European Highlights

Got two weeks to spare and want to see as much of Europe as possible? Then this is the tour for you! Two night stops in the big cities - Paris, French Riviera, Rome and Amsterdam - included sightseeing, walking tours, scenic drives...you'll wish your holiday would never end.

Length:	16 days
Accommodations:	Hotel, Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel as per itinerary
Meals:	Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
Sightseeing:	France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit)
Transportation:	Coach, Ferry
Next Tour:	September 08, 2008 Request a booking See all dates & rates

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

Day Depart for Europe

Your exciting European trip begins.
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. Hotel
Day London to Paris

A 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"? Contiki Village (D)
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? Contiki Village (B)
Day Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region

Today's journey leads us to Contiki's exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)
Day Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera

Today we travel along the famous Autoroute de Soleil to visit the city of the popes, Avignon. Our journey takes us further south to the fabulous Cote D'Azur, playground of the rich and famous. Contiki Village (B,D)
Day French Riviera

Today 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. Contiki Village (B,D)
Day French Riviera to Florence

Today 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. Contiki Village (B)
Day Florence to Rome

Our morning in Florence includes a walking tour and time to shop for leather and gold. A short drive takes us to Rome and its famous Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Contiki Village (B)
Day Rome

Once 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. Contiki Village (B,D)
Day Rome to Venice

Soak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains, vineyards and quaint hilltop towns to Venice. A short boat ride takes us into the historic centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. A chance for a gondola ride and last Italian meal. Contiki Village (B)
Day Venice to Munich

Travelling through the spectacular Dolomite Mountains and Austria we make our way to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls. Hostel (B)
Day Munich to Rhine Valley

We travel north to the picturesque Rhine Valley to see the famous Lorelei and learn how German beersteins are crafted in St Goar. Hotel (B,D)
Day Rhine Valley to Amsterdam

We 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. Hostel (B,D)
Day Amsterdam

This 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. Hostel (B)
Day Amsterdam to London

After 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. (B)

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included

Paris: Evening Tour of Illuminations; See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral; See Château Fontainebleau
Burgundy: See Chablis, Burgundy and Beaujolais vineyards; Beaujolais wine tasting
Avignon: Visit Avignon & see the Papal Palace
French Riviera: Visit a French Perfumery; Scenic Drive along the Riviera coast; Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace; Visit a Monte Carlo casino
Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria; Florentine leather craft demonstration; Walking tour with a local guide
Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace; Murano glass-blowing demonstration
Brenner Pass: Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
Munich: See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz
Rhine Valley: Scenic drive along the Rhine River; Visit the riverside town St. Goar
Amsterdam: See the canals, gable houses and city by night; Visit a fishing and cheese village; Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside; Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house

Accommodations

14 nights accommodation – 1 night in a Contiki Special Stopover, 8 nights in Contiki Villages, 2 nights in Hotels, 3 nights in Youth Hotels
13 breakfasts (B) & 7 dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Most accommodation is twin-share, with a maximum of quad share, and more than half of all Budget accommodations have private facilities

Contiki Difference

Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
Resident Contiki manager & team at special stopovers
Contiki Village representatives
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Free Contiki Travellers Guide
Free Contiki document wallet
Ferry transport as per itinerary

Optional Excursions

Paris

Nouvelle Eve (Euro 70.00): Enjoy an evening at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabaret shows in Paris. Situated near Montmartre, the show is an extravaganza of dancing girls, exquisite costumes and comedy acts. Your visit includes half a bottle of champagne and one of the most dazzling 'French Can Can' dances around. A truly French evening that is unforgettable!
Les Noces des Jeanette (Euro 34.00): Tonight's traditional restaurant is the perfect place to tempt your taste buds with French cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers. A three course meal with local wine and a great atmosphere means this will be an evening to remember.

