What is the ideal 25-day Europe itinerary?

When there’s so much to see and do in Europe, no matter the time of year, it can be hard to decide where to go. Well, why not stick with a tried and true Euro fan classic? The Mediterranean coast, with a descent on the map through the heart of France, and then back up to the central part of the continent for mountain air and vintage vibes. Sounds dreamy, right?

This 25-day Europe itinerary will give you a taste of the highlights, but keep you coming back for more… Hop on the European Quest and prepare to sample the Euro life of your fantasies!

Week 1 – England, France, Spain

If you’d like to spend some time in London or England before your official Contiki departure, consider a London Explorer or England in a Week trip – but otherwise, get ready to begin the 25-day Europe itinerary! On day one we’re gliding down in style to Paris, after hopping across the Channel.. 

We’ll spend a few days in the city of love with walking tours, pastry tastings, and an authentic Cabaret show! Then we slip down to Bordeaux for some wine (best region for it!) and castles and medieval vibes.

I hope you’ve got an appetite because we’re off to San Sebastián in Spain next for two nights where you can gorge yourself on local tapas and other delicacies. Make sure you have room for dessert, because the Basque cheesecake here is NO JOKE! After indulging in plenty of tasty food, we end the first week of your itinerary in Barcelona.

Tour the Gothic quarter, marvel at the Sagrada Familia, and just generally enjoy this city’s unique architecture. We also have a traditional cooking class on offer as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to help you give back on your travels!

Week 2 – Spain, France, Italy

Take your memories of flamenco and seafood in Barcelona and file them away for more room in your brain. We’re zooming back into France to start the second week of this 25-day Europe itinerary, and hitting up the dazzling French Riviera. A destination for the A-listers, feel free to frolick through this celebrity playground and take a little detour to Monaco if you’re in the mood to see some Ferraris. 

After some beach and bike rides, it’s off to Italy!

A favourite European destination for a reason, we’re going to be spending the rest of the week in Italy. Cinque Terre for pastel views, Pisa for some wonky towers, Florence for all the museums and Romantic vibes and a traditional dinner, Sorrento for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience all around ooey gooey mozzarella, and finally Amalfi for those postcard scenes you’ve been dreaming of.

Expect sun, beaches, and fashion that’ll make you jealous, plus obviously all the pizza and pasta and gelato you can eat.

Week 3 – Italy, Austria, Czechia

Week 3 and there’s still so much more of Europe to see! The coach will take you and your new best friends over to Rome from the glittering Amalfi Coast (with a visit to Pompeii first) for your dose of ancient history. You’re either channelling Gladiator or Lizzie McGuire, but either way we’re set to enjoy a walking tour, a pasta cooking class, and of course a look at the Colosseum. You will be entertained.

So, yes we got lots of romance in Paris, but this next stop might top it. Verona is where Romeo and Juliet lived out their very brief and tragic love. This Contiki trip is longer than their relationship, let that sink in. After looking up at Juliet’s ivy-clad balcony, it’s over to Venice for two nights.

Canals, gondolas, and underrated foodie bites. Venice will enchant you with its art and history and leave a gorgeous lasting impression of Italy as our chapter here closes. Hope you’re in the mood to swap beaches for mountains, because we’re going to the place where the hills are alive with the sound of music.

Salzburg in Austria is where fairytales are born. We’ll get to see where Mozart was born, visit a preserved medieval fortress, and have a traditional evening at a farm-to-table dinner. Yum!

With the fresh mountain air giving us new perspectives, this 25-day Europe itinerary continues in Czechia with Prague! Explore the landmarks like the ornate Charles Bridge and the rococo Astronomical Clock which is not only jaw-dropping in size but in beauty. Another traditional evening awaits you with hearty foods and cheap drinks – oh Prague, we love you.

Week 4 – Germany, the Netherlands, England

Alright, there’s four days left of our adventure through Europe. Say goodbye to Czechia and hello to Germany! Berlin awaits, but you’ll take a detour to Dresden first. This city was sadly largely destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt and now stands as a symbol of history and resilience.

As we move to Berlin for two nights, we’ll take a walking tour along the East Side Gallery which is the longest open-air gallery in the world. But this isn’t your only dose of history and culture, because we’ll also take a historical walking tour and an alternative one to spot some of the street art throughout the city. Make sure to indulge in all the local sights and bites while we’re here! Germany’s beer game is unmatched.

And last but not least, Amsterdam! Canals, bikes, coffee shops, tulips! All those stereotypes are there of course – each as adorable as the last – but now’s your chance to actually get to know this beloved city. Canal cruise, art tour, and even a comedy show! This is the perfect way to spend your last days together before devouring a Dutch-Indonesian meal which celebrates the many faces from around the world who have moved to Amsterdam, and the many faces you’ve met on your travels.

We’ll end the journey back in London where everyone can hold on fiercely to each other for a ‘see you later’ hug instead of a ‘goodbye.’