterdam, onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. That's on today's agenda.
On the world map of cool party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this amazing city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of history into the city and its troubled and interesting past. Once we arrive your Trip Manager can point you in the right direction to go and see the sights.
Berlin
Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveler, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. Spend the day lapping up history, scouting the Berlin Wall and dialing up your intellect at sites like the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building. That way you can let loose a little in the evening without a hint of remorse.
Berlin to Prague via Dresden
"More city hangs" you'll all scream in unison as we motor out of Berlin, high on life & still wanting more. Since you asked so nicely, let us present you with Prague, the darling of Europe.
A drive from Berlin to Prague would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the re-birthed beauty of the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.
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 and gothic history. Tonight, you'll have the chance to join an optional Czech evening with traditional music, dancing & dinner for all the Czech vibes you could hope for.
Prague
With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life! Tonight, you could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers as the sun goes down on the 'City of a Thousand Spires'.
Prague to Munich
Pack your bags and say your goodbyes to the city of Prague. Germany is just next door and we've been invited in for a spot of fun!
This place isn't just an Oktoberfest affair, Munich is lovable year round. And thankfully, it gets into the spirit of Bavarian beer culture year round too. The town square with a famous Glockenspiel is high priority on today's agenda.
Munich to Austrian Tyrol
Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. We're hitting the road in search of lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music.
Next up, Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guest house) is waiting for us with open arms. Get outside and explore the dreamy setting we've descended upon, or opt for tandem paragliding for those thrill seekers among us or take to the hills like Heidi on a bike ride.
Austrian Tyrol to Venice
Wake up roamers, we have a bountiful breakfast and a floating city in Italy to tend to. Life's tough!
You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps & Brenner Pass en route to Italy. And then we'll arrive in Venice & your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private canal boat ride.
Venice to Rome
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner.
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.
Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Rome to Florence
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over…
The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to take in the unique beauty of this beautiful city where culture and la dolce vita is evident in every direction you look. We'll wander along the banks of the Arno before hanging a right into a cobble-stoned wonderland, filled with history and beauty alike. Then we'll learn the art of Florentine leather before venturing off to see what this "city of dreams" has in store for the afternoon. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at an optional dinner - think olives, cured meats, crostini & wine.
Florence to Swiss Alps
That's it for our feasting on all things Florence. With the Swiss Alps in our sights, the devastation of leaving this place should be well and truly numbed.
Arrive in a picture perfect setting ready for two nights at our accommodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. Tonight we'll have a chance to soak up the idyllic scenery, as well as load up on Swiss chocolate.
Swiss Alps
Plenty of views await us today (and if you can find words to do them justice, we applaud you). We’ll head to the top of Jungfrau Mountain via cog train and cable car. Want to spike your adrenaline levels too? No probs. You’ll also have the chance to go on the canyon swing.
Swiss Alps to Beaujolais Wine Region via Geneva
Out with the altitude, into France for a brand new day and a brand new country.
But first, there's time for one last breath of fresh mountain air. A quick lunch break in the home of the UN's headquarters and a view of that oh so famous water fountain. Grab a bite to eat and a last mouthful of delish swiss chocolate (try saying that three times fast) and then we'll be on our way.
Once we've crossed the border out of Switzerland we will be coasting into wine and cheese territory on our scenic journey to Beaujolais. Tonight's the night we stay at Contiki’s very own 16th century Château. Well, we say camp, but this might be the most royal experience of your life. Pool parties, wine tasting at the fully functoning winery, strolling the dreamy French countryside...so many ways to kill time, each as unforgettable as the next. We'll also try some local delicacies with an included group dinner (washed down with local wine, naturally).
Please note: On occasion, certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Chateau 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.
Beaujolais Wine Region to Paris
Yes, yes, we know you want to stay here forever, but the show must go on. And there is more French fabulousness just around the corner, we promise.
Touch down in Paris and settle into your digs before we devour a delicious dinner together. And then it's time to rev up for high-energy vibes - because we're exploring the most iconic Parisian hotspots!*Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We're on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us!
Paris
Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is yours! We'll take you to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quartiers, wander Le Marais for food, shop up a storm on the Champs Elysee, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with can-can girls & a Cabaret show.
Paris to London
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective.
What a journey, on arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the journey on arrival.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
