CONTIKI EUROPEAN ENCOUNTER 16 DAY TIME OUT TOUR - From $2865
European Encounter
The European Encounter tour is perfect for adventurers and romantics alike.
You’ll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside,
go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and
enjoy a relaxing gondola ride in Venice all on the same tour! If that
sounds like a lot of fun already, there’s much more in store on this European
Encounter. If you’re looking for a shorter holiday, check out the European
Magic tour which visits similar countries.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: London to Amsterdam
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs
of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We travel through Belgium
and into the Netherlands. After dinner a chance to explore this unique
city and it’s amazing nightlife. (D)
Day 2: Amsterdam
Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside.
Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting
famous museums such as the Van Gogh Musuem and Anne Frank’s House. (B)
Day 3: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley
Leaving the ‘City of Diamonds’ we cross the German border and head for
the stunning Rhine Valley. At St Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past
vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock before learning
how beersteins are crafted. (B,D)
Day 4: Rhine Valley to Swiss Alps
Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and the vast serene lakes of
Switzerland. Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion
monument and plentiful shopping opportunities. Maybe a cruise on Lake
Lucerne to enhance your ultimate Swiss encounter? Tonight’s accommodation
is at the base of the snow-capped Mt Titlis. (B,D)
Day 5: Swiss Alps
A chance for a different perspective of the Alps today as a revolving
cable car journey offers breath-taking panoramic views before reaching
the summit of Mt Titlis. Cross a glacier, play in the snow or simply marvel
at the scenery. You have free time in Engelberg this afternoon, and tonight
enjoy the nightlife in this popular resort town. (B,D)
Day 6: Swiss Alps to Innsbruck
Pause in Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein before crossing the border to
Austria. Snow-capped Alps are the backdrop as you have a chance to try
white water rafting this afternoon and later we arrive in Innsbruck where
you can view the well-known ‘Golden Roof’. (B,D)
Day 7: Innsbruck to Venice
Today we wind through the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross
the border into Italy. It’s a short boat ride to the historical centre
of Venice to see St Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of
Sighs. There’s no better way to see Venice than from a gondola so why
not join us for a ride before treating yourself to a Venetian evening
meal? (B)
Day 8: Venice to Rome
Past medieval hillside villages and through the Apennine Mountains, we
travel south to the fabled Seven Hills of Rome. Do as the Romans do and
stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later
be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing
tour. (B)
Day 9: Rome
Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour
of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your
free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian
fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)
Day 10: Rome to Florence
Our morning drive leads us to Florence, the Renaissance city in the beautiful
mountain folds of Tuscany. Learn about the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell-Tower,
Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks
us through the city. Free time to shop or visit one of the famous museums.
(B)
Day 11: Florence to French Riviera
Our first stop this morning is Pisa where we see the world-famous Leaning
Tower. Winding along the beautiful coastline we reach France and the Riviera
playground of the Côte d’Azur. (B,D)
Day 12: French Riviera
Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for
French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight
we visit Monaco! Why not join us tonight for an elegant meal, view the
Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos
of Monte Carlo? (B)
Day 13: French Riviera to Lyon
We visit a French perfumery before our lunch stop in Avignon where you
can view the Palace of the Popes. Then north along the Rhone Valley to
the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon. (B)
Day 14: Lyon to Paris
Today we stop at the magnificent Château Fontainbleau where we have time
for a croissant before venturing on to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. What
better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse
of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)
Day 15: Paris
Today’s sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe.
Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre
Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Élysées. Tonight, why not complete
your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret?
(B)
Day 16: Paris to London
We visit the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge on the way to our cross-channel
ferry back to England. Time to swap addresses and say goodbye as we arrive
early evening in London. (B)
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your
tour price!
Amsterdam: Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside; Visit a cheese farm
& clog maker's house; Visit a fishing and cheese village; See the
city by night
Rhine Valley: See the Lorelei Rock; Scenic River Cruise (summer departures
only)
Lucerne: See the Wooden Chapel Bridge; Scenic drive through the Alps
Liechtenstein: Visit the capital Vaduz
Innsbruck: See the Golden Roof, Royal Palace & Olympic Ski Jump
Brenner Pass: Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
Venice: Murano glass-blowing demonstration; Private motorboat to the historic
islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' palace &
St. Mark's Square
Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum
& Roman Forum
Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, The
Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria; Florentine leather craft demonstration;
Walking tour with a local guide
Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
French Riviera: Visit a French Perfumery; Visit a Monte Carlo casino;
Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace; Visit Nice and enjoy the beach;
Scenic Drive along the Riviera coast
Avignon: Visit Avignon & see the Papal Palace
Lyon: Visit France's gastronomic capital
Burgundy: See Fontainebleau Château; See the Chablis & Burgundy vineyards
Paris: See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées,
and Notre Dame Cathedral; Evening Tour of Illuminations
Accommodation
15 nights in superior tourist class hotels
Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private
facilities
Continental breakfasts (B) and three course dinners (D) as per itinerary
Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
Contiki Specials
Experienced, professional Tour Manager and Driver
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Ferry transport as per itinerary
Optional Excursions
Your choice in Amsterdam
Sea Palace Restaurant (Euro 30.00)
This unique floating restaurant is built in the typical pagoda style of
Chinese palaces. Located in the heart of Amsterdam it’s the perfect place
for you to join us for a typical Dutch ‘rice table’ which consists of
a variety of main dishes accompanied with rice.
