European Whirl

DAY 1 - London to Amsterdam

London

The adventure of a lifetime kicks off today. Meet up with your new Contiki family in London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam.

Dover

Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK!

Calais

Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching...Amsterdam!

Belgium

Cross off another country off your list as you cruise through Belgium on your way to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam

Tonight, the famed-for-fun Amsterdam is ours to explore. First fill up on your included group dinner, then an undisguised Red Light District & plenty of bars are there for the curious.

DAY 2 - Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. This afternoon use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this town is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. 

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

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. Spend the day lapping up history, scouting the Berlin Wall and dialing up your intellect at sites like the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building. That way you can let loose a little in the evening without a hint of remorse. 

DAY 5 - Berlin to Prague via Dresden

Berlin

"More city hangs" you'll all scream in unison as we motor out of Berlin, high on life & still wanting more. Since you asked so nicely, let us present you with Prague, the darling of Europe. 

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 Bohemia Kings and gothic history.

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! Tonight, you could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers as the sun goes down on the 'City of a Thousand Spires'. 

DAY 7 - Prague to Munich

Prague

Pack your bags and say your goodbyes to the city of Prague. Germany is just next door and we've been invited in for a spot of fun. Whoop!

Munich

This place isn't just an Oktoberfest affair, Munich is lovable round the year. And thankfully, it gets into the spirit of Bavarian beer culture round the year, too. A town square with a famous clock is high priority on today's agenda.

DAY 8 - Munich to Austrian Tyrol

Munich

Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. We're hitting the road in search of lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music.

Austrian Tyrol

Next up, Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guest house) is waiting for us with open arms. Before we swing into action with a themed party, get outside and explore the dreamy setting we've descended upon, or opt for a tandem paraglide for those thrillseekers amongst us or take to the hills like Heidi on a bike ride.

DAY 9 - Austrian Tyrol to Venice

Austrian Tyrol

Wake up roamers, we have a bountiful breakfast and a floating city in Italy to tend to. Life's tough!

Venice

You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day as we glide through the Central Austrian Alps & Brenner Pass en-route to Italy. But then we'll arrive in Venice, the city so effortlessly pretty that your jaws will hit the floor. We'll begin to explore the hidden lanes, storybook bridges and Doge's Palace on a locally guided tour, before an opportunity to float through the canals on an iconic gondola ride. It doesn't get more romantic than this.

DAY 10 - 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 evening will really take it up to high key as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. With a city tour on arrival, we'll get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night, ready to be fully unveiled tomorrow. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments, we're here for it all.

DAY 11 - 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 12 - 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. We'll become history buffs on a guided walking tour before we learn the art of leather. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at an optional dinner - think olives, cured meats, crostini & wine. 

DAY 13 - Florence to Swiss Alps via Lucerne

Florence

That's it for our feasting on all things Florence. With the Swiss Alps in our sights, the devastation of leaving this place should be well and truly numbed.

Pisa

Swiss Alps

Arrive in a picture perfect setting ready for two nights at our accomodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. This place comes to life as the sun sets, so tonight we'll have a chance to spend our free time checking out the local nightlife and foodie scene.

DAY 14 - Swiss Alps

Swiss Alps

Open the window of your room & drink in the incredible view - if you can find words or photos that do it justice, we applaud you! Feel free to explore this classic European adventure town.

DAY 15 - Swiss Alps to Beaujolais

Swiss Alps

Out with the altitude, into France for a brand new day and a brand new country.

Beaujolais

Once we've crossed the border out of Switzerland we will be coasting into wine and cheese territory on our scenic journey to Beajolais. Tonight's the night we camp out at Contiki’s very own 16th century Château. Well, we say camp, but this might be the most royal experience of your life. Pool parties, wine tasting at the fully functoning winery, strolling the dreamy French countryside...so many ways to kill time, each as unforgettable as the next. We'll also try some local delicacies with an included group dinner (washed down with local wine, naturally).

DAY 16 - Beaujolais to Paris

Beaujolais

Yes, yes, we know you want to stay here forever, but  the show must go on. And there is more French fabulousness just around the corner, we promise.

Paris

Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris. Our Trip Manager fills us in on the city's secrets, then to celebrate our first night in the city.

DAY 17 - Paris

Paris

Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is yours! We'll take you to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quartiers, explore Notre Dame Cathedral, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with can-can girls & Champagne over dinner and then Nouvelle Eve cabaret show.

DAY 18 - Paris to London

Paris

Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective. 

Calais

Dover

London

What a journey, on arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the journey on arrival.