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The Southern Trail (Ends in Athens)

A 23-Day Contiki Tours tour starting from $2,410

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Tour Overview

Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category:
Tour Operator: Contiki Tours
Tour Code: CH-CCCLAMU07
Tour Highlights

Countries Visited

England, France, Greece, Italy, Spain

Cities Visited

See Description
Sightseeing Highlights
Dover
See the White Cliffs of Dover

Paris
Only Contiki: Exclusive 'Paris by Night' sightseeing tour with Champagne & escargotSee the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame CathedralSee Château Versailles (entrance not included)

Beaujolais
Only Contiki: Wine tasting at Contiki's ChâteauStop at Contiki's very own Château de CruixTaste local wine

Barcelona
See Gaudi's Sagrada Família & the 1992 Olympic Games complexOnly Contiki: Walking tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

Provence
Visit the historic city of Arles

French Riviera
Scenic drive along the Côte d'AzurVisit a French perfumerySee the Royal Palace in MonacoOnly Contiki: Rub shoulders with the rich & famous with a visit to a Monte Carlo casino

Verona
See Juliet's Balcony and the Roman Arena

Venice
Only Contiki: Private boat through the canals & islands of VeniceSee the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's SquareSee Venice's iconic canals & gondolas

Pisa
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Florence
Only Contiki: Discover the Statue of David, Ponte Vecchio, the Medici Palace & much more on our locally guided walking tour of FlorenceSee the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della SignoriaLearn about Florence's leather craft with a demonstration

Rome
Only Contiki: Special access Rome sightseeing coach tourSee the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Vatican City
See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City

Capri
Only Contiki: Day trip by boat to the Isle of Capri

Sorrento
Scenic drive along the coast

Corfu
See the Venetian fortress in Corfu's old town

Corinth
See the Corinth Canal

Athens
Only Contiki: Learn about the birthplace of modern society on a guided tour of Athens & the AcropolisVisit the Acropolis & Parthenon with a local guideSee the first modern Olympic Stadium

Overview

Always wanted to see the hotspots of Western Europe but thought you couldn't afford it? Think again because this 21 day camping tour shows you everything you've been reading about in those travel guides and more. From Paris to Barcelona, Rome to Athens. And really, what better way to see the world than the original Contiki way. Just you, a bunch of new friends, a tent and a taste for adventure.

Year Round Offers
  • Contiki is the best vacation for 18-35 year olds
  • Refer-a-Friend Reward you save $100 off a tour
  • Book any 2 Contiki trips of 10 days - Save $100
  • Triple Discounts Save 5% & Early Payment Discount
Start Date End Date Brochure price Our Price Quote
6/17/2012
7/9/2012
$2,459
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6/24/2012
7/16/2012
$2,459
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7/1/2012
7/23/2012
$2,575
Get A Quote
7/15/2012
8/6/2012
$2,575
Get A Quote
8/12/2012
9/3/2012
$2,505
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8/17/2012
9/8/2012
$2,505
Get A Quote
8/22/2012
9/13/2012
$2,505
Get A Quote

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.

Day 1: Depart for Europe
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe! Accommodations:

Day 2: Arrive London
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.Accommodations: Hotel

Day 3: London to Paris
Meet up with your fellow travellers and Contiki team as you start your adventure. Your Tour Manager knows all the ins and outs of where you’re going and your tour’s own On-road Cook will make sure you get big portions of tasty meals, made from fresh, local produce.Then we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War I battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris.Once we have set up camp we will depart for the 'Tour of Illuminations', where the French capital transforms into the "City of Lights". Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most recognised monuments, like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. If you’re adventurous, get right into French culture when you arrive at a Parisian café with the opportunity to try out France's national delicacy - escargot! You’ll also get to toast the start of your tour with French Champagne.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Dinner (1) day

Day 4: Paris
This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods).Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame Cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces.Time in Paris includes a trip out to France’s most well-known château: Versailles, once home to ‘the Sun King’ Louis XIV, and hot spot of the French Revolution. Check out the impressive exterior of this extravagant palace. Then there’s an opportunity to explore the former royal family’s luxurious living quarters.Treat yourself to a real Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaruant, where you can get to know your group. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls and Champagne.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (2 days), Dinner (1 day)