Canal Cruise (Euro 27.50)
A cruise on Amsterdam’s world-famous canals is the perfect way to see
this wonderful city. You’ll pass many famous sights including Dutch gabled
houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the Red Light District. The
included beer, wine, soft-drinks and snacks will make your evening complete.
Your choice in St. Goar
Wine Tasting (Euro 8.00)
A chance to sample and learn about some of the most famous wines of the
Rhine region of Germany. There’s also the opportunity to purchase some
of your favourites! Don’t leave your tasting glass behind – it’s yours
to keep.
Your choice in Lucerne
Cruise to Stansstad (SF 24.00)
Cruise on the lake from Lucerne to Stansstad, enjoying the majestic beauty
of the wooded mountains and picturesque villages reflecting in the tranquil
waters.
Your choice in Engelberg
Mt. Titlis (SF 56.00)
Don’t miss the opportunity to travel 3,020m (9,908 ft) to the top of Mt
Titlis. The rotating cable car is one of only two in the world, and means
you have unparalleled views of the beautiful Swiss Alps. You can also
take the ice flyer for a better view of the glacier.
Your choice in Austrian Tyrol
White Water Rafting (Euro 38.00)
Experience the thrills of white water rafting in the most picturesque
setting imaginable! You’ll travel through rapids in the company of your
tour mates and a highly professional rafting team. Full equipment (including
safety helmets and wet suits) is included in the cost (white water rafting
is normally available from May to September).
Your choice in Venice
Gondola Ride (Euro 21.00)
No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals in a world-famous
gondola. Take in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly
memorable Venetian experience.
Venetian Restaurant (Euro 28.00)
Our chosen venue guarantees a warm and friendly welcome in true Venetian
fashion. You’ll enjoy a superb selection of local specialities and some
local wine, making it an unforgettable evening in one of the most romantic
cities in the world.
Your choice in Rome
Guided Imperial Tour (Euro 12.00 (10-19 people)/ Euro 11.00 (20+ people))
Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You’ll wander across
the cobbled stones of the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn
why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in the history of Western
culture.
Your choice in Florence
Souvenir Group Photo (Euro 11.50)
A photo of you and all of your new friends is the perfect souvenir from
your tour. The photo will be taken with a panorama of Florence in the
background or in one of the city’s famous piazzas.
Tuscan Evening (Euro 38.00)
‘La Certosa’ is a charming 16th Century building set in the scenic Tuscan
hills. It’s the venue for our truly traditional Tuscan evening. Begin
with a cocktail and an excellent antipasta buffet. Next is delicious freshly
made pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course – all washed down with
some local Chianti wine. Entertainment is also on tonight’s menu with
a pianist to set the mood and an opera singer to serenade you. A truly
special evening.
Space Electronic Disco (Euro 12.00)
A chance to dance the night away at Florence’s largest night-spot. Your
first drink is included in the price and will get you started for an evening
of fun. Enjoy the great music and maybe take the opportunity to show off
your karaoke skill.
Your choice in Monaco
Monaco Restaurant (Euro 32.00)
Tonight’s restaurant is located two minutes walk from the Royal Palace
– the official residence of the Grimaldi family. Dine in style and enjoy
a typically French, four course meal with wine in this glamourous location.
Your choice in Paris
Nouvelle Eve Dinner and Show (Euro 113.00)
Enjoy an evening at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabaret shows in Paris.
Situated near Montmartre, the show is an extravaganza of dancers, exquisite
costumes and comedy acts. The sumptuous three-course meal and drinks (including
champagne during the show), along with one of the most dazzling ‘French
Can Can’ dances around will mean this is a truly unforgettable evening!
Tour Code BBHXA
Tour starts in London and ends in London
Single supplement available
The above prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however
are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.