European Wanderer (Winter)

Paris is your oyster (or snail) today - an open book with pages begging to be turned. Stroll the cobbled streets and leafy boulevards. Break a baguette in one of the many beautiful parks, stroll the endless walkways of The Louvre, Montmartre, or Notre Dame. Snap a selfie from the top of La Tour Eiffel then explore the bars and boutiques of the hipster Left Bank or Le Marais. (B)

This morning we wind our way through the French countryside, past the scenic vineyards of the Burgundy region and across the border to Switzerland. Just when you think France is the most scenic place on Earth, we cross the border into Switzerland and the charming town of Lucerne. Cobbled streets, fairytale medieval architecture, snow-capped mountain backdrops and swans floating past on the sparkling lake make this a setting fit for fairytales.

Tonight's your chance to sample a traditional cheese fondue before we get ready for a busy day tomorrow in this scenic paradise. (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

The day is yours to enjoy the great outdoors. This morning take an optional trip up Mount Pilatus via a cable car. Speaking of views, there are plenty more of those if you choose to take a cruise on Lake Lucerne for the afternoon, sitting back and drinking in the meadows, forests and mountain peaks. Back in town, you're free to pick up some souvenirs (a Swiss watch? A cowbell? ), check out the wooden Chapel Bridge (dated 1333) and nibble on some delicious chunks of cheese (or chocolate). (B)

Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Spain. After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so we'll head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies. Topped off with some beaujolais wine, but of course. (B) Stay: B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)

It's Spain day today, and we are ready. Out of Lyon & through the Pyrénées mountains in search of Barcelona - that's today's plan of attack. Year-round and Monday to Sunday, Barcelona is a hive of festive activities. The Catalonian capital's energy will capture your heart in an instant. Sunshine year round, great food and even better locals, here's just a start of the never-ending list of greatness. (B) Stay: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)

Today you have plenty of free time to discover Barcelona's best sites. Hit up the beach, search for souvenirs on La Rambla or browse designer shops on Passeig de Gracia. Don't miss the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi's other architectural wonders. Foodies will love La Boqueria market and sports fans won't want to miss a visit to Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. Just save some energy for tonight, with a chance to get tickets for a fiery traditional Flamenco show on the cards. (B)

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to explore. Much, much more... 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? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline. (B) Stay: Hotel du Pin Nice Port (or similar)

Nowhere says ‘French chic' like Nice, and today is your chance to browse the tempting stalls of the market, climb to the castle (or take the lift) for breathtaking views over the Cote d'Azur or make like the locals, sipping a pastis and watching the world go by. Missing an opportunity to see this glorious 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. You're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy in Monte Carlo. Here you'll have time for dinner before we get ready for an evening of glamour at the Monte Carlo Casino, forever immortalised on screen as James Bond's nightspot of choice.

After a spin 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. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are about to warm us from the inside out. As if we were going to head straight 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. And welcome to Florence. Home to red roofs, Renaissance architecture and rustic cuisine - which we'll have the chance to experience first hand on a traditional Tuscan evening. Make sure you're hungry! (B) Stay: Hotel Mirage (or similar)

Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list.

First up is a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history, followed by a tour from a local guide taking us behind the scenes & revealing the city's cultural beginnings.

We'll stop for lunch at a traditional Olive Oil mill (where the traditional hospitality is sure to knock your socks off!) After a journey of romantic views past cypress trees and olive groves, we'll arrive in the Eternal City of Rome. Wasting no time uncovering the city, we'll take a tour of some of the biggest Italian icons, with famous sights and photo stops including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do, don't miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato. (B/L)Stay: A conveniently located hotel

You could explore one of the world's greatest icons this morning and walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors past. Hit up the Colosseum or embark on an Ancient Rome walking tour today (your Trip Manager will advise based on availability) - it's hard to believe these sights still exist. If neither of these are your jam make the day your own and do all the quintessential Italian things, like sipping endless espressos while the world rides by on a Vespa.

We recommend heading to the Trastevere for the ultimate people watching over a bowl of steaming carbonara in its true home, flanked by a caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil. Yum! Opt to take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine. This is also 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. (B)

Today we bid a reluctant ‘Arrivederci' to Rome and travel towards the top of Italy's ‘boot', headed for Venice, famed city of canals.

