Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Paris
You'll start by crossing the English Channel on a ferry, getting great views of the White Cliffs of Dover from the water. After that, you're driving through the Valley of the Somme to see the World War I battlefields and learn about the history there. By evening you'll arrive in Paris where there's an included dinner waiting to kick things off with your group.
- Meals
- Dinner (Included dinner in Paris)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ferry across English Channel
- Drive past Valley of the Somme World War I battlefields
- Included dinner in Paris
Landmarks White Cliffs of Dover Valley of the Somme 
- Day 2
Paris
A guided city tour gets you oriented with Paris in the morning, then the rest of the day is yours to wander. You can check out Notre Dame Cathedral, spend time at the Louvre, shop on the designer streets, or just sit at a café with coffee and crepes. If you're interested, there's an optional cabaret show in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
- Visit the Louvre
- Shop at designer or vintage stores
- Order coffee and crêpes
- See a Paris Cabaret Show
Landmarks Notre Dame Cathedral Louvre Eiffel Tower Arc de Triomphe Champs-Élysées Montmartre - Day 3
Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region via Fontainebleau
You'll head to Château Fontainebleau to walk through the medieval palace and its grand gardens, then continue on to the Beaujolais wine region. For the night you're staying at Contiki's 16th century château with newly-renovated rooms, and there's a pool, nightclub, and gardens on the property. Dinner and wine tasting are included at the château (or in Lyon if there's no space available).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Included dinner and wine tasting at the château)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Château de Cruix (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Château Fontainebleau and gardens
- Included dinner and wine tasting at Château de Cruix or Lyon accommodation
Landmarks Château de Fontainebleau - Day 4
Beaujolais Wine Region
This is a full day to spend at the château and soak in the French countryside. There's optional sunrise yoga on the lawns if that appeals to you, or just grab coffee and croissants in the courtyard and relax. Later, there's a picnic set up in the gardens where you can take in the views and drink some red wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch (Picnic in the picturesque gardens with panoramic views and red wine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Château de Cruix (or similar))
Included Activities
- Picnic lunch in château gardens
Optional Activities
- Sunrise yoga on château lawns
- Relax in courtyard with coffee and croissant
- Lounge by pool
- Day 5
Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona
You're leaving Beaujolais and driving across the Pyrenees mountains toward Barcelona. Once you arrive there's sangria waiting and a Spanish feast with your group. The evening is open for you to explore this culturally rich city on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Spanish feast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Urbany Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Included Spanish dinner in Barcelona
Landmarks Pyrenees Mountains 
- Day 6
Barcelona
Check out Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc hilltop at your own pace. The cobbled lanes are great for wandering, and you can take a dip in the Mediterranean if you want or just relax somewhere. An optional Flamenco show with tapas and drinks is available in the evening if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Urbany Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Barcelona highlights including Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc
Optional Activities
- Explore Gothic Quarter
- Visit Montjuïc hilltop vistas
- Swimming in Mediterranean Sea
- See a Flamenco Show with Tapas & Drinks
Landmarks Gothic Quarter Montjuïc Sagrada Familia - Day 7
Barcelona to French Riviera via Arles
You're crossing the border back into France through landscapes filled with lavender, sunflowers, and wild herbs. Stop in Arles for lunch where you'll see an ancient Roman Arena and get a feel for a typical provincial French town. From there continue on to the French Riviera with its blue waters and glamorous coastline.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)), Hotel (Beach Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit ancient Roman Arena in Arles
- Stop in Arles for typical provincial French town experience
Landmarks Arles Roman Arena - Day 8
French Riviera Including Monaco
Explore the French Riviera and its local specialties like lavender honey, aioli, and rosé wine. In the evening you can head to Monaco to see the Monte Carlo Casino and Royal Palace. You'll spend the night here in this glamorous spot before heading out tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)), Hotel (Beach Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Monaco
