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European Experience

A 22-Day Contiki Tours tour starting from $2,759

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Starting Price: $2,759 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 22 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Regional Europe
Tour Operator: Contiki Tours
Tour Code: CONTIKI114
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Featuring: France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium
Starting In London and ending in London

 
Accomodations
* 20 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Swiss Chalet, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Austrian Gasthof, 9 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 4 nights in hotels & 1 night in a hostel * 19 breakfasts (B), 1 picnic lunch (PL) & 13 dinners (D) included in your food fund * A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff * Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with power outlets for charging * Ferry crossings * Sightseeing tours of all major cities

The Contiki Difference


 
Depart for Europe ( Days)
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Arrive London (1 Days)
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.

London to Paris (Dinner Days)
Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris. If you’re adventurous, get right into French culture when you arrive at the campsite. Your Contiki Cook will prepare authentic escargots (snails) for the group. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out this national delicacy. You’ll also get to toast the start of your tour together in style with our special “Taste of France” welcome. Your Crew will serve champagne and local cheeses before we kick start Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, where the French capital transforms into the ‘City of Lights’. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafes 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.

Paris (Breakfast Days)
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 chateau: Versailles, once home to the Sun King, Louis 14th 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.

Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Southbound, we stop off at the massive 12th Century chateau, Fontainebleau. Walk around the imperial gardens and check out the chateau’s imposing, regal exterior. We continue 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 chateau. There’s a wine tasting within the chateau’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.

Beaujolais Wine Region (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner Days)
There’s loads of time to catch up on some sleep, laze about the Chateau or position yourself poolside. Explore the French countryside with a walk through the vineyards and picnic in the hills above the chateau. In the afternoon, get a feel for a real French country town and head into nearby Thiezé.

Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera (Breakfast Days)
Unwind on the coach, listen to your ipod and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. We continues on the road to the rugged coast line of the stunning Cote d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to Antibes. Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamourous 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.

French Riviera to Florence (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
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. Onwards to Italy, land of passion! En route to Renaissance Florence, we stop by Pisa and get up close to the famous Leaning Tower. 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.

Florence (Breakfast Days)
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 skilful 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.

Florence to Rome (Breakfast Days)
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 of the city gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and the 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 hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps and sit back with a few slices of pizza. Make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Rome (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes 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.

Rome to Venice (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Northbound, we stop off in Bologna – Italy’s foodie capital and a bustling student town. Have your camera ready to grab some shots of its famous Renaissance towers, palazzi and 40 km of porticoes. Go local and visit the great markets that fill the city’s narrow streets. Pick up some of the fantastic local produce available like prosciutto (dried ham), parmigiano cheese and balsamic vinegar. Then maybe order yourself a plate of traditional spaghetti Bolognese and taste this town’s claim to fame, before we head to Venice.

Venice (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Known as the “floating city” 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 Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century. 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.

Venice to Austrian Tyrol (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Wind through the Bavarian Alps and Brenner Pass to a cute Austrian village in a region famous for adventure sports. Kick start your time here by plunging into some white-water rafting in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity on the river. With 2 nights in Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guest inn), there’s plenty of time for pulse-racing activities. Our resident crew will give you pointers on the best stuff to do in the region and make sure you get everything out of your time here.

Austrian Tyrol (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, fill your lungs with clean mountain air, jump on a bike and get into the region’s outdoor lifestyle with a fully guided optional tour through the Tyrol’s picture perfect scenery, complete with waterfalls and mountain fields. Work up an appetite – a BBQ lunch is waiting for you at the end! With time to do your own thing, laze about or get out for a walk in the surrounding hills. Catch up on some emails or postcards at the inn or take a gondola up the mountainside for more spectacular views of the area. For something different, pop into the local trout farm. For adrenaline-junkies, an optional tandem paraglide will give you an awesome angle on the surrounding alpine scenery. (B,D)

Austrian Tyrol to Munich (Breakfast Days)
This morning there’s a chance to visit the Swarovski Museum and pick up some of their world-famous crystal. Then we remember one of history’s darkest moments with a sobering stop at Dachau concentration camp. Learn more at the museum and walk through the remaining living quarters. Afterwards, travel back to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich - a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and modern lifestyle. Explore the heart of Munich’s Old Town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel - a Gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells. Then, get a taste of tradition at a typical beer hall. Park yourself at a long wooden table, order yourself some hearty local food, like roasted pork, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.

