European Vista

• Overview
• Itinerary & Map
• Highlights & Optional Excursions
• Dates & Rates

If you're looking for a leisurely yet adventurous holiday around Europe then the European Vista fits the bill. 10 countries in three weeks means time to really get acquainted with each city while fantastic destinations like Lucerne, Vienna and Prague, as well as the essential Paris, Rome and Amsterdam stops mean all your sightseeing bases are covered. Options for your free time include a Tuscan dinner, Mozart concert and wine tasting or maybe mountain biking, paragliding and white water rafting. Your toughest decision will be to go leisurely, adventurous...or both!

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

1. Day Depart for Europe

   Your exciting European trip begins.

2. Day Arrive London

   Check-in to your hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London. Tonight, meet your Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting.

3. Day London to Paris

   A 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? (D)

4. Day Paris

   Visit a French perfume house and then take the opportunity to visit some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Nôtre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées all await your arrival! Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous cabaret? (B)

5. Day Paris to Lucerne

   Today our path takes us through the vineyards of Burgundy, past Dijon toward the towering Alps of Switzerland and Lucerne, our home for the next two nights. (B,D)

6. Day Lucerne

   Spend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets shopping for watches, chocolate and Swiss Army knives. The best way to appreciate the spectacular scenery is on a lake cruise - why not join us on one this afternoon? (B,D)

7. Day Lucerne to French Riviera

   This morning we leave Switzerland and travel south into Italy en-route to the French Riviera. 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? (B)

8. Day French Riviera

   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)

9. Day French Riviera to Florence

   Today we leave the French Riviera and travel to Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We continue through the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany to the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. (B)

10. Day Florence to Rome

    Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks us through the city this morning. Shop for silver and gold and see a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. In your free time perhaps visit one of the many museums and galleries before we continue to the fabled city 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)

11. Day Rome

    Ancient 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, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)

12. Day Rome to Venice

    Soak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains, vineyards and quaint hilltop towns. We cross the Apennine Mountains before reaching Venice. (B,D)

13. Day Venice

    A 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? (B)

14. Day Venice to Austrian Tyrol

    A scenic drive today as we travel north to Austria. We cross into the Austrian Alps via the Brenner Pass on the way to our quaint Tyrolean village stopover. (B,D)

15. Day Austrian Tyrol

    The picture-postcard village of Hopfgarten is an excellent base to make the most of the beautiful countryside. Experience a vast range of outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or perhaps trout fishing. (B,D)

16. Day Austrian Tyrol to Munich

    On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Our orientation tour includes the town centre with its historic Glockenspiel. Tonight why not visit one of the city's traditional Beer Halls? (B)

17. Day Munich to Vienna

    Today we journey to the capital of Austria and home of classical music. This former Imperial capital has more to offer than just great schnitzel. Why not experience the city by night and join us at a classical music recital? (B)

18. Day Vienna to Prague

    More time to explore Vienna this morning before travelling to picturesque Prague through the Bohemian countryside. (B,D)

19. Day Prague

    This morning's sightseeing tour includes Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus and Wenceslas Square. Free time to explore - maybe visit the Jewish Quarter or the old town square. (B)

20. Day Prague to Rhine Valley

    Today we drive through Germany to the scenic Rhine Valley. Vineyards and castles dot the landscape as we reach our destination. Learn how beersteins are crafted and perhaps sample some of the local wines at a wine tasting? (B,D)

21. Day Rhine Valley to Amsterdam

    We 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. (B,D)

22. Day Amsterdam

    Visit 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. (B)

23. Day Amsterdam to London

    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. (B)