European Trail (Plus)

Tonight, after an included dinner, Amsterdam is yours to explore in all its fun-filled glory. Want to keep the good times rolling? You've got the option to catch a comedy show. The night is still young. (D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)

Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world's most unique cities. Street art and graffiti lovers have the chance to visit the STRAAT Museum. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. After exploring, you'll have the chance to join a dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights. (B)

Out of Amsterdam, onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. That's on today's agenda. On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city, and we'll start them off with a tour and a with a delicious dinner! After that, you're free to explore, and maybe even sample some of that legendary nightlife for yourself... (B/D) Stay: Good Morning Berlin City East (or similiar)

Tours, glorious tours! After our taster of Berlin's history yesterday, we'll have two inspiring walking tours in store for today (totally optional of course). First up, take a historical walking tour, including a visit to the site of Hitler's bunker.

In the evening, we'll embark on an Alternative Berlin walking tour, taking us to all the city's hipster haunts and historical hotspots. If you're looking for a night out, tonight is the perfect time to scope out one of those underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that Berlin is famous for. (B)

This morning we'll motor out of Berlin, ready for our next city. Berlin is one tough act to follow. Next up, we head to the border and stop at a town called Dresden. A drive from Berlin to Prague would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the re-birthed beauty of the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we'll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings and gothic history. Tonight, you could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers. (B) Stay: Zleep Hotel (or similar)

With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life! Feeling hungry? There's an optional walking food tour that'll sort you right out. (B)

Today we exchange the Czech Republic for Austria, waving goodbye to pretty Prague knowing that cultured Vienna is coming right up. Austria, we have arrived! It's time to sign up for a dinner at Habibi & Hawara, and a classical concert to top it all off (both totally optional, should you prefer to spend your evening relaxing in style). (B) Stay: Ibis Wien Mariahilf Hotel Vienna (or similar)

Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we'll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy. Today we will change pace once we cross the border, as we drop to an unfamiliar and sobering level by visiting the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau. Learning and growing is what we travellers do.

Then it's on to the city of Kraków, famed for its beautiful old town and the cool, creative vibes of the Kazimierz district. Settle in tonight with an included dinner - tomorrow's all about exploring everything this gem has to offer. (B/D) Stay: Vienna House Easy Cracow (or similar)

Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city's best beer spots and historical hotspots then you're free to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre in your own time. A Jewish Quarter, a jaw-dropping castle & museums aplenty are just some of the relics found in the relatively untouched Krakow. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favourite - these dumplings are an absolute classic. (B)

Alpine scenery and traditional villages will make our departure from Krakow more manageable. Particularly with the knowledge that we have Budapest coming up in the eve. Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you.

Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day. From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. Waste no time getting involved with Budapest by joining the optional river cruise and dinner. (B) Stay: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

The day is yours to tackle Budapest however you see fit. After all the travelling we've done, you've probably earned yourself an afternoon soaking in one of the cities most famous thermal baths. Blissed out in Budapest - there's an insta caption for you. If gardens, fountains, pools and ruins are the call of your day, put Margaret Island top and centre of your to do list. (B)

This morning we say goodbye to the city of Budapest and head south to Slovenia! Though the name Ljubljana might not be as well known as Budapest, that doesn't diminish its delight as a European city. In fact, its undiscovered charm is all part of the fascination... WOW is probably the one word we hear in unison as we pull up at this jaw dropping lake. Don't forget to keep your swimmers out today, this is the perfect place for a dip to break up the journey, and grab a few lust-worthy snaps. 

Aesthetically wonderful and filled with youthful moods, Ljubljana is one to love for its off the tourist trail vibes and casual attitude. We'll kick things off with a city tour on arrival, then it's all about getting cosy in a local cafe and soaking up the endless laid-back feels. (B) Stay: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

So long Ljubljana, your unique charm will remain in our hearts forever. Hitting the road, we'll journey for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop! Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. We'll be jumping aboard our own motoscafo and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride is up for grabs, or you can discover Venice with a guided food tour, both totally optional. Or simply choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you. (B) Stay: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)

Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner. This afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. Gelato, pizza, and ancient monuments galore. Tonight you're free to explore and get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night. (B) Stay: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)

Rome wasn't built in a day but we sure can try and see it all in one day! Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by. Next, you'll get the chance to try a pasta making class and cook a homemade meal for dinner. (B)

We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over… The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to take in the unique beauty of this beautiful city where culture and la dolce vita is evident in every direction you look at. Start your Tuscan love affair with a walking tour through Florence's charming streets, then wrap it up the Italian way with a mouthwatering dinner of Bistecca, the iconic Florentine steak. (B) Stay: B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli (or similar)

It's almost time to say a heartfelt 'ciao' to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and watches. But we have one more thing to do in Italy first.... As if we were going to jump from Florence to Switzerland without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Here's your chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot, so make it a good one.

With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here we'll visit the wooden chapel bridge and lion monument and take the chance to explore. Our recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate. (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

Today you're free to stroll the beautiful streets of Lucerne and sit in a coffee shop soaking up mountain life. For the foodies, there's even an optional fondue dinner you can join later. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can opt for a visit to the top of Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, or take an optional cruise across Lake Lucerne for a look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Don't say we don't spoil you. (B)

It's been sweet, but we're swapping Switzerland for France this afternoon.  But first, there's just time for one last breath of fresh mountain air. A quick lunch break in the home of the UN's headquarters and a view of that oh so famous water fountain. Grab a bite to eat and a last mouthful of delish swiss chocolate (try saying that three times fast) and then we'll be on our way.

Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki's very own 16th century château. This might just be our most decadent accommodation yet, complete with newly-renovated bedrooms & bathrooms, an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, and a powder room for makeup and hair. And we haven't even shown you the pool or the gardens yet! Tonight we'll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France... (B/D) Stay: Château de Cruix (or similar)

Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château's gardens or loll about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine. (B/L/D)

Yes, yes, you could stay here forever, but unfortunately the show must go on. And there is more French fabulousness just around the corner, we promise.  After coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy, we'll arrive in the City of Lights. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, this evening we'll fall in love with everything Paris on a dreamy night-time tour. Is it just us, or is love in the air?

Once we've seen the most famous landmarks, we'll celebrate our first night in the city with a dinner followed by a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best panoramic views of the city. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)

Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is yours! We'll take you to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quartiers, wander Le Marais for food, shop up a storm on the Champs Elysee, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with can-can girls & a Cabaret show with dinner. (B)

Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen on this trip. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective. For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south to Calais.

This afternoon we cross from France to England... What a journey, if you've chosen to end your trip on arrival in London say a fond farewell to the remainder of your group as you wrap up the journey on arrival. (B)