Saturday 2 December 2006
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: London to Paris: A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City of Lights" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (D)
Day 2: Paris Sightseeing: Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)
Day 3: Paris to Bordeaux: Our journey south today takes us through the Loire Valley, home to over 3000 Châteaux. See magnificent Château Chambord and the vineyards which produce many of France's finest wines. (B,D)
Day 4: Bordeaux to Barcelona: This morning we visit Carcassone, a medieval walled city. We continue south, skim past the Pyrenées and catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean before arriving in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D)
Day 5: Barcelona Sightseeing: 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 Ramblas and discover some of Spain's specialties such as Lladró porcelain and Majorca pearls. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)
Day 6: Barcelona to French Riviera: Today we follow the Mediterranean coast back into France to arrive on the elegant French Riviera. We stay in Nice, the 'Queen of the Riviera'. (B,D)
Day 7: French Riviera at Leisure: Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches – the choice is yours! (B)
Day 8: French Riviera to Florence: Today we visit a French perfumery before arriving in Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We travel past the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D)
Day 9: Florence Sightseeing: 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 or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)
Day 10: 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. Take the time to discover Roman cuisine in a trattoria for a delicious meal with some local wine. (B)
Day 11: Rome. Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)
Day 12: Rome to Corfu: A chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Greece. (B)
Days 13 - 15: Corfu at Leisure: Spend your days on this fabulous Greek Island relaxing beside the hotel pool, working on your tan or cruising along the coast on a traditional Greek boat. At night, visit a local taverna, try some Greek specialties and maybe dance to the sound of Zorba! (B,D)(B)(B,D)
Day 16: Corfu to Italy - Mini Cruise: A full day and night cruise across the Adriatic back to Italy. Relax and enjoy the boat's facilities. (B)
Day 17: Arrival Italy: Our spectacular morning arrival into the port of Venice is one of Europe's most impressive sights. After docking we make our way to Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. Time to wander through this beautiful town before we make our way to our hotel near the fabled city of Venice. (B,D)
Day 18: Venice Sightseeing: A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing musuems. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)
Day 19: Venice to Vienna: We drive through gently rolling countryside, past picture-postcard villages and majestic mountains into the home of Mozart and Strauss. A chance to relax in a special resort before an evening experiencing the classical tastes and sounds of this opulent city. (B,D)
Day 20: Vienna Sightseeing: Our sightseeing tour takes in the grandeur of the Palace of the Hapsburgs, the fame of the State Opera House and fashionable Kartnerstrasse. Take time to wander at leisure and why not try some local schnaps, strudel and another schnitzel? (B)
Day 21: Vienna to Munich: On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and maybe take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (B)
Day 22: Munich to Austrian Tyrol: A scenic drive through the Bavarian Alps takes us into the heart of the Austrian Tyrol. Take the opportunity to go white water rafting in the Austrian Alps before relaxing in this idyllic region. (B,D)
Day 23: Austrian Tyrol to Lucerne: We stop for lunch in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Switzerland, the home of chocolate! A very special treat as we take the cable car or cog railway for breathtaking views from our resort on top of Mt Pilatus, the highest hotel in Europe. (B,D)
Day 24: Lucerne Sightseeing: Spend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets shopping for watches, chocolate and Swiss Army knives. The best way to appreciate the spectacular scenery is on a lake cruise - why not join us on one this afternoon? (B,D)
Day 25: Lucerne to Rhine Valley: We follow the mighty Rhine River north into Germany. Take in the picturesque Rhine Valley on our included river cruise before learning how beersteins are crafted in the village of St Goar. (B,D)
Day 26: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam: We continue north along the Rhine River and cross the border into The Netherlands. Enjoy a visit to a cheese farm and see clogs being made before we check in to our hotel. Tonight your first taste of Amsterdam's famous nightlife. (B,D)
Day 27: Amsterdam. Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Musuem and Anne Frank's House. (B)
Day 28: Amsterdam to London: Travelling south through the Dutch and Belgian countryside to France, we catch the ferry from Calais to Dover and reach London early evening. (B)