The European Explorer is the ultimate holiday for those wanting to travel to all the major destinations and do it with a little luxury! Make your way through 17 countries in a little over a month with all the big names being accounted for - Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Rome and Amsterdam - as well as some of the lesser known through Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia. And if you think that 33 days sounds like a long time, don't forget that you'll spend 4 nights on a Greek island. A holiday within a holiday!
| Length: | 35 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Albania, Montenegro (in transit), Bosnia (in transit), Croatia, Slovenia (in transit), Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
London to ParisA warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the 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?
ParisToday 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?
Paris to LyonSouth from Paris we pass through beautiful countryside and the famous vineyards of the Burgundy Region. We visit Contiki's own Château de Cruix to taste some of the local wine before travelling on to Lyon. Tonight take the opportunity to taste some authentic French cuisine in this gastronomic capital.
Lyon to BarcelonaContinuing south via the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, we cross the Spanish border to the Mediterranean city of Barcelona.
BarcelonaOur 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 Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?
Barcelona to French RivieraWe return to France and travel through Provence, one of France’s most stunning regions, past Cannes, to the glamorous resort town of Nice on the French Riviera.
French RivieraRub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo?
French Riviera to VeniceWe visit a French perfumery en-route to Italy. Time to stroll around Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before we reach our hotel near fairytale Venice.
VeniceA 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 museums. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience?
Venice to FlorenceWe wind through the Apennine Mountains towards the world-famous region of Tuscany. An afternoon in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence where our included walking tour will show you the Duomo, Giotto's belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce & Piazza della Signoria. There's time to shop for local crafts such as gold, silver and leather before an evening of Tuscan cuisine and local nightlife.
Florence to RomeToday we drive through the Tuscan countryside to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then, we make our way 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 Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Take time to discover Roman cuisine in a trattoria for a delicious meal with some local wine.
RomeAncient 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).
Rome to SorrentoAfter leaving Rome we head south to Naples to board our motor boat to the island of Capri. After exploring the island we rejoin our boat and set sail to nearby Sorrento situated on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast.
Sorrento to GreeceToday a chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Later we take in the stunning scenery of southern Italy as we travel east to board our overnight ferry to Greece.
To AthensFrom Patras we cross the famous Corinth Canal before arriving in historic Athens. This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a local guide. The tour incorporates many sights of this ancient city and includes a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Tonight an opportunity to join us for dinner in the lively 'Plaka' district of Athens.
Athens to MykonosThis morning we board a ferry to Mykonos where you can look forward to a terrific three day break on one of the most picturesque Greek islands.
MykonosHang out on this island famous for its azure seas, golden beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and young, vibrant party culture. Wander through the tiny streets and whitewashed cube houses found in the picture-perfect Cycladic capital.
Mykonos to PrevezaReturning to mainland Greece we make our way to Corinth for a lunch stop and then continue into the mountains to Preveza.
Preveza to TiranaLeaving Greece behind we head north into Albania. Our drive along the Adriatic coast takes us to Tirana which is the capital of the country and our base for the night.
Tirana to DubrovnikHeading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty, and cross into Croatia and on to our accommodation at Dubrovnik.
DubrovnikToday's sightseeing shows us one of Europe's most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik. In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or climb up Mt Srj for a panoramic view of the city and stunning coastline.
Dubrovnik to ZadarWe follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic Dalmatian Archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. We pass agricultural fields of lemons and oranges on our way to Split, home to the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace, with time for lunch. From here we follow the coast north past Sibenik and on to our overnight stop.
Zadar to ViennaHeading north we drive through the scenic Paklenica National Park, passing the unusual Sveti Rock. We cross into Slovenia briefly before arriving in the Austrian capital, Vienna.
ViennaOur 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 or a schnitzel?
Vienna to MunichOn to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall.
Munich to LucerneWe stop for lunch in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Switzerland. Arriving in Lucerne, it's time to explore and shop for watches, swiss army knives and of course, chocolate!
LucerneSpend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets. See the city at its best by joining us for a trip up a mountain and a cruise on beautiful Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne to Rhine ValleyWe 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.
Rhine Valley to AmsterdamWe 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.
AmsterdamVisit 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 Museum and Anne Frank's House.
Amsterdam to LondonTravelling south through the Dutch and Belgian countryside to France, we catch the ferry from Calais to Dover and reach London early evening.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!