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  European Explorer

33-day tour
Starting at £2325 (land only)
To book please call us on 08700 66 45 11
Time Out
 


Featuring: · France · Spain · Monaco · Italy · Vatican City · Greece · Austria · Germany · Liechtenstein · Switzerland · Holland · Belgium (In transit)

One of our comprehensive tours of Western Europe, including the white cliffs of Dover, Paris, Loire Valley, Barcelona, the French Riviera, Monaco, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Vatican City, Corinth, Athens, the Adriatic coast, Venice, Vienna, Munich, Liechtenstein, Lucerne, the Rhine Valley and Amsterdam.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: London to Paris: A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and 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" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (D)

Day 2: Paris Sightseeing: 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 Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)

Day 3: Paris to Lyon: South from Paris we pass through beautiful countryside and the famous vineyards of the Burgundy Region. We visit Contiki’s own Château de Cruix to taste some of the local wine before travelling on to Lyon. Tonight take the opportunity to taste some authentic French cuisine in this gastronomic capital. (B,D)

Day 4: Lyon to Barcelona: Continuing south via the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, we cross the Spanish border to the Mediterranean city of Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 5: Barcelona Sightseeing: 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 such as Lladró porcelain and Majorca pearls. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

Day 6: Barcelona to French Riviera: We return to France and travel through the fabled region of Provence en route to the Mediterranean city of Nice – the jewel of the French Riviera. (B,D)

Day 7: French Riviera at Leisure: 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 8: French Riviera to Venice: We visit a French perfumery en route to Italy. Time to stoll around Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet before we reach our hotel near fairytale Venice. (B,D)

Day 9: Venice Sightseeing: A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges’ Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing musuems. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)

Day 10: Venice to Florence: We wind through the Apennine Mountains towards the world-famous region of Tuscany. An afternoon in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence where our included walking tour will take you to see the Duomo, Giotto’s belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce & Piazza della Signoria. There’s time to shop for local crafts such as gold, silver and leather before an evening of Tuscan cuisine and local nightlife. (B)

Day 11: Florence to Rome: All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Take the time to discover Roman cuisine in a trattoria for a delicious meal with some local wine. (B,D)

Day 12: Rome Sightseeing: Ancient and modern Rome awaits your discovery. Why not start your day with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel? In your free time explore the Forum of Imperial Rome, search for Gladiators at the Colosseum, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B)

Day 13: Rome to Sorrento: After leaving Rome we head south to Naples to board our complimentary motor boat to the island of Capri. After exploring the island we rejoin our boat and set sail to nearby Sorrento situated on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast. (B,D)

Day 14: Sorrento to Greece: Today is your chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Later we take in the stunning scenery of Southern Italy as we travel east to board our overnight ferry to Greece. (B)

Day 15: To Athens: From Patras we cross the famous Corinth Canal before arriving in historic Athens. An opportunity to join us for an optional dinner in the lively 'Plaka' region of Athens. (B,D)

Day 16: Athens to Mykonos: Join us for an included sightseeing tour of Athens with a local guide. The tour incorporates many sights of this ancient city and includes a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. This afternoon we board a ferry to Mykonos where you can look forward to a terrific three day break on one of the most picturesque Greek islands. (B,D)

Days 17 - 19: Mykonos at Leisure: Enjoy the island’s myriad pleasures. By day you can relax on any one of the excellent beaches, stroll through the whitewashed streets, shop in the boutiques or even take a trip to a neighbouring island. In the evenings sip cocktails as the sun goes down before enjoying a meal in a typical taverna or local restaurant. Round off the night on the dancefloor at one of Mykonos’s famous clubs. (B,D)

Day 20: Mykonos to Preveza: Returning to mainland Greece we make our way to Corinth for a lunch stop and then continue into the mountains to Preveza. (B,D)

Day 21: Preveza to Tirana.: Leaving Greece behind we head north into Albania. Our drive along the Adriatic coast takes us to Tirana which is the capital of the country and our base for the night. (B)

Option 2: Cruising

Day 17: Athens to Mykonos: Transfer to your Cruise liner. Cruise. (B,L,D,S)

Day 18: Mykonos to Kusadasi, Turkey: Cruise. (B,L,D,S)

Day 19: Patmos to Rhodes: Cruise. (B,L,D,S)

Day 20: Crete and Santorini: Cruise. (B,L,D,S)

Day 21: Return to Athens & to Preveza : Return to Athens then on to Preveza . (B,L,D,S)



Day 22: Tirana to Dubrovnik: Heading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. We make our way towards the famous black Mt. Lovcen that gave this spectacular mountainous country its name. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe’s royalty and make our way to the fortified town of Kotor and then into Croatia and on to our accommodation at Dubrovnik. (B,D)

Day 23: Dubrovnik Sightseeing: Todays sightseeing shows us one of Europe’s most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik. In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heriatge Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or climb up Mt Srj for a panoramic view of the city and stunning coast. Tonight why not have dinner amongst the locals or enjoy a Sunset Cruise with drinks. (B)

Day 24: Dubrovnik to Zadar:
We follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic Dalmatian Archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. We pass agricultural fields of lemons and oranges on our way to Split, home to the Roman remains of Diocletian’s Palace, with time for lunch. From here we follow the coast north past Sibenik and on to our overnight stop. (B,D)

Day 25: Zadar to Vienna: Heading north we pass through the mountain range that makes up the scenic Paklenica National Park. We pass the unusual Sveti Rock before making our way around Zagreb. We cross into Slovenia and past Maribor before arriving in Austria for the scenic drive to Vienna. (B)

Day 26: Vienna Sightseeing: Our sightseeing tour takes in the grandeur of the Palace of the Hapsburgs, the fame of the State Opera House and fashionable Kartnerstrasse. Take time to wander at leisure and why not try some local schnaps, strudel and another schnitzel? (B)

Day 27: Vienna to Munich: On to Bavaria’s lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and maybe take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (B,D)

Day 28: Munich to Swiss Alps: We stop for lunch in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Switzerland! Shop for watches and chocolates in Lucerne before travelling on to our hotel in Engelberg. (B,D)

Day 29: Swiss Alps at Leisure: 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 30: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley: We follow the mighty Rhine River north into Germany. Take in the picturesque Rhine Valley on our included river cruise before learning how beersteins are crafted in the village of St Goar. (B,D)

Day 31: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam: We continue north along the Rhine River and cross the border into The Netherlands. Enjoy a visit to a cheese farm and see clogs being made before we check in to our hotel. Tonight your first taste of Amsterdam’s famous nightlife. (B,D)

Day 32: Amsterdam Sightseeing: Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Uncover another facet of Dutch culture with a visit to a diamond exhibition and 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 33: Amsterdam to London: Travelling south through the Dutch and Belgian countryside to France, we catch the ferry from Calais to Dover and reach London early evening. (B)
 
 
  European Explorer
Itinerary
France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland...
Map
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Dates & Rates
Departure dates
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What's Included
Accommodation, Meals, Transport, Sightseeing Tours & Excursions...
 


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