European Escapade | Standard | Start London | Winter 2026/2027 – October 18 to February 28, 2027 (24 Days) - From £2,195

Europe United Kingdom
OVERVIEW
Wanna go all in on Europe’s major cities? We’re talking Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Prague, Venice, Rome… and even Barcelona! On this extraordinary European Escapade tour, you’ll make the most of one iconic continent, with stop-offs at the Swiss Alps and exclusive Special Stays in Hopfgarten and at Contiki's Château de Cruix. Better still, on the ‘Plus’ trip you’ll stay in a twin-share hotel room instead of a multi-share.
EXPERIENCES
Arles: Visit the historic city of Arles, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh.

Barcelona: Combat boots at the ready, folks! Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are so cool, you won’t know what to photograph first!

Barcelona: We’ll check out the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s world-renowned masterpiece. Work began on the church in the 1880s and while it was technically never finished, it’s still a wonder to behold.

Berlin: Get your culture on. It’s time to see Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag building.

Berlin: Heads up culture vultures. Here’s your chance to check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.

Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.

French Riviera: Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.

Monaco City: Walk in the footsteps of Grace Kelly at the Royal Palace and see the Monte Carlo Casino (where the car park looks like a Fast & Furious set).

Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!

Nice: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a French perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).

Paris: 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.

Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.

Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.

Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!

Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.

Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.

Vienna: Buckle up for a scenic drive along the historic Ring Road of Vienna. See St Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera House as you go.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
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ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar) - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Schützenbach (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Schützenbach (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Eklo Lyon (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Generator Barcelona (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: Generator Barcelona (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Beach Hostel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Beach Hostel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: Hotel Re Dama (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15: JO&JOE Vienna (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16: JO&JOE Vienna (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17: Wombat's Hostel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 18: Plus Prague (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 19: Plus Prague (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 20: Generator Mitte (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 21: Generator Mitte (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 22: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 23: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
ITINERARY

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.  We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason.

Your European escape continues. 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 many museums of 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!

Out with the city life, in with the fresh mountain air. On leaving Paris we’ll coast through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy before crossing the border to Switzerland. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, ready for two nights at our accommodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. This place comes to life as the sun sets, so tonight we'll have a chance to load up on Swiss chocolate, and walk around town admiring the stunning landscape.

Open the window of your room and drink in the incredible view. Today you’re free to explore this classic European adventure town. Feeling extra adventurous? You have the option to check out Jungfrau mountain, aka ‘the Top of the World’.

Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Spain.  After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon, where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Here, it’s all about wandering cobbled streets, hunting down a cosy little bouchon, and diving fork-first into the kind of local eats you'll be dreaming about for weeks. Beaujolais is basically a love language here - treat yourself to a glass (or two), because hey, when in Lyon!

It's Spain day today, and we are ready. Out of Lyon & through the Pyrénées mountains in search of Barcelona - that's today's plan of attack.  Year-round and Monday to Sunday, Barcelona is a hive of festive activities. The Catalonian capital's energy will capture your heart in an instant. Sunshine year round, great food and even better locals, here's just a start of the never-ending list of greatness.

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.

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.

This morning we'll take in the crystal blue waters of the Riviera, cobble stone streets and charming markets! Later we take a scenic drive along the Côte d'Azur shows us everything we want to know about the French Riviera, as we make our way to the heart of it all, Monaco. It wouldn't be a true visit to Monaco without seeing the Royal Palace and the Monte Carlo casino, and that's exactly what we'll look for first. Then, what better place to spend your last night in France? You have a free evening to don your glad rags, spritz on some of your new perfume & rub shoulders with the high rollers, before it's back along the coast tonight. Monaco, you've been a real winner today. Winding our way back along the Côte d'Azur, we'll say goodbye to the flash pack and set our sights for bed.

After almost a week in France you'll be full to the brim with all things French and ready for new ground. Italy, perhaps? 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. Dancing and dinner in Tuscany. Is that the Duomo Cathedral we see, looming large over the pretty city? Now you know you’re in Florence. Tonight we’ll start our Italian adventure with an optional Tuscan feast (yum), then afterwards we’re off for a night out with dancing aplenty.

Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list. First up, we'll get the chance to see a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history. After a journey of romantic views past cypress trees and olive groves, we'll arrive in the Eternal City of Rome. Wasting no time uncovering the city, we'll take a tour of some of the biggest Italian icons, with famous sights and photo stops include the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato.

You could explore one of the world's greatest icons this morning, and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, it's hard to believe these sights still exist, and when in Rome of course! If an unveiling of the Colosseum isn't your jam, make the day your own and do all the quintessential Italian things, like sipping endless espressos while the world rides by on Vespa. We recommend heading to the Trastevere for the ultimate people watching, over a steaming bowl of carbonara in its true home, flanked by a caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil.

We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over...Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Tonight we'll relax here with free time to find some dinner, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.

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 have the chance to become truly Venetian with a gondola ride up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

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.

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. 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.)

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...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.

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...Welcome to Pilsen AKA the birthplace of Pilsner. But you'll find a lot more than just a great drink & lively vibe here. So come explore the stunning architecture & fascinating underground tunnels at this pitstop before we make our way to Prague.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.

Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that's begging you to come out to play. We'll start with a walking tour of the ancient streets, starting in the Castle District and passing by St Vitus Cathedral. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches.

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.

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.

We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights. You can start your exploration of this city with an included dinner followed by an optional trip up the A’DAM tower where (if you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open) you’ll be treated to unparalleled views aboard ‘Over the Edge’, Europe’s highest swing. Later, the fun doesn't stop, knowing there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

It's our last full day of our European Escapade tour & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer.

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.
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