I have 9 days in Europe: Where should I go?

So, you’ve gifted yourself just over a week in Europe? Gorgeous! Whether this is your first trip to the continent or you’re a veteran traveller revisiting some favourites, you’ll be having the time of your life. But with a continent so huge and diverse, deciding where to go and what to see can be a little tricky.

Don’t worry, we’ll take the stress and hassle out of your hands: book Contiki’s European Magic trip and you’ll get to visit many legendary European cities. It’s enough to satiate your hunger for a few days, and give you a taste of the other gems Europe has on offer. The perfect intro trip then! 

Let’s discover what makes European Magic so, well, magical, and what you can do in Europe in 9 days.

Day 1 – London to Amsterdam

London is one of Europe’s easiest access points, especially if you’re flying in from the US or Australia, but we’re actually zipping off to Amsterdam (though feel free to stick around London for a few pre-departure days)! Known for pastel tulips, bicycle-filled streets, and the central canal, Amsterdam has its own flow, and it’s the perfect place to start your adventure through Europe – the evening dinner cruise all but confirms it.

Enjoy flitting between coffee shops, art galleries, and history museums, and get to know your group in the embrace of this cosy city. Whether you’re travelling in summer or winter, Amsterdam is one of the best places to be while visiting Europe in 9 days, so it’s a good thing we aren’t missing it!  

Day 2 – Amsterdam to Rhine Valley

You may not think to add the Rhine Valley to your Europe itinerary, it’s a bit of a local hidden gem, but you’d be remiss to pass by without at least one night spent in this verdant area of Germany. The biggest tourist attraction here is of course the rich wine culture, and you’ll be able to, literally, get your fill during a classy wine tasting with fellow travellers. But while here, you can also cruise along the winding river or hike up the lush sloping hills in search of epic viewpoints. 

Maybe you’ve never heard of the Rhine Valley before, but it’s one of Germany’s most romantic settings, so prepare to have your socks knocked off.

Day 3 – Rhine Valley to Munich

Okay, day 3 of Europe in 9 days, and you must know Munich! It’s the home of the famed Oktoberfest – the brightest and most delicious beer festival in the world – but also of the Olympiapark where many gold and silver medals were bestowed, as well as charming Christmas Markets so glowing and bright you’ll forget the winter chill. 

No matter what time of year you’re travelling to Europe – summer or off-season – there is so much to do in Munich! You’ll fall head over heels for the traditional Bavarian beer halls and the old Glockenspiel that puts on a sweet mechanical show. 

Day 4 – Munich to Venice

Heading southbound, we’re out of Germany now and into romantic Italy which we’re sure is at the top of many globetrotters’ bucket lists. Specifically, it’s Venice, the beautiful and artistic city in northern Italy. There’s really nothing like it, and we’re being serious: the lagoons and gondolieri make Venice such a unique attraction, and you’ll probably want to stay as long as possible.

It’s a good thing you’ll be spending 2 nights here!

Day 5 – Venice

A full day in Venice is more than enough time to appreciate the cobblestone streets, the Biennale which showcases art from around the world, and of course all the pasta dressed in vivid tomato or coated in creamy sauces. Indulge in Aperitivos with your Contiki crew, get lost in the maze of canals, and learn how to be a gondolieri with the women of Row Venice!

There’s so much to do in Venice and you have a whole day to fill, so go wild! But make sure to reconvene in the evening for a traditional Venetian dinner that’ll linger on your taste buds for days. 

Day 6 – Venice to Lucerne

Sadly it’s time to leave Venice, but don’t worry because this portion of Europe in 9 days is bound to be beautiful! We’ll be driving from Venice to Lucerne, in Switzerland, and this is guaranteed to be one of the most gorgeous coach-rides of your life. No matter what window you look out of, you’ll be blessed with Alps and mountain views on either side, dotted with wooden houses adorned in sloping roofs, and glittering snow in the winter. The drive will also take you past enchanting Lake Como, so this is no time for sleeping.

Once in Lucerne, you’ll be totally dazzled, and this is the perfect opportunity to try out the world-famous Swiss chocolate to see if the rumours are to be believed (they are!). Check out the Wooden Chapel and the Lion Monument as you stroll around, and breathe in that fresh mountain air. Ahhhh! 

Day 7 – Lucerne to Paris

Into France we go, and we’re trading altitude for Haussmann architecture and a certain tower that twinkles in the evening. Paris, the City of Love, the City of Lights, is famed around the world and we’re willing to bet it’s sat at the top of your bucket list at one point in your life or another. Now is your chance to explore because we’re here for a whole day.

Day 8 – Paris

Wake up beautiful people and smell the elegance – that’s right, a visit to a classic French Perfumery is on the agenda today, and once you’ve gone dizzy with the delicate smells, take yourself outside for a promenade, as the French call it. Pick up some phrases so you can chit chat with the locals and learn everything about the flaky croissant or crispy baguette you’re buying, and make sure to ooo and ahh at the many oeuvres hosted in Paris’s many museums (these are international terms, after all). 

Day 9 – Paris to London

And finally, the whizz around Europe in 9 days comes to an end as we make our way across the Channel once more, and plant our feet back in regal London. This is where we say goodbye, but if you want to visit Buckingham Palace or the British Museum or Hyde Park with your many friends, who are we to stop you!

Now that you’ve had a taste of London – an amuse-bouche, if you will – why not take on Europe in 2 weeks, or even 3? This is only the start of your adventures through this historic continent.