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!
| Length: | 23 days |
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| Accommodations: | n/a |
| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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?
More time to explore Vienna this morning before travelling to picturesque Prague through the Bohemian countryside.
Soak up the Bohemian delights of Prague. This morning's sightseeing tour includes Hradcany Castle district where the St. Vitus Cathedral dominates the skyline and Wenceslas Square. Later, you'll have free time to shop for crystal in the Old Town, perhaps join us for a lunch cruise along the Vltava River, or maybe visit the Jewish Quarter. Dinner is your choice tonight, a great way to farewell this magical capital
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?
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.
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.
Travelling 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!
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