European Escapade (Winter)

We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. 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: A conveniently located hostel

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 many museums of 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)

Out with the city life, in with the fresh mountain air. On leaving Paris we'll coast through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy before crossing the border to Switzerland. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, ready for two nights at our accommodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. This place comes to life as the sun sets, so tonight we'll have a chance to load up on Swiss chocolate, and walk around town admiring the stunning landscape. (B/D) Stay: Schützenbach (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? Today is your chance to ascend Jungfrau mountain, aka ‘the Top of the World'. (B/D)

Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Spain. After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so we'll head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies. Topped off with some beaujolais wine, but of course. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel

It's Spain day today, and we are ready. Out of Lyon & through the Pyrénées mountains in search of Barcelona - that's today's plan of attack. Year-round and Monday to Sunday, Barcelona is a hive of festive activities. The Catalonian capital's energy will capture your heart in an instant. Sunshine year round, great food and even better locals, here's just a start of the never-ending list of greatness. (B)

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) Stay: Generator Barcelona (or similar)

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: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)

This morning we'll take in the crystal blue waters of the Riviera, cobble stone streets and charming markets! Later we take a scenic drive along the Côte d'Azur shows us everything we want to know about the French Riviera, as we make our way to the heart of it all, Monaco. It wouldn't be a true visit to Monaco without seeing the Royal Palace and the Monte Carlo casino, and that's exactly what we'll look for first.

Then, what better place to spend your last night in France? You have a free evening to don your glad rags, spritz on some of your new perfume & rub shoulders with the high rollers, before it's back along the coast tonight. Monaco, you've been a real winner today. Winding our way back along the Côte d'Azur, we'll say goodbye to the flash pack and set our sights for bed. (B)

After almost a week in France you'll be full to the brim with all things French and ready for new ground. Italy, perhaps? No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to Florence. Dancing and dinner in Tuscany. Is that the Duomo Cathedral we see, looming large over the pretty city? Now you know you're in Florence.

Tonight we'll start our Italian adventure with an optional Tuscan feast (yum), then afterwards we're off for a night out with dancing aplenty. (B) Stay: The Yellow (or similar)

Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list. First up is frolicking around Florence this morning, with our local guide taking us behind the scenes & revealing the city's cultural beginnings followed by a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history.

After a journey of romantic views past cypress trees and olive groves, we'll arrive in the Eternal City of Rome. Wasting no time uncovering the city, we'll take a tour of some of the biggest Italian icons, with famous sights and photo stops include the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do, don't miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato. (B)

You could explore one of the world's greatest icons this morning, and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, it's hard to believe these sights still exist, and when in Rome of course! If an unveiling of the Colosseum isn't your jam, make the day your own and do all the quintessential Italian things, like sipping endless espressos while the world rides by on Vespa. We recommend heading to the Trastevere for the ultimate people watching, over a steaming bowl of carbonara in its true home, flanked by a caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil. (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... Kudos to the cats of decades gone who constructed this lagoon fairytale. Boats, bridges, gondolas; your heart is going to pound. Start off this evening with an optional walking tour that not only shows you the sights but also finishes with traditional Venetian cicchetti, washed down with an aperitivo. (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. You have the chance to become truly Venetian with a gondola ride up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you. (B)

Satisfied with all the good vibes Venice has delivered, we will move on to Vienna, leaving Italy in exchange for the Austrian capital. Wooden chalets and green mountains occupy our Sound of Music drive through the Dolomites.

On arrival in Vienna we'll be greeted by a cultural hub bursting with historical cuteness and the chance to see a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the city's palaces...yes, a palace (just the way they roll here in Vienna).

Tonight, it's time for a Habibi & Hawara dinner, followed by a classic night out (both totally optional, should you prefer to spend your evening relaxing in style.) (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel

Let's make one thing very clear: if you want to make your whole day about full-bodied Viennese coffee & warm apple strudel with whipped cream, we're not going to judge. Those who can drag themselves away from this heavenly situation can take in the Schönbrunn Palace, then stroll the streets for a walking tour to see the St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House, and stopping by Swarvoski for some glittery gifts for friends back home. (B/D)

Vielen dank, Vienna! We are officially in love with everything you are. We'd stay for another strudel but we've heard about the beer culture in Munich and we're a little bit intrigued... Before we arrive in Munich, we make a sobering stop at Dachau Concentration Camp memorial to remember Germany's turbulent past. Even when Oktoberfest isn't in full swing, Munich is a treasure trove of Bavarian cultural experiences.

After exploring the Old Town and seeing the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz, throw your feet up in a traditional beer hall, downing roasted pork knuckle & a stein of one of Germany's 5000 brews. (B)

We'll say farewell to Munich and continue our journey to Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic is fast becoming one of the hottest spots on the European map, and today you find out why... We start with a walking tour of the ancient streets, starting in the Castle District and passing by St Vitus Cathedral.

Later this evening we'll head into the Old Town to see the famous Charles Bridge and astronomical clock. Tonight join us for an authentic Czech evening complete with dumplings, goulash, and plenty of local beer. (B) Stay: Plus Prague (or similar)

Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that's begging you to come out to play. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. You can take a walking food tour if you get a little hungry! (B)

Pack your bags and say your sincere thanks to the Czech Republic for being such a lovely host. As promised, we're heading back to Germany for a bout in Berlin. A drive from Prague to Berlin 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 rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

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 kick it off with a tour to learn about its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, we'll enjoy an included dinner together, ready for more exploring tomorrow. (B/D) Stay: Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar)

Leap out of bed knowing Berlin is ready and waiting to be explored. You can opt to discover Berlin's restless past on a historical walking tour including Checkpoint Charlie and the site of Hitler's bunker. Or choose an alternative walking tour to see the street art and counter-culture that tourists often miss. The nightlife is also yours for the taking, so this is your chance to scope out some of the underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that make this city a world famous party spot. (B)

We'll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights. You can start your exploration of this city with an included dinner followed by an optional trip up the A'DAM tower where (if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open) you'll be treated to unparalleled views aboard ‘Over the Edge', Europe's highest swing.

Later, the fun doesn't stop, knowing there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours. (B/D) Stay: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world's most unique cities. The final night on trip together culminates with a chance to join a farewell dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights. (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)