European Horizon - 11 days, 7 countries

DAY 1  LONDON TO AMSTERDAM

London

11-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam.

Dover

Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK!

Calais

Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching ... Amsterdam!

Amsterdam

Tonight, the famed for fun Amsterdam is ours to explore following an optional evening canal cruise. An undisguised Red Light District & plenty of bars are there for the curious. 

Meals:  Dinner

Hotel:  Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• Marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover - See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Evening Canal Cruise - Floating down the canals by night is the perfect way to see Amsterdam as we cruise past historic buildings. The cruise gives you a different take on one of Europe's hoest creative capitals!
  Adult: 35.00 EUR

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DAY 2  AMSTERDAM TO RHINE VALLEY

Amsterdam

Now it's time to pour some sunlight on the agenda & take in the beauty of canals, crooked buildings, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. 

Sankt Goar

After the scenic journey of fairy tale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. This back-in-time town is our wine tasting host for the evening. 

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• See the River Rhine - Take in the breath-taking scenery of the River Rhine.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Rhine Valley Wine Tasting (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) - In the historic seing of an underground candle-lit cellar, get the low-down on the region's reputation as a leading white wine producer. Try out local wines as you sip on some Riesling & the exclusive ice wine, a speciality of the area.
  Adult: 11.00 EUR
  

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DAY 3  RHINE VALLEY TO MUNICH

Sankt Goar

Too much grape juice last night? Not to worry, the prospect of Munich should lift your spirits as we travel south & swap wine culture for beer.

Munich

Today our eyes will be treated to a famous Glockenspiel, a charming old town & a traditional Bavarian culture. But first, take up the option to explore the side streets and English Gardens by bicycle.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  Ramada Encore by Wyndham Munich Messe (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• See Lorelei Rock - It’s the stuff of legends. Literally. A singing mermaid named Lorelei is said to sit on the rock, enchanting fishermen before luring them to their demise. Eek!

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Mike's Bike Tour - Explore Munich like a true Bavarian & join us on a guided bike tour when you cycle past the famous sights as your Local Guide explains the fascinating history of the city.
  Adult: 29.00 EUR 

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DAY 4  MUNICH TO AUSTRIAN TYROL

Munich

Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. We're hitting the road in search of lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music. 

Hopfgarten im Brixental

This part of the world is famous for adventure sports, so best put your name next to the optional White Water Rafting and get in the spirit of things. Next up, Contiki’s very own Austrian Haus Schoneck (guest house) is waiting for us with open arms. Get outside and explore the dreamy setting we've descended upon, or opt for tandem paragliding for those thrill seekers among us. 

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Austrian White Water Raing - Have a blast on the River Inn's rapids in an adrenaline-pumping ride under the watch of professional Local Guides. Don't worry: if you can swim, you're in – & before you hit the alpine waters, you'll be fully kied out with wetsuits & safety helmets.
  Adult: 67.00 EUR
•  Austrian Paragliding - Take off from the side of a mountain & soar over this stunning region in an adrenaline-pumping tandem paraglide. Flying with an experienced, professional pilot also gives you a chance to grab some great photos on the way! All you need for this adventure is some warm clothing & walking shoes. Please note the maximum weight limit for this activity is 115kg.
  Adult: 149.00 EUR

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DAY 5  AUSTRIAN TYROL TO VENICE

Hopfgarten im Brixental

Wake up roamers, we have a bountiful breakfast and a floating city in Italy to tend to. Life's tough

Venice

You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps & Brenner Pass en route to Italy. And then we'll arrive in Venice & your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private canal boat ride

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• Cruise on a Motoscafo to Venice - Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Gondolas - See Venice from the canals in a gondola. From magnificent palazzi in the distance to the locals' laundry strung across the backwaters, Venice's charm gets you at every turn.
  Adult: 29.00 EUR
• Hidden Venice & Aperitivo - Get an in-depth look into Venice as you walk through the lanes & squares of the city's historic heart. Our Local Guide will show you the monuments & reveal the hidden secrets of the floating city before finishing with a drink & some cicchei (Venetian style tapas) in true Venetian fashion.
  Adult: 19.00 EUR
  
• Gooses T-Shirts - Feeling creative? Make up a one-off design for a trip t-shirt with your group. They're perfect for keeping your travel memories fresh when you're back home.
  Adult: 23.00 EUR
  

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DAY 6  VENICE TO SWISS ALPS

Venice
Arrivederci, Venice! You've been splendid. And now we're off to the Swiss Alps - the splendor just doesn't stop. 

