London to Athens

Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights.  A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on our trip.

After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme. We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason. (D) Stay: Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)

Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the Louvre. It's a lovely night to have a French meal with your crew. But it doesn't end there. You can then wander down the hill of Montmartre to see a cabaret show too. It's gonna be a night to remember! (B)

Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we're dragging you away in search of vineyards and châteaus.  We'll make a quick lunch stop in this picturesque little town, known for its rich wine heritage. Plus, you'll have the chance to check out the iconic Hospices De Beaune (a stunning 15th century hospital with a vibrant tiled roof). Cameras at the ready! Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki's very own 16th century château. That's right, we're trading hotels for a castle tonight!

You'll stay in multi-share, newly-renovated rooms (with 5 other travellers). What's more? Not much, just an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, a powder room for makeup and hair, a beautiful sprawling garden AND a pool! Tonight we'll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France... (B/D) Stay: Château de Cruix (or similar)

Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château's gardens, relax in the courtyard with a coffee & croissant, or lounge about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine. (B/L/D)

Bye-bye Beajoulais! And hello Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain's most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last. Well would you look at that for timing, we've pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o'clock. Fate, you've done it again! A scrumptious Spanish feast and a night exploring this culturally rich city should have us in the fiesta mood soon enough. (B/D) Stay: Urbany Hostel (or similar)

Cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic hilltop vistas, & wild Spanish architecture will season our day to perfection. There's plenty of free time to roam free or take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun. (B)

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more...

After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we'll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline. (B) Stay: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.  Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy.

We're visiting Monaco tonight, and youll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace! After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow. (B)

Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner. But first we'll make a  a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you'll learn how your favourite scents are made – and even have a go at crafting your own signature fragrance!  

The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda. (B) Stay: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. You can learn to be a Gondelieri (Gondola driver...) or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you. A hop between Venice's coolest restaurants, and a gondola ride are up for grabs. (B)

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel

Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom, food and free time to roam. Take the opportunity to explore streets bursting with heritage and delicious flavors in an optional walking tour, or take yourself to the local markets and down some gelato.

Tonight, opt to learn how to make the perfect pizza at a local restaurant and indulge in your very own culinary masterpiece (B)

Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we'll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we'll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets. (B) Stay: Casa San Juan (or similar)

When in Rome... This is the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority, as well as stuffing yourself to the brim with pasta, gelato and caprese salad all washed down with a glass of red at a local trattoria. (B)

As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning!

Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country. (B) Stay: Overnight Ferry

Ahoy there, we'll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land... We'll roll off the boat in Patras and then it's straight back on the road. The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean.

A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city. (B) Stay: Dorian Inn (or similar)

Hugs, tears, and a final batch of reminiscing; it's astounding how close a group can get in just two short weeks, but not before our Local Guide will escort us through the history of the city visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis, as well as the first modern Olympic Stadium, host of the 1896 Games. (B)