London to Santorini (Plus)

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. 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. To start things off, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner and then a guided tour of the city itself. (D) Stay: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)

Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, but first we'll take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Then the time is yours to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the Louvre.

Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember! (B)

This morning we'll have breakfast and then be on our merry way to the next stop: time for the Château. Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki's very own 16th century château. That's right, we're trading hotels for a castle tonight! You'll stay in multi-share, newly-renovated rooms (with 5 other travellers).

What's more? Not much, just an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, a powder room for makeup and hair, a beautiful sprawling garden AND a pool! 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 optional 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)

Saying goodbye to the grape juice we'll weave our way to two nights in beachside Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain's most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last.

Welcome to España! Known for its chilled-out vibes, welcoming atmosphere and culture of acceptance and tolerance, there's nowhere quite like Barcelona.

Tonight we'll grab dinner at one of the city's many exceptional eateries. And on the way, we'll stop by to marvel at the stunning Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's architectural masterpiece. (B/D) Stay: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)

Cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic hilltop vistas, & wild Spanish architecture will season our day to perfection. There's plenty of free time to roam free or take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun. (B)

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/D) Stay: Hôtel Amarante Cannes (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 you'll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace, followed by a delicious optional dinner! 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)

Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner. But before we cross the border into Italy, we'll make a fragrant pitstop here in Eze to visit a traditional French perfumery – where you'll even have the chance to craft a signature scent of your own.

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda. (B) Stay: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (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. A trip to the colourful Venetian island of Burano and a gondola ride are up for grabs… or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you. (B)

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hotel

Ready for a full day of all things Florence? Today is the perfect balance of guided local wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leatherwork, explore streets bursting with heritage, and see all the top sights on a walking tour.

This afternoon you'll have free time to take to the local markets and taste the local gelato before a special optional evening out tonight, a visit to a 14th century Certosan monastry, followed by dinner and wine at a magical Tuscan restaurant nestled in the countryside nearby. (B)

Farewell Florence - today we have the epicentre of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. But not before one rather extraordinary stop-off. En-route to Rome, we'll visit Casale Polegri – an organic Umbrian farm where we'll feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more fresh local produce. And here… we… are… Back city side in the Italian capital of Rome.

After a brief orientation tour from your Trip Manager, you're free to check out the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona with your Contiki crew. (B/L) Stay: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)

When in Rome... This is the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority… Stuck for something to do this evening? There's plenty of pasta, gelato and caprese salad stops to keep you occupied – and don't get us started on the wine. (B)

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!

We'll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail. 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 headed for land... We'll roll off the boat in Patras and then it's straight back on the road. 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 with your new friends in this ancient city. (B) Stay: Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)

Today marks the transition from city trip to island hopping adventure – but not until we've had our ancient history fix in Athens. Starting off with a guided tour, we'll check out the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the OG Olympic stadium (oh yeah). After checking into our hotel in the evening, we'll greet some new crew members and the Trip Manager will run through all the awesomeness you can expect on the next leg of the journey.

After that, you're free to explore Athens with your crew, sampling the food and nightlife to your heart's content. (B/D) Stay: A conveniently located hotel

With no time to waste, we'll start our island hopping adventures today with our first destination: Mykonos. Let's do this! Two nights on the island of Mykonos, how did we get so lucky? Even the boat ride across the Aegean will have you awe struck and in love.

Tonight, you'll have the option to join an exploration of Mykonos by night on a locally guided walking tour of the town's cobbled streets. (B) Stay: Paradise Beach (or similar)

Get ready for a day full of viewing coastal windmills, stuffing your face with olives, feta, and tzatziki. We'll stroll down storybook streets dotted with those gorgeous blue domes and we'll pick up some evil eye ornaments along the way to keep the bad vibes away. And this is all before you've even taken a dip in the ocean! Doesn't get much better than this... The day is yours to soak up the sunshine and play in the sea. (B)

This morning we're on to our next Greek island, Paros. Let's spare a thought for all those travellers who only get to visit just one Greek Island, and then remember how lucky we are. Beaches, naturally sculpted swimming coves, a Byzantine church and traditional villages: we must be in Paros. You're free to get into the sun and sea vibes. Those who feel like exploring can sign up for an optional trip to a traditional village where you'll visit a local family-run bakery and shop the local handicrafts. (B) Stay: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)

Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today we're off for a visit to Naoussa, a fishing village with colourful fishing boats and white-washed houses.

Tonight, we'll tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant, before heading out to sample the local nightlife. (B/D)

Paros, it's been magical – but today we're taking to the seas again, this time in search of Greece's most insta-famous island: Santorini. Santorini, we have arrived! Tonight you'll have the chance to join us on a cruise and take in the iconic Fira. (B) Stay: Iliada - Odysseas Resort (or similar)

Rise and shine, Greek Island travellers! The island of Santorini won't explore itself. Today is your day to take a swim at Perissa Beach, eat the local specialty of fried tomato balls known as domatokeftedes, or roam and explore. You can even opt to take a visit to incredible Oia followed by a visit to the black sand beach of Santorini. (B)

And with that, the trip comes to an end. From Santorini, you're free to make your way home… or keep going. Who's for Cyprus? Or Turkey? The whole Aegean lies at your feet (literally) and you have a boatload of new buds to go exploring with! (B)