Day 1
London to Amsterdam
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Accommodation
Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (or similar)
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Meals
Dinner
Highlights

Marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover
See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
From memorable sights to unforgettable nights, this is the trip to open your eyes to all aspects of Europe. Sip hot chocolate in front of alpine views and glow from head to toe with a warming Gluhwein in historic German cities. From laidback Dutch cafe culture via the vibes of Eastern Europe to the timeless beauty of Italy, plus food, fun & new friends along the way, this is 28 days of experiences to last a lifetime.
Locations Visited
London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Odense, Copenhagen, Berlin, Warsaw, Kraków, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Banská Bystrica, Budapest, Mondsee, Salzburg, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi, Lucerne, Lyon, Paris, Florence
Countries Visited
England, France, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland
Travel Style
Accommodations
27 nights included
Age Requirements
Travel for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
Accommodation
Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (or similar)
Meals
Dinner
See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
Day 2
Accommodation
Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 3
Accommodation
Super 8 by Wyndham Hamburg Mitte (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 4
Accommodation
Scandic Sydhaven (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 5
Accommodation
Scandic Sydhaven (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 6
Accommodation
Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Join us for dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel in Berlin, where Middle Eastern cuisine (think: delicious plant-based eats) is served by a diverse staff of refugees to help foster integration & solidarity.
Day 7
Accommodation
Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 8
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.
Accommodation
Ibis Budget Warszawa Centrum (Warsaw, Poland)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 9
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 all long and see what sound pleasures you also stumble upon. This evening we’ll be treated to an authentic Polish feast to continue our introduction to this lively European city.
Accommodation
Ibis Budget Warszawa Centrum (Warsaw, Poland)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Stroll around the Polish capital, listening to pearls of wisdom from your expert guide. You’ll see the Old Town, Royal Castle and more.
Day 10
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. We’ll cover the basics on our included sightseeing tour before 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.
Accommodation
Vienna House Easy Cracow (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
A local expert will take you around the UNESCO-listed Old Town, show you Wawel Castle and tell you the best place to taste some pierogi.
Day 11
Accommodation
Vienna House Easy Cracow (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
Day 12
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 the Danube, you’ll get to experience the beautiful sights of Budapest while enjoying a delicious Hungarian feast.
Accommodation
Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 13
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 your eyes peeled for a delicious Langos.
Accommodation
Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Day 14
Accommodation
A&O Salzburg (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 15
Accommodation
A&O Salzburg (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 16
Morning Salzburg! Today we say goodbye to Austria and continue east in our discoveries, bound for Slovenia.
Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries, a distinct identity within Slovenian culture has evolved from the melody of influences surrounding it. After we've had a walking orientation to get acquainted with our new surroundings, you’ll have the chance to explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto or sit by one of Ljubljana’s atmospheric watercourses.
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 17
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! Ready for an epic culinary escapade? Dive into the city's vibrant food scene with our Eating Europe Food Tour! Hop between local hotspots and savour delicious bites - all with a local guide to share insider tips on Venice's coolest spots with a small group of foodies.
Accommodation
Venice Palace (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
Day 18
Accommodation
Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Day 19
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. After that, you'll have the chance to join a pasta-making class led by a local.
Accommodation
Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 20
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.
Accommodation
Sisters Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 21
It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to...
After wandering the cobbled streets of Sorrento, we'll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast, stopping off in Amalfi town to admire the castles and coastal views. Next up, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit a Lemon Farm and learn all about how your fav limoncello is made.
Back in Sorrento, we'll all tuck into an included dinner.
Accommodation
Sisters Hostel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 22
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 23
That big thing in the sky? It's the Duomo! You know, the one with the famous red dome that sits above Florence? Today after breakfast, we’ll learn all about it, plus the Basilica, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more as a local shows us around the city on a guided walking tour. Take your time soaking in the sights. And maybe even grab lunch at a cosy trattoria. Save space for dinner tonight though, because you have the chance to join a traditional Tuscan evening complete with a family-style dinner and live music - with a visit to the Certosa Monastery included too.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
Day 24
Goodbye, Florence! We’ll get some breakfast, and leave the historical streets for the heavenly lake scenes.
On our way to Lucerne, we'll stop off for an (optional) trip to the top of Mt Stanserhorn. Get set for oh-so stunning panoramic views. Afterwards, we'll arrive in the fairytale town of Lucerne, where an optional lake cruise awaits (summer only). Our big recco for how to spend your free evening? Go. Try. Swiss. Chocolate.
Accommodation
Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 25
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 Paris.
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.
Accommodation
Ibis Lyon Sud Oullins (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 26
Rolling out of Lyon this morning we’re Paris-bound, swapping countryside for inner-city bliss.
Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris, made all the more romantic in winter months. 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.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Day 27
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 explore cosy cafes, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, hunt for vintage treasures in Le Marais, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 28
Meals
Breakfast
Title
You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
You'll stay in a Twin share room (meaning you'll be paired with a fellow traveller of the same gender, and will have two separate beds). If you're booking your trip with a friend/travel companion - just let us know, so we can join your bookings and ensure you share a room. Need a lil' more privacy? You're welcome to opt for a single supplement if you like.
*Temporary changes to standard terms and conditions apply to bookings until further notice: In accordance with travel restrictions imposed by government advisories worldwide, Contiki has temporarily suspended all trips across the globe for trips departing up and until 31 August 2020 (with the exception of those listed here for travellers from the UK and Europe). For further details and terms and conditions, please click here.
Trip Notes:
Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
Call 0808 169 8807 for great deals from the UK to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.
Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
Travel from the UK often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.
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