- View Monte Carlo Casino
- View Royal Palace in Monaco
Optional Activities
- Sample traditional French Riviera cuisine (lavender honey, aioli, rosé wine)
Landmarks Monte Carlo Casino Royal Palace of Monaco 
- Day 9
French Riviera to Venice
Travel from the French Riviera through Liguria, Lombardia, and Veneto regions as you head into Italy. Along the way there's a stop at a French perfumery where you'll learn how scents are made and create your own signature fragrance. By the end of the day you'll arrive in Venice, the floating city with gondolas, canals, and pretty bridges.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Anda Venice Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit French perfumery and learn fragrance-making (brief stop)
Optional Activities
- Make your own signature perfume at the perfumery
- Day 10
Venice
Spend your full day exploring Venice. You'll board your own private boat to travel the canals into the historical heart of the city. There's a chance to learn what it takes to be a Gondolieri (gondola driver), get delightfully lost in the maze of streets, or visit some of Venice's best restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Anda Venice Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Private boat tour through Venice canals to historical heart of city
Optional Activities
- Learn to be a Gondolieri (gondola driver)
- Explore Venice independently
- Visit Venice restaurants
- Gondola rides
- Burano Island Cruise & Dinner
- How to be a Gondelieri (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)
Landmarks Venice Canals Burano Island - Day 11
Venice to Florence
Leave Venice and head toward Florence, but first you'll stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa for the classic photo opportunity. Continue on to Florence, a city where you can stroll along the River Arno, enjoy Tuscan wine and Chianti, and take in the iconic Duomo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A conveniently located hostel), Hotel (Hotel Mirage (or similar)), Hotel (Re-Dama Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Stop at Leaning Tower of Pisa
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa River Arno Florence Duomo - Day 12
Florence
You'll get both guided sightseeing and free time to explore Florence's heritage-filled streets and local markets. Grab gelato, browse artisan shops, or visit museums on your own. There's an optional evening where you can learn to make pizza at a local restaurant and eat what you've made.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Mirage (or similar)), Hotel (Re-Dama Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Optional walking tour of Florence (Welcome to Florence Walking Tour)
- Visit local markets and sample gelato
- Explore heritage sites
- Pizza Making Evening at local restaurant
- Tuscan Dinner
- Day 13
Florence to Rome
Drive through rustic Tuscan hillsides with cypress trees and glowing fields as you head to Rome. You'll arrive in time to catch the light on some iconic sights including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona before sunset.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hostel Trustever (or similar))
Included Activities
- View Trevi Fountain
- View Pantheon
- View Piazza Navona
Landmarks Trevi Fountain Pantheon Piazza Navona - Day 14
Rome
This is your day to experience Rome at your own pace. After learning about the Colosseum, you can explore the city however you like. Spend time at local cafes with espressos and people-watching, then grab dinner at a trattoria with pasta, gelato, and caprese salad washed down with red wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hostel Trustever (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit the Colosseum (Emperors & Gladiators inc Colosseum, Ancient Rome of the Emperors)
- Explore Rome independently
- Enjoy espresso and people watching
- Eat pasta, gelato, and caprese salad
- Wine tasting at local trattoria
Landmarks Colosseum - Day 15
Rome to Overnight Adriatic Ferry
Leave Rome for Pompeii, the archaeological site showing the remains of a Roman city destroyed in 79 AD. An optional guided tour lets you step back in time and understand what you're seeing. Later you'll board an overnight Adriatic ferry toward Athens, settling in for the night as you sail to a new country.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Overnight Ferry)
Included Activities
- Travel to Pompeii
- Board overnight Adriatic ferry toward Athens
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Ancient Pompeii
Landmarks Pompeii 
- Day 16
Overnight Ferry to Athens
This morning you're sailing the Adriatic and arrive in Igoumenitsa, then head straight back on the road. You'll catch a glimpse of the Corinth Canal, a man-made passageway carved through rock with steep cliffs rising above blue ocean. By afternoon you're in Athens, a mix of ancient wonders and modern energy. There's an optional traditional Greek dinner available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Dorian Inn (or similar))