Day 6: Paris to Lyon
Southbound, roll on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. Our team will make you feel right at home in Contiki’s very own 16th century Château. There’s a wine tasting within the Château’s working winery, where our resident expert will teach you about Beaujolais wine as you swirl and sip on wines made in the area for centuries.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 7: Lyon to Barcelona
Today, we head south through the rugged and dramatic scenery of the Pyrénées mountains, over the border into Barcelona.A sizzling, festive capital any night of the week, Barcelona is all about action. In Spain fiesta time starts late, so settle in at one of Barcelona’s many outdoor squares to enjoy a glass of sangria and nibble on tapas (plate-sized snacks), before a fun night out exploring the city’s nightlife with your new friends.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 8: Barcelona
First stop: Montjuic. The hilltop has full-blown vistas of the city and it’s where we stop to check out the 1992 Olympic Games complex. Afterwards, get a look into Spanish architect Gaudi’s wild imagination with his Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Sagrada Família church. Your Tour Manager walks you through the cobbled lanes of Barcelona’s oldest district, the Gothic Quarter.There’s free time to discover more of Barcelona’s creative core. Pick up some quirky buys in the side streets or hit the big label shops on Plaça de Catalunya. Take in all of Barcelona’s buzzing street life on the tree-lined La Rambla – a boulevard packed with street performers, artists, shops and stalls. Other ideas for your afternoon off include hanging out in the colourful gardens of Parc Güell or kicking back with the locals on the beach and taking a swim in the Mediterranean sea. For lunch, there’s plenty of delicious local seafood to try as well as Spain’s signature dish, paella. Wrap up your time in this hot city with an optional flamenco dance show for a closer look into Spanish culture. Get some tips on regional food from your Tour Manager and head to one of the excellent local restaurants to try out the flavours of Catalan cuisine, like crema catalana (caramalised custard), cargos a la llauna (cooked snails) and the fantastic Rioja wine! Afterward, hit the pumping clubs of Port Olympico, by the water.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day

Day 9: Barcelona to French Riviera
Unwind on the coach and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. A stop for lunch in Arles means a look at the ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town.It’s back on the road to the rugged coast line of the stunning Côte d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to Antibes.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 10: French Riviera
Next stop on the Riviera and home to the French perfume industry is Fragonard perfumery. Learn about how perfume is made and some of its more surprising ingredients. It’s also a chance to pick up a bottle or 2 at great prices.In your free time live a bit of the lifestyle with a visit to the local markets. Try out the region’s produce like lavender honey, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and mouth-watering rosé wine.Window shop the chic boutiques or choose a beach and catch some sun among all the bronzed bodies!Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamorous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home to the Formula 1. Get the inside story on the royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager. Try your luck at a casino later on!Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 11: French Riviera to Venice
Onwards to Italy and Verona, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Get romantic and stand under one of the world’s most famous shrines to love, Juliet’s balcony from Romeo and Juliet. Check out the main shopping street and the Roman arena, before heading on to Venice.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 12: Venice
Venice is packed with character - crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the Gothic arches of the Doge's Palace and the expanse of St. Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life.Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping.Maybe grab a table on St. Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride & share this amazing experience with your friends - seeing Venice from on the water is unforgettable!Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 13: Venice to Florence
Wind through the Apennine Mountains and Tuscan countryside to the Renaissance city of Florence, with a stop at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.The scene-stealing Duomo Cathedral rises above Florence, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. After dinner, walk along the River Arno with your Tour Manager, take in the atmosphere and head into the heart of Florence, where you can sit back and relax Tuscan style with a glass of Chianti wine.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day

Day 14: Florence
Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre.Our Local Guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art.With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city.Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner – an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the heart of Florence. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day

Day 15: Florence to Rome
Travel through Tuscany’s rustic hills, past the recognisable cypress tree landscapes of this olive oil-producing region, to vibrant Rome. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach tour gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!) or maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back with a few slices of pizza and people watch.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day

Day 16: Rome
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge with an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Then check out Rome’s imperial glory by visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum.Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafés and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys.In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.Accommodations: Twin Share Tent

