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European Encounter
Financing available at checkout
The one that ticks off highlight European cities over 16 days
Travel Style
Discoverer
Learn about our travel styles.
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Duration
16 days
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Countries
10 Countries
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Meals
15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
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Transport Style
Coach
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Group Size
Average 41 people
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Team
Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides
London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Salzburg, Venice, Rome, Florence, The Italian Riviera, Lucerne, Paris, Dover, Calais, Belgium, Dresden, Vatican City, Pisa
How Contiki works
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STEP 1
Pick your destination & book
Picking where to go out of 150 countries worldwide is the hardest part. Booking is easy with complete flexibility, & confidence that your money is secure.
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STEP 2
Book 7 hotels, try figuring out public transport in a foreign language, get into an argument with your taxi driver, lose your passp… -
STEP 2
Turn up to your dream trip
Everything has been sorted for you. Cool, convenient accom, smooth transport from place to place - plus a bunch of meals and travel experiences all locked in.
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STEP 3
Have the time of your life
Your Trip Host has designed every trip to be packed with incredible, local experiences, made even more amazing as you share it with other incredible 18-35 year old travelers.
About this trip
Small budget, small window of time, big list of Must Dos? The European Encounter should do the trick. Make your way through 10 countries, catching some rays on the Italian Riviera, downing pizza in Rome & exploring castles in Prague. If you know a better way to spend just under two and a half weeks, we need to hear about it!
Book With Confidence
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Reserve your space now with a deposit of only $200, pay the rest 45 days before departure
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Can't pay in full? We've got you covered with our Part Pay Program
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Change your travel dates or even your trip for free
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Book now, pay later when you're eligible for Uplift
Top Experiences
22 included & 18 free time add-ons available to add later
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See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night
Included
Amsterdam
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See Hradčany Castle and the Cathedral of St. Vitus
Included
Prague
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See all the iconic sites of melodic Salzburg including many from the Sound of Music
EUR 12.00
Salzburg
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Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors at the Colosseum and Roman Forum
EUR 45.00
Rome
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See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence
Included
Florence
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See the Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
Included
Lucerne
European Encounter
22 Inclusions
Experiences that are included with your trip
- See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night
- See the White Cliffs of Dover
- See the Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building
- See the colourful East side Gallery and the iconic Berlin Wall
- See Hradčany Castle and the Cathedral of St. Vitus
- Visit the richly historical city of Dresden that was decimated in WW2 and then reborn
- See the rebuilt Baroque architecture of the Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche
- Take a locally guided bike tour of opulent Prague (Summer departures only)
- See the Hohensalzburg Fortress
- See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
- Take a traditional Motoscafo across the iconic lagoon to the island of Venice
- See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
- Peel back the layers of Rome's history on a city walking tour including the Trevi Fountain
- See a gob-smacking renaissance masterpiece: St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
- See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence
- Included day pass to explore the Cinque Terre by train
- Visit the iconic Tower of Pisa and pose for the classic insta snap
- See the Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Take a dreamy nighttime tour of the 'city of lights', Paris
- Get a panoramic view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower
- Visit a French perfumery
18 Free Time Add-Ons
Optional experiences that you can choose from and pay for on your trip
- Get a unique perspective of Amsterdam on the enthralling A’DAM Lookout Tower & Swing with a drink EUR 22.00
- Feast on a seafood or steak dinner in the Dutch fishing village of Volendam EUR 39.00
- Enjoy Amsterdam from the water on a canal cruise with an on-board bar EUR 30.00
- Historical Walking Tour EUR 11.00
- Alternative Berlin (Summer Departures Only) EUR 26.00
- Microbrewery Tour EUR 29.00
- Enjoy an authentic Czech evening with traditional music, dancing & dinner EUR 32.00
- See all the iconic sites of melodic Salzburg including many from the Sound of Music EUR 12.00
- Visit a working Austrian farm in the foothills of the Alps and enjoy a farm-to-table meal followed by homemade Schnaps EUR 37.00
- Feast on an authentic Venetian 3-course meal with specialities like antipasti & local seafood EUR 39.50
- Glide down the canals of Venice on a traditional gondola EUR 26.00
- Uncover a hidden Venice with an in-depth walking tour followed by an aperitivo EUR 17.00
- Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors at the Colosseum and Roman Forum EUR 45.00
- Vatican Tour EUR 41.00
- Taste local favourites in a street food walking tour of Florence EUR 50.00
- Swiss Mountain EUR 54.00
- Take a cruise along the glittering Lake Lucerne, framed by the Swiss Alps EUR 25.00
- Watch performers whirl by as you sip champagne in your VIP Moulin Rouge seats, accompanied by dinner EUR 160.00
Map & Itinerary
- Start location
- End location
- Trip day
- Via location
- River route
- Plane route
DAY 1 - London to Amsterdam
London
Get ready for 16 days of unforgettable adventures through Europe! You'll meet up with your Contiki crew in London and we'll all board our coach here, ready to set off for European soil.
