European Adventurer

Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights.  A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on our trip. After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields as we drive past the Valley of the Somme.  We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It's straight down to business where we'll bond with our Contiki fam over a delicious included dinner. After dinner, we will make our way through Paris to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal, and spend the rest of the night watching her sparkle.

This morning, our Trip Manager will fill us in on the city's secrets with a dreamy tour of the 'city of lights', passing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!

Out with the city life, in with the fresh mountain air. On leaving Paris we’ll coast through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy before crossing the border to Switzerland. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, ready for two nights at our accommodation 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 check out the local nightlife and foodie scene, as well as load up on Swiss chocolate.

Open the window of your room and drink in the incredible view. Today you’re free to explore this classic European adventure town. And if you're feeling extra adventurous - today you can choose to get your adrenaline pumping by swinging through a canyon, or ascending Jungfrau mountain, aka 'the Top of the World' (or both!).

It’s been sweet, but we’re swapping Switzerland back for France again today. There's just time for one last breath of fresh mountain air. A quick lunch break in the home of the UN's headquarters and a view of that oh so famous water fountain. Grab a bite to eat and a last mouthful of delish swiss chocolate (try saying that three times fast) and then we'll be on our way. Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki’s very own 16th century Château. This might just be our most decadent accommodation yet, complete with newly-renovated bedrooms & bathrooms, an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, and a powder room for makeup and hair. And we haven't even shown you the pool or the gardens yet! Tonight we'll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the Château, because, when in France...

Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château's gardens or loll about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine.

Bye-bye Beaujolais! And hello Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain's most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last. Well would you look at that for timing, we've pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o'clock. Fate, you've done it again! Tapas and a night exploring the city should have us in the Spanish mood before we know it.

Cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic hilltop vistas, & wild Spanish architecture will season our day to perfection. There's plenty of free time to roam free or take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more... After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we'll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline.

Missing an opportunity to see this 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. A night in glamorous Monaco should complete your day slash life. Don a fancy necklace and pop a plum in your mouth - we're about to embark on the lifestyle of the rich and the famous.  After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

Wake up and smell the… French perfume! Today you’ll visit a Perfumery, where you’ll take a look around and even have the chance to craft a signature scent of your own. Afterwards, it’s farewell to the French Riviera and off to Italy. Pizza, pasta, and charming locals are just around the corner. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda.

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 gondola ride and a food walking tour are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination Florence is just around the corner. 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 Florence. The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at a Free Time Add-On dinner - think olives, pastas, focaccia, meats & wine.

This morning you’re free to make the most of your final hours in Florence, then with a heartfelt ‘ciao’, we’re bound for the epicentre of Italy: the Eternal City of Rome. After we drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we'll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. Starting with a city walking tour, the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we'll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets.

Rome wasn't built in a day but we sure can try and see it all in one day! Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.

As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD. The saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning. Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country.

Full steam ahead this morning, our course is set for Athens via the Corinth CanalOh hello there...we're pulling up in Greece! The awe of this country's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through it's path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean. The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through it's path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over glorious blue ocean. Docking here, we’ll make tracks overland for Athens.A collage of ancient wonders & modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to resist. Tonight we'll kick off with a food walking tour to sample the best Greek bites in the land of Gyros.

We'll jump straight in with a sightseeing tour of Athens. Our Local Guide will escort us through the history of the city visiting the Parthenon & Acropolis, followed by a visit to the first & original 'modern' (read: 1896) Olympic stadium. Our time in Athens was amazing and well worth delaying our island time for. But delay it further? We shall not... Let's do this! 3 nights on the island of Mykonos, how did we get so lucky? Even the boat ride across the Aegean will have you awe struck and in love.

Windmills; cafes overflowing with olives, feta and tzatziki; storybook streets - and that's before you've even taken a dip in the ocean! Explore with the crew, come along to an optional, or simply waste the day away as you please.

Remember when you first looked at our itinerary and wondered if 3-nights in Mykonos would be too much? LOL! What a joke those feels are now. It's our final full day here and we all wish it would last for 3-months. Do any daredevil things you've been putting off or give yourself a day to relax if you've been giving it a nudge since we first arrived.

Wave goodbye to the picture perfect Mykonos, it's time to cruise across the Aegean to Athens and continue our adventure across the best spots in Europe.  Ready for one more dose of Athens? We'll soak up the rays of the Mediterranean sun this afternoon before we head to our next Greek destination tomorrow.

Back on the coach and bound for the border, we have one more stop to complete before we say goodbye to Greece. Here in Meteora, we'll be greeted by the spectacular site of six clifftop monasteries built on gigantic natural stone pillars. You'll have the chance to take an optional guided tour of thid UNESCO World Heritage site, or use the time to explore your own way before we settle in for an included dinner and our stay here for the night.

