From
$4,702
NZ $3,762 per person

European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic)

16 days
Start and end in London
4.8
76 traveler reviews
From
$4,702
-20%
NZ $3,762 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 50
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Test out your yodelling at the top of the Swiss Alps.
  • Glide on a gondola through the canals of Venice.
  • Snack on crêpes and enjoy a cabaret in Paris.
  • Take your breath away at colourful Cinque Terre.

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 London to Amsterdam
  2. Day 2 Amsterdam
  3. Day 3 Amsterdam to Berlin
  4. Day 4 Berlin
  5. Day 5 Berlin to Prague
  6. Day 6 Prague
  7. Day 7 Prague to Salzburg
  8. Day 8 Salzburg to Venice
  9. Day 9 Venice to Rome
  10. Day 10 Rome
  11. Day 11 Rome to Florence
  12. Day 12 Florence to Parma via Pisa and Cinque Terre
  13. Day 13 Parma to Lucerne
  14. Day 14 Lucerne to Paris
  15. Day 15 Paris
  16. Day 16 Paris to London
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Customer Photos

Operated by

Contiki

Number of tours

730

Age Range

18 to 35 years old

Response time

4 hours

Response rate

88%

Contiki has been running tours for over 50 years, all exclusively for...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.3
  • 4.7
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) reviewer 1
    · August 10th, 2025
    Our tour was incredible and our tour guide and driver (Dem and Figs) made it so much better and special
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for taking this adventure with us, we are so please you enjoyed this experience.
    Trip date: June 2025
  • SW
    · July 7th, 2025
    Dem was the best. Honestly couldn’t have asked for a better trip manager. She ticks every box and is a massive asset to contiki.
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thanks for sharing your feedback, its wonderful to know you have enjoyed the tour and the company of your Trip Manager we hope you will join us again.
    Trip date: June 2025
  • LF
    · July 6th, 2025
    My Contiki Experience was amazing and I would recommend the business to any young people travelling solo or with there mates as it’s the best experience I’ve had so far in my life. Also my Trip manager Dem was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better trip manager. Thanks Contiki and Dem!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thanks for your feedback. It’s fantastic to read you enjoyed the trip and that the Trip manager positively impacted your experience. Thank you for selecting Contiki as your adventure partner.
    Trip date: June 2025
  • LS
    · November 10th, 2024
    Travelling by myself for the first time half way around the globe was a bit daunting at first, but I was immediately put at ease after meeting Ri and I can't say enough about how amazing she was! From the moment we arrived, she was not just a guide, but an integral part of making the whole experience unforgettable. She had a deep knowledge of every destination we visited, offering fascinating insights into the history and culture of each city. She was always ready to answer questions and share personal anecdotes, making everything feel even more personal and engaging. Whether it was navigating the streets of Paris or finding hidden gems in Rome, she always had the best recommendations for food, sights, and activities. What truly set Ri apart was her attention to detail and their genuine care for the group. I watched her go above and beyond every single day working hard to make sure everyone got the most out of their adventure. She ensured that everyone felt included, and were always looking out for our safety and comfort, which made a huge difference on such an adventurous journey. She went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, from helping with optional activities to making sure we all stayed connected as a group and everything in between. Thanks to her infectious smile, energy and positivity, our group bonded quickly, and the trip was filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. I can honestly say that the trip wouldn't have been the same without her. I would highly recommend Contiki to anyone looking for an adventure, and if you’re lucky enough to have Ri, you're in for an incredible experience! Can’t wait to see you next year for a trip to Scandi!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    We are delighted you enjoyed your trip, and your compliments will be conveyed to our Trip Manager. Thank you for taking this adventure with us, and we are looking forward to welcoming you again.
    European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 1European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 2European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 3European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 4European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 5
    Trip date: October 2024
  • European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) reviewer 5
    · October 25th, 2024
    Rianna is the best Trip Manager ever. She is always taking care of his travellers and always ready to help them and advise them. And her organization is very good.
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We recognize that our Trip Managers are essential to the success of our trips, and we are committed to selecting and training them thoroughly to ensure they provide professional and efficient... Show more
    European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 1
    Trip date: October 2024
