London to Athens + Greek Isles

France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece

Tailor made for those wishing to travel the Contiki way but at a slightly more relaxed pace. Three nights in Paris gives you plenty of time for a day trip to Versailles or Euro Disney as well as the requisite shopping on the Champs Elysees and museum visits. Make your way down through Italy via Spain and the French Riviera, chill for a few nights on the Greek island of Corfu before you really slip in to relaxation mode with your Greek Island Cruise around the most famous Cycladic islands: Mykonos, Santorini and Ios.

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 Paris Day 3
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as 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. (D)

Paris Day 4,Day 5
Two full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles (entry not included), home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B,D)(B)

Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region Day 6
Today's journey leads us to Contiki's exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon. (B,D)

Beaujolais Wine Region Day 7
This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of rural France. (B,PL,D)

Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona Day 8
Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D)

Barcelona Day 9
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 Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

Barcelona to French Riviera Day 10
We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera. (B,D)

French Riviera Day 11
Today we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo. (B,D)

French Riviera to Venice Day 12
Today we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice. (B,D)

Venice Day 13
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)

Venice to Florence Day 14
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)

Florence Day 15
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 and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)

Florence to Rome Day 16
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)

Rome Day 17
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)

Rome to Corfu Day 18
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)

Corfu Day 19, Day 20, Day 21
Three 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 an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing. (B,D)(B)(B,D)

Corfu to Athens Day 22
Today we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens. (B)

Athens Day 23
This morning our city tour includes the first modern Olympic stadium, the Acropolis and the Parthenon, concluding near the Plaka. Bid a final farewell to your fellow travellers as your London to Athens tour ends with a transfer to your hotel to begin the Greek Island Hopping leg of your tour. (B)

Athens Day 24
Your free day in Athens begins with the opportunity to discover the treasures of Athens with an expert local guide. Later, stroll the streets of the famous Plaka area or pick up some quirky souvenirs at the Athens flea markets. (B)

Athens to Mykonos Day 25
This morning we board a ferry to Mykonos where you can look forward to a terrific three day break on one of the most picturesque Greek islands. (B,D)

Mykonos Day 26, Day 27
Hang out on this island famous for its azure seas, golden beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and young, vibrant party culture. Wander through the tiny streets and whitewashed cube houses found in the picture-perfect Cycladic capital. (B)(B)

Mykonos to Santorini Day 28
An early start this morning as we are transferred to the port to board our ferry to the most impressive volcanic island of Santorini. (B,D)

Santorini Day 29, Day 30
Two full days on the island of Santorini. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, exploring the town of Fira, take a boat to the active volcanic island of Nea Kameni or visit the site of Akrotiri. (B)(B)

Santorini to Ios Day 31
Sit back and relax as you cruise to another Greek Island gem, the Island of Ios, with a reputation as a melting pot for young people from all over the world. (B,D)

Ios Day 32, Day 33
Ios is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic party atmosphere. The perfect mixture of party and relaxation, it's also famous as the place where the great poet Homer died. Lucky you have three nights here! (B)(B)

Ios to Athens Day 34
Wave goodbye to Ios and the Cycladic Islands as we day-trip back to Piraeus port, where we are met and transferred to our hotel in Athens for a final evening together. (B)

Depart Athens Day 35
Fond farewells this morning as our tour ends after breakfast at the hotel. (B)

 

Call one of our Europe specialists

1.800.941-6827