To Barcelona and beyond! The European Escapade takes you through the best of Western Europe, allowing time to really experience what each city has to offer. Highlights include strolling La Rambla in Barcelona, re-discovering the might of the Roman Emperors in Rome and gazing up at the Swiss Alps from your bedroom window in Switzerland. What better way to spend a month in Europe?
| Length: | 27 days |
|---|---|
| Accommodations: | Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel, Hotel as per itinerary
|
| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch as per itinerary
|
| Sightseeing: | France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
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. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City Of Lights"?
ParisToday'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?
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 FlorenceToday we leave France and enter Italy! We drive past the seaside city of Genoa en-route to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. From here we weave through the Tuscan countryside heading to the birthplace of the Renaissance, 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 VeniceSoak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains, vineyards and quaint hilltop towns to Venice, our home for the next two nights.
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 ViennaAn enchanting drive as we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to see the splendours of the once mighty Austrian Empire. 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 MunichOn to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls.
Munich to Austrian TyrolOur orientation tour of Munich includes the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz. Take the opportunity to go white-water rafting in the heart of the Austrian Alps before a special welcome awaits at Contiki's own Gasthof.
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 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 LondonTime to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!