Go everywhere, all at once, without spending your life savings! This is where it all began for Contiki, a bunch of friends, travelling to amazing places and having a great time while getting there. This tour heads south to Spain, East to Turkey and Bulgaria, winds along the Dalamtian Coast, up to Prague and Amsterdam. No stone is left unturned! Camping is all about getting in and helping out which is what makes it so much fun.
| Length: | 47 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Hostel as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro ( in transit ), Croatia, Bosnia ( in transit ), Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgum ( in transit ) |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
London to ParisA warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris.
ParisTwo full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included), home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret?
Paris to LyonToday's journey takes us to the softly undulating hills of the Beaujolais region. This evening we visit Contiki's own Château de Cruix nestled in the vineyards of this wine region to sample this world famous wine.
Lyon to BarcelonaOur journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona.
BarcelonaOur included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?
Barcelona to French RivieraWe return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.
French RivieraToday we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo.
French Riviera to VeniceToday we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.
VeniceA short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?
Venice to FlorenceWe travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it's a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.
FlorenceYour day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.
Florence to RomeAll roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
RomeOnce at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing.
Rome to SorrentoAfter leaving Rome we head south to Naples to board our complimentary motor boat to the island of Capri. After exploring the island we rejoin our boat and set sail to Sorrento, situated on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast.
Sorrento to CorfuToday is your chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Later we take in the beautiful scenery of southern Italy as we travel east to board our overnight ferry to Greece.
CorfuThree sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing.
Corfu to AthensToday we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens.
AthensA whole day in Athens where our city tour includes the first modern Olympic stadium, the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Athens to KavalaWe drive past Spartan Thermopylae and Thessaloniki, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and then on to our seaside overnight stop at Kavala.
Kavala to CannakaleAfter crossing the border into Turkey we cross the Dardanelles to see Troy's Wooden Horse.
Canakkale to IstanbulWe take time to pay tribute at Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. Travel onwards to Istanbul where you'll have a chance to revel in a night of belly dancing, eastern food, and music.
IstanbulToday our guide leads us through the spice markets and into the heart of the city where you can bargain at the Grand Bazaar or treat yourself to a relaxing Turkish bath.
Istanbul to SofiaWe pass the Turkish border town of Edirne before crossing into Bulgaria and driving to the capital, Sofia. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by free time to shop at the stalls near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Sofia to OhridLeaving Bulgaria we journey over the hills and into Macedonia. After a lunch stop in Skopje, we travel south to Lake Ohrid to spend an evening near the beautiful shores of Europe's deepest lake.
Ohrid to DurresThis morning we cross the border into Albania. We see stunning mountainous scenery interwoven by the numerous remains of the defensive bunkers built years ago. We pass the ancient city Elbasan on our way to Durres - an important port and seaside resort town (Note: During peak periods the night in Durres may be substituted with a night in Tirana).
Durres to DubrovnikHeading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty and make our way on to Croatia and our accommodation in Dubrovnik.
DubrovnikToday's sightseeing shows us one of Europe's most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik. In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or relaxing on the beach.
Dubrovnik to ZadarOn our way to Zadar we follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. A short stop in Split gives you time to wander through the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace.
Zadar to BudapestHeading north we drive through the scenic Paklenica National Park. After crossing the Hungarian border, we make a stop on the beautiful shores of Lake Balaton, before making our way to the capital Budapest.
BudapestA day to fall under the spell of this jewel of the east. Magnificent views from the castle district, plenty of shopping opportunities and time to appreciate the museums of this former-Communist capital. A chance to try the local specialties for dinner tonight.
Budapest to ViennaSaying goodbye to Hungary, we cross the border into Slovakia for lunch in the city of Bratislava. Our journey today finishes in Vienna, the capital of the once mighty Austrian Empire.
ViennaOn our sightseeing tour see the Palace of the Hapsburgs, State Opera House and fashionable Kärntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel, Viennese coffee and perhaps sample some local Schnaps. This evening why not join us for a concert to experience the timeless music of Mozart and Strauss?
Vienna to PragueToday we drive through Bohemia and stop in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov as we make our way to Prague.
PragueTwo free days to discover the labyrinth of streets in the old town, the medieval castle district and the Charles Bridge, the most photographed bridge in Prague. Quench your thirst with a Pilsener and some local fare!
Prague to MunichOn to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. This afternoon an orientation tour including the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls.
Munich to Swiss AlpsWe stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and see the sights in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps.
Swiss AlpsA spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain!
Swiss Alps to HeidelbergHeading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Heidelberg's captivating old town and picturesque river are best viewed from its imposing castle.
Heidelberg to AmsterdamWe pass the legendary Lorelei before a short pause in St. Goar in the Rhine Valley famous for its storybook castles. Then we cross the Dutch border and on to Amsterdam.
AmsterdamA chance to visit Edam and take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Afterwards, time to explore Amsterdam. In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together.
Amsterdam to LondonTime to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!