Florence

Tuscan Meal (Euro 27.00): Our restaurant this evening is located in the heart of Florence and provides the venue for our Tuscan feast. In true Italian style you'll dine on antipasta, pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course - all washed down with some local Chianti wine.
Souvenir Group Photo (Euro 11.50): A photo of you and all of your new friends is the perfect souvenir from your tour. The photo will be taken with a panorama of Florence in the background or in one of the city's famous piazzas.

Rome

Guided Imperial Tour (Euro 23.00 (10-19 people) / Euro 22.00 (20+ people)): Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You'll wander across the cobbled stones of the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in the history of western culture. Price includes entry into Forum and Colosseum.

Venice

T-Shirts (From Euro 18.00 - 28.50): Be inspired by the Italian Masters, or better still let your imagination run wild and create your own group design! A terrific souvenir of your tour.
Gondola Ride (Euro 21.00): No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals in a world-famous gondola. Take in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly memorable Venetian experience.

Austrian Tyrol

Swarovski Crystal World (Euro 7.00): Swarovski Crystal is world famous for its high quality and exceptional beauty. Visit the newly renovated museum in Wattens, to view incredible displays of light, colour and sound. See the world's largest and smallest crystals, and the unique 'Crystal Wall'- 11 metres high, 42 metres long and packed with 12 tonnes (2,200 lbs) of glittering stone!

Munich

Bavarian Beerhall (Euro 21.00): Join us in one of the oldest and most famous beerhalls in Munich, which was established in 1406, for a traditional evening of fun. Taste German specialties including roasted pork knuckle and beer, while watching dancers, yodellers and musicians in full costume. Prost!

St. Goar

Wine Tasting (Euro 8.00): A chance to sample and learn about some of the most famous wines of the Rhine region of Germany. There's also the opportunity to purchase some of your favourites! Don't leave your tasting glass behind - it's yours to keep.

Amsterdam

Evening Canal Cruise (Euro 19.50): A cruise on Amsterdam's world-famous canals is the perfect way to celebrate your final evening on tour. You'll pass many famous sights including Dutch gabled houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the Red Light District. Your cruise includes commentary, a couple of drinks and snacks.
Canal Bike Tour (Euro 12.50): There's no better introduction to this beautiful 17th century city than a fun canal ride. Our four-seater pedal boats follow a picturesque route past pretty canal houses, the Amstel Locks, and the famous Skinny Bridge, and is the perfect way to start your day of sightseeing.
Sea Palace Restaurant (Euro 30.00): This unique floating restaurant is built in the typical pagoda style of Chinese palaces. Located in the heart of Amsterdam it's the perfect place for you to join us for a typical Dutch 'rice table' which consists of a variety of main dishes accompanied with rice.

Share this Trip

Recent Tips

Always sign up for the group photo's while on ANY of the tours Contiki offers. When you get home you'll be glad that you did - it will be nice to have a professional photo of your whole group that you can hang up on the wall or put in a photo album.

davidg Article on Group Photo, Arizona

...Our tour guide was great and seeing the Forum and Colosseum was awesome.

Explorer1106390 Article on Guided Imperial Tour, Rome

Visiting a Broadway show usually tops people's to-do lists. If you are want a classic show, go for "Phantom of the Opera" or "Les Miserables" (I prefer Les Mis!), and you will not be disappointed.

Angie Article on New York

Get Ready

Packing List: Things to buy, to bring, and to wear.
Start your Trip Journal: Create a free travelogue of your adventure. It has already been customized for your trip!
Power Adapters: How to keep your electronics charged.
Suitcase or Backpack: Convenience vs Capacity.

Featured Travel Photos

Photo by Zo
Related: Colosseum
Photo by rharm
Related: California Highlights
Photo by Danielle8516
Related: London

European Highlights

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

Day Depart for Europe

Day Arrive London

Day London to Paris

Day Paris

Day Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region

Day Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera

Day French Riviera

Day French Riviera to Florence

Day Florence to Rome

Day Rome

Day Rome to Venice

Day Venice to Munich

Day Munich to Rhine Valley

Day Rhine Valley to Amsterdam

Day Amsterdam

Day Amsterdam to London