A castle and an old town in Ljubljana. Snails & champagne in Paris. Traditional Polish dinners in Krakow & pasta making in Rome. The trail to London is all about balancing the things you've always dreamed of with the things you've not even fathomed. With 9 countries conquered in 16 days, you'll know exactly which places stole your heart & deserve a second visit.
Locations Visited
Vienna, Kraków, Banská Bystrica, Budapest, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Swiss Alps, Paris, Calais, Dover, London, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Countries Visited
Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France, England
Travel Style
Accommodations
15 nights included
Age Requirements
Travel for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
We'll arrive in Vienna full of excitement and ready for coffee & sachertorte, otherwise known as the world's greatest chocolate cake. Get to know your new travel squad over dinner tonight, and maybe a few schnaps, since we're in Austria after all.
Accommodation
A&O Vienna Hauptbahnhof (or similar)
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Rise up travellers and start practicing your Polish pleasantries, we'll be in Krakow later today so they may come in handy.
Today we will change pace once we cross the border, as we drop to an unfamiliar and sobering level by visiting the concentration camp memorials of Auschwitz & Birkenau. Learning and growing is what we travellers do.
Then afterwards its onto the city of Krakow, which is now known for its salt mining heritage and tales of mythical dragons. Relax tonight as we have all day tomorrow to explore.
Accommodation
Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (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 3
Join an Orientation tour to get to know the city's best beer spots and historical hotspots then you're free to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre in your own time. A Jewish Quarter, a jaw-dropping castle & museums aplenty are just some of the relics found in the relatively untouched Krakow. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Polish evening and try Pierogi, a Polish favourite - these dumplings are an absolute classic.
Accommodation
Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Get your bearings in this medieval Polish city. Our orientation will get you familiar with the cathedral, Royal Castle and all the best places to grab a beer.
Day 4
Alpine scenery and traditional villages will make our departure from Krakow more manageable. Particularly with the knowledge that we have Budapest coming up in the eve.
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. Waste no time getting involved with Budapest by joining the optional river cruise and dinner.
Accommodation
A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
This historic Slovakian city is filled with ornate buildings and framed by snow-capped mountains. It’s the perfect Insta backdrop!
Day 5
The day is yours to tackle Budapest however you see fit. After all the travelling we've done, you've probably earned yourself an afternoon soaking in the city's famous outdoor thermal pools set amongst Art Nouveau architecture. Blissed out in Budapest - there's an insta caption for you. If gardens, fountains, pools and ruins are the call of your day, put Margaret Island top and centre of your to do list.
Accommodation
A&O Budapest (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 6
This morning we say goodbye to the city of Budapest and head south to Slovenia! Though the name Ljubljana might not be as well known as Budapest, that doesn't diminish its delight as a European city. In fact, its undiscovered charm is all part of the fascination...
WOW is probably the one word we hear in unison as we pull up at this jaw dropping lake. Don't forget to keep your swimmers out today, this is the perfect place for a dip to break up the journey, and grab a few lust-worthy snaps.
Aesthetically wonderful and filled with youthful moods, Ljubljana is one to love for its off the tourist trail vibes and casual attitude. Without a list of monuments to tick off, you're free to get cozy in a cafe and lap up the endless local feels.
Accommodation
Ljubljana Resort (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.
Join your new gang for an orientation of Slovenia’s fairytale-like capital. Get your fix of rainbow architecture, Insta-friendly bridges and epic mountain backdrops.
Day 7
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! A private boat ride, gothic architecture and a web of lanes to explore will keep your day filled quite nicely.
Accommodation
Anda Venice Hostel (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 8
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City is just around the corner.
This afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. Gelato, pizza, and ancient monuments galore, but why not try a pasta making class and cook a homemade meal for dinner? If that's not your style feel free to explore and get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night.
Accommodation
The Yellow (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 9
Rome wasn't built in a day but we sure can try and see it all in one day!
Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Accommodation
The Yellow (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 10
Lets hit the road as we have more of Italy to lust over…
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.
For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with another drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo Cathedral. We have all day tomorrow to let the explorations continue.
Accommodation
'Re-Dama Hostel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
Day 11
Accommodation
Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 12
Hopefully by now you are head to toe in fresh leather, you've eaten your bodyweight in antipasto, and you're feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to farewell Florence.
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 the Swiss Alps.
Bunking down amid fairytale snowcapped mountains tonight shows how far we've come since golden Florence this morning, and that right there is the magic of Europe. Tomorrow we'll set out to explore this magical land of cheese, chocolate and watches.
Accommodation
Adventure Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 13
Open the window of your room & drink in the incredible view - if you can find words or photos that do it justice, we applaud you! If you're feeling audacious, opt to take a trip to a Swiss mountain with your travel crew, or feel free to explore this classic European adventure town.
Accommodation
Adventure Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 14
Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. Once we've crossed the border out of Switzerland we will be coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy before our arrival in Paris.
We'll reach Paris and enjoy an included dinner before a chance to explore the glittering city of lights.
Accommodation
Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
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 15
Stock up on perfume at the Fragonard Perfumery. Especially given the greatly discounted prices and authenticity of buying in France. Later you can moan over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the many rooms of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. With your last night looming, make it one to remember in the city of lights.
Accommodation
Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
Day 16
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen on this trip. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective.
What a journey, if you've chosen to end your trip on arrival in London say a fond farewell to the remainder of your group as you wrap up the journey on arrival.
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.
Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
*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.
Terms & Conditions:
