Experience Europe, Contiki style! A great tour itinerary for those wanting quality time in Italy without skipping anything important on the way there. The second half of the tour is all about beautiful scenery with stops in the Austrian Tyrol as well as the Swiss Alps. Of course, with the beautiful scenery comes some amazing opportunities to raft, ride and climb your way to must have memories.
| Length: | 22 days |
|---|---|
| Accommodations: | Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel, Hotel as per itinerary
|
| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch as per itinerary
|
| Sightseeing: | France, 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 French RivieraSouth today, to the fabulous Côte d'Azur via the famous Autoroute de Soleil. Tonight we visit Monaco! See the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo.
French Riviera to FlorenceWe visit a French perfumery before continuing to Pisa, home of the 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 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 Austrian TyrolToday we leave Italy and travel over the spectacular Brenner Pass. 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 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 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!