CONTIKI EUROPEAN ESCAPADE 25 DAY CONCEPT TOUR - From $3229
Discover the culture and essence of Europe as you travel through
11 countries on this mind-blowing Contiki European tour! Prepare to journey
through cities like Paris, Fontainebleau, Beaujolais, Barcelona, French
Riviera, Monaco, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Venice, Vienna, Munich,
Liechtenstein, Lucerne, Heidelberg, Rhine Valley, and Amsterdam. Fall
in love while in Paris, stroll ‘Las Ramblas’ while in Barcelona, and visit
the Renaissance capital of the world Florence.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: London to Paris
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs
of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I
battlefields to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than
with an evening tour of the “City Of Lights”? (D) Contiki Village
Day 2: 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) Contiki Village
Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region
Today’s journey leads us to Contiki’s exclusive Château de Cruix nestled
in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon. (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover
Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region
This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic
lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak in the idyllic atmosphere of rural
France. (B, Picnic Lunch, D) Contiki Special Stopover
Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona
Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont
du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrenees we catch our first glimpse of the
world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D) Contiki
Village
Day 6: Barcelona
Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated
city. See Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex
and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona’s famed shopping
street La Ramblas and discover some of Spain’s specialties. Tonight why
not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B) Contiki Village
Day 7: Barcelona to French Riviera
We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Camargue region
to the walled city of Aigues Mortes. A chance to wander through the streets
of this historic town before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.
(B,D) Contiki Village
Day 8: French Riviera
It’s your choice today – perhaps mix with the rich and famous on the beach
at Cannes or take a trip into Nice for a spot of shopping. Tonight we
visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your
luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo. (B,D) Contiki Village
Day 9: French Riviera to Florence
We visit a French Perfumery before continuing to Pisa, home of the famous
Leaning Tower. From here it’s a short journey to the most spectacular
of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D) Contiki Village
Day 10: Florence
Your day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the
Duomo and Santa Croce and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver.
In your free time maybe visit one of the city’s many museums or galleries
and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B) Contiki
Village
Day 11: Florence to Rome
All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect
introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this
city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll
past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. (B)
Contiki Village
Day 12: Rome
Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in
centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial
Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious
sightseeing. (B,D) Contiki Village
Day 13: Rome to Venice
Soak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains,
vineyards and quaint hilltop towns to Venice, our home for the next two
nights. (B,D) Contiki Village
Day 14: Venice
A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see
St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass
and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola
ride? (B,D) Contiki Village
Day 15: Venice to Vienna
An enchanting drive as we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to
see the splendours of the once mighty Austrian Empire. Classical music
to heighten your senses tonight? (B) Youth Hotel
Day 16: Vienna
On our sightseeing tour see the fabulous Palace of the Hapsburgs, the
State Opera House and fashionable Kaerntnerstrasse. In your free time
try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. Later why not sample
some local Schnapps and a traditional Viennese meal? (B) Youth Hotel
Day 17: Vienna to Munich
On to Bavaria’s lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe
join us this evening at one of this city’s traditional Beer Halls. (B)
Youth Hotel
Day 18: Munich to Austrian Tyrol
Our orientation tour of Munich includes the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz.
Take the opportunity to go white-water rafting in the heart of the Austrian
Alps before a special welcome awaits at Contiki’s own Gasthof. (B,D) Contiki
Special Stopover
Day 19: Austrian Tyrol
The picture-postcard village of Hopfgarten is an excellent base to make
the most of the beautiful countryside. Experience a vast range of outdoor
activities: hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or perhaps trout fishing.
(B,D) Contiki Special Stopover
Day 20: Austrian Tyrol to Swiss Alps
We stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to
shop and see the sights in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in
the Swiss Alps. (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover
Day 21: Swiss Alps
A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe
enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that
passes through the Eiger mountain! (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover
Day 22: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley
Heading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg
on the banks of the Neckar River. Tonight we stay in the picturesque Rhine
Valley after seeing the famous Lorelei and hearing how German beersteins
are crafted in St Goar. (B,D) Hotel
Day 23: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam
We cross the Dutch border and make our way to Amsterdam. Visit a cheese
farm and see how clogs are made. Cycle through the countryside and the
fishing village of Edam. A centrally located hotel is home for our last
two nights. (B,D) Youth Hotel
Day 24: Amsterdam
This morning why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam?
In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank’s House
or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together.
(B) Youth Hotel
Day 25: Amsterdam to London
Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian
countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. (B)
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your
tour price!
Paris: See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs
Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral; Evening Tour of Illuminations; See
Château Fontainebleau
Beaujolais: French picnic lunch; Wine tasting
Provence: See the Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard; Visit the walled city
of Aigues Mortes
Barcelona: Walk through the Gothic Quarter; See Gaudi's Art Nouveau Cathedral
& the 1992 Olympic Games complex
French Riviera: Visit a French Perfumery; Visit a Monte Carlo casino;
Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace; Scenic Drive along the Riviera
coast
Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
Florence: Walking tour with a local guide; See the Duomo, Basilica Santa
Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, The Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria;
Florentine leather craft demonstration
Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum
& Roman Forum
Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
Venice: Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations;
Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge
of Sighs, the Doges' palace & St. Mark's Square
Vienna: Scenic drive along the historic Ring Road; See Schönbrunn Palace,
St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House
Munich: See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz
Liechtenstein: Visit the capital Vaduz
Lucerne: See the Wooden Chapel Bridge; Scenic drive through the Alps
Heidelberg: See the Medieval Castle
Rhine Valley: Visit the riverside town St. Goar; Scenic drive along the
Rhine River
Amsterdam: Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside; Visit a cheese farm
& clog maker's house; Visit a fishing and cheese village; See the
canals, gable houses and city by night
Accommodation
24 nights accommodation – 6 nights in Contiki Special Stopovers, 12 nights
in Contiki Villages, 6 nights in hotels
Breakfast (B) & Dinners (D) included in Food Fund – as per itinerary
Contiki Specials
Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
Resident Contiki manager & team at special stopovers
Contiki Village representatives
Modern air-conditioned coach
Free Contiki Travellers Guide
Free Contiki document wallet
Ferry crossings
Optional Excursions
Your choice in Paris
An Evening at Auberge de la Bonne Franquette (Euro 33.00)
Tonight’s traditional Restaurant, located in Montmartre’s artist’s quarter,
is the perfect place to tempt your taste buds with French cuisine and
get to know your fellow travellers. A three course meal with local wine
and a great atmosphere means this will be an evening to remember.
