European Vistas

The adventure of a lifetime kicks off today. Meet up with your new Contiki family in London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK!

Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north to Amsterdam! And here we are at our final stop for this evening: Amsterdam! After dinner there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours. (D) Stay: Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)

Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. You can start your exploration of this city with an optional trip up to the A'DAM tower and swing (with drink in hand) for panoramic views over the city.

After exploring, you'll want to join your new Contiki family for an optional dinner at a local fishing village and maybe a few drinks aboard a cruise on the canals. Could today get any better? (B)

Out of Amsterdam, onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to Hamburg – that's today's agenda. Crossing over to Germany, we find ourselves in another charming city dotted with canals and cafes, along with a central city lake and plenty of parks. We'll acquaint ourselves with Hamburg by starting with an orientation of the city, before free time to find some dinner tonight. (B) Stay: Super 8 by Wyndham Hamburg Mitte (or similar)

Hamburg, it's been sweet, but we have our sights set on another famous port city. And first... On our way to wonderful Copenhagen today, we'll also pass via Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson. With cobbled streets and colourful houses in a historic district full of character, it's easy to see where his inspiration came from. Constantly named amongst the most livable cities in the world (along with one of the happiest), Copenhagen greets us with craft beer breweries, a Renaissance-era castle, hip bars and cafes, a walkable city centre and - you guessed it - more canals.

This evening you'll have time to find dinner in one of the local spots. (B) Stay: Scandic Sydhaven (or similar)

Copenhagen is an artwork of locals on bicycles, Danish pastries in cute café windows, and Renaissance architecture. Being a bustling university town and home to the hippie hood of Freetown Christiana, nightlife, and unique culture can be found at every turn. (B)

Before you go bursting out of your travel clothes thanks to your new-found Danish pastry dependency, we're saying ‘farvel' to Denmark.

Next stop: the ferry, then Berlin! On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of a tour of the city and its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, we'll enjoy an included dinner together. (B/D) Stay: Holiday Inn Berlin West (or similar)

Tours, glorious tours! After our taster of Berlin's history yesterday, we'll have two inspiring walking tours in store for today (totally optional of course). First up, take a historical walking tour, including a visit to the site of Hitler's bunker.

Next, we'll embark on an Alternative Berlin walking tour, taking us to all the city's hipster haunts and historical hotspots. If you're looking for a night out, tonight is the perfect time to scope out one of those underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that Berlin is famous for. (B)

This morning we'll motor out of Berlin, ready for our next city. Berlin is one tough act to follow, but we think Poland will deliver. The capital of Poland has a vibrant urban scene and we're staying right in the centre of it.

Tonight you'll have free time for dinner, so Pierogi (Polish dumplings) and a glass of compote somewhere within Warsaw's lively cafe scene should be on your agenda - just ask your Trip Manager for the best local hangs. (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Warszawa Centrum (Warsaw, Poland)

Ready to discover Warsaw? Tragic bombings after the war have seen this city experience a re-birth, and it's packed with museums, a buzzing street art scene, and cool vibes dotted with a dose of random to keep us on our toes. Your local guide will give you the insider track as we take it all in on foot. A renowned musical city, keep your ears open day long and see what sound pleasures you also stumble upon.

This evening we'll be treated to an authentic Polish feast tonight to continue our introduction to this lively European city. (B/D)

Waving ‘pa! ' to Warsaw, we have our sights set on Krakow this morning. En route, we'll stop off at the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp for a sobering reminder of Poland's dark past. Once the capital of Poland, Krakow is now known for its rich history, tasty pretzels, excellent vintage markets (you heard it from us) and salt mining heritage.

Tonight you'll have time to explore the local restaurants for a traditional dinner, then you can rest up knowing we have all day tomorrow to get our Krakow on. (B) Stay: Vienna House Easy Cracow (or similar)

Good morning Poland! Today is all about getting up close and personal with Krakow life. We'll cover the basics on our included sightseeing tour in the morning, and you have a free afternoon to stroll the charming streets of Krakow. Check out Kazimierz, the UNESCO-listed Old Town & historic Jewish Quarter with its jumble of street art, vintage markets, crumbling cafes & 14th century synagogue. An optional Pierogi making class will keep us entertained into the evening. (B)

We say a fond farewell to Krakow and head for the bright lights of Budapest this morning. Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you. Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day.

From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. As the evening draws in, you'll have the chance to jump on board a Danube River Cruise with dinner included. Gliding across the shimmering night-lit river of Danube, you'll get to experience the beautiful sights of Budapest while enjoying a delicious Hungarian feast. (B) Stay: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

Ready to explore, we'll head out on a journey of old and new this morning with a locally guided walking tour of Budapest including the Royal Palace, the Chain Bridge & the Fisherman's Bastion. Take your time exploring this evening, stop for a drink in a ruin bar tucked away in the Jewish Quarter and keep our eyes peeled for a delicious Langos. (B)

Bye bye Budapest, your unique charm will remain in our hearts forever. Hitting the road, we'll journey west and cross-country through Hungary and into Austria. Here in the Austrian Tyrol, you'll have the chance to stay at Contiki Haus Schöneck, a Special Stay worthy of the name, where you can socialise with fellow skiers and Contiki travellers across multiple hang-out spaces, with authentic Austrian cuisine cooked on site too. There's also local beer available at the bar (which is also on site.)

