Ultimate European plus Egypt

A 47-Day Contiki Tours tour starting from $6,435

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Starting Price: $6,435 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 47 Days
Countries Visited: Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Bulgaria, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: Budget
Tour Category: Regional Europe
Tour Operator: Contiki Tours
Tour Code: CONTIKI160
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Cities Visited:
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Featuring: France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium (in transit), Options 1 & 2 will visit 16 countries
Starting In London and ending in London

 
Accomodations
* 45 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive French Château, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Swiss Chalet, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Austrian Gasthof, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Corfu hotel, 11 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 14 nights in hotels, 5 nights in hostels, 1 night onboard a ferry & Egypt option: 5 nights in hotels & 1 overnight train (sleeper seat) or Greek Island option: 6 nights in hotels * 44 breakfasts (B), 1 picnic lunch (PL) & Egypt option: 27 dinners (D) or Greek Island option: 24 dinners (D) included in your food fund * A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff * Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with power outlets for charging * Return air transfer from Athens to Cairo * Ferry crossings * Sightseeing tours of all major cities

The Contiki Difference
h5. Only with Contiki * Paris illuminations night tour with French champagne, cheese & escargot * Picnic in the French countryside * Private boat to the islands of Venice * Guide & entry into Egyptian museum, Temple of Karnak & Horse of Troy * See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam * Special stopovers: Contiki’s Chateau & wine tasting, Corfu beach resort, Austrian gasthof & Swiss chalet * Contiki onsite Reps

 
Depart for Europe ( Days)
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Arrive London (1 Days)
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.

London to Paris (Dinner Days)
Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris. If you’re adventurous, get right into French culture when you arrive at the campsite. Your Contiki Cook will prepare authentic escargots (snails) for the group. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out this national delicacy. You’ll also get to toast the start of your tour together in style with our special “Taste of France” welcome. Your Crew will serve champagne and local cheeses before we kick start Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, where the French capital transforms into the ‘City of Lights’. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafes give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most recognised monuments, like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.

Paris (Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods). Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces. Time in Paris includes a trip out to France’s most well-known chateau: Versailles, once home to the Sun King, Louis 14th and hot spot of the French Revolution. Check out the impressive exterior of this extravagant palace. Then there’s an opportunity to explore the former royal family’s luxurious living quarters. Treat yourself to a real Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaruant, where you can get to know your group. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls and champagne.

Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Southbound, we stop off at the massive 12th Century chateau, Fontainebleau. Walk around the imperial gardens and check out the chateau’s imposing, regal exterior. We continue on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. Our team will make you feel right at home in Contiki’s very own 16th Century chateau. There’s a wine tasting within the chateau’s working winery, where our resident expert will teach you about Beaujolais wine as you swirl and sip on wines made in the area for centuries.

Beaujolais Wine Region (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner Days)
There’s loads of time to catch up on some sleep, laze about the Chateau or position yourself poolside. Explore the French countryside with a walk through the vineyards and picnic in the hills above the chateau. In the afternoon, get a feel for a real French country town and head into nearby Thiezé.

Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Today, it’s on to Pont du Gard in Southern France. It’s a stunning bridge with 2000 year old arches spanning across the river. This imposing Roman Aqueduct is an impressive feat of ancient engineering. We keep heading south through the rugged and dramatic scenery of the Pyrénées mountains, over the border into Barcelona. A sizzling, festive capital any night of the week, Barcelona is all about action. In Spain, fiesta time starts late, so park yourself at one of the city’s many outdoor squares to enjoy a glass of sangria and nibble on tapas (plate sized snacks) before a fun night out exploring Barcelona’s nightlife with your new friends.