Nouvelle Eve (Euro 69.00)
Enjoy an evening at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabaret shows in Paris.
Situated near Montmartre, the show is an extravaganza of dancing girls,
exquisite costumes and comedy acts. Your visit includes half a bottle
of champagne and one of the most dazzling ‘French Can Can’ dances around.
A truly French evening that is unforgettable!
Your choice in Barcelona
Flamenco Evening (Euro 30.00)
The Spanish are world-famous for their love of dancing. Feast your eyes
on the passion and spirit of Flamenco dancing while enjoying a glass of
the local specialty – Sangria! Carry on afterwards at one of Barcelona’s
lively areas where you’ll find an exciting array of restaurants and night
clubs. Ole!!
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.
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.
Tuscan Meal (Euro 27.00)
Our restaurant this evening is located in the heart of Florence and provides
the venue for our Tuscan feast. In true Italian style you’ll dine on antipasta,
pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course – all washed down with some
local Chianti wine.
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 Venice
T-Shirts (From Euro 17.50 - 26.50)
Be inspired by the Italian Masters, or better still let your imagination
run wild and create your own group design!
A terrific souvenir of your tour.
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.
Your choice in Vienna
Viennese Dinner (Euro 27.00)
Venture into the Vienna woods for an evening of traditional food, including
a Viennese schnitzel. Wash it down with a couple of drinks, live entertainment,
dancing and memories that will last a lifetime.
Old Vienna Schnapps Museum (Euro 6.00)
Founded in 1875 by the Fischer family, this distillery still uses traditional
methods when producing schnaps, brandies and liqueurs. The owners will
explain the methods of schnaps making and show you the variety of ingredients
they use (without giving away their secrets). Finish up by sampling their
wonderful creations.
Mozart & Strauss Concert (Euro 26.00)
Taste the culture of Austria with a truly memorable Mozart and Strauss
concert in one of Vienna’s most famous concert halls. The show is peformed
by a small orchestra and singers in full costume and is the perfect introduction
to this ‘city of music’. An evening to remember!
Your choice in Munich
Bavarian Beerhall (Euro 20.00)
Join us in one of the oldest and most famous beerhalls in Munich, which
was established in 1406, for a traditional evening of fun. Taste German
specialties including roasted pork knuckle and beer, while watching dancers,
yodellers and musicians in full costume. Prost!
Your choice in Austrian Tyrol
Swarovski Crystal World (Euro 6.50)
Swarovski Crystal is world famous for its high quality and exceptional
beauty. Visit the newly renovated museum in Wattens, to view incredible
displays of light, colour and sound. See the world’s largest and smallest
crystals, and the unique ‘Crystal Wall’- 11 metres high, 42 metres long
and packed with 12 tonnes (2,200 lbs) of glittering stone!
Tandem Paragliding (Euro 110.00)
See Austria from a totally different angle! Fly over the magnificent Alpine
scenery with our experienced, professional pilots. Unforgettable!
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).
Mountain Bike Tour and BBQ Lunch (Euro 29.00)
The beautiful Windau Valley is the setting for our adventure today. Hop
on a bicycle and take a fully guided tour through picturesque Alpine scenery.
Frequent photo stops are made to let you catch your breath, so the ride
is suitable for everyone. You’re sure to work up an appetite for the included
lunch at a cosy Gasthof. It’s a great way to really appreciate the Tyrolean
outdoors.
Your choice in Swiss Alps
Jungfrau Mountain (SF 127.00)
A fabulous trip on the highest cog railway in the world up the Jungfrau
Mountain, which rises to 4,158m (13,600ft). Travel through 7kms (4.2 miles)
of tunnel and stop for grand views from the plate glass windows – literally
in the North Face of the Eiger Mountain. The journey ends at Jungfraujoch
– 3,454m (11,300ft) above sea level with impressive views from the highest
railway station and post office in the world! Whatever the time of year,
the scenery is fabulous and there’s even the opportunity to ski (at a
small charge and weather permitting).
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 Amsterdam
Wok Culinair Restaurant (Euro 25.00)
Join us at a local restaurant for a typical Dutch “rice table” which consists
of a variety of main dishes accompanied with rice. Good food, good wine
and good company – a memorable way to finish your tour.
Canal Bike Tour (Euro 12.50)
There’s no better introduction to this beautiful 17th century city than
a fun canal ride. Our four-seater pedal boats follow a picturesque route
past pretty canal houses, the Amstel Locks, and the famous Skinny Bridge,
and is the perfect way to start your day of sightseeing.
Evening Canal Cruise (Euro 19.00)
A cruise on Amsterdam’s world-famous canals is the perfect way to celebrate
your final evening on tour. You’ll pass many famous sights including Dutch
gabled houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the Red Light District.
Your cruise includes commentary, a couple of drinks and snacks.