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.

Out with the city life, in with the fresh mountain air. On leaving Paris we’ll coast through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy before crossing the border to Switzerland.

With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, ready for two nights at our accommodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. This place comes to life as the sun sets, so tonight we'll have a chance to load up on Swiss chocolate, and walk around town admiring the stunning landscape.

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.

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.

This morning we'll take in the crystal blue waters of the Riviera, cobble stone streets and charming markets! Later we take a scenic drive along the Côte d'Azur shows us everything we want to know about the French Riviera, as we make our way to the heart of it all, Monaco.

It wouldn't be a true visit to Monaco without seeing the Royal Palace and the Monte Carlo casino, and that's exactly what we'll look for first. Then, what better place to spend your last night in France? You have a free evening to don your glad rags, spritz on some of your new perfume & rub shoulders with the high rollers, before it's back along the coast tonight.

Monaco, you've been a real winner today. Winding our way back along the Côte d'Azur, we'll say goodbye to the flash pack and set our sights for bed.

After almost a week in France you'll be full to the brim with all things French and ready for new ground. Italy, perhaps?

No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to Florence.

Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list. First up, we'll get the chance to see a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history.

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 include the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato.

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 have the chance to become truly Venetian with a gondola ride up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

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...

Welcome to Pilsen AKA the birthplace of Pilsner. But you'll find a lot more than just a great drink & lively vibe here. So come explore the stunning architecture & fascinating underground tunnels at this pitstop before we make our way to Prague.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's our last full day of our European Escapade tour & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer.

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.