European Encounter

Itinerary

Day 1-2 Depart for Europe/Arrive London

Day 3 London to Amsterdam

A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We travel through Belgium and into The Netherlands. After dinner, a chance to explore this unique city and its amazing nightlife. (D)

Day 4 Amsterdam Sightseeing

Today’s agenda includes a guided bike ride through the quaint village of Edam and a visit to a cheese farm where you can also see clogs being made. Discover why diamonds are a girl’s best friend at an exhibition before time to explore one of Europe’s most intriguing cities. Use your free time to visit Anne Frank’s House or the Van Gogh Musem and later why not join us for dinner and a guided cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. (B)

Day 5 Amsterdam to Rhine Valley

Leaving the "City of Diamonds" we cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. At St. Goar, we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock. (B,D)

Day 6 Rhine Valley to Engelberg

Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and the vast serene lakes of Switzerland. Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion monument and plentiful shopping opportunities. Maybe a cruise on Lake Lucerne to enhance your ultimate Swiss encounter? Tonight’s accommodation is at the base of the snow-capped Mt. Titlis. (B,D)

Day 7 Engelberg at Leisure

A chance for a different perspective of the Alps today as a revolving cable car journey offers breathtaking panoramic views before reaching the summit of Mt. Titlis. Cross a glacier, play in the snow or simply marvel at the scenery. You have free time in Engelberg this afternoon and tonight enjoy the nightlife in this popular resort town. (B,D)

Day 8 Engelberg to Innsbruck

Pause in Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein before crossing the border to Austria. Snow-capped Alps form the backdrop for you to try white water rafting this afternoon and later we arrive in Innsbruck where you can view the well-known "Golden Roof". (B,D)

Day 9 Innsbruck to Venice

We wind our way over the Brenner Pass, cross the border into Italy and through the regal Dolomite mountain range. It’s a short boat ride into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy "La Serenissima" on a gondola ride this evening. (B)

Day 10 Venice to Rome

Past medieval hillside villages and through the Appennine Mountains, we travel south to the fabled Seven Hills of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour. (B)

Day 11 Rome Sightseeing

Ancient and modern Rome awaits your discovery. Why not start your day with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel? In your free time, explore the Forum of Imperial Rome, search for Gladiators at the Colosseum, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)

Day 12 Rome to Florence

Our morning drive leads us to Florence, the Renaissance city in the beautiful mountain folds of Tuscany. Learn about the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks us through the city. (B)

Day 13 Florence to Nice - French Riviera

Our first stop this morning is Pisa where we see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Winding along the beautiful coastline we reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d’Azur. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us tonight for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

Day 14 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,D)

Day 15 Nice to Lyon

We visit a French perfumery before our lunch stop in Avignon where you can view the Palace of the Popes. Then north along the Rhone Valley to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon. (B)

Day 16 Lyon to Paris

Today we stop at the magnificent Château Fontainbleau where we have time for a croissant before venturing on to Paris, the "City of Lights". What better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)

Day 17 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 18 End Paris

After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Paris CDG Airport (estimated arrival at 10am) or choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay. (B)