Barcelona (Breakfast Days)
First stop: Mont Juic. The hilltop has full-blown vistas of the city and it’s where we stop to check out the 1992 Olympic Games complex. Afterwards, get a look into Spanish architect Gaudi’s wild imagination with his art nouveau masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Your Tour Manager walks you through the cobbled lanes of Barcelona’s oldest district, the Gothic Quarter. There’s free time to discover more of Barcelona’s creative core. Pick up some quirky buys in the side streets or hit the big label shops on Plaça de Catalunya. Take in all of Barcelona’s buzzing street life on the tree-lined La Rambla – a boulevard packed with street performers, artists, shops and stalls. Other ideas for your afternoon off include hanging out in the colourful gardens of Parc Güell or kicking back with the locals on the beach and taking a swim in the Mediterranean sea. For lunch, there’s plenty of delicious local seafood to try like Spain’s signature dish, paella. Wrap up your time in this hot city with an optional Flamenco dance show for a closer look into Spanish culture. Get some tips on regional food from your Tour Manager and head to one of the excellent local restaurants to try out the flavours of Catalan cuisine, like crema catalana (caramalised custard), cargos a la llauna(cooked snails) and the fantastic Rioja wine! Afterward, hit the pumping clubs of Port Olympico, by the water.

Barcelona to French Riviera (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Unwind on the coach and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. A stop for lunch in Arles means a look at the ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. It’s back on the road to the rugged coast line of the stunning Cote d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to Antibes.

French Riviera (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Next stop on the Riviera and home to the French perfume industry is Fragonard Perfumery. Learn about how perfume is made and some of its more surprising ingredients. It’s also a chance to pick up a bottle or 2 at great prices. In your free time live a bit of the lifestyle with a visit to the local markets. Try out the region’s produce like lavender honey, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and mouth-watering rosé wine. Window shop the chic boutiques or choose a beach and catch some sun among all the bronzed bodies! Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamorous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home to the Formula 1. Get the inside story on the royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager. Try your luck at a casino later on.

French Riviera to Venice (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Onwards to Italy and Verona, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Get romantic and stand under one of the world’s most famous shrines to love, Juliet’s balcony from Romeo and Juliet. Check out the main shopping street and the Roman arena, before heading on to Venice.

Venice (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Known as the “floating city” Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century. Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping. Maybe grab a table on St Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.

Venice to Florence (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Wind through the Apennine Mountains and Tuscan countryside to the Renaissance city of Florence, with a stop at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above Florence, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. After dinner, walk along the River Arno with your Tour Manager, take in the atmosphere and head into the heart of Florence, where you can sit back and relax Tuscan style with a glass of chianti wine.

Florence (Breakfast Days)
Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre.. Our Local Guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art. With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city. Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the heart of Florence. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club.

Florence to Rome (Breakfast Days)
Travel through Tuscany’s rustic hills, past the recognisable cypress tree landscapes of this olive-oil producing region, to vibrant Rome. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach tour of the city gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!) or hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps and sit back with a few slices of pizza. Make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Rome (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys. In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.

Rome to Corfu (Breakfast Days)
Pass gritty Naples, see Mt Vesuvius and plunge into Pompeii’s well-preserved past in an interesting optional excursion and retrace ancient history with our expert Local Guide. Then there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of Southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece in Brindisi. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!

Corfu (Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Corfu is all that’s great about Greek island living. You’ll immediately find yourself on “local time”, browsing the markets of the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town and bargaining with the laid-back locals. Jump on board George’s boat optional with a bunch friends for a fun day out on the water. It will give you another angle on idyllic Corfu. Work up an appetite swimming in the secluded spots and then feast on a lunch of olives, salad, cheeses, fresh bread and dips – prepared with ingredients from George’s back yard. Corfu also gives you the chance to dive into action with a selection of water sports, like parasailing, banana-boating and waterskiing. Otherwise hire a car for a deeper look into Corfu and venture across the island to explore some beautiful, remote beaches.

Corfu to Athens (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
From Corfu, head to the mainland and travel to the impressive, man-made Corinth Canal. Athens is next, a city crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul.