Swiss Alps

Arrive in a picture perfect setting ready for two nights at our accommodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. We've got a free evening right in the middle of two ethereal emerald lakes (hence the name!). Dense forests. Alpine meadows. Icy glaciers. There's plenty of time to soak up the idyllic scenery. 

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  Youth Hostel Interlaken (or similar)

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DAY 7  SWISS ALPS

Swiss Alps

Open the window of your room & drink in the incredible view - if you can find words or photos that do it justice, we applaud you! Feel free to explore this classic European adventure town.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  Youth Hostel Interlaken (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Jungfrau Mountain and Canyon Swing - We’ll journey to the top of Europe via cog train and cable car, stopping off at the legendary Jungfrau Mountain – one of the highest summits of the Bernese Alps. Before we finish the day we will go for an adrenalin packed Canyon Swing in nearby Grindelwald.
  Adult: 294.00 EUR 
  
• Jungfrau Mountain - Journey to the ‘top of Europe’ as you take a cog train & Cable Car up Jungfrau Mountain in the Swiss Alps
  Adult: 169.00 EUR
  
• Swiss Fondue - Dip into a Swiss tradition, gather around a pot full of delicious melted cheese and dunk until your hearts content.
  Adult: 33.00 EUR
  

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DAY 8  SWISS ALPS TO BEAUJOLAIS WINE REGION VIA GENEVA

Swiss Alps

Out with the altitude, into France for a brand new day and a brand new country.

Geneva

But first, there's time for one last breath of fresh mountain air. A quick lunch break in the home of the UN's headquarters and a view of that oh so famous water fountain. Grab a bite to eat and a last mouthful of delish swiss chocolate (try saying that three times fast) and then we'll be on our way. 

Beaujolais Wine Region

Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. This might just be our most decadent accommodation yet, complete with newly-renovated bedrooms & bathrooms, an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, and a powder room for makeup and hair. And we haven't even shown you the pool or the gardens yet! Tonight we'll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France... 

Please note: On occasion, certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Chateau de Cruix to the French gastronomic capital of Lyon (a title which ain’t given lightly, believe us!) We’ll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  Château de Cruix (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• Taste Wine at the Château Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la! 

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DAY 9  BEAUJOLAIS WINE REGION TO PARIS

Beaujolais Wine Region

Wake yourself up with some morning yoga on the château's lawn, survey the garden and give those limbs a good stretch before we pack up for Paris today.

Paris

Touch down in Paris and settle into your digs before we devour a delicious dinner together. And then it's time to rev up for high-energy vibes - because we're exploring the most iconic Parisian hotspots!

*Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We're on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us! 

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  Jo&Joe (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• Take a Guided Yoga Session on the château Lawns - Clear out the cobwebs and get in touch with you zen side with a guided yoga session on the sweeping lawns of the château.
• Take a tour of Paris - Take a dreamy stroll across the charming streets and famous spots in Paris. Bet this is what your insta-profile was craving! 

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DAY 10  PARIS

Paris

Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is yours! We'll take you to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quarters, see Notre Dame Cathedral, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with an optional Parisian Dinner followed by a cabaret show!

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel: Jo&Joe (or similar) 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Parisian Farewell Dinner - Finish off your trip with a night to remember right in the heart of Paris. This typical French bistro dishes up a three-course meal & some local wine plus loads of atmosphere & is the perfect place to toast your trip before you say farewell to your travel buddies.
  Adult: 43.00 EUR 
• See a Paris Cabaret Show - Get your glad rags on… it’s time for a night out at the Parisian cabaret. From your lamp-lit table, you’ll feast your eyes on a succession of feathers, sequins, can-can girls, acrobats, and comedians – sipping on delicious French champagne all the while.
  Adult: 91.00 EUR

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DAY 11 PARIS TO LONDON

Paris

Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective.

Calais

Dover

London

What a journey, on arrival in London, say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the journey on arrival.

Meals:  Breakfast