Included Activities
- View Corinth Canal
Optional Activities
- Sample traditional Greek food (A Traditional Athens Affair - optional dinner)
Landmarks Corinth Canal - Day 17
Athens
A guided sightseeing tour takes you through Athens' best spots and walks you through the history of this ancient city. You'll visit the Parthenon and Acropolis, then see the first modern Olympic stadium from 1896. After checking into your hotel and meeting new group members, there's a briefing about the next 10 days of island hopping, followed by an included dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Included dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Evripides (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Athens
- Visit Parthenon and Acropolis
- Visit 1896 Olympic stadium
- Included dinner in Athens
Landmarks Parthenon Acropolis Panathenaic Stadium - Day 18
Athens to Mykonos
Your Greek island hopping adventures begin today as you set sail for Mykonos. The boat ride across the Aegean Sea is included with reserved seating, so you're all set for a comfortable journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paradise Beach (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ferry from Athens to Mykonos with reserved seating
Landmarks Aegean Sea 
- Day 19
Mykonos
Spend your first full day on Mykonos checking out coastal windmills and enjoying olives, feta, and tzatziki. Wander the storybook streets with their blue domed buildings and pick up evil eye ornaments if you like. You can take a dip in the ocean or relax on Paradise Beach. There's an optional guided walking tour of Mykonos' cobbled streets in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paradise Beach (or similar))
Included Activities
- View coastal windmills
- Explore Mykonos villages and blue domed architecture
Optional Activities
- Swimming in the ocean
- Visit Paradise Beach
- Sample local food (olives, feta, tzatziki)
- Shop for evil eye ornaments
- Mykonos Town Return Transfer
- Explore Mykonos by night on locally guided walking tour
Landmarks Paradise Beach Mykonos Windmills - Day 20
Mykonos to Paros
Board the ferry this morning heading to Paros, your next Greek island. You'll find beaches, naturally sculpted swimming coves, a Byzantine church, and traditional villages here. Spend your day in the sun and sea or sign up for an optional trip to a traditional village where you can visit a local family-run bakery and shop for local handicrafts.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Asterias (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ferry from Mykonos to Paros with reserved seating
Optional Activities
- Beach and swimming cove exploration
- Visit Byzantine church
- Visit traditional villages
- Paros Organic Farm Tour and Naoussa Visit (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)
- Day 21
Paros
Another full day on a Greek island where you can visit Paros and surrounding islands for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. Soak up the sun and enjoy the island atmosphere. Later there's free time to explore the local area, find dinner, and check out the local nightlife scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Asterias (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Day trip to surrounding islands
- Sunbathing
- Swimming
- Relaxing
- Paros Sailing Adventure
- Explore local area and find dinner
- Sample local nightlife
- Day 22
Paros to Santorini
Set sail from Paros for Santorini, Greece's most Instagram-famous island, with reserved seating included on the ferry. Once you arrive on this magical island there's an included transfer to Fira so you can explore Santorini's capital and roam through the cobbled streets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kalipso Villas (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ferry from Paros to Santorini with reserved seating
- Included transfer to Fira
Landmarks Fira 
- Day 23
Santorini
Rise and shine on Santorini and explore this beautiful island at your own pace. Take a swim at Perissa Beach, try the local specialty of fried tomato balls called domatokeftedes, or just wander and see what you find. There's an optional trip to the picturesque village of Oia and the black sand beach if you want to venture out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kalipso Villas (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Swim at Perissa Beach
- Eat domatokeftedes (fried tomato balls)
- Roam and explore Santorini
- Oia Visit Plus Volcano Cruise
Landmarks Perissa Beach Oia - Day 24
End Santorini
Your 24-day European adventure comes to an end as you depart from Santorini and head home, or you can stick around and continue exploring with the travel friends you've made along the way. The Aegean lies at your feet with unlimited possibilities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
