Hello and welcome to Vienna! Say hello to your new crew before we jump right into our very first day of adventure. 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-west 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 orientation 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. If that's not your style feel free to explore and get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night. Or learn how to make pasta (and then gobble it all up too). When in Rome, right?
Rome wasn't built in a day but we sure can try and see it all in one day!You can opt to take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators in a guided tour, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. Throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Let's hit the road as we have more of Italy to lust over…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.
