Winter Wanderer

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

The Winter Wanderer is like a leisurely stroll through Europe's top destinations. Some of the highlights of the tour include: driving along the French Riviera, exploring the Eternal City of Rome (it's never too cold for Gelato!) and sampling traditional Spanish tapas in Barcelona not to mention retracing the history of WW2 and the Cold War in Berlin and Prague. Winter in Europe is not only magical, it's less crowded and has its very own charms that go unnoticed in the heat of summer. The epitome of a winter wonderland.

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 Lucerne

   Today our path takes us through the vineyards of Burgundy, past Dijon toward the towering Alps of Switzerland and Lucerne, our home for the next two nights. (B,D)

6. Day Lucerne

   Spend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets shopping for local specialties - watches, chocolate and Swiss Army knives. (B,D)

7. Day Lucerne to Lyon

   This morning we travel past Geneva and back in to France for an evening to explore the gastronomic capital - Lyon. (B)

8. 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)

9. 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)

10. Day Barcelona to French Riviera

    Today we follow the Mediterranean coast back into France to arrive on the elegant French Riviera. We stay in Nice, the 'Queen of the Riviera'. (B,D)

11. Day French Riviera

    This morning we visit a French Perfumery before free time in Nice. Take the time to relax or rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade, maybe shop for French fashion. Tonight we visit Monaco! (B)

12. Day French Riviera to Florence

    Today we leave France and make our way along the stunning Italian coast. Passing Genoa we arrive in Pisa to view the famous Leaning Tower. This afternoon we travel through the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B)

13. Day Florence to Rome

    Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks us through the city this morning. Shop for silver and gold and see a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. In your free time perhaps visit one of the many museums and galleries before we continue to the fabled city 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. (B)

14. Day Rome

    A free day to explore this historic city. Why not see the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum or even climb the Spanish Steps? Walk the Via del Corso and shop for Italian fashion or sit in a sidestreet café and sample a gelato. (B,D)

15. Day Rome to Venice

    Soak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains, vineyards and quaint hilltop towns. We cross the Apennine Mountains before reaching Venice. (B,D)

16. 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)

17. Day Venice to Vienna

    We drive through gently rolling countryside, past picture-postcard villages and majestic mountains into the home of Mozart and Strauss for an evening experiencing the classical tastes and sounds of this city. (B)

18. 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,D)

19. 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)

20. Day Munich to Prague

    Leaving Munich behind we make our way to the historic capital of the Czech Republic - Prague! (B,D)

21. Day Prague

    This morning's sightseeing tour includes Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus and Wenceslas Square. Free time to explore - maybe visit the Jewish Quarter or the old town square. (B)

22. Day Prague to Berlin

    Today we return to Germany. Following the path of the mighty River Elbe we stop in Dresden before heading on to Berlin. (B,D)

23. Day Berlin

    This morning on our included sightseeing tour, you can see the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Russian War Memorial and the Brandenberg Gate. In your free time this afternoon explore this historical city. (B)

24. Day Berlin to Amsterdam

    We cross Germany on our way to vibrant Amsterdam. After dinner why not head into town to explore this fascinating city by night? (B,D)

25. Day Amsterdam

    Today take time to explore one of Europe's most intriguing cities. Maybe visit Anne Frank's House, the Van Gogh Museum or shop around the famous Dam Square. Later, why not join us for our farewell dinner and a guided cruise through the canals of Amsterdam? (B)

26. 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)