European Encounter

Accomodations
* 16 nights in twin or triple-share hotel accommodation: 15 nights in hotels & 1 night in Contiki's Feature Hotel * 15 continental breakfasts (B) & 8 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary * Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges

The Contiki Difference
* Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver * Modern, air-conditioned coach with outlets for charging * Free Contiki Travelers Guide * Free Contiki document wallet * Ferry crossing * Sightseeing tours of all major cities

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 Amsterdam (Dinner Days)
Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Next stop: the buzzing, free-wheeling city of Amsterdam. Check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7. Try out Amsterdam’s multi-ethnic cuisine. With an optional evening canal cruise, there’s a chance to get to know the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam at water level as you drift past the city lights. Get some pointers on the city’s hot spots from your Tour Manager and head into town for a fun night out.

Amsterdam (Breakfast Days)
Cruise out into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. There’s free time this afternoon to experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and quirky, cool boutiques. Wander along the canals and past 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 get to know the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam at water level as you drift past the city lights. Get some pointers on the city’s hot spots from your Tour Manager and head into town for a fun night out.

Amsterdam to Rhine Valley (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Chill out while 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. 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 Lucerne (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful alpine town of Lucerne Get above the clouds on the world’s steepest cog railway with an optional excursion to Mt Pilatus. You can see massive mountain ranges with a bird’s-eye view over this spectacular region.

Lucerne (Breakfast Days)
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. This afternoon, choose an optional cruise on one of Europe’s most striking lakes, where stunning scenes of the Swiss Alps reflect back across the water.

Lucerne to Innsbruck (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Today, wind through the alps and travel past the stony cliffs of Liechtenstein, into the capital, Vaduz, where you can grab some lunch and in enjoy it in the shadow of the Royal family’s 12th century Castle. Then continue on through the Austria into the Tyrol, a region famous for adventure sports. Turn up the energy levels and plunge into some white-water rafting in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity on the river. Pull into Innsbruck, a down-to-earth student city. Walk around the medieval streets of the easy going old-town, and check out Innsbruck’s landmark Golden Roof and Royal Palace. You pace will race when you see the totally impressive Olympic Ski jump.

Innsbruck to Venice (Breakfast Days)
This morning, roll on to Venice. Take some time to practice your Italian phrases on the coach as we travel through the Brenner Pass. Known as the “floating city”, Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. Jump on our private boat and travel 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 Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft Venice 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 awesome experience as you are punted through the waterways.

Venice to Rome (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Criss-cross the Apennine Mountains on the road to Rome. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach tour gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and Piazza Venzia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and 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 maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back with a few slices of pizza and people watch.

Rome (Breakfast Days)
This morning, make the most of our local guide’s inside knowledge with an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Then check out Rome's Imperial glory by visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum. 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. Use your free time and live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, just like the Romans.

Rome to Florence (Breakfast Days)
Next up: Umbria’s rustic hills and many vineyards. Travel past the iconic cypress trees of this olive-oil producing region, to the Renaissance city of Florence. The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above the city. Get the inside track on Florence’s cultural beginnings from our local guide as the group explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then, take a look into a skilful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art. The city’s markets are a great place to hang out and bargain. Grab a gelato in your free time and enjoy the feel of this gorgeous city. Tonight there’s a choice of a group dinner – an authentic Italian feast in the Tuscan hillsides, where you’ll get to indulge in regional dishes & sip on local Chianti wine. Afterwards, take it up a notch & opt to head with the group to one of Florence’s top clubs where you can show off your moves on the dance floor.

Florence to French Riviera (Breakfast Days)
We stop by Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower this morning, before sticking to the Italian coastline and crossing over into France. Then we hit the rugged coast line of the stunning Cote d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters to the palm trees and sun-soaked shores of Nice. Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamourous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home of the Formula 1. Indulge in a bit of glitz with the group by opting for a typically French 4-course meal just a few doors down from the Royal Palace. Get the inside story on the Royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager, then try your luck at a casino later on.

French Riviera (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
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!

French Riviera to Château de Fontager (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Next stop on the Riviera and home to the French perfume industry is Fragonard Perfumery. Learn more 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 price. Unwind on the coach, listen to your MP3 and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. A lunch stop in the Popes’ former seat of power, Avignon, means a real taste of the Provencal lifestyle and look into the town’s Roman heritage. Wander through the cobbled streets and learn about Avignon’s past as a spiritual superpower when you see the impressive Papal Palace. Arrive at Chateau de Fontager and settle into your room for our overnight stay in this medieval French castle. Use your free time to chill out in the castle’s lovely grounds or position yourself poolside and soak up the sun.

Château de Fontager to Paris (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
With down-time on the coach, chat with friends while travelling through the scenic wine producing regions of Burgundy and Chablis. Tonight, the group kick-starts Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, which shows off the French capital’s transformation into the “City of Lights”. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most-recognised monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. After the tour, enjoy another angle on the city with our included cruise along the River Seine. The lights of Paris and its buildings are spectacular when seen from the water.

Paris (Breakfast 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 or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre, where you can get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. In your free time, try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces. Tonight is the last night with your friends, so make it special. Treat yourself to the full Parisian cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls, dinner and champagne. But don’t stop there – afterward hit the clubs and finish up your travels with a big Parisian night out.

Paris to London (1 Days)
After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Charles de Gaulle 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.

Don't miss our current specials: 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.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/9/2010 - 8/26/2010	$2,765
8/18/2010 - 9/4/2010	$2,765
9/1/2010 - 9/18/2010	$2,829
9/15/2010 - 10/2/2010	$2,829
10/6/2010 - 10/23/2010	$2,829
10/13/2010 - 10/30/2010	$2,695
Airfare Disclaimer 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.

Amsterdam
Visit a fishing and cheese village

Amsterdam
Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house

Amsterdam
See the city by night

Amsterdam
See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam

Rhine Valley
Scenic River Cruise (summer departures only)

Rhine Valley
See the Lorelei Rock

Lucerne
See the Wooden Chapel Bridge

Lucerne
Scenic Alpine drive

Liechtenstein
Visit the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz

Innsbruck
See the Golden Roof, Royal Palace & Olympic Ski Jump

Brenner Pass
Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles

Venice
Private motorboat to the historic islands

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

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

Rome
Special access Rome sightseeing coach tour

Vatican City
See St. Peter's Basilica

Florence
Walking tour with a local guide

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

Florence
Florentine leather craft demonstration

Pisa
See the Leaning Tower

Paris
Visit a French Perfumery

French Riviera
Scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur

French Riviera
Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace

French Riviera
Visit a Monte Carlo casino

French Riviera
Visit Nice and enjoy the beach

Avignon
Visit Avignon & see the Papal Palace

Burgundy
See the Chablis & Burgundy vineyards

Burgundy
See Fontainebleau Château

Paris
Evening Tour of Illuminations

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

Paris
Paris by night cruise on River Seine

Europe
Special stopover: 16th century Chateau

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% off for Contiki Alumni

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

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