Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Paris
This morning you'll start in London, then drive down to the White Cliffs of Dover where you can take in those dramatic chalk cliffs before heading to the ferry terminal. The crossing to Calais takes a couple of hours, and once you arrive in France, you'll spend the afternoon walking through World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, learning about the history of the region. By evening you'll reach Paris, where a night-time city tour helps you get oriented as you settle into your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar))
Included Activities
- Night-time tour of Paris
- Visit to White Cliffs of Dover
- World War I battlefields tour in the Valley of the Somme
Landmarks White Cliffs of Dover Valley of the Somme - Day 2
Paris
You'll have the full day to explore Paris. Start by visiting Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum if you have time for both, or focus on what interests you most. Walk through the streets checking out haute couture shops, stop at a local café for crepes and coffee, and generally soak in the city atmosphere. Come evening, you'll head out for dinner followed by a cabaret show, which is a fun way to wrap up your time in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral
- Visit to the Louvre
Optional Activities
- Dinner and cabaret show
Landmarks Notre-Dame Cathedral Louvre - Day 3
Paris to Bordeaux
After breakfast you'll travel from Paris south toward Bordeaux, arriving by mid-afternoon. This wine region has produced wine since the 1st century, and you'll get a sense of why when you see the beautiful riverside setting. Head to the Miroir d'eau (water mirror) where the reflections are particularly nice, and if you're interested, there's an optional walk through local vineyards with wine tasting available this afternoon or early evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Bordeaux and Miroir d'eau
Optional Activities
- Scenic wine-tasting stroll through local Bordeaux wines
Landmarks Miroir d'eau - Day 4
Bordeaux to San Sebastian
You're leaving Bordeaux and heading toward the Spanish border to reach San Sebastian, a coastal town with a laid-back feel. This is a two-night stay, so you'll have time to settle in. The town is good for people-watching, especially around the beaches and main squares. If you want something more structured, there's an optional tour focused on Pintxos, which are Spanish-style tapas that this region does really well.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Koisi Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Pintxos tour
Landmarks San Sebastian - Day 5
San Sebastian
Today you're exploring San Sebastian's different neighborhoods on foot. Parte Vieja is the old quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, Playa de la Concha is the main beach area, and Centro Romántico has a different vibe. You'll walk the cobblestone roads, spend time along the coast, and get a real feel for how locals live here. By evening there's an included dinner that'll introduce you to some local specialties.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Koisi Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Parte Vieja
- Visit to Playa de la Concha
- Exploration of Centro Romántico
- Included dinner
Landmarks Playa de la Concha - Day 6
San Sebastian to Barcelona
After leaving San Sebastian, you'll head south into Spain and make your way to Barcelona. Along the way you'll visit a baroque Basilica with a mix of Islamic and Gothic architecture, then continue to the coast. Once in Barcelona, you'll go see the Sagrada Familia with its intricate Gothic architecture, wander the streets, and soak in the city energy. If you're interested in dance, there's an optional flamenco show available this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator Barcelona (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Sagrada Familia
- Exploration of Barcelona's gothic architecture and street life
Optional Activities
- Evening Flamenco show
Landmarks Sagrada Familia 
- Day 7
Barcelona
You've got the full day in Barcelona to move at your own pace. Head up to Parc Güell where the colorful mosaics and views across the city are really something. Later, relax at the beach or explore the backstreets where you'll find good tapas and paella spots. If you want a more hands-on experience, there's an optional cooking class where you'll prepare and taste your own meal.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator Barcelona (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Parc Güell
- Beach time
- Backstreet exploration with tapas and paella
Optional Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® cooking experience
Landmarks Parc Güell - Day 8
Barcelona to French Riviera
This morning you'll travel from Barcelona northward to the French Riviera, leaving Spain behind. The drive takes you along the coast as it transitions into France, and you'll arrive to those sapphire waters and glamorous coastal scenery that the region is known for. You'll have an included dinner this evening, then the rest of the night is yours to explore or relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)), Hotel (Beach Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- French Riviera coastal drive
- Included dinner
- Day 9
French Riviera to Monaco
