EUROPEAN QUEST

London:

Dover:

Calais

• 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.

Paris:

• Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It’s straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night.

Paris:

San Sebastián:

• We’ll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian’s coastline before we enjoy an included dinner this evening.

San Sebastián:

• Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don’t worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief.

Zaragoza:

Barcelona:

• Hola Barcelona… the first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That’s if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach.
• We’ll kick things off with a stop at the epic Sagrada Familia and then you’re free to check out the unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & street life.
• Just don’t tire yourself out – chances are you’ll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.

Barcelona:

• As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more…

French Riviera:

• 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? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline.
• We’ll kick back with an included dinner, then the night’s all yours to own.

French Riviera:

• Missing an opportunity to see this glorious part of the world up close and personal would be criminal.
• Speaking of things you shouldn’t miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.

Monaco City:

• Please tell us you didn’t throw away all of your pennies on perfume today? Because you’re going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We’re visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco.

French Riviera:

• After a night on the blackjack table it’s back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

French Riviera:

• Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we’ll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre:

• Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above. Then we’ll head to our home for the night – Pisa.

Pisa:

• Oh, what a long but beautiful day it has been! We’ll check into our hotel and get some well deserved rest.

Pisa:

• As if we were going to leave Pisa without a trip to the Leaning Tower. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal.

Florence:

• Explore the city’s markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skilful art of leather at an included demonstration.
• These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda.
• Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at a Free Time Add-On dinner – think antipasti & wine.

Florence:

• After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs.

Sorrento:

• “So so so so in love with Sorrento” are about the only words you’ll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty.
• 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.

Sorrento:

• It simply wouldn’t be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to…

Amalfi:

• We’ll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast today, 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.

Sorrento:

• Back in Sorrento, we’ll stroll along the plunging cliffs, explore the impossibly pretty historical centre and taste some local gnocchi.

Sorrento:

• Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows.

Pompeii:

• After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains.

Rome:

• Today’s roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome.
• On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy’s capital, we’ll hit the cobblestoned streets to check out some of the most famous sights this city has on offer.

Rome:

• Rome wasn’t built in a day – so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city.
• Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture & the chance to see the Colosseum up close.
• The afternoon’s free & an optional pasta cooking class with dinner is on the agenda tonight.

Optional Experience:

• Rome Pasta Cooking Class & Dinner
• Emperors & Gladiators inc Colosseum

Rome:

• We have two more pins dropped on the Italian map before we start conquering new countries. And you’ll be pleased to know they are both pretty special.

Verona:

• In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet, yes, the very same balcony.
• One for the romantics of the group. We’ll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told.

Venice:

• Kudos to the cats of decades gone by who constructed this lagoon fairytale.
• The 118 islands of Venice are yours to explore. Boats, bridges, gondolas; your heart is going to pound.
• Relax tonight knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore pretty streets. Just another day in the traveller’s life.

Venice:

Venice:

• That’s it for our stint in Italy. Gelato, pizza, historical monuments, coastlines, gondolas; you have all been wonderful!

Salzburg:

• Onwards and geographically upwards – it’s time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous.
• Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat.
• Today we’ll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe – Hohensalzburg – and have the chance to visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts.

Salzburg:

• Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it’s time for us to cross the border into the Czech Republic. With Prague on the horizon, things are looking mighty fine.

Prague:

• Castles and bridges and gothic cathedrals make the city of Prague a surprise and delight.
• Compact and bursting with atmosphere, use your free time to trot around on foot and see what you stumble upon (hoping to heaven it’s the traditional fruit dumpling of ovocné knedlíky).

Prague:

• With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life!
• Use your free time to shop for some famous Bohemian beads and amber jewellery or dive a little deeper into the lanes and courtyards of the Old Town, and sus out a roof bar for a cocktail overlooking the city.

Prague:

• Just remember, with every great city we leave behind, we get a little bit closer to somewhere new to explore.
• And today that somewhere new happens to be the cultural hub of Berlin. Thanks for everything, Czech!

Dresden:

• A road trip from Prague to Berlin would not be complete without stopping in Dresden.
• Destroyed during World War II, the rebuilt city is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirth beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

Berlin:

• Come for a wall covered in art & history, stay for a culture of cool, a smorgasbord of partying & enough unique German flair to leave you desperate to see the rest of the country.
• Today we will shower you in iconic sites, none more interesting than the remains of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin:

Berlin:

• It’s time to hit the original fast-track of the autobahn and make our way out of Germany. We have one last city to tick off & it’s sure to see us go out with a bang.

Amsterdam:

• Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. Fire yourself up for pretty canals, a bounty of unique museums & quirky cafes galore.

Optional Experience:

• See a Comedy Show

Amsterdam:

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.

Calais:

• For those not leaving us until London, we’ll travel south to Calais.

Dover:

• This afternoon we cross from France to England

London:

• Then back to London-town, where you’ll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.