European Encounter (Winter)

Belgium (in transit), Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, France, Monaco

European Winter Brochure (2009/2010) map

Map & Sightseeing List

Header-timeout 18 days Superior

Total Price From* $109 per day: $1979 per person

*Based on twin share.

Meals: 15 8
Transportation: Coach, Ferry
Accommodation: Hotel, Feature Hotel

Daily Itinerary European Encounter (Winter)

Depart for Europe Day 1

Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Arrive London Day 2

Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.
London to Amsterdam Day 3
Meet your Contiki Crew and see the White Cliffs of Dover before travelling through Belgium and into the Netherlands to Amsterdam.
- Hotel
- Dinner
Amsterdam Day 4
Visit a local cheese farm to learn how cheese and clogs are made. Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s House.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Amsterdam to Rhine Valley Day 5
We cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. Drive past vineyards and fairy-tale castles before learning how beersteins are crafted.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Rhine Valley to Lucerne Day 6
Pass fairytale castles and rolling vineyards on the way to Lucerne, nestled in the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Lucerne Day 7
Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and opportunities to shop for local specialties – watches, chocolate and Swiss army knives.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Lucerne to Innsbruck Day 8
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’.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Innsbruck to Venice Day 9
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?
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Venice to Rome Day 10
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.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Rome Day 11
A full free day to explore the treasures of Rome. Your chance to join a tour through Imperial Rome with a local guide, before time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps or check out the shops.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Rome to Florence Day 12
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.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Florence to French Riviera Day 13
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.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
French Riviera Day 14
Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade at Nice and enjoy your chance to relax or shop for French fashion. 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?
- Hotel
- Breakfast
French Riviera to Château de Fontager Day 15
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 Château de Fontager, where you can enjoy its charming locale on the Rhone River.
- Feature Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Château de Fontager to Paris Day 16
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?
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Paris Day 17
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?
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Paris to London Day 18
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.
- Breakfast

What's Included

16 nights in twin or triple-share hotel accommodation: 15 nights in hotels & 1 night in Contiki’s Feature Hotel
15 continental breakfasts (B) & 8 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges