European Inspiration (Winter)

European Inspiration (Winter)

The European Inspiration gives you the best of both holiday worlds. A great combination of destinations, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Rome and Paris to name a few, as well as two nights everywhere, giving you time to explore each city in greater detail. Scenic drives through Italy and Austria, a stopover in the heart of the Swiss Alps and plenty of awesome extras that you definitely won't want to miss out on.


Length: 21 days
Accommodations: n/a
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Belgium (in transit), Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France
Transportation: Coach, Ferry

Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 London to Amsterdam

    Meet your Contiki Crew and see the White Cliffs of Dover before travelling through Belgium and into the Netherlands to Amsterdam.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Amsterdam

    Visit a local cheese farm to learn how cheese and clogs are made. Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House.

  3. Day Icon-day3 Amsterdam to Berlin

    This morning we head east and continue to Berlin, the cultural capital of Germany. You'll have your first glimpse of the Berlin Wall and time to sample the great nightlife of this vibrant city.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Berlin

    A full day of sight-seeing including the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Russian War Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate. An opportunity to visit the "Checkpoint Charlie" museum. Tonight, why not head for town, mix with the locals and try some traditional fare?

  5. Day Icon-day5 Berlin to Prague

    Drive south through Germany and stop for lunch in Dresden. We head into the Czech Republic for two nights in Prague, the golden city built on Seven Hills across the River Vltava.

  6. Day Icon-day6 Prague

    Soak up the Bohemian delights of Prague. This morning's sightseeing tour includes Hradcany Castle district where the St. Vitus Cathedral dominates the skyline and Wenceslas Square. Later, you'll have free time to shop for crystal in the Old Town, perhaps join us for a lunch cruise along the Vltava River, or maybe visit the Jewish Quarter. Dinner is your choice tonight, a great way to farewell this magical capital

  7. Day Icon-day7 Prague to Munich

    We skip back to Germany and Bavaria's lively capital Munich - home to the Oktoberfest. Enjoy some of the sights and sounds of the city and perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall.

  8. Day Icon-day8 Munich

    A relaxing day where you can explore the shops and museums of this Bavarian beauty.

  9. Day Icon-day9 Munich to Venice

    Today we travel south through Austria and the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy. Tonight we stay on the mainland of Venice.

  10. Day Icon-day10 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?

  11. Day Icon-day11 Venice to Rome

    Past medieval hillside villages and through the Apennine Mountains, we travel south to the fabled Seven Hills of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour.

  12. Day Icon-day12 Rome

    A full free day to explore the treasures of Rome. Your chance to join a tour through Imperial Rome with a local guide, before time to visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps or check out the shops.

  13. Day Icon-day13 Rome to Florence

    Today we travel north and visit Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. This evening your first chance to walk the streets of Renaissance Florence.

  14. Day Icon-day14 Florence

    The day includes a walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.

  15. Day Icon-day15 Florence to Lucerne

    Enjoy a scenic drive past Milan and Lake Como to Lucerne, in the Swiss Alps. Tonight stay in our special hotel atop Mt. Pilatus (weather conditions permitting).

  16. Day Icon-day16 Lucerne

    Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and opportunities to shop for local specialties - watches, chocolate and Swiss army knives.

  17. Day Icon-day17 Lucerne to Paris

    Our focus today is the journey to Paris. We weave our way through the beautiful French countryside to the "City of Lights".

  18. Day Icon-day18 Paris

    Visit a French perfume house and then take the opportunity to visit some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Nôtre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées all await your arrival! Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous cabaret?

  19. Day Icon-day19 Paris to London

    Today we drive past World War I battlefields on the way to our cross-channel ferry back to England. Time to swap addresses and say goodbye as we arrive early evening in London.

