European Highlights

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: Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel, Hotel
as per itinerary
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit)
Transportation: Coach, Ferry

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Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 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"?

  2. Day Icon-day2 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?

  3. Day Icon-day3 Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region

    Today's journey leads us to Contiki's exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon.

  4. Day Icon-day4 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.

  5. Day Icon-day5 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.

  6. Day Icon-day6 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.

  7. Day Icon-day7 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.

  8. Day Icon-day8 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.

  9. Day Icon-day9 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.

  10. Day Icon-day10 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.

  11. Day Icon-day11 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.

  12. Day Icon-day12 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.

  13. Day Icon-day13 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.

  14. Day Icon-day14 Amsterdam to London

    Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England.

Tour Map

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
Accomodations
  • 13 nights accommodation: 1 night in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 8 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 4 nights in hotels & 1 night in a hostel
  • 13 breakfasts (B) & 7 dinners (D), as per itinerary
  • Most accommodation is twin-share, with a maximum of quad share
  • The majority of accommodations have private facilities
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Resident Contiki special stopover and village staff
  • Modern air-conditioned coach with outlets for charging
  • Free Contiki Travelers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet
  • Ferry crossings
  • Sightseeing tours of all major cities

Optional Excursions

Please Note

Europe Optional Excursions (prices vary)
The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2009. Complete details will be updated in early 2009.

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 25.50 (10-19 people) / Euro 24.50 (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.