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.
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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.
ParisSee the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral
ParisSee Château Fontainebleau (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
ParisParis illuminations night tour with French champagne, cheese & escargot
BeaujolaisPicnic in the French countryside
French RivieraScenic drive along the Cote d'Azur
French RivieraVisit Monaco & see the Royal Palace
French RivieraVisit a Monte Carlo casino
ParisVisit a French Perfumery
PisaSee the Leaning Tower
FlorenceWalking tour with a local guide
FlorenceSee the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria
FlorenceFlorentine leather craft demonstration
RomeSee Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
Vatican CitySee St. Peter's Basilica
VeniceSee the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' Palace & St. Mark's Square
VeniceMurano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations
VenicePrivate boat to the islands of Venice
Brenner PassScenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
Austrian TyrolSee this pretty mountain region famous for adrenalin sports
MunichSee the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz
LiechtensteinVisit the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz
LucerneSee the Wooden Chapel Bridge
Swiss AlpsScenic drive through the Alps
LjubljanaSee the medieval castle
Rhine ValleyScenic drive along the Rhine River
Rhine ValleyVisit the riverside town St. Goar
AmsterdamSee the canals, gable houses and city by night
AmsterdamVisit a fishing and cheese village
AmsterdamVisit a cheese farm & clog maker's house
AmsterdamSee canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam
EuropeSpecial stopovers: Contiki's Chateau & wine tasting, Austrian Gasthof & Swiss Chalet
EuropeContiki 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.