Barcelona to London Quest

DAY 1 - Barcelona to Nice

Barcelona

Good morning travellers, rise and shine!  Meet up with your Trip Manager this morning and your new Contiki Squad today as we say farewell to the home of Gaudi, sangria and year-round sunshine! 

Nice

Unwind on the coach, listen to some music and chill with the squad as you take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. Then we hit the rugged coast line of the stunning Côte d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to the palm trees and sun-soaked shores of Nice.

DAY 2 - Nice including French Riviera and Monaco

Nice

Nowhere says ‘French chic’ like Nice, and today is your chance to browse the tempting stalls of the market, climb to the castle (or take the lift) for breathtaking views over the Cote d’Azur or make like the locals, sipping a pastis and watching the world go by. You could also choose to pedal through the old town on a bike tour, soaking up all the history, before we drive along the shimmering coastline to Monaco later today.

French Riviera

Missing an opportunity to see this glorious part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.

Monaco

You're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy in Monte Carlo. Here you’ll have time for dinner before we get ready for an evening of glamour at the Monte Carlo Casino, forever immortalised on screen as James Bond’s nightspot of choice.

Nice

After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow. 

DAY 3 - Nice to Cinque Terre

Nice

Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we'll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre

Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above.

DAY 4 - Cinque Terre to Florence via Pisa

Cinque Terre

Have an extra coffee before we make tracks this morning, the extra energy hit will serve you well as we're gallivanting around Italy swooping from one wow moment to another.

Pisa

As if we were going to leg it to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. 

Florence

Explore the city's markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skillful art of leather at an included demonstration. These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda. 

DAY 5 - Florence to Sorrento

Florence

After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs. 

Sorrento

"So so so so in love with Sorrento" are about the only words you'll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty.

DAY 6 - Sorrento

Sorrento

It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to...

Capri

…the island of Capri! We'll sail over the Tyrrhenian Sea taking in the glorious waters and majestic beauty of coastal Italy. Once on Isle of Capri, you can roam the hillside town of Anacapri, sip too many cups of coffee, and marvel at how the cliffs meet the sea.

DAY 7 - Sorrento to Rome via Pompeii

Sorrento

Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows.

Pompeii

After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains.

Rome

Today's roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome. On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy's capital, your Trip Manager will get you straight into the sightseeing. The Roman Forum and Colosseum can both be ticked off your list should you be in the mood for a little history.  

DAY 8 - Rome

Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Then hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.

Vatican City

You can also choose to uncover the home of the Pope at the Vatican Museums, including Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica; with a Local Guide on your side, no question will go unanswered.

DAY 9 - Rome to Venice via Verona

Rome

We have two more pins dropped on the Italian map before we start conquering new countries. And you'll be pleased to know they are both pretty special. 

Verona

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet, yes, the very same balcony. One for the romantics of the group. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. 

Venice

Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! And tomorrow it is yours to explore...

DAY 10 - Venice

Venice

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A guided walking tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

DAY 11 - Venice to Salzburg

Venice

That's it for our lengthy stint in Italy. Gelato, pizza, historical monuments, coastlines, gondolas; you have all been wonderful!

Salzburg

Onwards and geographically upwards - it's time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat. Today we'll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe - Hohensalzburg - and have the chance to visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts.

DAY 12 - Salzburg to Prague

Salzburg

Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border into the Czech Republic. Here you can opt for a stop at Eagle's Nest for some WWII history and panoramic pics should you feel so inclined. With Prague on the horizon, things are looking mighty fine. 

Prague

Castles and bridges and gothic cathedrals make the city of Prague a surprise and delight. Compact and bursting with atmosphere, use your free time to trot around on foot and see what you stumble upon (hoping to heaven it's the traditional fruit dumpling of ovocné knedlíky).

DAY 13 - Prague

Prague

With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antics & you cheers-ing cheap beer; not to mention life! 

DAY 14 - Prague to Berlin via Dresden

Prague

Just remember, with every great city we leave behind, we get a little bit closer to somewhere new to explore. And today that somewhere new happens to be the cultural hub of Berlin. Thanks for everything, Czech!

Dresden

A roadtrip from Prague to Berlin would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

Berlin

Come for a wall covered in art & history, stay for a culture of cool, a smorgasbord of partying & enough unique German flair to leave you desperate to see the rest of the country. Today we will shower you in iconic sites, none more interesting that the remains of the Berlin Wall.

DAY 15 - Berlin

Berlin

Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets.

Berlin

By night this city comes alive, so get into the groove and visit one of the cool backstreet bars or clubs and rub shoulders with the locals, cos that's what travelling is all about, right?

DAY 16 - Berlin to Amsterdam

Berlin

It's time to hit the original fast-track of the autobahn and make our way out of Germany. We have one last city to tick off & it's sure to see us go out with a bang.

Amsterdam

Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. Fire yourself up for pretty canals, a bounty of unique museums & quirky cafes galore. 

DAY 17 - Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

It's our last full day on tour & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer. In the mood for Dutch pancakes? Of couse you are. Just as your Trip Manager on the best places to head. For those that can't get enough of those cute canal houses, take to the streets with your phone and get those Insta likes at an all time high. It would be rude not to go large tonight with the squad, starting with an optional dinner of Dutch favourites and a canal cruise with drinks to set the mood.  

DAY 18 - Depart Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am.

Belgium

For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south through Belgium - cross another country off your list.

Calais

Dover

London

This afternoon we cross from France to England and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.