  • NS
    · October 24th, 2024
    The trip was well planned out with easy to follow daily itineraries and Ri also had fun facts about the places we visited as well as recommendations for food, gifts and places of interest within the cities and countries we visited which were super handy. The professionalism and attention to detail was awesome. Ri also liked to get to know her travellers making us all feel like a family which made the experience just that much better.
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We recognize that our Trip Managers are essential to the success of our trips, and we are committed to selecting and training them thoroughly to ensure they provide professional and efficient... Show more
    Trip date: October 2024
  • GS
    · October 24th, 2024
    Rianna was honestly a blessing for this trip I was super nervous going into this trip on the other side of the world but Ri made it seem effortless taking off all the stress of travelling allowing us all to have fun every moment of the day! She made sure we had everything we needed from day sheets, food and activity recommendations, food to fit intolerances, ensuring we all get the bus and don’t lose our passport. I couldn’t say a bad word about her and her work and wouldn’t want to go on another trip without her. It was clear Rianna put in a lot of effort to organise and run this trip with everything going very smoothly. I would highly recommend having Ri as a tour manager to everyone I know!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for sharing your review! We know that our Trip Managers are vital to the success of our trips, and we take pride in our thorough selection and training process to ensure they deliver exceptional service and efficient departures. We're glad to... Show more
    European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 1European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 2European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 3European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 4European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 5European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 6
    Trip date: October 2024
  • LS
    · October 24th, 2024
    Going on a contiki at 18 solo was extremely nerve racking worrying about making friends having fun and most importantly that I would have a good trip manager. From all the people I know who have travelled the trip managers were make or break for how their experience went. I can say whole heartedly say that Ri went above and beyond all expectations, from planning out all our days, making travel suggestions on our free days and making real genuine connections with all her travellers. I watched first hand how much love and dedication Ri puts into this as she worked tirelessly from the break of dawn into the the night to ensure we all had the best time we possibly could. I know how difficult it is to help plan and organise a trip for a family let alone 38 travellers with different requests, dietary requirements and constantly changing their minds but everyday Ri got up with a huge smile on her face ready to face it all head on. While everyone had their one ideas about contiki whether that be spending the night out, calling it an early night or finding some late night snacks, Ri was always there with her wealth of knowledge to assist. Before this trip my life was consumed by work and left no time for social interaction, going on this trip with Ri has brought fun back into my life and she has given me a taste of some of the most amazing parts of the world and a need to see even more of it. Ri your happy nature and being is contagious and you have truly made this the trip of lifetime, keep smiling and their is no one who deserves this more that you. See you in Scandi next year ? Lily
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your valuable feedback and experiences with us. It is our pleasure to convey your kind words to our Trip Manager. Our rigorous selection process for Trip Managers is designed to ensure we engage the... Show more
    European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 1European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 2European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 3European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 4European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 5European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 6
    Trip date: October 2024
  • A
    · October 24th, 2024
    Had a great time. Rianna was great!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for your positive feedback, we would love to host you again.
    Trip date: October 2024
  • BB
    · October 24th, 2024
    Our tour guid was so good, felt so safe the whole trip, gave us wonderful tips and great information about all the places we visited. Let us play icebreaker games that help formed lifetime friendships with the other members of the contiki. Over all amazing experiences with an amazing tour guide 10/10
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    We are honoured to curate tours that aim to provide our guests with enriching experiences while ensuring they receive exceptional value for their investment. Our commitment is to make each journey with us a truly memorable one. We sincerely hope to... Show more
    European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 1European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 2European Encounter (Winter, Start London, Classic) customer review photo 3
    Trip date: October 2024

