European Adventurer - 36 days

Drifters Price: £1502.10
RRP: £1669.00

Trip Code: CTKEA
Local Payment: £289.00

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 Sightseeing:

Today we visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included) followed by more free time to uncover the romance of Paris. (B,D)

Day 4: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region:

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

Day 5: 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 6: Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona:

Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrenées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 7: Barcelona Sightseeing:

Our 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 Ramblas and discover some of Spain's specialties such as Lladró porcelain and Majorca pearls. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

Day 8: Barcelona to French Riviera:

We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Camargue region to the walled city of Aigues Mortes. A chance to wander through the streets of this historic wonder before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera. (B,D)

Day 9: 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 for a spot of shopping. 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 10: French Riviera to Venice:

We visit a French perfumery before entering Italy and making our way to Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. A warm welcome awaits tonight in Venice. (B,D)

Day 11: 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)

Day 12: Venice to Florence:

We travel 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: Rome to Athens:

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

Day 17 Athens:

From Patras we cross the famous Corinth canal before arriving in historic Athens. This afternoon we will enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this wonderful city with a local guide. The tour incorporates many sights of this ancient city and includes a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. (B)

Day 18: Athens to Mykonos:

Ferry to the striking beauty of Mykonos, a Greek island of white-washed houses, windmills and sapphire-blue water. This is your time to relax and adapt to Greek island life – sun-soaked beaches by day and cool bars and clubs by night. (B,D)

Days 19-20: Mykonos at Leisure:

White-washed houses, cobbled streets, windmills, exquisite boutiques, sun-soaked beaches (some are even perfect for an all-over tan), Mykonos has got the lot! At night choose from typical tavernas to sophisticated restaurants, from bars playing classical music to hard rock, from Greek dancing to outrageous floor shows – there's no place like Mykonos! (B,D)(B,D)

Day 21: Mykonos to Preveza:

Returning to mainland Greece we make our way to Corinth for a lunch stop and then continue into the mountains to Preveza. (B,D)

Day 22: Preveza to Durres:

Crossing the Albanian border, we follow the scenic valley interwoven by the numerous remains of the defensive bunkers built years ago. We see the Adriatic Sea on our way to Durres - an important port and seaside resort town (Note: During peak periods the night in Durres may be substituted with a night in Tirana). (B,D)

Day 23: Durres to Dubrovnik:

Heading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro. We make our way towards the famous black Mt. Lovcen that gave this spectacular mountainous country its name. This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty and make our way on to Croatia and our accommodation in Dubrovnik. (B,D)

Day 24: Dubrovnik Sightseeing:

Today'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. (B,D)

Day 25: Dubrovnik to Zadar:

We 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. From here we follow the coast north past Sibenik and on to our overnight stop. (B,D)

Day 26: Zadar to Vienna:

Heading north we pass through the mountain range that makes the scenic Paklenica National Park. We pass the unusual Sveti Rock before making our way around Zagreb. We cross into Slovenia and past Maribor before arriving in Austria for the scenic drive to Vienna. (B)

Day 27: 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 28: Vienna 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 29: Munich to Austrian Tyrol:

Our orientation tour of Munich includes the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz. Take the opportunity to go white-water rafting in the heart of the Austrian Alps before a special welcome awaits at Contiki’s own Gasthof. (B,D)

Day 30: Austrian Tyrol at Leisure:

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)

Day 31: Austrian Tyrol 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 32: 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 33: 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 34: 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 35: 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 36: 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)