European Escapade

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. 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 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. 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.

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Your European escape continues. 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, you can opt to sign up for a delicious dinner followed by an iconic Cabaret show.

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

This morning we wind our way through the French countryside, past the scenic vineyards of the Burgundy region and across the border to Switzerland.Just when you think France is the most scenic place on Earth, we cross the border into Switzerland and the charming town of Lucerne. Cobbled streets, fairytale medieval architecture, snow-capped mountain backdrops and swans floating past on the sparkling lake make this a setting fit for fairytales.

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

The day is yours to enjoy the great outdoors. Take an optional trip up Mount Pilatus and cogwheel railway, where you can go hiking, ride Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan or simply take in the views. Speaking of views, there are plenty more of those if instead you choose to take a cruise on Lake Lucerne, sitting back and drinking in the meadows, forests and mountain peaks. Back in town, you’re free to pick up some souvenirs (a Swiss watch? A cowbell?), check out the wooden Chapel Bridge (dated 1333) and nibble on some delicious chunks of cheese. Or even better - Swiss fondue!

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne 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 the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon, where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Here, it’s all about wandering cobbled streets, hunting down a cosy little bouchon, and diving fork-first into the kind of local eats you'll be dreaming about for weeks. Beaujolais is basically a love language here - treat yourself to a glass (or two), because hey, when in Lyon!

Accommodation: Appart'City Confort Lyon Cité Internationale (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

This morning we'll take in the crystal blue waters of the Riviera, cobble stone streets and charming markets! Plus, there's an optional bike ride with views of Cote d'azur we know you'll love. Later we take a scenic drive along 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? Don your glad rags, spritz on some of your new perfume & rub shoulders with the high rollers. Before we head back along the coast tonight, you'll also have the option to enjoy a delicious dinner! 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.

Accommodation: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: The Brand Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over...En-route to Venice, we’ll visit Casale Polegri – an organic Umbrian farm where we’ll feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more fresh local produce. Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Tonight we'll relax here with free time to find some dinner, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.

Accommodation: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Senator Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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. Tonight, you have the option to join us for a classic night out (totally optional, should you prefer to spend your evening relaxing in style).

Accommodation: Senator Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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... 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.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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...Journeying out of Munich, we'll make a stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You'll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on to the next spot. Welcome to Pilsen AKA the birthplace of Pilsner. But you'll find a lot more than just a great drink & lively vibe here. So come explore the stunning architecture & fascinating underground tunnels at this pitstop before we make our way to Prague. This 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.

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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!

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights. Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. You can start your exploration of this city with a delicious included dinner. Later, choose to join us at a comedy show. The fun doesn't stop, knowing there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world’s most unique cities. Street art and graffiti lovers have the chance to visit the STRAAT Museum. Then, 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.

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Meals: Breakfast