Athens to Cairo (Breakfast Days)
Step back in time into Europe’s oldest city. Athens is the birthplace of democracy and you’ll learn all about it with our Local Guide on a visit to the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Wander through the famous marble columns perched above the city sprawl. This afternoon we check out the first modern Olympic Stadium from the 1896 games. Tonight, fly out to Cairo.

Cairo Sightseeing - Overnight train to Aswan (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Chaotic Cairo keeps a mass of experiences coming at you thick and fast. Leap from one time to another in this intense jumble of ancient and new. First stop, the iconic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. They are the only survivors of the 7 ancient wonders of the world and are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Our Local Guide will crack open the 4600 year old history of these massive monuments, that 20 000-30 000 workers took over 80 years to build. Uncover the Pharaohs’ glory with your Tour Manager in the Egyptian Museum’s amazing collection that includes Tutankhamen’s treasure. Get up close to royal mummies and jewels raided from their tombs. In your free time, you could snack on mouth-watering mezzes (plate sized nibbles), Egyptian bread and hummus dip or sip on some shai (tea). Tonight, go local and board the train for Aswan.

Aswan (Breakfast Days)
Pull into Egypt’s ancient frontier town of the south, Aswan. Relax into its laid-back African atmosphere, explore the colourful markets, bakeries and cafés or walk along the Nile. Hop on board a white-sailed felucca with the group and drift out to the lush Botanical Gardens. Explore the island’s 6.3 hectares, bursting with exotic plants, huge palm trees and birds. Back on the felucca, feast your eyes on the elegant tomb of Aga Khan, made of pink and white granite, set high upon the Nile’s West Bank. Tonight, there’s a chance to learn about Egyptian mythology in the dramatic setting of the Philae Temple under night lights.

Aswan to Luxor (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Kick the morning off with an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, another stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Fly over the vast desert and one of the world’s biggest man-made lakes, Lake Nasser. Let your jaw-drop as you gape at this overwhelming structure and get the real story on Ramses II from our expert Local Guide. This afternoon, use your free time to relax at a riverside restaurant, listen to some Nubian music and take in the stunning combo of the palm-lined Nile and the desert. Order yourself a local specialty for lunch, like fresh fish or okra in spicy tomato sauce – a Nubian favourite. Otherwise, chill out back at the hotel and write a few postcards or catch up on emails. Afterward, hook up with your travel buddies and kick back with a drink at the bar. Next up: Majestic Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes.

Luxor to Red Sea (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Work your way through the stunning Temple of Karnack – an enormous 2sq km site crammed full of remains, obelisks and sanctuaries, including the world’s largest religious structure, the Temple of Amun. Our Local Guide takes the group through the monumental timeline, which almost every Pharaoh added to during his reign. There’s a chance to experience the afterlife and the city of the dead with an optional trip to the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamen is buried and where you’ll visit some of the 63 royal tombs with our specialist Local Guide. Retracing ancient trade routes, we then travel across the Eastern Desert to the Red Sea Resort of Hurghada.

Red Sea to Cairo (Breakfast Days)
Free time today to chill out on white sandy beaches, swim or to head out onto the Red Sea with an optional cruise. Discover the world-famous coral reefs just off the coast, and submerge yourself in this stunning underwater world.

Cairo to Athens (Breakfast Days)
Fly from Cairo back to Athens and catch up with the rest of the group.

Athens to Kavala (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Northbound, we travel past mythical Mt Olympus, Greece’s highest peak, and stop off for a crash course in ancient heroism at Thermopylae, where just 300 Spartan soldiers held off the invading Persian army’s masses of 1000s. After cruising by Byzantine Thessaloniki, we arrive in the port town of Kavala.

Kavala to Cannakale (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Ferry across the Dardanelles, crossing from Europe into to Asia, to the habourside town of Cannakale. Get inside the legend of one the world’s most famous battles and explore the excavation site of mythical Troy. Learn how heroes and gods fought in a ten year war, as our Local Guide unravels the layers of history. Tonight, take a walk along the waterfront, complete with stunning views or catch up on your emails back at the hotel.

