Food and culture

Treat all your senses in Europe

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Bonjour. Ciao. Guten Tag

There’s more than one way to say hello in Europe. No two countries are the same, and the different languages and cultures make the continent amazing.

Enjoy the super friendly Irish hospitality and foot-stomping rhythms, listen in to the lively conversations in Spain or Italy, or sit outside a café with the Paris locals. Be ready to barter for a bargain in Turkey’s markets or jump in a black cab in London and see if you can get a great tale out of the driver.

Fashionistas will love the style and glamour of Paris and Milan. Art, music and design fans will love Berlin, Vienna, and Stockholm. And London is a Royal watcher’s dream.

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Many of the greatest finds are off the beaten track, so trust your instinct and be your own explorerMoreGrab a drink and chill out at Contiki's very own French Chateau. MoreIndulge in local cuisine in ParisMoreTry your luck at some Italian and ask for directions from a localMoreItalian coffee is not to be missed, whether espresso or capuccino, you're sure to find the perfect brewMoreSome of the best food is what we throw together ourself. Why not grab a baguette, some delicious prosciutto and cheese and a bottle of wine and have a picnic at the Champs de Mars, it's a park set directly in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. MoreYou're unlikely to opt for store bought pesto once you've tried the vibrance of the homemade Italian varietyMore

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Do you have some French up your sleeve from your school days? Put it to use with some locals, you might learn a local secretMoreTake a look at what the latest trends are from the world's biggest fashion designersMoreGrab a bite and enjoy it on the street just like the locals MoreOur tours include plenty of time to splash out, whether it be an included meal with the group at a restaurant, an organised optional extra, or even the recommendation of the Tour Manager to check out his favourite local hangout. MoreExperiment with your tastebuds and try the French delicacy, Escargot - snails! MoreSee for yourself if the Queen's Guards really aren't allowed to laugh or smile. MoreTuck into some delicious pizza in ItalyMoreSample some sumptuous tiramisu in Italy. More

Sample the tastes

You can’t see Europe without tasting it. We include a ton of meals, and on some tours we have extra special local dinners– tapas in Barcelona, roast pork and dumplings in Prague or learning to make pizza in Rome.

We keep it flexible so you can enjoy the meals you want to. Expect to find an abundance of meat through most of Europe, pasta and pizza in Italy, fondue in Switzerland, and seafood fresh off the boat in the Mediterranean. If you’re feeling adventurous, try escargots (snails) in France. Or a crépe if you’re not.

Chill with a drink

Learn how wine should be tasted at our French Chateau, in the heart of wine country. Sip on a fresh sangria in the Spanish sun or round off a meal in Italy with a shot of limoncello. Or head to a cool club in London’s West End.

Learn a few phrases

You won’t need to know the different languages before you go, but the locals will always appreciate a friendly ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘hello’, so your Tour Manager can teach you the basics.

Have a chat with the locals and you might even learn a few more by the end of your tour.

Shop til you drop

You won’t be short of things to buy in Europe. Bags, shoes, clothes and more. We visit designer outlets on some of our tours, and keep an eye out for boutique bargains.

Leave room for a Venetian mask or piece of art from the Paris streets to remind you of your travels too.

Enjoying local cuisine is as important to travel as the icons and sights, which is why Contiki has some amazing culinary experiences. MoreGet your European style on and hit the shops to express your inner fashionistaMoreThe Mediterranean coast can dish out some fantastic seafood, fresh from the fisherman's wharf to your plateMoreFantastic wine is available all over Europe. At our Chateau in France we'll even organise a wine tastingMoreVisit the Guiness Brewery and taste Dublin's pride from its sourceMoreSometimes the best art is hanging in a gallery, sometimes it's lying right in front of youMoreHead to Knightsbridge in London and check out the department store, Harrods . Don’t miss the foodhall or the pet section! More
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