Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights. A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on our trip.
After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme. We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason. (D) Stay: Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more...
After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we'll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline. (B) Stay: Ozz Hostel (or similar)
Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission. Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy.
We're visiting Monaco tonight, and youll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace! After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow. (B)
Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. When in Rome...take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.
After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we'll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we'll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets. (B) Stay: Hostel Trustever (or similar)
As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD.
When you choose the optional guided tour saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning! Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country. (B) Stay: Overnight Ferry
Ahoy there, we'll be sailing the Adriatic this morning then rolling off the ferry in Durres, where we'll keep going until our next destination - the Corinth Canal. The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean. A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss.
Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel
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