If you're up for it, there's an optional bike ride along the coastline this morning that'll give you a different perspective on the region. Later you can visit Monaco to see the Monte Carlo Casino and the Royal Palace, getting a feel for the city's elegant atmosphere. This area is known for lavender honey, aioli, and rosé wine if you want to seek those out. You'll head back to your accommodation by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)), Hotel (Beach Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Monte Carlo Casino
- Visit to Royal Palace in Monaco
Optional Activities
- Bike ride along the coastline
Landmarks Monte Carlo Casino Royal Palace of Monaco - Day 10
Monaco to Cinque Terre to Pisa
You're traveling south to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO site made up of five clifftop fishing villages stacked right along the coast. With your rail pass, you can hop between the villages to explore, and you have options like hiking between them, doing a food crawl, or tasting local wine. Later in the day you'll take the train to Pisa where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (B&B Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Cinque Terre rail pass access and exploration
- Visit to Cinque Terre villages
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Cinque Terre
- Food crawl in Cinque Terre
- Wine tasting in Cinque Terre
Landmarks Cinque Terre 
- Day 11
Pisa to Florence
Pisa is famous for one thing, so yes, you'll visit the Leaning Tower and get that classic photo of you appearing to hold it up. Beyond that, you can wander the city markets with gelato in hand, check out artworks by Michelangelo and other masters in the various churches and museums, and there's an included leather demonstration so you'll learn about the craft. An optional Tuscan dinner is available this evening if you want something special.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A&O Florence (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Market exploration in Pisa
- Artworks viewing (including Michelangelo pieces)
- Leather demonstration
Optional Activities
- Tuscan dinner with antipasti and wine
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa - Day 12
Florence to Sorrento
You're leaving for Sorrento, a beautiful coastal town in southern Italy where the views and pace of life are quite different from what you've experienced so far. The ride down takes most of the day, but once you arrive you can enjoy the seaside sunset views. If you're interested in food and farm experiences, there's an optional visit to La Sorgente, a local family farm where they make fresh mozzarella, press their own olive oil, and make limoncello.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sisters Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit to La Sorgente mozzarella farm with authentic Italian meal
- Day 13
Sorrento with Capri day trip
Today you're taking a day trip out to Capri, a nearby island with dramatic cliffs and expensive-looking cafes perched along the water. There's an optional boat cruise that includes swim stops so you can cool off in the water and see the coastline from a different angle. You'll head back to Sorrento by evening, where you can stroll along the cliff-top paths, poke around the historical center, and try local gnocchi for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sisters Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Capri day trip
- Sorrento cliff-side stroll
- Sorrento historical centre exploration
Optional Activities
- Capri boat cruise with swim stops and coastal views
Landmarks Capri - Day 14
Sorrento to Rome via Pompeii
This morning you're heading down the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most scenic drives, and you'll stop at Pompeii, the ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash. A guided walking tour takes you through the remains of buildings and streets frozen in time, and you'll learn about what life was like before Mount Vesuvius erupted. You'll pass by the volcano itself on your way to Rome, where you'll have time to start exploring the capital before evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator Rome (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Pompeii
- View of Mt. Vesuvius
- Exploration of Rome's famous sights
Landmarks Pompeii Mount Vesuvius - Day 15
Rome
Get an early start today to see Rome's major sites while the morning is still cool. Walk around the Colosseum, exploring the Roman architecture and imagining the history of the place. You'll have a free afternoon to rest, grab lunch, or wander on your own. If you're interested in food, there's an optional pasta cooking class with dinner this evening, and of course you should try gelato from a local spot before the day ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator Rome (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Roman architecture
- Visit to the Colosseum
Optional Activities
- Pasta cooking class with dinner
Landmarks Colosseum - Day 16
Rome to Verona to Venice
You're heading north from Rome to Verona, where you can see the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony and the well-preserved Roman Arena. After some time there, you'll continue to Venice, a lagoon city made up of 118 islands where boats and gondolas are the main transportation. You'll travel by water as you make your way to your accommodation, settling in for the evening in this unique waterway setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Anda Venice Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Romeo and Juliet balcony in Verona
- Visit to Roman Arena in Verona
- Arrival in Venice by boat
