European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2026

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2026

13 Views
12 Days From

$2940

$2204

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2026

12 Days Starting and ending in London

Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam, Sankt Goar, Dinkelsbühl, Munich, Venice, Baschi, Rome, Florence, Lucerne, Paris

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBHDA26

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2940 $2204 Operator discount: -$736 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Ready for the beginning of your sweet love affair with Europe? This trip uncovers Europe’s finest in 12 days, complete with Bavarian beer & a private boat through the Venetian canals. We'll discover Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice & Florence, flirting with many more destinations along the way, from a traditional German beer hall to our fave Roman gelateria (on us). You’ll get a taste for all the best bits of the continent and travel through 7 countries in one trip. By the time you get back to London you'll be completely smitten.

Highlights

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

  • Drive along Germany's most scenic route, Romantische Straße, winding through picturesque medieval towns and fairy-tale castles.

  • Explore the highlights of Munich, including Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel, on a guided walking tour.

  • Get classic pics of the famous gondola boats in Venice.

  • See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.

  • Check out the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the giant sandstone Lion Monument in Lucerne.

  • Take a dreamy jaunt around Paris, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

  • Stroll around the Italian capital, Rome, ticking off some sights on your bucket list.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London To Amsterdam

Location: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Your heart-pounding adventure kicks off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for Europe, 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! Off the ferry, we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching... Amsterdam! Tonight, after an included dinner and an optional evening canal cruise, the fun-famed Amsterdam is yours to explore in all its glory

Day 2: Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Amsterdam is as cute as it comes & sure to win your heart with its cobbled main streets, canalside views, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today, you're free to use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, or just explore. If you're hungry to taste your way through the local culture, this place is famous for Dutch pancakes, frites, cheese, stroopwafels and coffee – or you can take the opportunity to visit the small Dutch fishing village of Volendam for an optional seafood or steak dinner. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for an iconic cruise through Amsterdam, complete with an onboard bar.

Day 3: Amsterdam To Rhine Valley

Location: Amsterdam, Sankt Goar

Accommodation Name: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but it's time to say 'Vaarwel!' because this afternoon we're setting off for our next country, Germany. After the scenic journey of fairytale 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.

Day 4: Rhine Valley To Munich Via Dinkelsbühl

Location: Sankt Goar, Dinkelsbühl, Munich

Accommodation Name: Bento Inn Munich Messe (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Too much grape juice last night? Not to worry, the prospect of this Bavarian hidden gem should lift your spirits as we travel south & swap wine culture for beer. Quintessential German experiences don't get much better than visiting this charming medieval town. We'll stroll the cobblestoned streets, checking out vibrant market squares and picturesque half-timbered houses along the way. Today our eyes will be treated to a famous Gothic clock, a charming old town & traditional Bavarian culture. You'll have the option to explore the side streets by foot and afterwards why not choose to explore one of the city's many beer halls, where you can try a stein of beer or even a pork knuckle!

Day 5: Munich To Venice

Location: Munich, Venice

Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. Today crossing the Bavarian Alps and hitting the road for Italy. And just like that, we're in a new country and a whole new vibe. Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private canal boat ride.

Day 6: Venice To Rome Via Baschi

Location: Venice, Baschi, Rome

Accommodation Name: BB Roma Tuscolana (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner. But first, we have an epic, included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience to enjoy. Casale Polegri is set within the gorgeous town of Baschi, where we'll meet the Polegri family. These guys have run their vineyard and olive orchard for generations, and after giving us the grand tour, will serve us lunch under the Veranda. As we overlook the Tiber Valley, enjoying some of the most authentic Italian food we've ever tasted (topped off with the Polegri's very own wine, naturally), we might reflect that we've never had it so good. It's the kind of local travel experience you don't encounter every day (you're welcome). The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it's glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto!

Day 7: Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: BB Roma Tuscolana (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Hit the streets for your own discoveries. Learn a thing or two as you pass the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.

Day 8: Rome To Florence

Location: Rome, Florence

Accommodation Name: Hotel Auto Park (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over… The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city, making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to take in the unique beauty of this beautiful city, where culture and la dolce vita is evident in every direction you look. We'll become history buffs on a guided walking tour, before we learn the art of leather. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at an optional dinner - think olives, cured meats, crostini & wine.

Day 9: Florence To Lucerne

Location: Florence, Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Barabas Hotel Luzern (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say a fond farewell to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and not to mention watches. Hello Switzerland! Swans float under wooden bridges, snowcapped mountains stand regally behind us & chocolate tastes like heaven on earth. You're in the Swiss Alps & you cannot wipe the smile off your face. Eeek!!!

Day 10: Lucerne To Paris

Location: Lucerne, Paris

Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's been sweet, but our time in Lucerne is up this morning. We're Paris-bound! Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and (back) into France. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris. Our Trip Manager fills us in on the city's secrets, then to celebrate our first night in the city, we'll head up the Montparnasse Tower.

Day 11: Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

It's time to stroll the dreamy streets of Paris, moan over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the many museums of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with a ticket to an iconic cabaret show and dinner. With your last night looming, make it one to remember in the city of lights.

Day 12: Paris To London

Location: Paris, Calais, Dover, London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise, shine, and soak up your last dose of Paris this morning over a coffee and croissant together, as we marvel at how much we've seen on this magical journey. It may be over for now, but these friendships and memories will last a lifetime.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South, Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Bento Inn Munich Messe, and others.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes a ferry ride from Dover to Calais and coach transfers between destinations.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walking tours are included in Munich and Florence.

