Your heart-pounding adventure kicks off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for Europe, 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 via Belgium before reaching... Amsterdam!Tonight, after an included dinner, the fun-famed Amsterdam is yours to explore in all its glory.
Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world’s most unique cities. Street art and graffiti lovers have the chance to visit the STRAAT Museum. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. After exploring, you'll have the chance to join a dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights.
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.
Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. Luckily, we've got two walking tours to offer you. A historical walking tour in the morning to discover spots like Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building and an alternative walking tour in the evening to discover edgy Kreuzberg. Either way, it’s a day packed with stories, sights, and a real taste of Berlin.
This morning we'll motor out of Berlin, ready for our next city. Berlin is one tough act to follow. Next up, we head to the border and stop at a town called Dresden. 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 could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers.
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! Feeling hungry? There’s an optional walking food tour that'll sort you right out.
Today we exchange the Czech Republic for Austria, waving goodbye to pretty Prague knowing that cultured Vienna is coming right up.Austria, we have arrived! After you've filled up on delicious Austrian cuisine, it's time to sign up for a classical concert to top it all off. Or if you prefer, spend the evening relaxing in style.
Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we'll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy. It's onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its salt mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city and it's historical hotspots. Tonight you'll have a free night to explore Kraków's vibrant food and nightlife scene.
This morning we're up and on our way. Today we will change pace as we drop to an unfamiliar and sobering level by visiting the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau. Learning and growing is what we travellers do after all. Back in the city, you'll have a free night. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favourite - these dumplings are an absolute classic.
Alpine scenery and traditional villages will make our departure from Krakow more manageable. Particularly with the knowledge that we have Budapest coming up in the eve. Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you. Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day. From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. Waste no time getting involved with Budapest by joining the optional river cruise and dinner.
The day is yours to tackle Budapest however you see fit. After all the travelling we've done, you've probably earned yourself an afternoon soaking in one of the cities most famous thermal baths. Blissed out in Budapest - there's an insta caption for you. If gardens, fountains, pools and ruins are the call of your day, put Margaret Island top and centre of your to do list.
This morning we say goodbye to the city of Budapest and head south to Slovenia! Though the name Ljubljana might not be as well known as Budapest, that doesn't diminish its delight as a European city. In fact, its undiscovered charm is all part of the fascination... Aesthetically wonderful and filled with youthful moods, Ljubljana is one to love for its off the tourist trail vibes and casual attitude. We’ll kick things off with a city tour on arrival, then it’s all about getting cosy in a local cafe and soaking up the endless laid-back feels.
So long Ljubljana, your unique charm will remain in our hearts forever. Hitting the road, we’ll journey for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop! Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. We'll be jumping aboard our own motoscafo and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride is up for grabs, or you can discover Venice with a guided food tour, both totally optional. Or simply choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner. This afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. Gelato, pizza, and ancient monuments galore. Tonight you're free to explore and get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night.
Rome wasn't built in a day but we sure can try and see it all in one day! Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by. Next, you'll get the chance to try a pasta making class and cook a homemade meal for dinner.
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over…For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. 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 at. Tonight, see a different side of the city on an optional food-filled walking tour through the Oltrarno.
It's almost time to say a heartfelt 'ciao' to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and watches. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here we'll visit the wooden chapel bridge and lion monument and take the chance to explore. Our recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.
Today you're free to stroll the beautiful streets of Lucerne and sit in a coffee shop soaking up mountain life. For the foodies, there’s even an optional fondue dinner you can join later. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can opt for a visit to the top of Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, or take an optional cruise across Lake Lucerne for a look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Don't say we don't spoil you.
It’s been sweet, but we’re swapping Switzerland for France this afternoon. But first, there's just 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. Welcome to Lyon! Amidst vineyards, and rolling hills. We'll start by appreciating all things food and wine.
Welcome to the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon, where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Here, it’s all about wandering cobbled streets, hunting down a cosy little bouchon, and diving fork-first into the kind of local eats you'll be dreaming about for weeks. Beaujolais is basically a love language here - treat yourself to a glass (or two), because hey, when in Lyon!
Yes, yes, you could stay here forever, but unfortunately the show must go on. And there is more French fabulousness just around the corner, we promise. After coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy, we'll arrive in the City of Lights. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & historic architecture, this evening we'll fall in love with everything Paris on a dreamy night-time tour. Is it just us, or is love in the air? Once we've seen the most famous landmarks, we'll celebrate our first night in the city with a dinner.
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 with dinner.
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen on this trip. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective. For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel north to Calais.This afternoon we cross from France to England... What a journey, if you've chosen to end your trip in London, say a fond farewell to the remainder of your group as you wrap up this adventure.
