Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Amsterdam
You'll meet your Contiki group in London and head toward the English Channel. The White Cliffs of Dover come into view before you board the ferry to Calais. From there, you'll travel through Belgium and arrive in Amsterdam this evening. After an included dinner, the city is yours to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit White Cliffs of Dover
- Ferry crossing to Calais
- Travel through Belgium to Amsterdam
Landmarks/POIs White Cliffs of Dover - Day 2
Amsterdam
This day is yours to spend however you'd like in Amsterdam. You can wander the cobbled streets and walk along the canals, check out obscure museums, or spend time at the cafes. If you're interested, there's the STRAAT museum in a former shipyard or you could take a day trip to Volendam, a traditional fishing village. An optional evening canal cruise is available if that sounds good to you.
Optional Activities
- Visit STRAAT museum (located in former NDSM shipyard)
- Day trip to Volendam fishing village with optional dinner
- Canal cruise through Amsterdam with onboard bar (€31.50)
Landmarks/POIs Volendam - Day 3
Amsterdam to Rhine Valley, Germany
You'll leave Amsterdam and head south through the German countryside, passing through fairytale castles, vineyards, and valleys on the way to the Rhine Valley. By afternoon you'll settle into this charming town with its back-in-time feel. If you're interested in wine, there's an optional tasting experience available this evening.
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting in historic underground candlelit cellar with local Riesling and ice wine (€9.00)
- Day 4
Rhine Valley to Dinkelsbühl, Germany
After traveling south through Bavaria, you'll swap wine culture for beer tradition. The charming medieval town here has cobblestone streets, vibrant market squares, and half-timbered houses throughout. You can see the famous Gothic clock and experience traditional Bavarian culture. Optional beer halls and local cuisine are available if you want to dive deeper.
Included Activities
- Drive along 'Romantische Straße' (Germany's most scenic route)
- Visit traditional Bavarian Bier Halle
- View famous Gothic clock
- Explore cobblestoned streets and market squares
- See half-timbered houses
Optional Activities
- Explore side streets on foot
- Visit beer halls for stein of beer or pork knuckle
Landmarks/POIs Dinkelsbühl - Day 5
Bavaria to Venice, Italy
You'll cross the Bavarian Alps and head south into Italy, arriving in Venice this afternoon. The city has hidden lanes and storybook bridges everywhere you turn, and you'll get a private motorboat ride to take it all in. Multiple options are available including gondola rides and Venetian dinners if you want to add those to your time here.
Included Activities
- Cross Bavarian Alps
- Private Motoscafo ride through Venice
Optional Activities
- Gondola ride (€23.00)
- Venetian Dinner (€34.50)
Landmarks/POIs Venice - Day 6
Venice to Rome, Italy
Leaving Venice, you'll stop in Baschi to visit Casale Polegri vineyard and olive orchard. You'll meet the Polegri family, tour their vineyards, and have included lunch overlooking the Umbrian landscape while enjoying their wine. Later you'll continue to Rome and experience the city by night with gelato, pizza, and views of the ancient monuments.
- Meals
- Lunch (At Casale Polegri: crunchy bruschetta topped with homemade extra virgin olive oil, focaccia bread with homegrown rosemary, vegetables, risotto or pasta, with homemade wine and dessert)
Included Activities
- Visit Casale Polegri vineyard and olive orchard in Baschi
- Meet Polegri family and tour vineyards and orchards
- Included lunch at Casale Polegri with homemade wine
Landmarks/POIs Casale Polegri Baschi - Day 7
Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day, so you'll get an early start to explore the Eternal City on your own or join a guided tour of the Colosseum. Spend time throwing coins in fountains, sipping espresso while watching Italian life unfold around you, and if you're interested, there's an optional food tour of the city to consider.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of the Colosseum (€30.00 - Rome of the Emperors and Gladiators including the Colosseum)
- Vatican Tour including Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica (€34.00)
- Optional food tour
Landmarks/POIs Colosseum Vatican Museum Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica - Day 8
Rome to Florence, Italy
You'll travel to Florence where the dome of the Duomo Cathedral dominates the skyline the moment you arrive. A guided walking tour covers the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria. Your guide will share information about local leather craftsmanship, and there's an optional Tuscan dinner available this evening.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Florence
- See the Duomo Cathedral
- Visit Basilica Santa Croce
- See Giotto's Bell Tower
- Visit the Baptistery
- Explore Piazza della Signoria
- Learn the art of leather
Optional Activities
- Tuscan Evening with aperitivo, live local music, Chianti wine, and traditional Tuscan dinner (€41.00)
- Souvenir group photo in Florence's famous piazza or with city panorama backdrop (€11.00)
- Space Disco - Florence's largest club with karaoke (€16.00)
Landmarks/POIs Duomo Cathedral Basilica Santa Croce Giotto's Bell Tower Baptistery Piazza della Signoria - Day 9
Florence to Lucerne, Switzerland
You'll say goodbye to Italy and head to Switzerland, traveling to Lucerne in the Swiss Alps. Here you'll see swans floating under wooden bridges with snowcapped mountains surrounding everything. You can spend time experiencing the beautiful landscape and getting a feel for the Swiss lifestyle.
Landmarks/POIs Wooden Chapel Bridge Lion Monument - Day 10
Lucerne to Paris, France
Leaving Lucerne, you'll cross the border out of Switzerland into France and travel to Paris. You'll arrive this evening to see lamp-lit bridges and the sparkling Eiffel Tower. Your Trip Manager will share city secrets before taking you to the Montparnasse Tower for evening views of the City of Light.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Montparnasse Tower (56th floor)
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Montparnasse Tower - Day 11
Paris
You can stroll the streets of Paris, admire Notre-Dame Cathedral, grab coffee and crepes, and visit the Louvre if art interests you. Explore the boutiques and soak in the atmosphere of the city. If you want to make your last night special, there's an optional cabaret show and dinner available.
Optional Activities
- Visit Louvre Museum
- Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show - 3 course French meal with world-famous cabaret performance (€154.00)
- Learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house
Landmarks/POIs Notre-Dame Cathedral Louvre Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Moulin Rouge - Day 12
Paris to London
Your last morning in Paris starts over coffee and croissant. Take time to reflect on the journey and the friendships you've made with your Contiki group. Then you'll head back to the coach for a complimentary transfer to CDG Airport, or stay onboard for the ride back to London where the 12-day itinerary concludes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Complimentary transfer to CDG Airport
