European Explorer incl. Cruising - Option 2

• Overview
• Itinerary & Map
• Highlights & Optional Excursions
• Dates & Rates

The European Explorer is the ultimate holiday for those wanting to travel to all the major destinations and do it with a little luxury! Make your way through 17 countries in a little over a month with all the big names being accounted for - Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Rome and Amsterdam - as well as some of the lesser known through Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia. And if you think that 33 days sounds like a long time, don't forget that you'll spend 4 nights sailing around the Greek islands. A holiday within a holiday!

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

1. Day Depart for Europe

   Your exciting European trip begins.

2. Day Arrive London

   Check-in to your hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London. Tonight, meet your Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting.

3. Day London to Paris

   A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City of Lights" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (D)

4. Day Paris

   Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)

5. Day Paris to Lyon

   South from Paris we pass through beautiful countryside and the famous vineyards of the Burgundy Region. We visit Contiki's own Château de Cruix to taste some of the local wine before travelling on to Lyon. Tonight take the opportunity to taste some authentic French cuisine in this gastronomic capital. (B)

6. Day Lyon to Barcelona

   Continuing south via the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, we cross the Spanish border to the Mediterranean city of Barcelona. (B,D)

7. Day Barcelona

   Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

8. Day Barcelona to French Riviera

   We return to France and travel through the fabled region of Provence en route to the Mediterranean city of Nice - the jewel of the French Riviera. (B,D)

9. Day French Riviera

   Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

10. Day French Riviera to Venice

    We visit a French perfumery en-route to Italy. Time to stroll around Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before we reach our hotel near fairytale Venice. (B,D)

11. Day Venice

    A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing museums. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)

12. Day Venice to Florence

    We wind through the Apennine Mountains towards the world-famous region of Tuscany. An afternoon in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence where our included walking tour will show you the Duomo, Giotto's belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce & Piazza della Signoria. There's time to shop for local crafts such as gold, silver and leather before an evening of Tuscan cuisine and local nightlife. (B)

13. Day Florence to Rome

    Today we drive through the Tuscan countryside to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then, we make our way to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Take time to discover Roman cuisine in a trattoria for a delicious meal with some local wine. (B)

14. Day Rome

    Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)

15. Day Rome to Sorrento

    After leaving Rome we head south to Naples to board our motor boat to the island of Capri. After exploring the island we rejoin our boat and set sail to nearby Sorrento situated on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast. (B)

16. Day Sorrento to Greece

    Today a chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Later we take in the stunning scenery of southern Italy as we travel east to board our overnight ferry to Greece. (B)

17. Day To Athens

    From Patras we cross the famous Corinth Canal before arriving in historic Athens. This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a local guide. The tour incorporates many sights of this ancient city and includes a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Tonight an opportunity to join us for dinner in the lively 'Plaka' district of Athens. (B)

18. Day Athens to Mykonos

    This morning we leave Athens and board our cruise ship to head to Mykonos - island of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches. (B,L,D,S)

19. Day Mykonos to Patmos via Kusadasi (Turkey)

    Our early morning call is the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Explore the bazaar or perhaps take an excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Later we dock at Patmos where St John is reputed to have written the book of Revelation. (B,L,D,S)

20. Day Patmos to Rhodes

    A full day to explore this island, home to the Colossus of Rhodes. Legend says it was over 30 m (100ft) high and straddled the harbour. (B,L,D,S)

21. Day Rhodes to Santorini via Heraklion (Crete)

    We dock in Crete, the biggest of the Greek Islands before sailing for Santorini. This spectacular volcanic island is in the Cycladic chain of islands. Enjoy Fira and its narrow paved streets with plenty of opportunity to shop in the many boutiques. (B,L,D,S)

22. Day Santorini to Preveza

    After breakfast we disembark and make our way to to Corinth before continuing into the mountains to Preveza. (B,D)

23. Day Preveza to Tirana

    Leaving Greece behind we head north into Albania. Our drive along the Adriatic coast takes us to Tirana which is the capital of the country and our base for the night. (B,D)

24. Day Tirana to Dubrovnik

    Heading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty, and cross into Croatia and on to our accommodation at Dubrovnik. (B,D)

25. Day Dubrovnik

    Today's sightseeing shows us one of Europe's most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik. In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or climb up Mt Srj for a panoramic view of the city and stunning coastline. (B,D)

26. Day Dubrovnik to Zadar

    We follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic Dalmatian Archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. We pass agricultural fields of lemons and oranges on our way to Split, home to the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace, with time for lunch. From here we follow the coast north past Sibenik and on to our overnight stop. (B,D)

27. Day Zadar region to Vienna

    Heading north we drive through the scenic Paklenica National Park, passing the unusual Sveti Rock. We cross into Slovenia briefly before arriving in the Austrian capital, Vienna. (B)

28. Day Vienna

    Our sightseeing tour takes in the grandeur of the Palace of the Hapsburgs, the fame of the State Opera House and fashionable Kartnerstrasse. Take time to wander at leisure and why not try some local schnaps, strudel or a schnitzel? (B)

29. Day Vienna to Munich

    On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (B,D)

30. Day Munich to Lucerne

    We stop for lunch in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Switzerland. Arriving in Lucerne, it's time to explore and shop for watches, swiss army knives and of course, chocolate! (B,D)

31. Day Lucerne

    Spend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets. See the city at its best by joining us for a trip up a mountain and a cruise on beautiful Lake Lucerne. (B,D)

32. Day Lucerne to Rhine Valley

    We follow the mighty Rhine River north into Germany. Take in the picturesque Rhine Valley on our included river cruise before learning how beersteins are crafted in the village of St Goar. (B,D)

33. Day Rhine Valley to Amsterdam

    We continue north along the Rhine River and cross the border into the Netherlands. Enjoy a visit to a cheese farm and see clogs being made before we check in to our hotel. Tonight your first taste of Amsterdam's famous nightlife. (B,D)

34. Day Amsterdam

    Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House. (B)

35. Day Amsterdam to London

    After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Schipol Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay. (B)