The European Adventurer is just that, an adventure. From the cosmopolitan sights of Paris, to the romance and passion of the Italians, even out into unchartered tourist territory in Albania and Croatia, there aren't too many boundaries left to cross. There's even a mini holiday within a holiday when you get down to Greece! The perfect way to see most of Europe without wasting a moment.
| Length: | 39 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Adriatic Ferry, Hostel as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Albania, Montenegro (in transit), Croatia, Bosnia (in transit), Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
Depart for EuropeJet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Arrive LondonCheck-in to your hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London. Tonight, meet your Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting.
London to ParisA warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris.
ParisTwo full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included), home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret?
Paris to Beaujolais Wine RegionToday's journey leads us to Contiki's exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon.
Beaujolais Wine RegionThis morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of rural France.
Beaujolais Wine Region to BarcelonaOur journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona.
BarcelonaOur included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?
Barcelona to French RivieraWe return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.
French RivieraToday we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo.
French Riviera to VeniceToday we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.
VeniceA short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?
Venice to FlorenceWe travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it's a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.
FlorenceYour day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.
Florence to RomeAll roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
RomeOnce at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing.
Rome to AthensA chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Athens.
To AthensFrom Patras we cross the famous Corinth canal before arriving in historic Athens. This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this wonderful city with a local guide. The tour incorporates many sights of this ancient city and includes a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Athens to MykonosFerry to the striking beauty of Mykonos, a Greek island of white-washed houses, windmills and sapphire-blue water. This is your time to relax and adapt to Greek island life - sun-soaked beaches by day and cool bars and clubs by night.
Mykonos to PrevezaReturning to mainland Greece we make our way to Corinth for a lunch stop and then continue into the mountains to Preveza.
Preveza to DurresCrossing the Albanian border, we follow the scenic valley interwoven by the numerous remains of the defensive bunkers built years ago. We see the Adriatic Sea on our way to our Durres resort. (Note: During peak periods the night in Durres may be substituted with a night in Tirana).
Durres to DubrovnikHeading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty and make our way on to Croatia and our accommodation in Dubrovnik.
DubrovnikToday's sightseeing shows us one of Europe's most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik. In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or relaxing on the beach.
Dubrovnik to ZadarOn our way to Zadar we follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. A short stop in Split gives you time to wander through the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace.
Zadar to LjubljanaToday it's on to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. Tonight take some time to stroll the narrow streets of the old town or maybe relax in a cafe to the tunes of local street musicians.
Ljubljana to ViennaToday we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to see the capital of the once mighty Austrian Empire, Vienna. Classical music to heighten your senses tonight?
ViennaOn our sightseeing tour see the fabulous Palace of the Hapsburgs, the State Opera House and fashionable Kärntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. Later why not sample some local schnaps and a traditional Viennese meal?
Vienna to Austrian TyrolToday our destination is the picturesque Tyrol region. Along the way we pass through Austria's beautiful countryside before arriving in our home for two nights, Hopfgarten.
Austrian TyrolThe picture-postcard village of Hopfgarten is an excellent base to make the most of the beautiful countryside. Experience a vast range of outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or perhaps trout fishing.
Austrian Tyrol to MunichOn to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Our orientation tour includes the town centre with its historic Glockenspiel. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls.
Munich to Swiss AlpsWe stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and see the sights in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps.
Swiss AlpsA spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain!
Swiss Alps to Rhine ValleyHeading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Tonight we stay in the picturesque Rhine Valley after seeing the famous Lorelei and hearing how German beersteins are crafted in St. Goar.
Rhine Valley to AmsterdamWe cross the Dutch border and make our way towards Amsterdam. Visit a cheese farm and see how clogs are made. Cycle through the countryside and the village of Edam and enjoy the famous Amsterdam nightlife.
AmsterdamThis morning why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam? In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together.
Amsterdam to LondonAfter breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Schipol Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!