Munich to Swiss Alps (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Today, travel past the stony cliffs of Liechtenstein, into the capital, Vaduz, where you can grab some lunch and enjoy it in the shadow of the royal family’s 12th Century Castle. Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful alpine town of Lucerne. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Tour Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches Switzerland is so famous for. Tonight, we head to the alpine heights of Lauterbrunnen and stay at Contiki’s very own Swiss chalet.

Swiss Alps (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
It’s a change of pace amongst Switzerland’s massive alps. Take in the amazing views from your chalet window. Opt to visit Jungfrau mountain, head up the sheer slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage listed site on a cog rail to Europe’s highest railway station, and step out onto the “roof” of Europe for spine-tingling views. Back at the chalet, make the most of the genuine underground bomb shelter and party it up with friends at the bar there.

Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Over the border and into Germany, we head to the university town of Heidelberg. Wander around, grab a late lunch and check out its famous baroque church. The coach follows the Rhine River, weaving through valleys dotted with castles and vineyards. Next stop - the pretty, old-world village of St Goar, complete with fairy-tale castle and even a free-standing cuckoo clock! Learn about local know-how and get savvy on the craft of beer steins. Then kick back with a glass of local wine and choose to find out more with the optional wine tasting in a candlelit underground cellar.

Rhine Valley to Amsterdam (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. Head into the buzzing capital of Amsterdam and check out the eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and the wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7.

Amsterdam (Breakfast Days)
There’s free time to experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and quirky, cool boutiques. Wander along the canals and pass gabled houses or experience Amsterdam’s multi-ethnic cuisine. This cultural melting pot dishes up loads of affordable food. With an optional evening canal cruise, there’s a chance to toast your travels with the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam at water level as you drift past the city lights. For your last night on tour, get some pointers from your Tour Manager, dive into Amsterdam’s night action with your friends and finish up your travels with a night to remember.

Amsterdam to London (1 Days)
After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Schipol Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay.

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT
  • 5% off for Contiki Alumni
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  • Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts
  • Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100
         
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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. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

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.

Paris
See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris
See Château Fontainebleau (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Paris
Paris illuminations night tour with French champagne, cheese & escargot

Beaujolais
Picnic in the French countryside

French Riviera
Scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur

French Riviera
Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace

French Riviera
Visit a Monte Carlo casino

Paris
Visit a French Perfumery

Pisa
See the Leaning Tower

Florence
Walking tour with a local guide

Florence
See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria

Florence
Florentine leather craft demonstration

Rome
See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum

Vatican City
See St. Peter's Basilica

Venice
See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' Palace & St. Mark's Square

Venice
Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations

Venice
Private boat to the islands of Venice

Brenner Pass
Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles

Austrian Tyrol
See this pretty mountain region famous for adrenalin sports

Munich
See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz

Liechtenstein
Visit the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz

Lucerne
See the Wooden Chapel Bridge

Swiss Alps
Scenic drive through the Alps

Ljubljana
See the medieval castle

Rhine Valley
Scenic drive along the Rhine River

Rhine Valley
Visit the riverside town St. Goar

Amsterdam
See the canals, gable houses and city by night

Amsterdam
Visit a fishing and cheese village

Amsterdam
Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house

Amsterdam
See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam

Europe
Special stopovers: Contiki's Chateau & wine tasting, Austrian Gasthof & Swiss Chalet

Europe
Contiki onsite Reps

 

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% Off for Military Members and Spouses...

Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem.

Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply.

5% off for Contiki Alumni

So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off!

Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required.

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Save 5%

Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land.

Save 7.5%

Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person.

Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE.

Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours.

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Early Payment Discount

Offer #1: Save up to US$399

Must book and pay in full at least 12

months prior to trip departure date.

Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319

Must book and pay in full at least 6

months prior to departure date.

Valid for select trips only.  

Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100

Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour.

Europe Europe – Save US$100

Europe America – Save US$100

Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100

Tours may be in different countries or regions.

Australia & New Zealand - Save $100

Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost.

Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.  

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books.

Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting).

You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.)

Terms and Conditions:

1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009.

2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount.

3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel.

4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip.

5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement.

6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers.

7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available

8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up.

9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed.

10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited.

11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S.

12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion.

$100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.

 

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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.