European Encounter

Belgium (in transit) Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, France, Monaco

The European Encounter tour is perfect for those who want to see Europe but don't have months to negotiate their way around the continent. You'll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside, go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the French Riviera...all in a little over two weeks!

Itinerary

Depart for Europe Day 1
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Arrive London Day 2
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.

London to Amsterdam Day 3
Meet your Contiki Crew and see the White Cliffs of Dover before travelling through Belgium and into the Netherlands to Amsterdam. (D)

Amsterdam Day 4
After a relaxing bicycle ride through the cheese village of Edam, use the rest of your free day to explore this fascinating city. Perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight a chance to try some local cuisine. (B)

Amsterdam to Rhine Valley Day 5
We cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. At St. Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock before learning how beersteins are crafted. (B,D)

Rhine Valley to Swiss Alps Day 6
Pass fairytale castles and rolling vineyards as we wind our way out of the Rhine Valley and across the Swiss border. A short stop in the lakeside town of Lucerne, well-known for its abundance of Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives and Swiss chocolate, before arriving into Engelberg, nestled in breathtaking the Swiss Alps. (B,D)

Swiss Alps Day 7
A chance for a different perspective of the Alps today as a revolving cable car journey offers breath-taking panoramic views before reaching the summit of Mt. Titlis. Cross a glacier, play in the snow or simply marvel at the scenery. You have free time in Engelberg this afternoon, and tonight enjoy the nightlife in this popular resort town. (B)

Swiss Alps to Innsbruck Day 8
Twist and turn through scenic alpine vistas on the road to Innsbruck. Pause in Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein, before crossing the border into Austria's gorgeous countryside. Later this afternoon, stroll through the cobbled streets of Innsbruck and soak up the sights, discover Tyrolean specialty shops, and see the famous 'Golden Roof'. (B,D)

Innsbruck to Venice Day 9
Today we wind through the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy. It's a short boat ride to the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. There's no better way to see Venice than from a gondola so why not join us for a ride before treating yourself to a Venetian evening meal? (B)

Venice to Rome Day 10
Past medieval hillside villages and through the Apennine Mountains, we travel south to the fabled Seven Hills 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. (B,D)

Rome Day 11
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 explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B)

Rome to Florence Day 12
Our morning drive leads us to Florence, the Renaissance city set in the beautiful Tuscan Hills. Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our local guide walks us through the city. Free time to shop or visit one of the famous museums. (B)

Florence to French Riviera Day 13
Our first stop this morning is Pisa where we see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Winding along the beautiful coastline we reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d'Azur. (B,D)

French Riviera Day 14
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. 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? (B)

French Riviera to Château de Fontager Day 15
We visit a French perfumery before our lunch stop in Avignon where you can view the Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge. Then north along the Rhone Valley to the Château de Fontager, where you can enjoy its 24-hour pool, lovely grounds, and charming locale on the Rhone River. (B,D)

Château de Fontager to Paris Day 16
Today we stop at the magnificent Château Fontainebleau before venturing on to Paris, the 'City of Lights'. What better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)

Paris Day 17
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)

Paris to London Day 18
After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay. (B)