Tour Map

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Amsterdam: Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house; Visit a fishing and cheese village; See the city by night
  • Berlin: See the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Tiergarten, the Russian War Memorial, the Brandenberg Gate & the Reichstag
  • Prague: See Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square
  • Munich: See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz; Visit a beerhall
  • Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace
  • Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
  • Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
  • Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
  • Florence: Walking tour with a local guide; See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria; Florentine leather craft demonstration
  • Lucerne: See the Wooden Chapel Bridge; Scenic drive through the Alps
  • Burgundy: See the Chablis & Burgundy vineyards
  • Paris: Evening Tour of Illuminations; See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral; Visit a French Perfumery
Accomodations
  • 19 nights in twin or triple-share hotel accommodation
  • 18 continental breakfasts (B) & 9 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
  • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Modern, air-conditioned coach with outlets for charging
  • Ferry crossing as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing tours of all major cities
  • Free Contiki Travelers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet

Optional Excursions

Amsterdam

Volendam Restaurant (Euro 31.00)
Van den Hogen restaurant is located on the seafront of this quaint fishing village. It provides the perfect setting for a traditional 'Old Dutch' style meal and the atmosphere makes it a night to remember.
Canal Cruise (Euro 28.00)
A cruise on Amsterdam's world-famous canals is the perfect way to see this wonderful city. You'll pass many famous sights including Dutch gabled houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the Red Light District. The included beer, wine, soft-drinks and snacks will make your evening complete.

Berlin

Berlin Historical Walking Tour (Euro 9.00)
An opportunity to explore the fascinating history of this city. Our walking tour with a local guide includes infamous Third Reich sites such as the site of Hitler's bunker and the former Propaganda Ministry of Goebbels. You'll also learn about the dark days of East German communism and visit the newly opened Holocaust Memorial.
Eye Spy Berlin (Euro 16.00)
Join a local guide for an evening of intrigue and espionage, as you learn about the methods of the Stasi - the East German secret police! Sites including Tunnel 57, the death strip and a "ghost" underground station will bring your evening to life. Two included drinks will make this a great start to a night out experiencing Berlin's famous nightlife.

Prague

Lunchtime Cruise (Euro 24.00)
See Prague from a different angle by joining us on a cruise along the River Vltava. You'll enjoy the scenery and a delicious buffet lunch with drinks.

Venice

Gondola Ride (Euro 21.00)
No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals in a world-famous gondola. Take in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly memorable Venetian experience.
Venetian Restaurant (Euro 29.00)
Our chosen venue guarantees a warm and friendly welcome in true Venetian fashion. You'll enjoy a superb selection of local specialities and some local wine, making it an unforgettable evening in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
T-Shirts (From Euro 18.00 - 28.50)
Be inspired by the Italian Masters, or better still let your imagination run wild and create your own group design! A terrific souvenir of your tour.

Rome

Guided Imperial Tour (Euro 25.50 (10-19 people) / Euro 24.50 (20+ people))
Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You'll wander across the cobbled stones of the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in the history of western culture. Price includes entry into Forum and Colosseum.

Florence

Souvenir Group Photo (Euro 11.50)
A photo of you and all of your new friends is the perfect souvenir from your tour. The photo will be taken with a panorama of Florence in the background or in one of the city's famous piazzas.
Tuscan Evening (Euro 38.00)
A beautiful setting in the Tuscan hills is the venue for our traditional Tuscan evening. Enjoy a selection of antipasta, delicious freshly made pasta, a wonderfully aromatic main course and dessert - all washed down with some local Chianti wine. You'll also enjoy some traditional Italian entertainment - making this a truly special evening.
Space Electronic Disco (Euro 12.00)
A chance to dance the night away at Florence's largest night-spot. Your first drink is included in the price and will get you started for an evening of fun. Enjoy the great music and maybe take the opportunity to show off your karaoke skill.

Lucerne

Swiss Fondue Lunch (Swiss Franc 36.00)
If you've ever wanted to try authentic Fondue in Switzerland then this is the perfect opportunity! Do as the Swiss do and enjoy a three-course lunch complete with cheese Fondue, traditional Rosti potatoes and Swiss Bratwurst. Our chosen venue is a warm Inn located in the centre of beautiful Lucerne. (Not available on Sunday or Monday)

Paris

Moulin Rouge (Euro 130.00)
Enjoy an evening at the world famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. The spectacular show includes dancing girls, dazzling costumes, live animals and a variety of comedy acts. A sumptuous three course meal (including drinks and champagne during the show) will make this an unforgettable evening.