Rolling across the border to Albania, we'll stop for sweeping views across Lake Ohrid before cruising into Tirana, the capital city. Soviet-era buildings meet modern culture, with rainbow-coloured concrete buildings, lush woodland parks, and 'Peace Bell' built with old cartridge shells. We'll begin with an orientation of Tirana and a free evening to explore the city's nightlife and hip bars.

Obscure off the beaten track capitals one day, trusted favourite cities the next. Such is the beauty of a see it all trip! For lunch, we’ll stop off here in the fortified city of Kotor, with views of Romanesque churches and limestone cliffs to keep us occupied while we eat. ...we make our way to Croatia. The spectacular seaside fortress town of Dubrovnik, also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is yours to explore for the evening - not forgetting it has an enviable party scene.

The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre. After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content.

So long, Dubrovnik. It’s been a blast, but today we’re making our way north to Sarajevo. We’ll make a brief stop-off for lunch here in marvellous Mostar, home of the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). Before rolling into Sarajevo, we’ll stop en route at the Olympic Bobsled & Luge track built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. Now covered in graffiti, the track is still worth a visit before we journey on to Bosnia’s eclectic capital city. With a full day of discovering this Eastern gem on the cards tomorrow, we’ll make the most of a free evening here tonight.

The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour, tapping into 500 years of history, before free time this afternoon. This evening you’ll have the chance to sign up for an optional dinner in the homes of local hosts, who will lovingly prepare a traditional Bosnian meal and share their stories of wartime living. Or, make the most of your evening by exploring the local bars and nightlife.

See you later Sarajevo, we’re crossing the border back into Croatia. Arriving in Plitviče this evening, we'll enjoy an included dinner at our accommodation, ready to explore tomorrow.

We’ll start our morning the wholesome way, with the chance to marvel at a UNESCO World Heritage site that's also Croatia’s biggest (and oldest) national park. It gets better too, coz your entry into Plitvice is all sorted by us. Afterwards, feeling zenner than zen from all those waterfalls, we'll make our way across the border on a scenic drive from Croatia to Slovenia. Ljubljana awaits us with a curving river, outdoor cafe culture and green spaces that make it one of Europe's most liveable capitals. First, we'll take an orientation tour of the city. Then, in the evening, we'll visit a local restaurant for dinner and even see a folklore show to get a real feel for the country.

Today we’ll have a morning trip out to the beautiful Lake Bled - a picture-perfect spot and European must-see. Surrounded by thick forest and ringed by snow capped mountains, beautiful Lake Bled is like something straight out of a fairy tale. Take a leisurely cruise on its sparkling emerald waters, visit picturesque Bled Island and take a hike to Bled Castle, an ancient fortification whose precipitous cliffside location offers stunning views over the lake and the surrounding countryside. Returning to Ljubljana, we'll have a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring.

Saying so long to Ljubljana, today we'll head out of Slovenia and into the mountains of Austria. Here in the Austrian Tyrol we'll rest up in a Contiki Special Stay, a local Austrian chalet that's waiting for us with open arms. With so much fresh air to breathe in outside, explore the dreamy setting we've descended upon. This is the perfect cosy retreat to swap stories with your crew while tucking into authentic Austrian food and local beer prepared on site and served by our Contiki chefs and bar staff.

Wake up, peel open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view. If you're feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls. If you're feeling really lively you can go tandem paragliding. Not so lively? Stroll around and take in the incredible setting; drink endless hot chocolate, go up a mountain in a gondola or relax at our Gasthof.

Polish off your stay in Austria with an optional whitewater rafting adventure - that should get the adrenaline pumping and excitement high for our impending visit to Germany. A city famous the world over for its annual beer festival is a city we need to know about. And luckily enough, its Bavarian culture is a year round attraction. You can explore the side streets of Munich on an optional bike tour, or go it on your own and see what you stumble upon.

Today it’s goodbye Munich, hello wine country. But first, we have an important stop to make. Journeying out of Munich, we'll make a stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You'll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on to the Rhine Valley.  After the scenic journey of fairytale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. We’ll enjoy an included dinner here, and you’ll have the chance to take up an offer of wine tasting for the evening.

This morning we'll drag you all away from Germany kicking and screaming that you want to stay forever. Only to see you equally infatuated with another dot on the European map hours later... You know the cheese, and now you're going to know the place that pioneered it. We'll cycle into the countryside to see windmills & picturesque Dutch houses, cheese farms & clog maker's houses. 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. Opt to take the A'DAM lookout swing, an incredible observation deck with unrivalled panoramas of the twisting canals below.

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.

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. If you are leaving us in Amsterdam, we'll escort you to Schipol Airport by about 10am. 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.