European Magic
European Magic
European Magic
9 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Venice, Lucerne, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBHHP17
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 50
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians, Please contact Contiki with specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This one gives you a taste of Europe's highlights for those tight on time. Think 8 countries, 9 days and a handful of the top hotspots - this is how you tick off Europe's essential travel destinations without hanging around. Glide through the canals of Venice, see the Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe lit up by night, indulge in some sausages and steins at a Bavarian beer hall, explore the glory of the Swiss Alps and visit the cute gable-houses of Amsterdam - all in just over a week. Now that's magic.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: A&O Hotel Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Your 9-country, 8-day adventure begins here! 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.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 via Belgium before reaching ... Amsterdam!Cross off another country off your list as you cruise through Belgium on your way to 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, we have an authentic canal-side Dutch dinner on the cards, followed by an optional evening cruise along the canals - the perfect way for our travel crew to get to know each other. Afterwards, there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.
Day 2: Amsterdam To Frankfurt
Location: Amsterdam, Frankfurt
Accommodation: A&O Hotel Frankfurt (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is your chance to explore Amsterdam. Take a wander down a cobbled canal-lined street, step into a local 'Poffertjes' cafe for Dutch mini pancakes, or check out some of the cute bookshops lining the canal. Then say 'Vaarwel!' because this afternoon we're setting off for our next country, Germany.Wilkommen to Frankfurt, Germany's thriving city metropolis with a big city scene by day and a vibrant nightlife in the evenings. We'll start off with an orientation tour here in Frankfurt, then tonight you're free to find yourself some dinner and discover the city by night.
Day 3: Frankfurt To Munich
Location: Frankfurt, Munich
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying goodbye to Frankfurt, we'll head on to the German city of Munich - where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await."Prost!”. Here in the home of Oktoberfest we'll take a quick tour of the city, and amuse ourselves watching the antics of mechanical figurines in the city's famous Glockenspiel. Making the most of our time in Munich this evening, we'll get introduced to 800 years of history at a traditional Bavarian beer hall.
Day 4: Munich To Venice Via Innsbruck
Location: Munich, Venice
Accommodation: Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
'Auf Wiedersehen' Munich, we're off to tick more countries off our list. This morning we'll climb aboard our coach ready for a scenic roll through the Bavarian Alps, past fairytale castles and rambling vineyards, en route to Austria.Drive through Austria without getting out to say hello? Never! We'll pull into Innsbruck for lunch, a laid-back student city made famous by a medieval old town, an old Olympic Ski Jump & a Royal Palace.Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Tonight we'll relax here, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.
Day 5: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscaffo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Here we'll take selfies at the Bridge of Sighs, see the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square. Next, you have the chance to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour, take a traditional gondola ride, or just explore these cobbled streets on your own. Tonight, you can choose to sign up for an authentic Venetian 3-course feast, or take a Venetian mask-making workshop. Not only will you get to paint your very own Venetian mask, you'll be supporting local crafts and traditions too.
Day 6: Venice To Lucerne
Location: Venice, Lucerne
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a few days left, it's time to say 'ciao' to our time in Venice. We'll never forget you, city of canals and beauty, but Switzerland is calling us. Back on our coach we'll pass Lake Como as we cruise out of Italy and head onwards and upwards toward the Swiss Alps.With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here we'll visit the wooden chapel bridge and lion monument, then you'll have the chance to take an optional lake cruise tonight, giving yourself a better look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.
Day 7: Lucerne To Paris
Location: Lucerne, Paris
Accommodation: Ibis Hotel Porte d'Orleans (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 8: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Ibis Hotel Porte d'Orleans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris - and we'll start with a morning visit to Montmatre's cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. 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 and dinner at the iconic Moulin Rouge 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 9: Paris To London
Location: Paris
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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For 8 amazing nights, you'll be snoozing in hotels located in the heart of each city you visit. If you're not keen on sleeping twin share, you can save a bit of cash and go three share, or even treat yourself and upgrade to single share.
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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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Fill your belly with pasta in Italy and gorge yourself on cheese everywhere in between with 8 breakfasts and and 2 dinners.
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Accommodation
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Meals – Half Board
8 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Luggage is restricted to one decent sized, non-expanding suitcase, approximately 29” × 20” × 10” (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. Metal frame backpacks are not advised as their bulky shape makes packing the coach tricky, plus they are more likely to damage other luggage.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes - all of the need to know details will be sent to you prior to departing for your trip.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Transfers are not included for this trip. You will need to get your own way to the start hotel.
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What is the tipping policy?
In terms of tipping Contiki staff and Local Guides, this is entirely up to you and is not compulsory. If you think a Trip Manager, Driver or Local Guide has done an awesome job, you may wish to tip them for this, but this is at your discretion and no one else’s. Tip what you think is right only.
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What health and hygiene protocols are in place on trip?
The health and wellbeing of everyone who travels with Contiki has been, and always will be, our top priority. That’s why we’ve rigorously evaluated our experiences, training and protocols to make sure we not only meet our travellers wellbeing expectations, but exceed them in every single way. Due to our diligent work during this time, we’ve been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No - we include entrances fees to several sights and attractions on our trip, but not all. For a comprehensive list of what is included, please check the inclusions page.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size for this trip is 53 travellers
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. Pre and Post Tour Accommodation are available for some of our trips. Please contact us to book.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
It's the travellers' responsibility to have a valid passport and visas required for your trip. Contiki is not responsible for costs incurred for failing to do so.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Depending on your nationality and the loctaion of your trip, some vaccinations may be required. This is the travellers responsibility
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes! Contiki travellers come from all over the world. Why? Because travel is better together, and in these groups you’ll become part of a global family, inspiring each other, growing together and leaving with lifelong friends.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. All of our trips are conducted solely in English and all of our guides are English speaking.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No - we can set you up with a roomie so you can travel solo but with no hefty single supplement. Or if you want your very own room we can happily accommodate that too for a small supplement.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Absolutely. Free Time is a big part of the Contiki experience, as we understand how important it is for you to put your own unique stamp on your trip. Make sure you’re clued-up on all the places you’ll be visiting well in advance to get the very most from your Free Time, chat to your Trip Manager for their tips, and of course take advantage of our Free Time Add-Ons.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No. Flights are not included in the price of the trip.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Our fleet of touring coaches are equipped with modern, well maintained air-conditioning systems that are able to completely filter and change the air within the vehicle, on average, every 2 to 3 minutes to keep you comfortable when required and to help protect the health and wellbeing of all of our travellers.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Almost all accommodation Contiki stays at offers free WiFi, so you can gram/snap/chat to your heart's content.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visas are super important and are essential for entering certain countries. It’s up to you to be responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Run this by your travel agent (if applicable) or check out a visa service well in advance to determine if/which visas you will require and how to obtain them.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. Contiki is strictly for 18 to 35 year olds.
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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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