Canakkale to Istanbul (Breakfast Days)
This morning, make a pilgrimage to the site of the region’s other bloody battle, Gallipoli. Visit stunning Anzac Cove where World War I troops landed, Lone Pine Cemetery, where Australian troops are buried and check out the memorial for New Zealand soldiers. Enjoy some down-time on the coach, following the coastline of the Marmara Sea to the cosmopolitan hub of Istanbul – the last stop on the Silk Road and the only city in the world to span two continents.

Istanbul (Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner Days)
With a couple of days here, there is plenty of time to get a real feel for this cultural melting pot. Our Local guide shows you one of the city’s major draw cards, the stunning Blue Mosque. It’s an amazing building with a series of domes and minarets dominating the skyline, complete with a breathtaking interior of tens of thousands of blue tiles. After that, we head right into the heart of the city and plunge into several kilometres of shops at the Grand Baazar. It’s an unforgettable shopping experience and our Local Guide will give you plenty of pointers. Walk through a maze of lanes, where tacky trinkets and authentic treasures are sold side by side. With carpets, jewellery, spices, music, electronics and more, the place is buzzing, so make sure you’ve got your haggling hat on. There are heaps of options for your time here. Monument-wise there’s Topkapi palace for a look into the sultan’s lifestyle and Hagia Sofia church to give you a feel for Constantine’s empire. Otherwise, live a bit of Istanbul’s daily life. Try your hand at backgammon in a sidewalk cafe and watch the crowds go by as you sip on Turkish coffee. Chill out in a tea garden, or take to the time-honoured tradition of the hamam (steam bath house) and get scrubbed down on heated marble stones. Opt for a dinner complete with belly dancers and watch some top dancers perform this famous Eastern art. Istanbul’s nightlife is fantastic and your Tour Manager knows what you’re after – so find out about the city’s happening bars and clubs and go discover!

Istanbul to Sofia (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, it’s on to Sofia, Bulgaria’s largest city. Once behind the iron curtain and today an emerging capital, Sofia brings together traditional Tsarist architecture and a modern feel. It’s the perfect place to explore on foot. Your Tour Manager will lead a walking tour through this compact town. You’ll see the massive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, complete with golden domes, mosaics and murals, and then check out the stalls that surround the building.

Sofia to Belgrade (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Parked between the Danube and Sava Rivers, Belgrade is a little rough around the edges, mixing up extravagant churches and dull, communist building blocks. Your Tour Manager will show off the city’s treasures including the Kalemegdan Fortress and the historic old town. Free time means you can go deeper into Belgrade’s heart, and find many cute, little shops and interesting galleries. Tonight, enjoy the town’s festive vibe, grab some friends and party on one of Belgrade’s floating bars.

Belgrade to Budapest (Breakfast Days)
We’ll head north along the Danube River, to the “Paris of the East”, Budapest. With two cities rolled into one, this exotic town has a bit of everything. Buda and Pest sit on different sides of the river, but bring together the stunning buildings and atmosphere that makes Budapest so romantic. To get a another take on Budapest from the water, jump on board tonight’s optional cruise, and see the city aglow from the water as you feast on a buffet full of local specialties. Launch into Budapest’s nightlife and live it up like the locals by heading to a beerhouse, a riverside bar or a happening club.

Budapest to Vienna (Breakfast Days)
On the Buda side of the river, from the Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll get a full-blown view of the city and learn about Budapest’s history in a nutshell! Check out the colourful Church of St Mathias, the Royal Palace and the Chain Bridge. Your Tour Manager knows all about Budapest’s troubled history and will tell you more with a visit to the Liberation Monument. Next stop is the cultural hub of Vienna. Tonight, there’s a chance to experience Vienna’s musical legacy with a Mozart concert in one of the city’s imperial palaces.

