Paris to Athens and Athens to Santorini

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)

Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with plenty of time 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)

Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we're dragging you away in search of vineyards and châteaus. We call it "Château Hopping," but you can just call it "the good life" if you'd prefer. Southbound, we roll on through Burgundy's wine country to Beaujolais' green hills and vineyards. (B/D) Stay: Chateau 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, relax in the courtyard with a coffee & croissant, or lounge 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)

Bye-bye Beajoulais! And hello 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. Well would you look at that for timing, we've pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o'clock. Fate, you've done it again! A scrumptious Spanish feast and a night exploring this culturally rich city should have us in the fiesta mood soon enough. (B/D) Stay: Urbany Hostel (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) 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)

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 first we'll make a a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you'll learn how your favorite scents are made – and even have a go at crafting your own signature fragrance! 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: A&O Venice Mestre (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 colorful Venetian island of Burano and a gondola ride are up for grabs. You can learn to be a Gondelieri (Gondola driver...) 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 hostel

Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom, food and free time to roam. Take the opportunity to explore streets bursting with heritage and delicious flavors in an optional walking tour, or take yourself to the local markets and down some gelato.

Tonight, opt to learn how to make the perfect pizza at a local restaurant and indulge in your very own culinary masterpiece (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)

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, as well as stuffing yourself to the brim with pasta, gelato and caprese salad all washed down with a glass of red at a local trattoria. (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!

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 and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel

There are ancient wonders to be found inside the modern metropolis of Athens, and we'll start with a sightseeing tour of the city's best spots. Our Local Guide will walk us through the history of this famous city as we visit the Parthenon & Acropolis, followed by a visit to the first & original 'modern' (read: 1896) Olympic stadium.

This evening we'll check into our hotel and settle in before the next phase of our trip begins: island hopping! First we'll welcome some new group members, then our Trip Manager will give the rundown of what to expect over the next 10 days.

This evening you'll have free time to explore the local area and find a traditional taverna, street food market or roof garden for some dinner. (B) Stay: Hotel Evripides (or similar)

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, feel free to explore Mykonos town with the option of return transfers. (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 travelers 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 an Organic Farm run where you'll sample their delicious produce and then head to one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades - Naoussa. (B) Stay: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)

Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today we're off for a Paros sailing adventure.

Tonight, we'll tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant, before heading out to sample the local (and legendary) 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: Kalipso Villas (or similar)

Rise and shine, Greek Island travelers! 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 an incredible volcano cruise around Santorini, starting with a visit to Oia and complete with crater hike and a soak in local hot springs. (B/D)

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)