Day 1 : Rome
Kicking off your adventure in Rome, you’ll meet up with the rest of your crew who are all ready and waiting this morning. Then there’s no time to waste, Rome is begging to be explored! Our first day will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture and bucket list sights as we uncover all of Rome’s key features, from the Colosseum to St Peter’s Basilica. Not enough? There’s also the option to head back in time and discover Rome of the Emperors and Gladiators with a guided tour of the Colosseum. With a full day of exploring behind you, you’re free to head out tonight to find some dinner and check out the local nightlife.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hostel
Day 2 : Rome to Sorrento
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 : Hotel Albatross (or similar)
Day 3 : Sorrento
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 : Hotel Albatross (or similar)
Day 4 : Sorrento to Florence
See you, Sorrento! Thanks for making our Instagram feeds look like shoots for Italian Vogue!
Was that thunder?! Oh thank goodness, it was just your stomach… all that walking really gets the old appetite going. Good thing there’s a Tuscan evening ahead - a feast of local food from Central Italy with music. Opt in to this experience as a free time add on (trust us, you won’t regret it!). Eating pasta in Italy is as good as it sounds, but also keep your eye out for sumptuous Florentine steak, and more local specialities.
Accommodation : Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Day 5 : Florence to Milan
Woah, what’s that big thing in the sky?! It’s not a hot cross bun, is it… Oh wait, it's just the Duomo! You know, the one with the famous red dome that sits above Florence? We’ll learn all about Duomo, plus the Basilica, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more as locals show us around the city of Florence.
Arriving in super-chic Milan, get ready to feel your diva self. Strut your stuff downtown to see the famous Milan Duomo, Galleria and La Scala. If you want to dine like a Milanese opt for an EatWith experience.
Accommodation : BB Sesto San Giovanni (or similar)
Day 6 : Milan to Lucerne
Leaving Milan this morning we’ll be saying a final ‘Ciao’ to Italy, but the dreamy destinations don’t stop coming as we cross the border over the Swiss Alps.
With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here you'll have the chance to ascend Mt Pilatus giving yourself a better look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Day 7 : Lucerne to Lyon
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)
Day 8 : Lyon to Paris
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 : Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 : Paris
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 : Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 : Paris to London
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you’ve seen during this awesome trip, not to mention how close you’ve grown to your Contiki pals.
What a journey! On arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group - the adventure has come to an end.