European Discovery
European Discovery
European Discovery
12 Days Starting in London and ending in Paris
Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Munich, Austrian Tyrol, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBHDR17
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Contiki with specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Ready for the beginning of your sweet love affair with Europe? This trip uncovers Europe's finest in 12 days, complete with Bavarian beer & a private boat through the Venetian canals. We'll discover Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice & Florence, flirting with many more destinations along the way, from a traditional German beer hall to the breathtaking Austrian Tyrol mountain range and a visit to our fave Roman gelateria (on us). You'll get a taste for all the best bits of the continent and travel through 9 countries in one trip. By the time you get back to London you'll be completely smitten.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: London, Amsterdam
Accommodation: A&O Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Yourheart-pounding adventure kicks off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam.Shortly before we find our ferry for Europe, 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!Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching ... Amsterdam!Cross off another country off your list as you cruise through Belgium on your way to Amsterdam.Tonight, the famed for fun Amsterdam is ours to explore following an optional evening canal cruise. An undisguised Red Light District & plenty of bars are there for the curious.
Day 2: Amsterdam To Rhine Valley
Location: Amsterdam, Rhine Valley
Accommodation: Hotel Montag (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Now it's time to pour some sunlight on the agenda & take in the beauty of canals, crooked buildings, obscure museums & a café culture like no other.After the scenic journey of fairytale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. This back-in-time town is our wine tasting host for the evening.
Day 3: Rhine Valley To Munich
Location: Rhine Valley, Munich
Accommodation: NH Munchen Ost Conference(or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Too much grape juice last night? Not to worry, the prospect of Munich should lift your spirits as we travel south & swap wine culture for beer.Today our eyes will be treated to a famous gothic clock, a charming old town & traditional Bavarian culture. You'll have the option to explore the side streets by bicycle and afterwards why not choose to explore one of the cities many beer halls, where you can try a stein of beer or even a pork knuckle!
Day 4: Munich To Austrian Tyrol Via Innsbruck
Location: Munich, Austrian Tyrol
Accommodation: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. We're hitting the road in search of lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music.This part of the world is famous for adventure sports, so best put your name next to the optional White Water Rafting and get in the spirit of things. After some adventure time, its time to head to this famous Olympic town and your jaw will drop at the sight of the famous ski jump, and you'll have a chance to soak up the medieval old town atmosphere before it's back on the road to our Gasthof for the night! Tonight you'll rest up in a local Austrian Gasthof (guest house) that is 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 new friends while tucking into authentic Austrian food and local beer prepared on site and served by our amazing chefs and bar staff.
Day 5: Austrian Tyrol To Venice
Location: Austrian Tyrol, Venice
Accommodation: Hotel Ambra (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up roamers, we have a bountiful breakfast and a floating city in Italy to tend to. Life's tough!You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps & Brenner Pass en route to Italy. 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 6: Venice To Rome
Location: Venice, Rome
Accommodation: 3-4 Star Standard Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.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 - perfecto!
Day 7: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: 3-4 Star Standard Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.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.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 8: Rome To Florence
Location: Rome, Florence
Accommodation: 3-4 Star Standard Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over…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 9: Florence To Lucerne
Location: Florence, Lucerne
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond farewell to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and not to mention watches. Hello Switzerland!Swans float under wooden bridges, snowcapped 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. Eeek!!!
Day 10: Lucerne To Paris
Location: Lucerne, Paris
Accommodation: Ibis Porte D'Italie Hotel Paris (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.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 11: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Ibis Porte D'Italie Hotel Paris (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris - and we'll start with a visit to an authentic French perfumery to learn all the secrets of the trade. Then there's plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the many museums of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, because tonight's your chance to get involved with VIP seats, dinner & French champagne at an iconic Parisian cabaret show. With your last night looming, this is the perfect way to make it one to remember. Get ready to go out with a bang!
Day 12: Paris To London
Location: Paris, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
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...What an adventure! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.
What's Included
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Our European selection of hotels will be your accommodation of choice for 12 fabulous nights. Sleep twin or triple share, or upgrade to a single room if you prefer to sleep alone.
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A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.
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Prep your taste buds for a culinary sensation. Hearty French, Dutch, Austrian and Italian cuisine will be on offer each day, with 11 continental breakfasts and 5 dinners included.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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