Day 1 : Rome to Venice
Buon Giorno! Meet and greet your new friends and Trip Manager, full of anticipation for the adventures ahead. We leave Rome behind and head north to Venice, city of gondolas and good times.
We’ll stop off along the way for free time and lunch in Padua, a city with history and hipster all rolled into one. Padua university was one of the first in the world and was home to Galileo, but it’s still going strong, giving the city a vibey student feel. It's also worth checking out Giotto’s famous frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, a kind of amazing medieval comic depicting the life of Christ.
Who can fail to fall in love with the watery wonderland that is Venice? With no roads, Venice is built on over 100 small islands, with 400 bridges crossing 150 canals including the main Grand Canal, lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. Tonight you could make time for a scenic evening stroll to watch the lights sparkle on the water, with time for plenty more exploring tomorrow.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hostel
Day 2 : Venice
Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Next, you have the option to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour or a traditional gondola ride, or take a boat trip out to the UNESCO heritage site of Burano. At this picture-perfect fisherman’s island decorated with gorgeous technicolour houses, you’ll visit a local restaurant and indulge in a seafood feast.
Accommodation : Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Day 3 : Venice to Vienna
Satisfied with all the good vibes Venice has delivered, we will move on to Vienna, leaving Italy in exchange for the Austrian capital.
Wooden chalets and green mountains occupy our Sound of Music drive through the Dolomites. On arrival in Vienna we'll be greeted by a cultural hub bursting with historical cuteness and the chance to see a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the city's palaces...yes, a palace (just the way they roll here in Vienna). Tonight, it's time for a Habibi & Hawara dinner, followed by a classic night out (both totally optional, should you prefer to spend your evening relaxing in style.)
Accommodation : Senator Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 : Vienna
Let's make one thing very clear: if you want to make your whole day about full-bodied Viennese coffee & warm apple strudel with whipped cream, we're not going to judge. Those who can drag themselves away from this heavenly situation can take in the Schönbrunn Palace, then stroll the streets for a walking tour to see the St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House, and stopping by Swarvoski for some glittery gifts for friends back home.
Accommodation : Senator Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 : Vienna to Munich
Vielen dank, Vienna! We are officially in love with everything you are. We'd stay for another strudel but we've heard about the beer culture in Munich and we're a little bit intrigued...
Before we arrive in Munich, we make a sobering stop at Dachau Concentration Camp memorial to remember Germany's turbulent past.
Even when Oktoberfest isn't in full swing, Munich is a treasure trove of Bavarian cultural experiences. After exploring the Old Town and seeing the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz, throw your feet up in a traditional beer hall, downing roasted pork knuckle & a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Day 6 : Munich to Prague
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...
We start with a walking tour of the ancient streets, starting in the Castle District and passing by St Vitus Cathedral. Later 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.
Accommodation : Zleep Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 : Prague
Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that's begging you to come out to play. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. You can take a walking food tour if you get a little hungry!
Accommodation : Zleep Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 : Prague to Berlin
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.
Accommodation : Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Day 9 : Berlin
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.
Accommodation : Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Day 10 : Berlin to Amsterdam
We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights.
And welcome to the dreamy Dutch capital, known for its charming gable houses and pretty canals - which are even prettier at night! Tonight you're free to explore with your crew. Whether you're checking out the museums, the nightlife or a bit of both, you're in for an absolute treat.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)
Day 11 : Amsterdam
Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world’s most unique cities. The final night on trip together culminates with a chance to join a farewell dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)
Day 12 : End Amsterdam
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.