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.
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.
Ah, we've finally arrived in the city of love! So, of course, we're starting with a gorgeous French dinner. Afterwards, you're free to do what you please. Enjoy a glass of fine wine, explore trendy fashion, or even soak in iconic sights!*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 : B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Day 2 : Paris
Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, but first we'll take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Then the time is yours 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. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!
Accommodation : B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Day 3 : Paris to Lyon
This morning we’ll have breakfast and then be on our merry way to the next stop: time for lovely lovely Lyon.
Blue skies and sultry red roofs – oh yeah, we’re in Lyon! Tonight you’re free to wander this historical and architectural haven with your Contiki crew.
Accommodation : B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)
Day 4 : Lyon
Today you’ll have a full day to explore France’s second-largest city. Don’t miss the Notre Dame Basilica & St Jean Baptiste Cathedral, the ancient outdoor theatres inspired by the Romans and of course, the museums! If you need a rest, you can’t beat a stroll (or a nap) in the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Need something to eat? Well, we can confirm you’re in the right place…
Accommodation : B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)
Day 5 : Lyon to Barcelona
We'll head to Barcelona bright and early this morning... but not until after breakfast.
Welcome to España! Known for its chilled-out vibes, welcoming atmosphere and culture of acceptance and tolerance, there’s nowhere quite like Barcelona. Tonight we'll grab dinner at one of the city’s many exceptional eateries. And on the way, we'll stop by to marvel at the stunning Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's architectural masterpiece.
Accommodation : Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (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 : Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)
Day 7 : Barcelona to French Riviera via Arles
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 : Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Day 8 : French Riviera and 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 you'll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace, followed by a delicious optional dinner!
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 : Appart City Nice Acropolis (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 before we cross the border into Italy, we’ll make a fragrant pitstop here in Eze to visit a traditional French perfumery – where you’ll even have the chance to craft a signature scent of your own.
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 : Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (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. A trip to the colourful Venetian island of Burano and a gondola ride are up for grabs… or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you.
Accommodation : Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Day 11 : Venice to Florence via Pisa
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 hotel
Day 12 : Florence
Ready for a full day of all things Florence? Today is the perfect balance of guided local wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leatherwork, explore streets bursting with heritage, and see all the top sights on a walking tour. This afternoon you'll have free time to take to the local markets and taste the local gelato before a special optional evening out tonight, a visit to a 14th century Certosan monastry, followed by dinner and wine at a magical Tuscan restaurant nestled in the countryside nearby.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hotel
Day 13 : Florence to Rome
Farewell Florence - today we have the epicentre of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. But not before one rather extraordinary stop-off.
En-route to Rome, we’ll visit Casale Polegri – an organic Umbrian farm where we’ll feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more fresh local produce.
And here… we… are… Back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. After a brief orientation tour from your Trip Manager, you’re free to check out the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona with your Contiki crew.
Accommodation : Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (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… Stuck for something to do this evening? There’s plenty of pasta, gelato and caprese salad stops to keep you occupied – and don’t get us started on the wine.
Accommodation : Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (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!
We'll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail.
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 with your new friends in this ancient city.
Accommodation : Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)
Day 17 : End Athens
Hugs, tears, and a final batch of reminiscing; it's astounding how close a group can get in just two short weeks, but not before our Local Guide will escort us through the history of the city visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis, as well as the first modern Olympic Stadium, host of the 1896 Games.