Vienna (Breakfast Days)
Your Tour Manager starts the day by introducing the group to the city’s historical heritage. There’s the imperial grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, the elegantly ornate State Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral – a gothic masterpiece. Cruise down Kärterner Strasse, Vienna’s main shopping spot and buy some traditional ceramics and materials for gifts back home. There’s free time to check out the magnificent squares and majestic palaces or the city’s art galleries. Take a break in a coffee house like the locals do, chill out in Vienna’s manicured gardens or wander along the Danube River. Get schnaps savvy with a behind-the-scenes look into this local liqueuer’s production in an optional excursion to the Old Vienna Schnaps Museum. Later, there’s a chance for a traditional meal with the group in the Viennese country side.

Vienna to Austrian Tyrol (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Journey through the Tyrols and Sound of Music country to a cute Austrian village in a region famous for adventure sports. With 2 nights in Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guest inn), there’s plenty of time for pulse-racing activities. Our resident crew will give you pointers on the best stuff to do in the region and make sure you get everything out of your time here.

Austrian Tyrol (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, fill your lungs with clean mountain air, jump on a bike and get into the region’s outdoor lifestyle with a fully guided optional tour through the Tyrol’s picture perfect scenery, complete with waterfalls and mountain fields. Work up an appetite – a BBQ lunch is waiting for you at the end! With time to do your own thing, laze about or get out for a walk in the surrounding hills. Catch up on some emails or postcards at the inn or take a gondola up the mountainside for more spectacular views of the area. For something different, pop into the local trout farm. For adrenaline-junkies, an optional tandem paraglide will give you an awesome angle on the surrounding alpine scenery. (B,D)

Austrian Tyrol to Munich (Breakfast Days)
Kick start the day and plunge into some white-water rafting in an adrenaline-pumping optional activity on the river. This afternoon, travel north to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich - a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and modern lifestyle. Explore the heart of Munich’s Old Town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel - a gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells. Give an optional bike tour a go and get off the beaten track and onto Munich’s side streets with our Local Guide. Then head off with some friends for a taste of tradition to a typical beer hall and park yourselves at a long wooden table. In this optional excursion, you’ll feast on hearty local food, like roasted pork knuckle, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.

Munich to Swiss Alps (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Today, travel past the stony cliffs of Liechtenstein, into the capital, Vaduz, where you can grab some lunch and enjoy it in the shadow of the royal family’s 12th Century Castle. Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful alpine town of Lucerne. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Tour Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches Switzerland is so famous for. Tonight, we head to the alpine heights of Lauterbrunnen and stay at Contiki’s very own Swiss chalet.

Swiss Alps (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
It’s a change of pace among Switzerland’s massive alps. Take in the amazing views from the campsite. Opt to visit Jungfrau mountain, head up the sheer slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage listed site on a cog rail to Europe’s highest railway station, and step out onto the “roof” of Europe for spine-tingling views.

Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Over the border and into Germany, we head to the university town of Heidelberg. Wander around, grab a late lunch and check out its famous baroque church. The coach follows the Rhine River, weaving through valleys dotted with castles and vineyards. Next stop - the pretty, old-world village of St Goar, complete with fairy-tale castle and even a free-standing cuckoo clock! Learn about local know-how and get savvy on the craft of beer steins. Then kick back with a glass of local wine and choose to find out more with the optional wine tasting in a candlelit underground cellar.

Rhine Valley to Amsterdam (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. Head into the buzzing capital of Amsterdam and check out the eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and the wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7.

Amsterdam (Breakfast Days)
There’s free time to experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and quirky, cool boutiques. Wander along the canals and pass gabled houses or experience Amsterdam’s multi-ethnic cuisine. This cultural melting pot dishes up loads of affordable food. With an optional evening canal cruise, there’s a chance to toast your travels with the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam at water level as you drift past the city lights. For your last night on tour, get some pointers from your Tour Manager, dive into Amsterdam’s night action with your friends and finish up your travels with a night to remember.

Amsterdam to London (1 Days)
After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Schipol Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay.

