Overview
Go everywhere, all at once, without spending your life savings! This is where it all began, a bunch of friends, travelling to amazing places and having a great time while getting there. This tour heads south to Spain, East to Turkey and Bulgaria, winds along the Dalamtian Coast, up to Prague and Amsterdam. No stone is left unturned! Camping is all about getting in and helping out which is what makes it so much fun.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Paris
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris. (D)
Day 2 and 3 Paris
Two full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included), home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B,D)(B)
Day 4 Paris to Lyon
Today's journey takes us to the softly undulating hills of the Beaujolais region. This evening we visit Contiki's own Château de Cruix nestled in the vineyards of this wine region to sample this world famous wine. (B,D)
Day 5 Lyon to Barcelona
Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D)
Day 6 Barcelona
Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)
Day 7 Barcelona to French Riviera
We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera. (B,D)
Day 8 French Riviera
Today we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo. (B,D)
Day 9 French Riviera to Venice
Today we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice. (B,D)
Day 10 Venice
A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride? (B,D)
Day 11 Venice to Florence
We travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it's a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D)
Day 12 Florence
Your day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)
Day 13 Florence to Rome
All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon and Piazza Navona. (B)
Day 14 Rome
Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing. (B,D)
Day 15 Rome to Sorrento
After leaving Rome we head south to Naples to board our complimentary motor boat to the island of Capri. After exploring the island we rejoin our boat and set sail to Sorrento, situated on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast. (B)
Day 16 Sorrento to Corfu
Today is your chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Later we take in the beautiful scenery of southern Italy as we travel east to board our overnight ferry to Greece. (B)
Day 17, 18 and 19 Corfu
Three sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing. (B,D)(B,D)(B)
Day 20 Corfu to Athens
Today we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens. (B,D)
Day 21 Athens
A whole day in Athens where our city tour includes the first modern Olympic stadium, the Acropolis and the Parthenon. (B)
Day 22 Athens to Kavala
We drive past Spartan Thermopylae and Thessaloniki, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and then on to our seaside overnight stop at Kavala. (B,D)
Day 23 Kavala to Cannakale
After crossing the border into Turkey we cross the Dardanelles to see Troy's Wooden Horse. (B,D)
Day 24 Cannakale to Istanbul
We take time to pay tribute at Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. Travel onwards to Istanbul where you'll have a chance to revel in a night of belly dancing, eastern food, and music. (B)
Day 25 Istanbul
Today our guide leads us through the spice markets and into the heart of the city where you can bargain at the Grand Bazaar or treat yourself to a relaxing Turkish bath. (B,D)
Day 26 Istanbul to Sofia
We pass the Turkish border town of Edirne before crossing into Bulgaria and driving to the capital, Sofia. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by free time to shop at the stalls near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. (B,D)
Day 27 Sofia to Ohrid
Leaving Bulgaria we journey over the hills and into Macedonia. After a lunch stop in Skopje, we travel south to Lake Ohrid to spend an evening near the beautiful shores of Europe's deepest lake. (B,D)
Day 28 Ohrid to Durres
This morning we cross the border into Albania. We see stunning mountainous scenery interwoven by the numerous remains of the defensive bunkers built years ago. We pass the ancient city Elbasan on our way to Durres - an important port and seaside resort town (Note: During peak periods the night in Durres may be substituted with a night in Tirana). (B,D)
Day 29 Durres to Dubrovnik
Heading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty and make our way on to Croatia and our accommodation in Dubrovnik. (B,D)
Day 30 and 31 Dubrovnik
Today's sightseeing shows us one of Europe's most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik. In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or relaxing on the beach. (B)(B,D)
Day 32 Dubrovnik to Zadar
On our way to Zadar we follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. A short stop in Split gives you time to wander through the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace. (B,D)
Day 33 Zadar to Budapest
Heading north we drive through the scenic Paklenica National Park. After crossing the Hungarian border, we make a stop on the beautiful shores of Lake Balaton, before making our way to the capital Budapest. (B,D
Day 34 Budapest
A day to fall under the spell of this jewel of the east. Magnificent views from the castle district, plenty of shopping opportunities and time to appreciate the museums of this former-Communist capital. A chance to try the local specialties for dinner tonight. (B)
Day 35 Budapest to Vienna
Saying goodbye to Hungary, we cross the border into Slovakia for lunch in the city of Bratislava. Our journey today finishes in Vienna, the capital of the once mighty Austrian Empire. (B)
Day 36 Vienna
On our sightseeing tour see the Palace of the Hapsburgs, State Opera House and fashionable Kärntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel, Viennese coffee and perhaps sample some local Schnaps. This evening why not join us for a concert to experience the timeless music of Mozart and Strauss? (B,D)
Day 37 Vienna to Prague
Today we drive through Bohemia and stop in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov as we make our way to Prague. (B,D)
Day 38 and 39 Prague
Two free days to discover the labyrinth of streets in the old town, the medieval castle district and the Charles Bridge, the most photographed bridge in Prague. Quench your thirst with a Pilsener and some local fare! (B)(B,D)
Day 40 Prague to Munich
On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls. (B)
Day 41 Munich to Swiss Alps
We stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and see the sights in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps. (B,D)
Day 42 Swiss Alps
A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain! (B,D)
Day 43 Swiss Alps to Heidelberg
Heading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Heidelberg's captivating old town and picturesque river are best viewed from its imposing castle. (B,D)
Day 44 Heidelberg to Amsterdam
We pass the legendary Lorelei before a short pause in St. Goar in the Rhine Valley famous for its storybook castles. Then we cross the Dutch border and on to Amsterdam. (B,D)
Day 45 Amsterdam
A chance to visit Edam and take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Afterwards, time to explore Amsterdam. In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together. (B)
Day 46 Amsterdam to Londo
Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. (B)