Overview
Itinerary
10-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil!
We travel north via Belgium before reaching … Amsterdam! Tonight, after an included dinner and an optional evening canal cruise, the fun-famed Amsterdam is yours to explore in all its glory. (D) Stay: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but it's time to say 'Vaarwel! ' because we're setting off for our next country, Germany. After the scenic journey of fairy tale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. This back-in-time town is our wine tasting host for the evening. Squeal!! ! (B/D) Stay: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)
Saying goodbye to the Rhine Valley, we'll head on to Munich – where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await. But not before we explore a Bavarian hidden gem! Quintessential German experiences don't get much better than visiting this charming medieval town. We'll stroll the cobblestoned streets, checking out vibrant market squares and picturesque half-timbered houses along the way.
Today our eyes will be treated to a famous Glockenspiel, a charming old town & a traditional Bavarian culture. But first, take up the option to explore the side streets and English Gardens by bicycle. (B) Stay: Wombat's Hostel (or similar)
'Auf Wiedersehen' Munich, we're off to tick more countries off our list. This morning we'll climb aboard our coach ready for a scenic roll through the Bavarian Alps, past fairytale castles and rambling vineyards, en route to Austria. Drive through Austria without getting out to say hello? Never! We'll pull into Innsbruck for lunch, a laid-back student city made famous by a medieval old town, an old Olympic Ski Jump & a Royal Palace.
Quick pitstop! We'll check out the charming little city of Trento, right in the heart of the oh-so-beautiful Adige Valley. Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Tonight we'll relax here, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets. (B) Stay: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Next, you'll have the chance to take a traditional gondola ride, choose to learn how to steer a gondola (taught by literal experts) or discover Venice with a guided food tour. (B)
With a few days left, it's time to say 'ciao' to our time in Venice. We'll never forget you, city of canals and beauty, but Switzerland is calling us. Back on our coach we'll pass Lake Como as we cruise out of Italy and head onwards and upwards toward the Swiss Alps. On your way to Lauterbrunnen, you'll have the chance to join an optional boat cruise on Lake Brienz.
Afterwards, we'll head to Lauterbrunnen where you'll have a free evening (AKA plenty of time to absorb the idyllic scenery). (B/D) Stay: Schutzenbach (or similar)
Open the window of your room and drink in the incredible view. Today you're free to explore this classic European adventure town. Feeling extra adventurous? You can even opt to check out Jungfrau mountain, aka ‘the Top of the World'. (B)
It's been sweet, but our time in Interlaken is up this morning. We're Paris-bound! Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and (back) into France. 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? (B/D) Stay: Jo&Joe Gentilly (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 quarters, see Notre Dame Cathedral, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with an optional Parisian Dinner followed by a cabaret show! (B)
Whether you take your complimentary transfer to Paris CDG Airport or central London, it will be sad goodbyes all round this morning as our trip comes to an end. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover – See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- See the River Rhine – Take in the breath-taking scenery of the River Rhine.
- Learn how Beer Steins are made – Visit a local stein store and learn how the famous German steins are crafted, and as a bonus we will show you the worlds largest free hanging Cuckoo-clock!
- See Lorelei Rock – It’s the stuff of legends. Literally. A singing mermaid named Lorelei is said to sit on the rock, enchanting fishermen before luring them to their demise. Eek!
- Drive along Germany’s Romantic Road – Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Clink your Steins at a Beer Hall – We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
- Get to Know Innsbruck – Snow-capped peaks. Pristine air. Chocolate-box buildings. Innsbruck is the answer to all of your Alpine travel wishes.
- Cruise on a Motoscafo to Venice – Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Take a Tour of Paris – Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Visit a French Perfumery – Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
- 9 Breakfasts (B)
- 4 Dinners (D)
- 1 night in Hotel, 8 nights in Hostels
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'European Horizon' Reviews
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Similar Tours