  • Wine Tasting

    Wine tasting is included in the Rhine Valley.

  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

    An included experience at Casale Polegri in Baschi, featuring a tour of the vineyard and olive orchard, followed by lunch with homemade wine.

  • Montparnasse Tower Visit

    An included visit to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower in Paris for a panoramic view of the city.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, a seafood or steak dinner in Volendam, and a cabaret show and dinner in Paris are not included.

  • Non-Included Attractions

    Tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam and other cities are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with coach transfers between destinations, including scenic journeys through the English coastline, Bavarian Alps, and Swiss Alps, as well as ferry crossings and private canal boat rides.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South, Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Bento Inn Munich Messe, and BB Roma Tuscolana, ensuring a restful night after each day's adventure.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

FAQs

  • London: What currency do I need? For this trip, you’ll need just three currencies - the British Pound, Swiss Franc and Euro.
  • London: How do I know when to book tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam? If you're travelling before March 2025, this trip spends 1 night in Amsterdam. You will have free time in the morning of day 2 until 12pm, during which time you can book activities. After this time, we will head off to the Rhine Valley.From March 2025, this trip will spend 2 nights in Amsterdam and you will have free time in the afternoon of day 2 from 12pm - 3pm, during which time you can book activities. Of course, you can book other times during this day, but it might mean you miss out on other included activities or a coach transfer to the accommodation!

Included Experience

  • Amsterdam: Best way to break the ice? By breaking bread of course. You and your new besties can bond over dinner before heading out to explore.
  • Sankt Goar: Take in the breath-taking scenery of the River Rhine.
  • Lorelei: 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!
  • Dinkelsbuhl: Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Munich: This guided walking tour will take you around all the highlights of this Bavarian city, including Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel.
  • Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
  • Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
  • Lucerne: Check out the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the giant sandstone Lion Monument.
  • Paris: Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
  • Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
  • Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
  • Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
  • Baschi: We'll head to the rocky (but so picturesque) village of Baschi to visit Casale Polegri. Stroll around the vineyards and olive orchards on a short tour of the azienda agricola. We'll learn about the farming techniques used by the Polegri Family to harvest their fresh plants and fruit. We'll end the afternoon with a crunchy bruschetta topped with homemade extra virgin olive oil, focaccia bread with homegrown rosemary and vegetables. And of course, some risotto or pasta. All of this with a glass of their homemade wine and dessert. Happy tummy, happy life!

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes coach transfers between destinations, scenic journeys through the English coastline, Bavarian Alps, and Swiss Alps, as well as ferry crossings and private canal boat rides.

  • What types of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation is provided at comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South, Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Bento Inn Munich Messe, and BB Roma Tuscolana.

  • Are guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, guided walking tours are included in Munich and Florence.

  • Is wine tasting included in the tour?

    Yes, wine tasting is included in the Rhine Valley.

  • What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience included in the tour?

    The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience includes a visit to Casale Polegri in Baschi, featuring a tour of the vineyard and olive orchard, followed by lunch with homemade wine.

  • Is there an opportunity to visit the Montparnasse Tower in Paris?

    Yes, an included visit to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower in Paris for a panoramic view of the city is part of the tour.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, optional activities such as an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, a seafood or steak dinner in Volendam, and a cabaret show and dinner in Paris are available but not included in the tour price.

  • What personal expenses are not included in the tour?

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Monday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$2940 $2204

Operator discount: -$736

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$2940 $2342

Operator discount: -$598

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$2940 $2204

Operator discount: -$736

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

May 08, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$3007 $2818

Operator discount: -$189

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Saturday - Wednesday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$3087 $2314

Operator discount: -$773

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$3087 $2459

Operator discount: -$628

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$3087 $2893

Operator discount: -$194

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$3187 $2389

Operator discount: -$798

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025
$3187 $2538

Operator discount: -$649

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$3346 $3135

Operator discount: -$211

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$3187 $2687

Operator discount: -$500

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$3187 $2389

Operator discount: -$798

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
$3187 $2389

Operator discount: -$798

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$3087 $2314

Operator discount: -$773

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$3087 $2314

Operator discount: -$773

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$3087 $2314

Operator discount: -$773

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$3087 $2314

Operator discount: -$773

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Thursday - Monday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$3087 $2314

Operator discount: -$773

European Discovery | Start London | Summer | Season 2025

Saturday - Wednesday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 08, 2026
$3030 $2424

Operator discount: -$606

Thursday - Monday

Apr 23, 2026 - May 04, 2026
$3030 $2424

Operator discount: -$606

Thursday - Monday

May 07, 2026 - May 18, 2026
$3096 $2477

Operator discount: -$619

Saturday - Wednesday

May 23, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Thursday - Monday

Jun 04, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Thursday - Monday

Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 08, 2026
$3286 $2629

Operator discount: -$657

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026
$3286 $2629

Operator discount: -$657

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 07, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$3286 $2629

Operator discount: -$657

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026
$3286 $2629

Operator discount: -$657

Thursday - Monday

Jul 23, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026
$3286 $2629

Operator discount: -$657

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 02, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Thursday - Monday

Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Thursday - Monday

Oct 01, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026
$3182 $2546

Operator discount: -$636

Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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