Hello and welcome to Rome! Say hello to your new crew before we jump right into our very first day of adventure. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with another drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo Cathedral. Plus, there's an optional Tuscan dinner lined up for you tonight.
Hopefully by now you are head to toe in fresh leather, you've eaten your bodyweight in antipasto, and you're feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to farewell Florence. Bunking down tonight amid fairytale snowcapped mountains, this evening is free to do as you like. Perhaps a fondue dinner is on the cards. Tomorrow we'll set out to explore this magical land of cheese, chocolate and watches.
Open the window of your room & drink in the incredible view - if you can find words or photos that do it justice, we applaud you! If you're feeling audacious, opt to take a trip up a Swiss mountain with your travel crew or go paragliding. Otherwise you're free to explore this classic European adventure town.
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, & evening coffee haunts, 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?
If you're waiting for a chance to indulge yourself in all things Paris, today is your day. Stock up on perfume at the Fragonard Perfumery. Later you can moan over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the many rooms of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. With your last night looming, make it one to remember in the city of lights.
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.