When it comes to hitting the hay tonight, you'll sleep in a same-sex multi-share with up to 5 other travellers. (B/D) Stay: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Wake up, peel open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view. If you're feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls. If you're feeling really lively you can go tandem paragliding. Not so lively? Stroll around and take in the incredible setting; drink endless hot chocolate, go up a mountain in a gondola or relax at our Gasthof. (B/D)

Farewell life in the blissful Austrian Alps, the enchanting allure of Slovenia lies ahead. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and its Turquoise waters, Lake Bled really is like something out of a Disney movie. Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries, a distinct identity within Slovenian culture has evolved from the melody of influences surrounding it.

We'll have a walking orientation to get acquainted with our surroundings and after that, you're free to explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto or sit by one of Ljubljana's atmospheric watercourses. Then this evening foodies will have the chance to taste the best of the city's culinary hotspots. (B) Stay: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we're trading in the obscure unknown for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop! Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! A private boat ride, gothic architecture and a web of lanes to explore will keep your day filled quite nicely. (B) Stay: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)

Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner. The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it's glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto! (B) Stay: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)

Rise and shine, Rome awaits us! Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture and bucket list sights as we uncover all of Rome's key features. There's also the option to head back in time and discover Rome of the Emperors and Gladiators. (B)

Full of gelato and memories, we'll bid ‘ciao' to Bella Roma and head south for Sorrento, with a special stop on the way. Driving down the coast today, we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash.

Soak up the sweeping views on route to gorgeous Sorrento, where sun-bleached pastel houses perch along cliffs, tumbling down to the Mediterranean sea. Here you'll have the chance to treat yourself with a visit to La Sorgente, a nearby locally-owned family mozzarella farm, for an authentic Italian meal complete with fresh homemade mozzarella, rich olive oil and sunshine-coloured limoncello. (B) Stay: Hotel Albatross (or similar)

It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... We'll head over to the island of Capri for the day. With its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it's easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. If you'd like to spend some time on the water, opt for a cruise, with swim stops & great views of the coastline. Back in Sorrento, we'll all tuck into an included dinner. (B/D)

See you, Sorrento! Thanks for making our Instagram feeds look like shoots for Italian Vogue! Was that thunder? ! Oh thank goodness, it was just your stomach… all that walking really gets the old appetite going. Good thing dinner's on us tonight. Drop your bags off and join us to munch on a satisfying dinner. Let the Tuscan goodness sink in… (B) Stay: Hotel Mirage (or similar)

Woah, what's that big thing in the sky? ! It's not a hot cross bun, is it… Oh wait, it's just the Duomo! You know, the one with the famous red dome that sits above Florence? Today after breakfast, we'll learn all about Duomo, plus the Basilica, Giotto's Bell Tower, and more as locals show us around the city of Florence with a walking tour.

Take your time soaking in the sights. And maybe even grab some lunch at a cosy trattoria. But remember to save some space for dinner. Because tonight, you can choose to join us for a special Tuscan dinner on the hills (with a sumptuous Florentine steak, and more local specialities). It's ‘La Dolce Vita' indeed. (B)

Goodbye, Florence! We'll get some breakfast, and leave the historical streets for the heavenly lake scenes. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here you'll have the chance to take an optional lake cruise (summer only), giving yourself a better look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate. (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

It's been sweet, but our time in Lucerne is up this morning. Out with the altitude, in with the French countryside bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and into France.

Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki's very own 16th century Château. This might just be our most decadent accommodation yet, complete with newly-renovated bedrooms & bathrooms, an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, and a powder room for makeup and hair. And we haven't even shown you the pool or the gardens yet! Tonight we'll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the Château, because, when in France....

Please note: Due to so many people wanting to party with us, certain departures will be moved from Contiki's Chateau de Cruix to the French Gastronomic Capital of Lyon (a title which ain't given lightly, believe us!) We'll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine. (B/D)Stay: Château de Cruix (or similar)

Wake yourself up with some morning yoga on the Chateau's lawn, survey the garden and give those limbs a good stretch before we pack up for Paris today. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris.

After an included dinner at the hotel, our Trip Manager will fill us in on the city's secrets with a dreamy night-time tour of the 'city of lights', passing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral. We'll also take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower you'll find anywhere in Paris. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Paris Porte de Bagnolet (or similar)

Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is ours! First we'll visit the glamorous Fragonard perfumery for a lesson in the olfactory arts, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quartiers, see Notre Dame Cathedral, hunt for vintage treasures in Le Marais, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. (B) Stay: Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles (or similar)

Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen during this awesome trip, not to mention how close you've grown to your Contiki pals. What a journey! On arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group - the adventure has come to an end. (B)