This is THE Ultimate European experience. 16 countries in 45 days, this is definitely one for the intrepid traveller. Travel through the major European destinations in the first half of the tour before spending some quality time on a Greek island with a cocktail. The second half of the tour is all about unchartered territory...Gallipoli, Troy, Istanbul, Belgrade and Budapest before making your way back to London via Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Your hardest decision will be finding somewhere for your next holiday that you haven't been!
| Length: | 47 days |
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| Accommodations: | Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel, Adriatic Ferry, Hotel as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, 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.
ParisTwo full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included), home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. 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 VeniceToday we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.
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 FlorenceWe travel to Pisa, home of the famous 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 CorfuA chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Greece.
CorfuTwo sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu staying at Contiki's Special Stopover. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing.
Corfu to AthensToday we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens.
Athens to IosOur sighteseeing tour this morning takes in the national treasures of the Acropolis and Parthenon as well as the first modern Olympic stadium. Later, board your ferry to Ios for three nights of partying and relaxation.
IosIos is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic party atmosphere. The perfect mixture of party and relaxation, it's also famous as the place where the great poet Homer died. Lucky you have three nights here!
Ios to SantoriniA ferry ride from the party atmopshere of Ios to the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini.
SantoriniExplore the main towns of Fira and Oia, take a day trip to one of the neighbouring islands or just relax on a beach and watch the world go by.
Santorini to AthensCruising back to Athens today for your final night in the capital. Catch up with your fellow travellers on their arrival back from Egypt and swap stories. Dinner is your choice tonight, a great opportunity to dine in the famous Plaka district.
Athens to KavalaWe drive past Spartan Thermopylae and Thessaloniki, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and then on to our seaside overnight stop at Kavala.
Kavala to CannakaleAfter crossing the border into Turkey we cross the Dardanelles to see Troy's Wooden Horse.
Canakkale to IstanbulWe take time to pay tribute at Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. Travel onwards to Istanbul where you'll have a chance to revel in a night of belly dancing, eastern food, and music.
IstanbulTwo full days to enjoy this amazing city. Join a local guide in the spice markets and the heart of the city. Plenty of time to search for a bargain at the Grand Bazaar or treat yourself to a relaxing Turkish bath.
Istanbul to SofiaWe pass the Turkish border town of Edirne before crossing into Bulgaria and driving to the capital, Sofia. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by free time to shop at the stalls near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Sofia to BelgradeToday we travel to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. A country with a troubled past and a promising future, Belgrade is a surprisingly beautiful contrast between old and new.
Belgrade to BudapestFollowing the Danube River north today, we make our way to the jewel in the crown of Hungary, the capital city of Budapest. A chance to enjoy the sights and tastes of the city on a river cruise.
Budapest to ViennaSightseeing takes in the quaint hill-top Buda and bustling Pest, before 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 Austrian TyrolToday our destination is the picturesque Tyrol region. Along the way we pass through Austria's beautiful countryside before arriving in our home for two nights, Hopfgarten.
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!