European Horizon

European Horizon

Seven countries in ten days...sounds like a tour for people who know what they want and don't have time to wait around for it! This is a great introduction to Europe for first timers, giving you a taste for more. Wear clogs in Amsterdam, visit a beerhall in Munich and cruise the canals of Venice on a gondola, you won't want to miss a moment! This tour is also one of the best for scenery lovers with drives over the famous Brenner Pass and past Lake Como.

Length: 12 days
Accommodations: Hotel, Hostel, Contiki Special Stopover, Contiki Village
as per itinerary
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Belgium (in transit), Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France
Transportation: Coach, Ferry
Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 London to Amsterdam

    A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We travel through Belgium and into the Netherlands. After dinner a chance to explore this unique city and it's amazing nightlife.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Amsterdam to Rhine Valley

    This morning take the time to explore the delights of Amsterdam - visit a museum or do a spot of shopping. We travel into Germany for a chance to try some local wine and finish with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to our hotel.

  3. Day Icon-day3 Rhine Valley to Munich

    We visit the town of St. Goar to see how German beer steins are crafted before travelling south through Germany to Bavaria and its capital, Munich. Our orientation tour of Munich takes us to Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel. Tonight the Beerhalls beckon all thirsty travellers.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Munich to Austrian Tyrol

    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.

  5. Day Icon-day5 Austrian Tyrol to Venice

    Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery as we head south to Italy. It's a short boat ride to the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?

  6. Day Icon-day6 Venice to Swiss Alps

    A magnificent Alpine drive takes us past Lake Como and climbs into Switzerland. Enjoy time to shop and sightsee in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps.

  7. Day Icon-day7 Swiss Alps

    A 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!

  8. Day Icon-day8 Swiss Alps to Paris

    Travel past vineyards and through the French countryside to the romantic city of Paris and your first glimpse of this beautiful city.

  9. Day Icon-day9 Paris

    Visit a French perfume house and then 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?

  10. Day Icon-day10 Paris to London

    Departing Paris, we travel past World War I battlefields on our way 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
  • Amsterdam: See the canals, gable houses and city by night
  • Rhine Valley: Scenic drive along the Rhine River; Visit the riverside town St. Goar
  • Munich: See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz
  • Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace; Murano glass-blowing demonstration
  • Lucerne: See the Wooden Chapel Bridge; Scenic drive through the Alps
  • Paris: See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral; Visit a French Perfumery
Accomodations
  • 10 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Swiss Chalet,
    1 night in Contiki’s exclusive Austrian Gasthof, 3 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 3 nights in hotels & 1 night
  • 9 breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D) – as per itinerary
  • Most accommodation is twin-share, with a maximum of quad share, and a majority have private facilities
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Resident Contiki special stopover & village staff
  • Modern, air-conditioned coach with outlets for charging
  • Free Contiki Travelers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet
  • 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.

Amsterdam

Canal Cruise (Euro 28.00)
A cruise on Amsterdam's world-famous canals is the perfect way to see this wonderful city. You'll pass many famous sights including Dutch gabled houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the Red Light District. The included beer, wine, soft-drinks and snacks will make your evening complete.

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.

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!

Austrian Tyrol

White Water Rafting (Euro 38.00)
Experience the thrills of white water rafting in the most picturesque setting imaginable! You'll travel through rapids in the company of your tour mates and a highly professional rafting team. Full equipment (including safety helmets and wet suits) is included in the cost (white water rafting is normally available from May to September).

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.

Swiss Alps

Jungfrau Mountain (SF 127.00)
A fabulous trip on the highest cog railway in the world up the Jungfrau Mountain, which rises to 4,158m (13,600ft). Travel through 7kms (4.2 miles) of tunnel and stop for grand views from the plate glass windows - literally in the North Face of the Eiger Mountain. The journey ends at Jungfraujoch - 3,454m (11,300ft) above sea level with impressive views from the highest railway station and post office in the world! Whatever the time of year, the scenery is fabulous and there's even the opportunity to ski (at a small charge and weather permitting).

Paris

An Evening at Auberge de la Bonne Franquette (Euro 34.00)
Tonight's traditional Restaurant, located in Montmartre's artist's quarter, 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.
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!
Group Photo at the Eiffel Tower (Euro 11.00)
A famous Parisian icon - the Eiffel Tower, forms the backdrop of your group photograph - a great souvenir to take home with you!