Day 1 : London to Paris
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.
Touch down, check-in, and let the Parisian magic kick in! Today we're heading straight to the city's heart. Dive into local delights. Indulge is some good wine. Check out the iconic sights. Basically, let the adventure roll!*Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We're on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us!
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)
Day 2 : Paris
Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the Louvre. It's a lovely night to have a French meal with your crew. But it doesn't end there. You can then wander down the hill of Montmartre to see a cabaret show too. It's gonna be a night to remember!
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)
Day 3 : Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region
Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we're dragging you away in search of vineyards and châteaus.
We'll roll on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. So, once you drop your bags off at our iconic Château, we'll head straight to a local wine cuvage to taste the local tipple. And then it's back to the Château for a meal fit for French royalty. Yum!
Please note: On occasion, certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Chateau de Cruix to the French gastronomic capital of Lyon (a title which ain’t given lightly, believe us!) We’ll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine.
Accommodation : Château de Cruix (or similar)
Day 4 : Beaujolais Wine Region
Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château's gardens, relax in the courtyard with a coffee & croissant, or lounge about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine.
Accommodation : Château de Cruix (or similar)
Day 5 : Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona
Bye-bye Beajoulais! And hello Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain's most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last.
Well would you look at that for timing, we've pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o'clock. Fate, you've done it again! A scrumptious Spanish feast and a night exploring this culturally rich city should have us in the fiesta mood soon enough.
Accommodation : Urbany Hostel (or similar)
Day 6 : Barcelona
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.
Accommodation : Urbany Hostel (or similar)
Day 7 : Barcelona to French Riviera
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.
Accommodation : Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)
Day 8 : French Riviera Including Monaco
Missing an opportunity to see this 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.
Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting Monaco tonight, and youll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace!
After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Accommodation : Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)
Day 9 : French Riviera to Venice
Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner.
But first we'll make a a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you’ll learn how your favourite scents are made – and even have a go at crafting your own signature fragrance!
The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda.
Accommodation : Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Day 10 : Venice
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 can learn to be a Gondelieri (Gondola driver...) or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you. A hop between Venice's coolest restaurants, and a gondola ride are up for grabs.
Accommodation : Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Day 11 : Venice to Florence
Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways.
As if we were going to leg it from Venice 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.
For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hostel
Day 12 : Florence
Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom, food and free time to roam. Take the opportunity to explore streets bursting with heritage and delicious flavors in an optional walking tour, or take yourself to the local markets and down some gelato. Tonight, opt to learn how to make the perfect pizza at a local restaurant and indulge in your very own culinary masterpiece
Accommodation : A conveniently located hostel
Day 13 : Florence to Rome
Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot.
After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we'll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we'll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets.
Accommodation : Casa San Juan (or similar)
Day 14 : Rome
When in Rome... This is 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, as well as stuffing yourself to the brim with pasta, gelato and caprese salad all washed down with a glass of red at a local trattoria.
Accommodation : Casa San Juan (or similar)
Day 15 : Rome to Overnight Adriatic Ferry
As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii.
Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning!
Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country.
Accommodation : Overnight Ferry
Day 16 : Overnight Adriatic Ferry to Athens
Ahoy there, we'll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land...
We'll roll off the boat in Patras and then it's straight back on the road.
The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean.
A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city.
Accommodation : Dorian Inn (or similar)
Day 17 : Athens
There are ancient wonders to be found inside the modern metropolis of Athens, and we'll start with a sightseeing tour of the city's best spots. Our Local Guide will walk us through the history of this famous city as we visit the Parthenon & Acropolis, followed by a visit to the first & original 'modern' (read: 1896) Olympic stadium. This evening we'll check into our hotel and settle in before the next phase of our trip begins: island hopping! First we'll welcome some new group members, then our Trip Manager will give the rundown of what to expect over the next 10 days before we settle in for an included dinner.
Accommodation : Hotel Evripides (or similar)
Day 18 : Athens to Mykonos
With no time to waste, we'll start our island hopping adventures today with our first destination: Mykonos.
Let's do this! Two nights on the island of Mykonos, how did we get so lucky? Even the boat ride across the Aegean will have you awe struck and in love. Tonight, you'll have the option to join an exploration of Mykonos by night on a locally guided walking tour of the town's cobbled streets.
Accommodation : Paradise Beach (or similar)
Day 19 : Mykonos
Get ready for a day full of viewing coastal windmills, stuffing your face with olives, feta, and tzatziki. We'll stroll down storybook streets dotted with those gorgeous blue domes and we'll pick up some evil eye ornaments along the way to keep the bad vibes away. And this is all before you've even taken a dip in the ocean! Doesn't get much better than this... The day is yours to soak up the sunshine and play in the sea.
Accommodation : Paradise Beach (or similar)
Day 20 : Mykonos to Paros
This morning we're on to our next Greek island, Paros. Let's spare a thought for all those travellers who only get to visit just one Greek Island, and then remember how lucky we are.
Beaches, naturally sculpted swimming coves, a Byzantine church and traditional villages: we must be in Paros. You're free to get into the sun and sea vibes. Those who feel like exploring can sign up for an optional trip to a traditional village where you'll visit a local family-run bakery and shop the local handicrafts.
Accommodation : Asterias (or similar)
Day 21 : Paros
Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today we're off for a visit to Naoussa, a fishing village with colourful fishing boats and white-washed houses. Tonight, you'll have free time to explore the local area and find yourself some dinner, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.
Accommodation : Asterias (or similar)
Day 22 : Paros to Santorini
Paros, it's been magical – but today we're taking to the seas again, this time in search of Greece's most insta-famous island: Santorini.
Santorini, we have arrived! Tonight you'll have an included transfer to Fira to explore Santorini's capital and roam the cobbled streets.
Accommodation : Kalipso Villas (or similar)
Day 23 : Santorini
Rise and shine, Greek Island travellers! The island of Santorini won't explore itself. Today is your day to take a swim at Perissa Beach, eat the local specialty of fried tomato balls known as domatokeftedes, or roam and explore. You can even opt to take a visit to incredible Oia followed by a visit to the black sand beach of Santorini.
Accommodation : Kalipso Villas (or similar)
Day 24 : End Santorini
And with that, the trip comes to an end. From Santorini, you’re free to make your way home… or keep going. Who’s for Cyprus? Or Turkey? The whole Aegean lies at your feet (literally) and you have a boatload of new buds to go exploring with!