Dover
Our first stop is Dover, where we'll take a ferry to cross over the channel. One step closer! As we set off, take in that last glimpse of English coastline with the beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover.
Calais
Off the ferry, we arrive in the port town of Calais. We're in France! With no time to waste, we'll jump back on our coach and head onwards to Amsterdam.
Belgium
Cross off another country off your list as you cruise through Belgium on your way to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
And here we are at our final stop for this evening: Amsterdam! We'll start our exploration of this city with a peek of canals, bicycles & 17th century gable houses lit up by night. Next on the agenda tonight, you'll have the option to get an exclusive entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing, skipping the queues to enjoy epic views over the sprawling city below with an included drink in your hand. Afterwards, there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.
DAY 2 - Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more, and that's all before we enjoy a delicious included dinner with the rest of our Contiki fam.
DAY 3 - Amsterdam to Berlin
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but today's agenda is onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin.
Berlin
On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of a tour of the city and its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, you'll have some free time to discover the city. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the somber icons like the Holocaust memorial to side streets with hidden cafes and shops. And if you're not sure where to start, your Trip Manager can always point you in the right direction.
DAY 4 - Berlin
Berlin
It’ll be hard not to leap out of bed today knowing Berlin is ready and waiting to be explored. Today, we’ll learn more about the city’s fascinating history with a chance to do a Historical city walk. Not your jam? Why not opt for an epic view of the entire city, you will be amazed at how big Berlin is! Tonight, the night is yours to discover at your own pace, why not get some tips of some local nightlife spots from your Trip Manager - they are always in the know.
DAY 5 - Berlin to Prague via Dresden
Berlin
Finishing Berlin off on an important note we see the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall known as East Side Gallery and one of the city's symbols, covered in grafitti from head to toe. Next up, we head to the border and stop at a town called Dresden.
Dresden
A drive from Berlin to Prague 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.
Prague
On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we'll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings and gothic history. Prague is a paradise for beer lovers and in the afternoon you have the chance for a local expert to take you on a tour of some of Prague's coolest and best micro-breweries.
DAY 6 - Prague
Prague
With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life! We'll explore the city one of our favourite ways today, by bike, with our Local Guide to show us all the sights and sounds of this epic spot including the Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral and city spots that have put this Eastern city on the map (Summer Departures only). Tonight choose to get up close to Czech culture with a live music performance & traditional dancing over dinner and drinks.
DAY 7 - Prague to Salzburg
Prague
We warned you about falling head over heels for Prague! Sorry kids, you cannot live here forever.
Salzburg
Onwards we go - 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 partake in the Sights & Sounds of Salzburg. Never a dull moment! This evening opt to venture off the beaten and visit a farming family in the hills above Salzburg who invite us into their home to eat, drink and learn about their lives. The family have lived on this farm for many generations and now look to tourism to help support them and their local community. The ribs you will eat come from the next-door neighbour, the fruit for the schnapps from the village and the service from the locals.
DAY 8 - Salzburg to Venice
Salzburg
Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border and prepare to stuff ourselves full of all things pizza & pasta. Yes, traveller we're making our way to Italy!
Venice
You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps, and then we'll arrive in Venice & your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private canal boat ride.
DAY 9 - Venice to Rome
Venice
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner.
Rome
The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it's glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto!
DAY 10 - Rome
Rome
This morning we're up and out early to make the most of our chance to explore this ancient city. Starting with a visit to the world's smallest country, Vatican City.
Vatican City
When in Rome...take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine. This is also the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring.
Rome
Back in Rome, we'll have time to hit the streets and discover the incredible ancient civilisation on our doorstep. You can opt to take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators in a guided tour, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. Visit the Trevi Fountain and throw coins to make a wish, sip espresso in a cobbled backstreet and soak up Italian life as it dances by.
DAY 11 - Rome to Florence
Rome
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over…
Florence
The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to take in the unique beauty of this beautiful city where culture and la dolce vita is evident in every direction you look at. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at an optional dinner - think olives, cured meats, crostini & wine.
DAY 12 - Florence to Italian Riviera via Pisa
Florence
Hopefully by now you are head to toe in fresh leather, you've eaten your body weight in antipasto, and you're feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to farewell Florence.
Pisa
No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to the Italian Riviera.
The Italian Riviera
Hello beautiful! The 'Five Lands' or Cinque Terre is completely beautiful and will take your breath away with their stunning colours, washing hanging out windows and picture perfect setting. Perched on a cliff and overlooking the Ligurian Sea this is 100% bucket list worthy destination, use the included day pass to explore this colourful heaven, stopping for an Aperol Spritz on the way too, all in the name of culture of course!
DAY 13 - Italian Riviera to Lucerne
The Italian Riviera
Walk away from the Italian Riviera with plans to come back here for a few weeks or months, why not?
Lucerne
Swans float under wooden bridges, snow-capped mountains stand regally behind us & chocolate tastes like heaven on earth. You're in the Swiss Alps & you cannot wipe the smile off your face.
DAY 14 - Lucerne to Paris
Lucerne
It's been sweet, but our time in Lucerne is up this morning. We're Paris-bound! Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and (back) into France.
Paris
After coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy, we'll arrive in the City of Lights. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, this evening we'll fall in love with everything Paris on a dreamy night-time tour. Is it just us, or is love in the air? Once we've seen the most famous landmarks, we'll celebrate our first night in the city by heading up the Montparnasse Tower for the best panoramic views of the city.
DAY 15 - Paris
Paris
If you're waiting for a chance to indulge yourself in all things Paris, today is your day. With our last night looming, we'll start with a morning visit to Montmatre's cobbled street, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica . Later you have plenty of time to wander up the Champs-Élysées for a pastel-hued macaron at the original Ladurée, then pop in to local favourite Colette, drool over haute couture on rue Saint-Honoré, admire the Notre-Dame cathedral while juggling coffee & sugared crêpes, or hustle your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the enigmatic Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, because tonight you have the chance to grab tickets for dinner at the Moulin Rouge caberet show, an optional group evening out to perfectly top off your time in the city of lights.
DAY 16 - Paris to London
Paris
Rise, shine, and soak up your last dose of Paris this morning over a coffee and croissant together, as we marvel at how much we've seen on this magical journey. It may be over for now, but these friendships and memories will last a lifetime. Our last coach ride together will be a complimentary transfer to CDG airport this morning, or you can stay onboard for the full ride back to London. Plenty of time to start planning the next reunion...
Calais
Dover
London
What an adventure! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.
Want more time in London?
There's endless things to see and do in England's capital. So why not add the London Explorer Package to the start of your trip? With two/three nights in central hotel accommodation, a hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour and the chance to room with fellow Contiki travellers (and cut costs), you’ll be living like a London local in no time.
Where You'll Stay
Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip
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15 nights
All accommodation is included on this trip
15 nights in Hotel
For 15 nights, you'll be treated to the luxury of hotels in the best bits of each destination we visit. Sleep twin or triple share, or upgrade to single share for a little bit extra.
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