Day 17: Rome to Sorrento
From Naples, it’s a boat ride to the main marina of the Isle of Capri. Soak up the views and head off with some friends into the cute, white-washed villages where you could try out the region’s sweet lemon liqueur, limoncello.Set on sheer slopes, Sorrento doles up sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. There’s free time tonight to explore Sorrento’s web of narrow streets. Find a little local restaurant where you can eat Italian-style, right in the heart of this knock-out location.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day

Day 18: Sorrento to Corfu
Plunge into Pompeii’s well-preserved past in an interesting optional excursion and retrace ancient history with our expert Local Guide. Then there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece in Brindisi. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!Accommodations: Overnight CruiseMeals: Breakfast (1) day

Day 19: Corfu
Corfu is all that’s great about Greek island living and with our fantastic campsite location, you only have to walk down a short pathway to get to the beach. You’ll immediately find yourself on “local time”, browsing the markets of the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town and bargaining with the laid-back locals.Jump on board George’s Boat optional with a bunch friends for a fun day out on the water. It will give you another angle on idyllic Corfu. Work up an appetite swimming in the secluded spots and then feast on a lunch of olives, salad, cheeses, fresh bread and dips – prepared with ingredients from George’s back yard.Corfu also gives you the chance to dive into action with a selection of water sports, like parasailing, banana-boating and waterskiing. Otherwise hire a car for a deeper look into Corfu and venture across the island to explore some beautiful, remote beaches.While you’re here, there’s a fun toga theme party – don’t worry, we’ll supply the outfit!Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (3 days), Dinner (2 days)

Day 22: Corfu to Athens
From Corfu, head to the mainland and travel to the impressive, man-made Corinth Canal.Athens is next, a city crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul.Accommodations: Twin Share TentMeals: Breakfast (1) day

Day 23: Depart Athens
Step back in time in Europe’s oldest city to the birthplace of democracy. Get the run down on the Parthenon and the Acropolis from our Local Guide, as you wander around the marble columns perched above the city sprawl. Then we check out the first modern Olympic Stadium from the 1896 Games. The tour winds down in the heart of the city at Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament. Make the most of a last look at the Parthenon before you farewell your friends.Accommodations: Meals: Breakfast (1) day

Contiki Tours
Always wanted to see the hotspots of Western Europe but thought you couldn't afford it? Think again because this 21 day camping tour shows you everything you've been reading about in those travel guides and more. From Paris to Barcelona, Rome to Athens. And really, what better way to see the world than the original Contiki way. Just you, a bunch of new friends, a tent and a taste for adventure.

Save $150 on Contiki Vacations of 14+ Days!

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$150 off Contiki trips!

Book any trip 14 days or longer and save $150 when you mention promo code GIFT. Applies to new bookings only between 10/10/11 and 10/1/12.

Valid for travel from 10/10/11 through 12/31/12. Non-refundable $200 deposit required to secure booking. Full payment required 45 days prior to departure. Not combinable with other dollar or percentage off promotions. Offer valid for US residents booking through travel agencies located in the US. Restrictions apply.

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Must book and pay in full at least 12 months prior
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Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time &
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Group Travel Discounts on Tours, Save from 5%


Contiki believes in the principle of the more the merrier. You’ll save money when you travel with more people, so round up your friends and have a blast for less!


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Our ‘4 or More’ discount means a 5% saving per person when 4 or more people book at the same time on the same trip.


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Book a group of 7 people traveling on the same vacation at the same time and get a 7.5% discount per person.


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Terms & Conditions

  • Discounts apply to land tour price only (ie: not flights).
  • You can combine group discounts, multi tour discounts & early payment discounts on tours of 10 days or longer, however these deals cannot be combined with any other offer.
  • All tours must be made on one booking for discount to apply.
  • All members of the group must travel on the same tour and tour dates.
  • Discount will be applied upon payment.

5% off Military Discount!

Welcome to Contiki.com/promos
Active or non-active members, as well as their spouse, receive 5% off Contiki trips 8 days or longer. Mention promo code MILITARY1112 to redeem.

To show our gratitude to military personnel, veterans, and spouses who protect America, Contiki is covering the price of travel insurance. You deserve a vacation, now rest easy knowing if for any reason you need to cancel or change your reservation, we've got you covered.

Applies to new bookings only. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Verification is required. Valid for travel through 31DEC12. Restrictions apply.

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.