European Contrasts - 29 days

Drifters Price: £1230.25
RRP: £1295.00

Trip Code: CTKEC29
Local Payment: £235.00

Day 1: London to Paris:

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"? (D)

Day 2: 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 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region:

Today's journey leads us to Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon. (B,D)

Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region:

This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak in the idyllic atmosphere of rural France. (B, Picnic Lunch, D)

Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera:

Our route today takes us south to the fabulous Cóte d’Azur via the Autoroute de Soleil and Avignon, the city of the Popes. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo. (B,D)

Day 6: French Riviera at Leisure:

It’s your choice today ; perhaps mix with the rich and famous on the beach at Cannes or take a trip into Nice to shop for souvenirs and explore this "Queen of the Riviera". (B,D)

Day 7: French Riviera to Florence:

We visit a French perfumery before continuing to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it’s a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D)

Day 8: Florence Sightseeing:

Your day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city’s many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)

Day 9: Florence to Rome:

All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. (B)

Day 10: Rome Sightseeing:

Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing. (B,D)

Day 11: Rome to Corfu:

A chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Greece. (B)

Days 12-15: Corfu at Leisure:

Four sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night, enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing. (B,D) (B,D) (B) (B,D)

Day 16: Corfu to Italy - Mini Cruise:

A full day and night cruise across the Adriatic back to Italy. Relax and enjoy the boat’s facilities. (B)

Day 17: Arrival Venice:

Our spectacular morning arrival into the Port of Venice is one of Europe’s most impressive sights. After docking, we make our way to Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. A warm welcome awaits tonight in Venice. (B,D)

Day 18: Venice Sightseeing:

A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a Gondola ride? (B,D)

Day 19: Venice to Vienna:

An enchanting drive as we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to see the splendours of the once mighty Austrian Empire. Classical music to heighten your senses tonight? (B)

Day 20: Vienna Sightseeing:

On our sightseeing tour see the fabulous Palace of the Hapsburgs, the State Opera House and fashionable Karntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. Later why not sample some local Schnaps and a traditional Viennese meal? (B)

Day 21: Vienna to Prague:

Today we drive through Bohemia to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Our sightseeing tour takes in Hradcany Castle and the Church of St Vitus. We also stop at the Old Town Square to view the Astronomical Clock before making our way to our accommodation. (B,D)

Day 22: Prague Sightseeing:

Free time to further discover the labyrinth of streets in the old town, the medieval castle district and Karlov Most, the most photographed bridge in Prague. Tonight’s dinner is your choice and afterwards enjoy the local nightlife. (B)

Day 23: Prague to Munich:

On to Bavaria’s lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe join us this evening at one of this city’s traditional Beer Halls. (B)

Day 24: Munich to Swiss Alps:

We stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and sightsee in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps. (B,D)

Day 25: Swiss Alps at Leisure:

A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain! (B,D)

Day 26: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley:

Heading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Tonight we stay in the picturesque Rhine Valley after seeing the famous Lorelei and hearing how German beersteins are crafted in St Goar. (B,D)

Day 27: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam:

We cross the Dutch border and make our way to Amsterdam. Visit a cheese farm and see how clogs are made. Cycle through the countryside and the fishing village of Edam. A centrally located hotel is home for our last two nights. (B,D)

Day 28: Amsterdam sightseeing.:

After a diamond exhibition, why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam? In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's house or the Van Gogh museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together. (B)

Day 29: Amsterdam to London:

Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian Countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. (B)