European Quest

Welcome to the first day of the best holiday 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 this 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. Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night. (D) Stay: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)

Drool over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. Smitten and it's only day two! (B)

Wipe away your tears sad travellers! Paris is not going anywhere, you can always come back and visit her again. You, on the other hand, are going somewhere, and it's somewhere pretty magnificent... Wise folk tell us that wine has been produced in Bordeaux since the 1st Century - that's a long time, which means they know what they're doing. And it's not just the vin that has dragged us here, it's a pretty place to boot featuring its famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror).

You'll have the option to sip your way through local wines while soaking up the sights on a scenic stroll - because sightseeing's better with a glass in hand. (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar)

Breathe in your last breath of Bordeaux before we hit the road in search of the Spanish border. In just a few short hours we'll be exploring San Sebastian. Our stop will have you people watching in this cute little town on the French and Spanish border. With two nights in Spain's coastal town of San Sebastian, it will be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces. You're free to explore then you'll have the option to hit up our epic Pintxos tour. Your call, but trust us… the flavours are next level. (B) Stay: Koisi Hostel (or similar)

We'll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian's coastline before we enjoy an included dinner this evening. (B/D)

Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don't worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief.  This town comes complete with a baroque Basilica, a perfect combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture and truly a sight to behold. Hola Barcelona... the first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That's if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach.

We'll kick things off with a stop at the epic Sagrada Familia and then you're free to check out the unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & street life. Just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun. (B) Stay: Generator Barcelona (or similar)

They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn't agree more. For a taste of what's in store, here's just the beginning of a never-ending list: hit up the colourful wonderland that is Parc Güell, soak up the sun at the beach, then lose yourself in the backstreets with non-stop tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.

This afternoon, you've got the chance to level up your foodie game with an optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Roll up your sleeves, cook up a storm, and taste the magic of a meal you made yourself. Trust us - your taste buds will thank you. (B)

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more...  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? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline. We'll kick back with an included dinner, then the night's all yours to own. (B/D) Stay: Beach Hostel (or similar)

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. An optional bike ride with the coastline as the backdrop is on the agenda this morning. 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 on perfume today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco.

After a night on the blackjack table it's back to our cosy accommodation and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow. (B)

Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we'll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre. Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above.

Then we'll head to our home for the night - Pisa. Oh, what a long but beautiful day it has been! We'll check into our hotel and get some well deserved rest. (B) Stay: B&B Hotel (or similar)

As if we were going to leave Pisa without a trip to the Leaning Tower. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal.  Explore the city's markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skilful art of leather at an included demonstration. These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda.

Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at a Free Time Add-On dinner - think antipasti & wine. (B) Stay: A&O Florence (or similar)

After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs.

"So so so so in love with Sorrento" are about the only words you'll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty. Here, you'll have the chance to treat yourself with a visit to La Sorgente, a nearby locally-owned family mozzarella farm, for an authentic Italian meal complete with fresh homemade mozzarella, rich olive oil and sunshine-coloured limoncello. (B) Stay: Sisters Hostel (or similar)

It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... We'll head over to the island of Capri for the day. With its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it's easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. If you'd like to spend some time on the water, opt for a cruise, with swim stops & great views of the coastline. Back in Sorrento, we'll stroll along the plunging cliffs, explore the impossibly pretty historical centre and maybe even treat ourselves to some local gnocchi. (B)

Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows. After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains. Today's roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome.

On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy's capital, we'll hit the cobblestoned streets to check out some of the most famous sights this city has on offer. (B/D) Stay: Generator Rome (or similar)

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture & the chance to see the Colosseum up close. The afternoon's free & an optional pasta cooking class with dinner is on the agenda tonight. Oh, and treat yourself to some gelato, will ya? You've earned it. (B)

We have two more pins dropped on the Italian map before we start conquering new countries. And you'll be pleased to know they are both pretty special. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet, yes, the very same balcony. One for the romantics of the group. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. Kudos to the cats of decades gone by who constructed this lagoon fairytale. The 118 islands of Venice are yours to explore. Boats, bridges, gondolas; your heart is going to pound.

Relax tonight knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore pretty streets. Just another day in the traveller's life. (B) Stay: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. An optional food tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you. (B)

That's it for our stint in Italy. Gelato, pizza, historical monuments, coastlines, gondolas; you have all been wonderful! Onwards and geographically upwards - it's time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat. Today we'll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe - Hohensalzburg - and have the chance to visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts. (B) Stay: A&O Salzburg (or similar)

Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border into the Czech Republic. With Prague on the horizon, things are looking mighty fine.  Castles and bridges and gothic cathedrals make the city of Prague a surprise and delight. Compact and bursting with atmosphere, use your free time to trot around on foot and see what you stumble upon (hoping to heaven it's the traditional fruit dumpling of ovocné knedlíky). (B) Stay: Plus Prague (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! Use your free time to shop for some famous Bohemian beads and amber jewellery or dive a little deeper into the lanes and courtyards of the Old Town, and sus out a roof bar for a cocktail overlooking the city. (B)

Just remember, with every great city we leave behind, we get a little bit closer to somewhere new to explore. And today that somewhere new happens to be the cultural hub of Berlin. Thanks for everything, Czech!

A road trip from Prague to Berlin would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed during World War II, the rebuilt city is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirth beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. Come for a wall covered in art & history, stay for a culture of cool, a smorgasbord of partying & enough unique German flair to leave you desperate to see the rest of the country. Today we will shower you in iconic sites, none more interesting than the remains of the Berlin Wall. (B/D) Stay: Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar)

Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. (B)

It's time to hit the original fast-track of the autobahn and make our way out of Germany. We have one last city to tick off & it's sure to see us go out with a bang. Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. Fire yourself up for pretty canals, a bounty of unique museums, an optional comedy show & quirky cafes galore. (B/D) Stay: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a cafe culture like no other. 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.

This evening, opt in to enjoy a unique (and absolutely delicious) dinner with the rest of our Contiki fam. (B)

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am. For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south to Calais.

This afternoon we cross from France to England......and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure. (B)