Landmarks Romeo and Juliet Balcony Roman Arena of Verona - Day 17
Venice
You've got the full day to explore Venice at your own pace. You can board a private boat to navigate the canals and reach the historical heart of the city with its major sites and squares. If you want structure, there's an optional food tour that'll walk you through local specialties, or you could take a gondola ride for that classic Venice experience. Otherwise, just get lost in the winding streets and discover your own favorite spots.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Anda Venice Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Private boat tour of Venice canals
Optional Activities
- Food tour
- Gondola ride
- Day 18
Venice to Salzburg
Today you're leaving Italy behind and heading to Austria, making your way to Salzburg in the Alps. This city is known from the Sound of Music, and you'll visit Hohensalzburg, the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe, perched on a hill overlooking everything. By evening you'll have an included authentic Austrian dinner prepared by local hosts at a farm, giving you a real sense of regional hospitality.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Authentic Austrian dinner prepared by local hosts at a farm)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A&O Salzburg (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Hohensalzburg fortress
- Authentic Austrian dinner at a local farm
Optional Activities
- Local farm visit
Landmarks Hohensalzburg - Day 19
Salzburg to Prague
You're crossing the border from Austria into the Czech Republic and heading to Prague, a compact city known for castles, bridges, and gothic cathedrals. You'll have free time to explore on foot, and while you're wandering around, keep an eye out for traditional fruit dumplings, or ovoční knedlíky, which are a local specialty.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Plus Prague (or similar))
Included Activities
- Arrival and exploration of Prague
- Day 20
Prague
You've got the full day in Prague to explore however you like. Admire the Gothic architecture throughout the city, browse antiques at local markets, try the beer that this region does so well, and shop for Bohemian beads and amber jewelry. Wander through Old Town's lanes and courtyards, and if you want views with your drinks, find a rooftop bar for cocktails and city panoramas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Plus Prague (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Gothic architecture
- Market browsing
- Old Town exploration
Optional Activities
- Shopping for Bohemian beads and amber jewelry
- Rooftop bar visits
Landmarks Charles Bridge Wenceslas Square Old Town Square Astronomical Clock Prague Castle District - Day 21
Prague to Dresden to Berlin
You're heading from Prague to Berlin, but you'll stop in Dresden along the way. This city was heavily damaged during World War II, but you'll see how it's been rebuilt, including the Baroque architecture, opera house, Frauenkirche cathedral, and the Royal Residence. These sites symbolize the city's recovery and resilience. Then you'll continue to Berlin where you can see iconic sites like sections of the Berlin Wall as you settle in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Dresden's Baroque architecture, Opera house, Frauenkirche, and Royal Residence
- View of Berlin Wall remains
- Exploration of Berlin's iconic sites
Landmarks Frauenkirche Royal Residence (Dresden Residenzschloss) Berlin Wall East Side Gallery - Day 22
Berlin
Today you're exploring everything Berlin has to offer, from the famous sites like Checkpoint Charlie that everyone knows about to smaller gems tucked away in side streets. You'll visit cultural sites, galleries, and unique museums throughout the city, getting a real sense of Berlin's complex history and modern creative energy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Checkpoint Charlie
- Exploration of Berlin's cultural sites and museums
Landmarks Checkpoint Charlie Tiergarten Alexanderplatz Russian War Memorial Brandenburg Gate Reichstag - Day 23
Berlin to Amsterdam
You're traveling from Berlin to Amsterdam by autobahn, which is a fairly straightforward drive across Germany and into the Netherlands. Once you arrive in this canal city, you'll find it's quite different from anywhere you've been so far with its pretty waterways, quirky cafes, and unique museums. If comedy appeals to you, there's an optional show available this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar))
Included Activities
- Arrival in Amsterdam
Optional Activities
- Comedy show
- Day 24
Amsterdam
You've got the full day to experience Amsterdam however you want. Go local by bar hopping or doing a museum crawl, discovering the city's famous food scene along the way including Dutch pancakes and frites. If you'd rather not navigate solo, there's an optional group dinner with fellow travelers this evening, which is a good way to share stories from the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Amsterdam's canals and cafes
Optional Activities
- Group dinner with Contiki travelers
- Day 25
Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport / Calais / London
Your tour ends today with an airport transfer to Schiphol Airport by approximately 10am for your flight home. If you're continuing on, you'll head south to Calais, take the ferry back to England, and return to London instead of flying out, completing the loop back to where everything started.
- Meals
- Breakfast
