London to Rome

London to Rome

Tailor made for those wishing to travel the Contiki way but at a slightly more relaxed pace. Three nights in Paris gives you plenty of time for a day trip to Versailles or Euro Disney as well as the requisite shopping on the Champs Elysees and museum visits. Make your way down through Italy via Spain and the French Riviera before ending your tour in Rome, the Eternal City. Why not extend your experience by travelling on to Athens on our London to Athens tour?

Length: 18 days
Accommodations: Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel
as per itinerary
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City
Transportation: Coach, Ferry
Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 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.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Icon-day3 Paris

    Two full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included), home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret?

  3. Day Icon-day4 Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region

    Today's journey leads us to Contiki's exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon.

  4. Day Icon-day5 Beaujolais Wine Region

    This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of rural France.

  5. Day Icon-day6 Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona

    Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona.

  6. Day Icon-day7 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?

  7. Day Icon-day8 Barcelona to French Riviera

    We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.

  8. Day Icon-day9 French Riviera

    Today we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo.

  9. Day Icon-day10 French Riviera to Venice

    Today we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.

  10. Day Icon-day11 Venice

    A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?

  11. Day Icon-day12 Venice to Florence

    We travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it's a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.

  12. Day Icon-day13 Florence

    Your day includes a walking tour seeing 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 and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.

  13. Day Icon-day14 Florence to Rome

    All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

  14. Day Icon-day15 Rome

    Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing.

  15. Day Icon-day16 Rome

    Say your farewells and swap addresses as your tour ends after breakfast.

Tour Map

Highlights

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

Included
  • Paris: Evening Tour of Illuminations; See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral; See Château Versailles (entrance not included)
  • Beaujolais: Wine tasting; French picnic lunch
  • Provence: See the Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard; Visit the historic city of Arles
  • Barcelona: See Gaudi's Art Nouveau Cathedral & the 1992 Olympic Games complex; Walk through the Gothic Quarter
  • French Riviera: Scenic Drive along the Riviera coast; Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace; Visit a Monte Carlo casino; Visit a French Perfumery
  • Verona: See Juliet's Balcony & the Roman Arena
  • Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace; Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations
  • 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
  • Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
  • Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
Accomodations
  • 16 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 11 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 1 night in a hotel & 2 nights in a hostel
  • 15 breakfasts (B), 1 picnic lunch (PL) & 11 dinners (D) included as per itinerary
  • Most accommodation is twin-share, with a maximum of quad share
  • Majority of accommodations have private facilities
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Resident Contiki special stopover and village staff
  • Modern, air-conditioned coach with outlets for charging
  • Free Contiki Travelers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet
  • Ferry crossings
  • Sightseeing tours of all major cities

Optional Excursions

Please Note

Europe Optional Excursions (prices vary)
The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2009. Complete details will be updated in early 2009.

Paris

An Evening at Auberge de la Bonne Franquette (Euro 34.00)
Tonight's traditional Restaurant, located in Montmartre's artist's quarter, is the perfect place to tempt your taste buds with French cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers. A three course meal with local wine and a great atmosphere means this will be an evening to remember.
Nouvelle Eve (Euro 70.00)
Enjoy an evening at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabaret shows in Paris. Situated near Montmartre, the show is an extravaganza of dancing girls, exquisite costumes and comedy acts. Your visit includes half a bottle of champagne and one of the most dazzling 'French Can Can' dances around. A truly French evening that is unforgettable!

Barcelona

Flamenco Evening (Euro 30.00)
The Spanish are world-famous for their love of dancing. Feast your eyes on the passion and spirit of Flamenco dancing while enjoying a glass of the local specialty - Sangria! Carry on afterwards at one of Barcelona's lively areas where you'll find an exciting array of restaurants and night clubs. Ole!!

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.

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 Meal (Euro 27.00)
Our restaurant this evening is located in the heart of Florence and provides the venue for our Tuscan feast. In true Italian style you'll dine on antipasta, pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course - all washed down with some local Chianti wine.
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.

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.