 

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A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Paris
Evening Tour of Illuminations

Paris
See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris
See Château Versailles (entrance not included)

Beaujolais
Taste local wine

Beaujolais
French picnic lunch

Provence
See the Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard

Provence
Visit the historic city of Arles

Barcelona
Walk through the Gothic Quarter

Barcelona
See Gaudi's Art Nouveau Cathedral & the 1992 Olympic Games complex

Paris
Visit a French Perfumery

French Riviera
Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace

French Riviera
Visit a Monte Carlo casino

French Riviera
Scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur

Verona
See Juliet's Balcony & the Roman Arena

Venice
Private motorboat to the historic islands

Venice
Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations

Venice
See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' Palace & St. Mark's Square

Pisa
See the Leaning Tower

Florence
See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria

Prague
Walking tour with a local guide

Florence
Florentine leather craft demonstration

Rome
See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum

Vatican City
See St. Peter's Basilica

Lyon
Visit the old town

Corinth
See the Corinth Canal

Athens
See the first modern Olympic Stadium

Athens
Guided tour including Acropolis and Parthenon

Cairo
Visit the Egyptian Museum and Bazaar

Giza
Guided tour of the Great Pyramids and Sphinx

Aswan
Sail on a felucca to the Botanical Gardens

Aswan
See the Aga Khan Mausoleum

Luxor
Guided visit of the Temple of Karnak

Kavala
Scenic coastal drive past Mt. Olympus

Gallipoli
Visit ANZAC Cove

Canakkale
Entrance and guided visit of Troy

Istanbul
See the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Markets with a local guide

Sofia
See the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Belgrade
See the Kalemegdan Fortess and the historic old town

Budapest
Sightseeing of Buda, Pest, the Royal Palace, the Church of St. Matthias, the Chain Bridge and Fisherman's Bastion

Vienna
Scenic drive along the historic Ring Road

Vienna
See Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House

Vienna
Visit Swarovski crystal shop

Austrian Tyrol
See this pretty mountain region famous for adrenalin sports

Munich
See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz

Liechtenstein
Visit the capital Vaduz

Lucerne
See the Wooden Chapel Bridge

Lucerne
Scenic Alpine drive

Ljubljana
See the medieval castle

Rhine Valley
Visit the riverside town St. Goar

Rhine Valley
Scenic drive along the Rhine River

Amsterdam
Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house

Amsterdam
Visit a fishing and cheese village

Amsterdam
See the canals, gable houses and city by night

Amsterdam
Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside

 

$150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more

Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how

Book a Contiki to Europe & save $300 on airfare per couple. They've got deals for solo travelers also.

Valid for new bookings made between March 1st-30th only and must pay air portion in full by March 30, 2010.  Offer is valid for $300 off airfare per couple or $150 off if single traveler.  All travel myst be completed by NOv 30, 2010.  Offer is valid on major airlines.  Air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable after purchase.  Once payment is received, 100% cancellation penalties apply.  No name changes allowed once a reservation is made.  Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.  Offer can be combined with all brochure discounts and $150 Spring Flin tour promo.  Promotion can be withdrawn at any time.  

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% Off for Military Members and Spouses...

Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem.

Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply.

5% off for Contiki Alumni

So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off!

Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required.

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Save 5%

Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land.

Save 7.5%

Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person.

Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE.

Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours.

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Early Payment Discount

Offer #1: Save up to US$399

Must book and pay in full at least 12

months prior to trip departure date.

Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319

Must book and pay in full at least 6

months prior to departure date.

Valid for select trips only.  

Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100

Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour.

Europe Europe – Save US$100

Europe America – Save US$100

Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100

Tours may be in different countries or regions.

Australia & New Zealand - Save $100

Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost.

Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.  

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books.

Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting).

You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.)

Terms and Conditions:

1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009.

2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount.

3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel.

4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip.

5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement.

6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers.

7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available

8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up.

9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed.

10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited.

11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S.

12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion.

$100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.

 
 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.