European Encounter

• Overview
• Itinerary & Map
• Highlights & Optional Excursions
• Dates & Rates

The European Encounter tour is perfect for those who want to see Europe but don't have months to negotiate their way around the continent. You'll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside, go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the French Riviera...all in a little over two weeks!

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

1. Day Depart for Europe

   Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

2. Day Arrive London

   Check-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.

3. Day London to Amsterdam

   Meet your Contiki Crew and see the White Cliffs of Dover before travelling through Belgium and into the Netherlands to Amsterdam. (D)

4. Day Amsterdam

   Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House. (B)

5. Day Amsterdam to Rhine Valley

   We cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. At St. Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock before learning how beersteins are crafted. (B,D)

6. Day Rhine Valley to Lucerne

   Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and vast serene lakes of Switzerland. A special treat is our two night stopover in Europe's highest hotel on the top of Mt. Pilatus (weather conditions permitting). Enjoy fabulous views from the cable car on your trip to the summit. (B,D)

7. Day Lucerne

   Take the cable car down the mountain and be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and opportunities to shop for local specialties - watches, chocolate and Swiss army knives. (B,D)

8. Day Lucerne to Innsbruck

   Pause in Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein before crossing the border in to Austria. This afternoon time to explore Innsbruck where you can visit the Royal Palace or view the famous 'Golden Roof'. (B,D)

9. Day Innsbruck to Venice

   Today we wind through the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy. It's a short boat ride to the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. There's no better way to see Venice than from a gondola so why not join us for a ride before treating yourself to a Venetian evening meal? (B)

10. Day Venice to Rome

    Past medieval hillside villages and through the Apennine Mountains, we travel south to the fabled Seven Hills of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour. (B)

11. Day Rome

    Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)

12. Day Rome to Florence

    Our morning drive leads us to Florence, the Renaissance city set in the beautiful Tuscan Hills. Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our local guide walks us through the city. Free time to shop or visit one of the famous museums. (B)

13. Day Florence to French Riviera

    Our first stop this morning is Pisa where we see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Winding along the beautiful coastline we reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d'Azur. (B,D)

14. Day French Riviera

    Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

15. Day French Riviera to Lyon

    We visit a French perfumery before our lunch stop in Avignon where you can view the Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge. Then north along the Rhone Valley to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon. (B)

16. Day Lyon to Paris

    Today we stop at the magnificent Château Fontainebleau before venturing on to Paris, the 'City of Lights'. What better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)

17. Day Paris

    Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)

18. Day Paris to London

    After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Charles de Gaulle 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. (B)