We'll stop off along the way for free time and dinner in Padua, a city with history and hipster all rolled into one. Padua university was one of the first in the world and was home to Galileo, but it's still going strong, giving the city a vibey student feel. It's also worth checking out Giotto's famous frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, a kind of amazing medieval comic depicting the life of Christ. Who can fail to fall in love with the watery wonderland that is Venice? With no roads, Venice is built on over 100 small islands, with 400 bridges crossing 150 canals including the main Grand Canal, lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces for us to explore tomorrow. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel

Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Next, you have the option to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour or a traditional gondola ride, or take a boat trip out to the UNESCO heritage site of Burano. At this picture-perfect fisherman's island decorated with gorgeous technicolour houses, you'll visit a local restaurant and indulge in a seafood feast. (B)

Satisfied with all the good vibes Venice has delivered, we will move on to Vienna, leaving Italy in exchange for the Austrian capital. Wooden chalets and green mountains occupy our Sound of Music drive through the Dolomites.

On arrival in Vienna we'll be greeted by a cultural hub bursting with historical cuteness and the chance to see a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the city's palaces...yes, a palace (just the way they roll here in Vienna ).

Tonight, it's time for a Habibi & Hawara dinner, followed by a classic night out (both totally optional, should you prefer to spend your evening relaxing in style.) (B) Stay: Ibis Wien Mariahilf Hotel Vienna (or similar)

Let's make one thing very clear: if you want to make your whole day about full-bodied Viennese coffee & warm apple strudel with whipped cream, we're not going to judge. Those who can drag themselves away from this heavenly situation can take in the Schönbrunn Palace, then stroll the streets for a walking tour to see the St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House, and stopping by Swarvoski for some glittery gifts for friends back home. (B/D)

Vielen dank, Vienna! We are officially in love with everything you are. We'd stay for another strudel but we've heard about the beer culture in Munich and we're a little bit intrigued... Before we arrive in Munich, we make a sobering stop at Dachau Concentration Camp memorial to remember Germany's turbulent past. Even when Oktoberfest isn't in full swing, Munich is a treasure trove of Bavarian cultural experiences.

After exploring the Old Town and seeing the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz, throw your feet up in a traditional beer hall, downing roasted pork knuckle & a stein of one of Germany's 5000 brews. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)

We'll say farewell to Munich and continue our journey to Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic is fast becoming one of the hottest spots on the European map, and today you find out why... Before we arrive in Munich, we make a sobering stop at Dachau Concentration Camp memorial to remember Germany's turbulent past. We start with a walking tour of the ancient streets, starting in the Castle District and passing by St Vitus Cathedral.

Later this evening we'll head into the Old Town to see the famous Charles Bridge and astronomical clock. Tonight join us for an authentic Czech evening complete with dumplings, goulash, and plenty of local beer. (B) Stay: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)

Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that's begging you to come out to play. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. You can take a walking food tour if you get a little hungry! (B)

Pack your bags and say your sincere thanks to the Czech Republic for being such a lovely host. As promised, we're heading back to Germany for a bout in Berlin. A drive from Prague to Berlin would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. 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 tour to learn about its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, we'll enjoy an included dinner together, ready for more exploring tomorrow. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)

Leap out of bed knowing Berlin is ready and waiting to be explored. You can opt to discover Berlin's restless past on a historical walking tour including Checkpoint Charlie and the site of Hitler's bunker. Or choose an alternative walking tour to see the street art and counter-culture that tourists often miss. The nightlife is also yours for the taking, so this is your chance to scope out some of the underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that make this city a world famous party spot. (B)

We'll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights. You can start your exploration of this city with an included dinner followed by an optional trip up the A'DAM tower where (if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open) you'll be treated to unparalleled views aboard ‘Over the Edge', Europe's highest swing.

Later, the fun doesn't stop, knowing there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)

Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world's most unique cities. The final night on trip together culminates with a chance to join a farewell dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights. (B)

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am. For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south to Calais.

This afternoon we cross from France to England... ...and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure. (B)