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    8 Oct, 2025
    To Thursday
    23 Oct, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    NZ $6,287 per person
    Multiple Room Types
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    From Wednesday
    5 Nov, 2025
    To Thursday
    20 Nov, 2025
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    19 Nov, 2025
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    4 Dec, 2025
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    NZ $4,355 per person
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    3 Dec, 2025
    To Thursday
    18 Dec, 2025
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    NZ $3,896 per person
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    17 Dec, 2025
    To Thursday
    1 Jan, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    $5,049
    NZ $4,544 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -20%
    From Friday
    19 Dec, 2025
    To Saturday
    3 Jan, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    NZ $4,039 per person
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  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Sunday
    21 Dec, 2025
    To Monday
    5 Jan, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    NZ $4,292 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -20%
    From Monday
    29 Dec, 2025
    To Tuesday
    13 Jan, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    NZ $4,039 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Wednesday
    31 Dec, 2025
    To Thursday
    15 Jan, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $5,049
    NZ $4,292 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -20%
    From Wednesday
    7 Jan, 2026
    To Thursday
    22 Jan, 2026
    English
    From:
    $4,702
    NZ $3,762 per person
    Multiple Room Types

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • L

    Liam

    Asked on July 12th, 2025

    Is there date available in August for two persons?

    Price / Availability
    • ContikiOperatorWritten July 2025

      We do have available date for the month of August 2025. Dates: 07-Aug-2025 - Cost AUD 6,236.00 per person, 21-Aug-2025 - Cost AUD 6,236.00 per person, 28-Aug-2025 - Cost AUD 4,454.00 per person. Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.

  • T

    Tania

    Asked on March 26th, 2025

    Can I check the details or date of my final payment?

    Payments
    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2025

      Yes, you can check the status of your payments by contacting our support team.

  • R

    Roger

    Asked on January 1st, 2025

    Where do I find information on optional tours?

    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperatorWritten January 2025

      Optional tour activities can be purchased through your tour manager while you are on the trip.

  • Y

    Yoli

    Asked on December 22nd, 2024

    Can I purchase travel insurance through my credit card for the tour?

    Payments
    Travel Support
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      Travel insurance is compulsory for our tours. While you can use your own, ensure it covers full medical expenses.

  • S

    Syl

    Asked on December 21st, 2024

    What accommodation options are available for the tour?

    Accommodation
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      Accommodation typically involves twin sharing. If booking with a partner, you will likely share the room with them.

  • J

    Joachim

    Asked on December 3rd, 2024

    Can you recommend an e-SIM provider?

    Travel Support
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      We recommend contacting your phone service provider for options available to you.

  • F

    Fons

    Asked on November 28th, 2024

    What is the age range for participants in the tour?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2024

      Our tours are designed for participants aged 18 to 35 years old.

  • A

    Anton

    Asked on June 21st, 2024

    Where is the meet-up location for the tour?

    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperatorWritten June 2024

      The meeting place for the tour is the Royal National Hotel London. We suggest booking your accommodation nearby.

  • C

    Cyril

    Asked on May 22nd, 2024

    What are the luggage restrictions for the tour?

    Transport
    • ContikiOperatorWritten May 2024

      You can bring one suitcase per traveller with a maximum weight of 20kg/44 lbs, and a carry-on.

  • R

    Ramon

    Asked on May 11th, 2024

    Are visas required for the tour, and can you help with the documentation?

    Visa
    • ContikiOperatorWritten May 2024

      If a visa is required, we can provide proof of accommodation and other necessary documentation for your application.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Contiki with your enquiry, they usually respond within 4 hours.
From
$4,702
-20%
NZ $3,762 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 1034

  • Currencies
    Euro
    Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Vatican City (Holy See) and Netherlands
    Czech Koruna
    Czech Republic
    Fr.
    Swiss Franc
    Switzerland
    £
    Pound Sterling
    England
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types L, J, C, E, F, G.

    Type L
    Italy
    Type J
    Switzerland
    Type C
    Vatican City (Holy See)
    Type E
    Vatican City (Holy See)
    Type F
    Vatican City (Holy See)
    Type G
    England
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Czech Republic. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Czech Republic. Ideally 2 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 19th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 19th, 2025, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Contiki" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • Western Europe Travel Guide
  • Travel Isn't About Where You Go...
  • Contiki Experiences
  • Contiki Munch
  • Europe Summer Team
  • Contiki Accomodation
  • European Encounter
Western Europe Travel Guide

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec