Tours: Canterbury

Day 1

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel (please book your flight to arrive prior to 4:00 p.m.). This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink.

Day 2

DAY 2 CHRISTCHURCH / MOUNT COOK / OMARAMA - Travel through Canterbury, and see Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. On to Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage Site and home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. There is time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting, own expense). (B,D)

Day 3

DAY 3 OMARAMA / DUNEDIN - Follow the Waitaki River and travel through Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Continue south to Dunedin, a beautiful city founded by Scottish settlers over 150 years ago. See the highlights of this charming city on a sightseeing tour. (B,D)

Day 4

DAY 4 DUNEDIN / TE ANAU - During free time this morning, you may want to make an optional visit to Larnach Castle. Then, travel across the island to Te Anau, set on the shores of Lake Te Anau. (B,D)

Day 5

DAY 5 TE ANAU / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN - Travel towards Fiordland National Park, through some of New Zealand’s magnificent alpine country. See Mirror Lakes, Claudu Valley and the Chasm before arriving at spectacular Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this majestic natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. After, continue on to Queenstown. (B,D)

Day 6

DAY 6 QUEENSTOWN - Today is at leisure to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Perhaps take a stroll along the lake shore or an exciting optional jet boat ride. This evening, you might want to take the optional ride on the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for a buffet dinner, followed by the Kiwi Haka a performance of the Haka, plus a dazzling display of Poi dance and songs. (B)

Day 7

DAY 7 QUEENSTOWN / FOX GLACIER - Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colorful township from the gold rush days. Then see a trio of lakes, Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over Haast Pass to Thunder Creek Falls. On along the coastal road to Fox Glacier. There is time for an optional scenic flight (weather permitting, own expense). (B,D)

Day 8

DAY 8 FOX GLACIER / PUNAKAIKI / CHRISTCHURCH - Heading north, stop in Hokitika to see beautiful native greenstone (jade). Continue to Punakaiki and see the Pancake Rocks and Blow­holes. Then return to Christchurch. You might want to take the TranzAlpine train (additional expense, request at time of booking). (B,D)

Day 9

DAY 9 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH - You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Day 1

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel (please book your flight to arrive prior to 4:00 p.m.). The rest of the day is free. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and Dinner. (D)

Day 2

DAY 2 AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA - Take a sightseeing tour of Auckland before journeying south to Waitomo. At the Waitomo Caves, take a guided tour and boat ride of the Glow Worm Grotto. Then travel to Rotorua. Tonight experience a Maori Hangi (feast) and performance of traditional dancing and singing. (B,D)

Day 3

DAY 3 ROTORUA - Take in the Agrodome Sheep Show, complete with sheep dog demonstrations, sheep shearing and a bit of humor mixed in. Your afternoon is free. (B)

Day 4

DAY 4 ROTORUA / WELLINGTON - This morning, depart Rotorua and travel to Taupo, in the heart of the North Island. Stop to view Huka Falls before following the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo. Continue through the dairy farming lands of Manawatu to Wellington. An orientation tour shows you the capital city. (B,D)

Day 5

DAY 5 WELLINGTON / PICTON - After a free morning, visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. This afternoon, join the inter­island cruise across Cook Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the Picton on the South Island. (B,D)

Day 6

DAY 6 PICTON / CHRISTCHURCH - Visit the Montana Winery and tour its vineyard. Then, travel along the rugged coast to Kai­koura, and perhaps take an optional whale watching flight (weather permitting, own expense). This afternoon, continue to Christchurch for a city tour and a free evening. (B)

Day 7

DAY 7 CHRISTCHURCH / MOUNT COOK / OMARAMA - Travel over the patchwork plains of Canterbury. Stop at Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue to Mt. Cook National Park, a World Heritage site and home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. There is time to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting, own expense). (B,D)

Day 8

DAY 8 OMARAMA / DUNEDIN - Follow the Waitaki River, passing the hydroelectric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. Ride through Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Continue south to Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers over 150 years ago. (B,D)

Day 9

DAY 9 DUNEDIN / TE ANAU - During a morning at leisure, you may want to make an optional visit to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only authentic castle. Then, cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau, situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau. (B,D)

Day 10

DAY 10 TE ANAU / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN - Travel south towards Fiordland National Park, through some of New Zealand’s magnificent alpine country. Drive through the Homer Tunnel. Stop briefly at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Afterwards, continue on to Queenstown. (B,D)

Day 11

DAY 11 QUEENSTOWN - Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. This evening, perhaps take the optional ride on the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for a buffet dinner. (B)

Day 12

DAY 12 QUEENSTOWN / FOX GLACIER - Visit Arrowtown, a colorful township from the gold rush days. Then see Lakes Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Climb over the Haast Pass and on along the coastal road to Fox Glacier. Enjoy views of the glacier. You may want to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting, own expense). (B,D)

Day 13

DAY 13 FOX GLACIER / PUNAKAIKI / CHRISTCHURCH - Travel north along the rugged coast to Hokitika. See the beautiful native greenstone (jade). Then on to Punakaiki, and see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Then continue by coach to Christ­church. Perhaps opt to take the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps instead (additional expense, please request at time of booking). (B,D)

Day 14

DAY 14 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH - Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight. (B)

Days 1-2: Arrive in London

Touch down in London, England’s magnificent capital. After cleraing customs and collecting your bags, look for the the Dot2Dot desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unpack, settle in and begin your explorations of London. (B in flight).

Accommodations: Kensington Close Hotel, 3 stars. Situated in a quiet location, Kensington Close Hotel is located just two minutes away from the shopping area of High Street Kensington. Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Harrods and Knightsbridge are a short taxi ride away. The hotel provides its' guests with modern, bright, well appointed bedrooms decorated in fresh attractive colors. The hotel has 3 excellent restaurants serving traditional English fare. The hotel's Health Spa is a superb luxury health and fitness club available to guests which includes an 18 meter heated swimming pool, beauty treatments and gym.

Day 3: London

Over the next three days, you may choose to discover London on your own, or join one or more of our optional sightseeing excursions and planned activities—the choice is yours. Your tour director will be happy to provide suggestions or any information that you might need. You’ll find the city easy to navigate, on foot or by subway. To better orient yourself, you may join this morning’s optional guided sightseeing tour. A panoramic bus tour takes you throughout the city, highlighting famous landmarks such as Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Downing Street, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest inhabited castle. Here you can see the royal collection of state treasures and walk through St. George’s Chapel (closed on Sundays). (B)

London sightseeing: $99. A local guide leads comprehensive sightseeing of London. Highlights of the panoramic tour include views of Westminster Abbey (setting for royal coronations, weddings and funerals), the Big Ben clock tower, the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and a stop outside St. James’s Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal). You’ll also visit Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece.

Windsor Castle: $85. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the preferred royal retreat for the last 900 years and is still in use by the Royal Family. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school that both Princes William and Harry have attended.

Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.

Day 4: London

Linger in the city today or take our optional journey to the British countryside. Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates back 4,000 years, remains a mystery, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. The next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. (B)

Excursion to Stonehenge, $115. Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (about 4,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. After your tour director shows you the town’s major sights, visit the public baths for which the town is named. Here, vacationing Romans came 2,000 years ago to enjoy the hot springs, and today these baths remain the finest Roman ruins in Britain.

Day 5: London

Spend a final free day in London. Or discover England’s medieval past on a full-day optional excursion to Canterbury to see its glorious Gothic cathedral and the thousand-year-old Leeds Castle. Tonight, you might also opt to get a bird’s-eye view of London atop its newest and one of its most stunning attractions, the London Eye. This excursion includes dinner. (B)

Excursions. Canterbury & Leeds: $99. Leave London for a day to tour the charming cities of Canterbury. Follow the old Pilgrims Way to the ancient walled city of Canterbury, a place of pilgrimage for many centuries. Visit the magnificent cathedral, the scene of the bloody murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 and the home of English christianity. There's also time to explore the labyrinth of medieval streets, quaint shops and historic taverns. Then travel through Kent, "the Garden of England," to Leeds Castle, beautifully positioned on two small islands in the middle of a lake. Over 1000 years old, this spectacular castle has been a royal residence for six of England's medieval queens and a palace for Henry VIII.

London Eye & Dinner, $115. Experience one of Britain’s newest attractions, the London Eye Ferris wheel! The world’s highest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames for a 30-minute ride in an enclosed gondola. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles around the city center! After your ride, continue on to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner.

Day 6: Paris

Transfer to St. Pancras Station, where you’ll board the high-speed Eurostar train to travel under the English Channel to Paris. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel. (B)

Accommodations: Mercure Paris Terminus Nord, 4 stars. Situated near Gare du Nord, Mercure Paris Terminus Nord is just a few steps away from Avenue Lafayette. The hotel offers 236 comfortable guest rooms furnished in a traditional Parisian style offering an array of modern amenities. Start your day with a delicious breakfast served at the charming breakfast room. After a day of sightseeing you can unwind at the hotel's cozy bar. During your free time, you might choose to enjoy the hotel's jacuzzi, sauna or massage services.

Day 7: Paris

Revel in two full free days to explore one of Europe's most romantic and elegant cities. Stroll along the Left Bank or through the Luxembourg Gardens. View the collections of the Louvre or the smaller Picasso Museum. Or you might join a professional local guide for an optional sightseeing tour of the City of Light, featuring views of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Opera House, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, consider taking an optional excursion to Versailles, the estate that Louis XIV designed to be the envy of royalty the world over. (B)

Excursions. Guided Tour of Paris, $69. An expert local guide introduces you to the historical and cultural landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most celebrated avenues. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, as well as the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. Absorb the haute couture of the Opera district.

Please note: This excursion requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Versailles, $89. Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards among European royalty for the decadence of his reign. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France—designed by Europe’s most talented 17th-century architects and landscape designers to be the envy of royalty worldwide. On this half-day excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds.

Day 8: Paris

Wile away another free day in Paris by absorbing haute couture along the chic Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré. Or watch the artists sketching the passing scene in the hilltop Montmartre neighborhood. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion into the same French countryside that inspired Claude Monet to develop his Impressionist style. At Giverny, you’ll visit the studio and gardens of this celebrated artist (seasonal). Tonight, opt for our Evening in Paris with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Seine. (B)

Excursions: Giverny, $85. The Norman town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. The grounds, including his pink and green house, are now open to the public as a museum. View the workspace in which he fostered his great artistic inspiration; then absorb the intricate palette of colors that the "Father of Impressionism" so magically depicted in paintings such as the Water Lilies series as you stroll through the surrounding gardens.

Please note: This excursion is seasonal and only runs April through October. Giverny is closed Mondays.

Evening in Paris, $99. Take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine, an unforgettable experience. As you coast along the water and under the many famous bridges of the Seine, behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris — including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Day 9: Paris

A Go Ahead representative accompanies you to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Day 1

(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: Arrive in London, England.

(Sun.) Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or start exploring the lively British capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 3: London.

(Mon.) A full day of sightseeing with a Local Guide includes WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Also visit WESLEY’S HOUSE AND CHAPEL, BUNHILL FIELDS CEMETERY (resting place to many well-known Christians, including author John Bunyan who wrote the beautiful Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress), and ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL in the City of London. (B)

Day 4: London. Canterbury Excursion.

(Tue.) Depart this morning for a drive southeast into Kent, the “Garden of England,” for a visit to CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, England’s Mother Church, where you hear about Thomas à Becket and the Black Prince. On your return to London, visit SPURGEON’S METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was an influential Baptist pastor born in Essex, England. He founded an orphanage still in existence today. In addition, he befriended and supported James Hudson Taylor, who founded the China Inland Mission in 1865. (B)

Day 5: London–Oxford.

(Wed.) Travel to Oxford, the “City of the Dreaming Spires.” Join a Local Guide as you visit magnificent CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE and CATHEDRAL. Your Tour Director will then take you on a walking tour of Oxford to see Lincoln College, where John Wesley founded the Holy Club, nicknamed “Society of Methodists.” George Whitfield, whose preaching in America was a significant part of the Great Awakening revivals, was also a member of the Holy Club. Some free time to explore the city and perhaps visit the Eagle & Child pub that was frequented by C.S. Lewis and his friends, including J.R.R. Tolkien, for their literary club known as “the Inklings.” After a lunch break, continue your walking tour of Oxford, visiting MAGDALEN COLLEGE, where Lewis was elected a fellow in 1925. At the Kilns, former home of Lewis, pause for photographs before visiting HOLY TRINITY CHURCH in Headington Quarry, where he is buried. (B,D)

Day 6: Oxford. Bristol via the Cotswolds Excursion.

(Thu.) Journey through the scenic Cotswolds to Bristol. Visit ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH, the 800-year-old masterpiece of gothic architecture and one of the biggest parish churches in England. Also explore John Wesley’s Chapel and The New Room, the oldest Methodist building in the world. Before returning to Oxford, try to figure out the mystery of prehistoric STONEHENGE. (B,D)

Day 7: Oxford–Epworth–York.

(Fri.) Head north to Epworth, birthplace of John and Charles Wesley. At the OLD RECTORY, visit their childhood home, which was built in 1709 by Samuel Wesley and is now a museum. Also visit the WESLEY MEMORIAL CHURCH, completed in 1889 as a memorial to the contribution made by John and Charles to world religion. Continue to York to see one of the most intact medieval walled cities in England. Follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. The walking tour ends with a visit to the stunning YORK MINSTER. (B,D)

Day 8: York–Lincoln–Cambridge–Milton Keynes.

(Sat.) Visit LINCOLN CASTLE, where Samuel Wesley was imprisoned. In the venerable city of Cambridge, visit 500-year-old KING’S COLLEGE, including the CHAPEL with its marvelous fan-vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows (visits are restricted during examinations). (B,D)

Day 9: Milton Keynes–Olney–Bedford–London.

(Sun.) This morning, travel to Olney to visit SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, where renowned English missionary William Carey served as pastor. Then to THE COWPER AND NEWTON MUSEUM, which contains an extensive collection of possessions and manuscripts of William Cowper and Rev. John Newton. Cowper was a prolific poet and writer of Christian hymns, and Rev. John Newton is best known for writing the beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace.” On to the JOHN BUNYAN MUSEUM in Bedford, which features his life and works. Late-afternoon return to London. (B)

Day 10

(Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Day 1

(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: London, England.

Arrive in (Mon.) Uniformed Globus Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3: London.

(Tue.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Visit ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and see the Changing of the Guard, if held. (B)

Day 4: London–Canterbury–Brighton.

(Wed.) Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart London at 8 am. Visit CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, and in Brighton, tour the exotic ROYAL PAVILION. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 5: Brighton–Stonehenge–Salisbury–Plymouth.

(Thu.) This morning, visit prehistoric STONEHENGE before taking a stroll in Salisbury with its vast cathedral. Continue on to Widecombe-in-the-Moor in Dartmoor National Park. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B,D)

Day 6: Plymouth. Cornwall Excursion.

(Fri.) Head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall to St. Michael’s Mount, rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End, then explore the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. (B)

Day 7: Plymouth–Bath–Bristol.

(Sat.) At Glastonbury, hear about King Arthur, and in Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS. Overnight is in Bristol, from where John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. (B,D)

Day 8: Bristol–Cardiff, Wales–Waterford, Ireland.

(Sun.) A morning orientation drive in Cardiff features the castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Cross St. George’s Channel to Rosslare in Ireland and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. (B,D)

Day 9: Waterford–Blarney–Killarney.

(Mon.) In Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone, there is time to walk up to the castle and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts before continuing to Killarney, your Kerry base for the next three nights. (B,D)

Day 10: At Leisure in Killarney.

(Tue.) A full day to relax or join our optional excursion that includes a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle, a boat ride to Innisfallen Abbey and across the lakes for a visit to Muckross House, returning to your hotel mid-afternoon. (B)

Day 11: Killarney. Ring of Kerry Excursion.

(Wed.) Follow the road known as the RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive. Take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Later, join an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for the National Folk Theatre. (B)

Day 12: Killarney–Dingle Peninsula–Adare–Limerick.

(Thu.) Breathtaking scenery on Dingle Peninsula. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, learn about the way of life on the remote islands evacuated by its inhabitants in 1953. Via quaint Adare, head for the city of Limerick. Tonight’s optional recommendation: a medieval banquet. (B)

Day 13: Limerick–Cliffs of Moher–Sligo.

(Fri.) Motor to the spectacular CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren and Galway reach Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Then, spend the night in Sligo. (B,D)

Day 14: Sligo–Belleek, Northern Ireland–Giant’s Causeway–Belfast.

(Sat.) A fascinating day: the grave of W.B. Yeats in Drumcliff, BELLEEK POTTERY, then awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY. Overnight in Belfast. (B,D)

Day 15: Belfast–Downpatrick–Dublin, Ireland.

(Sun.) This morning’s highlight is a “living history” orientation drive with a Local Guide. Visit the inspiring SAINT PATRICK CENTRE in Downpatrick, then drive back again into the Republic. (B)

Day 16: Dublin.

(Mon.) Your orientation drive includes statue-lined O’Connell Street and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then, visit TRINITY COLLEGE with the famous Book of Kells. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Day 17: Dublin–Chester, England.

(Tue.) Back across the Irish Sea and a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, over spectacular Llanberis Pass, and via pretty Betws-y-Coed to Chester. (B,D)

Day 18: Chester–Lake District–Glasgow, Scotland.

(Wed.) On your morning walking tour, see the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, the cathedral, and the “Rows.” In Glasgow, your city drive takes in the fine 12th-century cathedral, the imposing university, and elegant Georgian Squares. (B,D)

Day 19: Glasgow–Fort William–Isle of Skye–Inverness.

(Thu.) Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, and at Mallaig, board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye. Visit the MUSEUM OF THE ISLES, then return to the mainland and trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to Inverness. (B,D)

Day 20: Inverness. Highlands Excursion.

(Fri.) Visit fascinating INVEREWE GARDEN with its subtropical plants, then drive along Loch Glascarnoch for the day’s final highlight visit to a WHISKY DISTILLERY. (B)

Day 21: Inverness–Braemar–St. Andrews–Edinburgh.

(Sat.) Main features today: the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Braemar, St. Andrews, and the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. For departure numbers 0721 through 0811 tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO. (B)

Day 22: Edinburgh.

(Sun.) Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” as well as the “Old Town.” Visit EDINBURGH CASTLE and then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 23: Edinburgh–York, England.

(Mon.) This morning, visit FLOORS CASTLE, and later, pass the house of Mary, Queen of Scots. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, and in York, England’s most complete medieval city, follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)

Day 24: York–Coventry–Stratford-upon-Avon.

(Tue.) In Coventry, view the splendid modern cathedral, and in Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. (B,D)

Day 25: Stratford-upon-Avon–London.

(Wed.) Visit Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds, then a final highlight: a guided tour of magnificent BLENHEIM PALACE, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Return to London around 4 pm. (B)

Day 26

(Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Day 1: DEPART USA

Board your overnight flight.

Day 2: ARRIVE LONDON.

After checking into the tour hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax, shop or explore. In the evening you are invited to an informative meeting and Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.
Hotel: Victoria Park Plaza

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7: LONDON AT LEISURE.

You have five full days to get acquainted with London, Europe's most visited city, so steeped in tradition and history, an immense cosmopolitan metropolis housing over 7.5 million people. Its central area brimming with beautiful parks, exquisite shops, and the world's best museums and art galleries.

On Monday, your included half day London sightseeing tour begins with a panoramic drive around Parliament Square, to see Westminster Abbey, where Kings, Queens, Statesmen, poets and writers are buried. See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Then continue past Downing Street to Trafalgar Square, London's Theatre District and Piccadilly Circus. Stop at Buckingham Palace to watch the colourful Changing of the Guard ceremony. Accompanied by a military band, a detachment of the Queen's Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their bearskins and red tunics. Your tour finishes at Trafalgar Square at around 12.30pm.

Now we leave the rest to you. With such a rich choice of attractions on offer, there is always plenty to do, and everybody has their own personal preference on what they should see!

Why not devote part of the day to the treasures of the British Museum, or the Old Masters in the National Gallery? Or travel into the City, financial centre of Britain, to visit St Paul's Cathedral - the baroque masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren? And be sure to visit the awesome Tower of London, long the dreaded prison of the monarchs but now a fascinating museum housing the Crown Jewels!

You could go on a day trip to Hampton Court, with its gardens, maze and haunted gallery or catch the 'tube' to Kew Gardens.

If shopping's your thing then Harrods and Selfridges are a must. You could stroll down the King's Road in fashionable Chelsea, or spend an afternoon browsing through the market stalls at Camden Lock.

• If all this sounds a little overwhwelming then we have the answer. Additional London sightseeing, half day trips to Royal Windsor Castle or a full day excursion to places like Stonehenge and Bath are offered by Insight's sister company, Evan Evans Tours. See page 17 for details of what's on offer.

Once night falls in London, enjoy a myriad of entertainment options - perhaps go late-night shopping; consider taking in a show in the heart of London's famous West End; dine at some of the best restaurants in the world; or simply try the capital's famous pubs and taverns. (B)

Day 8: RETURN TO USA.

Sadly your tour comes to an end after breakfast. (B)

Day 1: DEPART USA

Board your overnight flight.

Day 2: ARRIVE LONDON.

After checking into the tour hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax, shop or explore. In the evening you are invited to an informative meeting and Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7: LONDON AT LEISURE.

You have five full days to get acquainted with London, Europe's most visited city, so steeped in tradition and history, an immense cosmopolitan metropolis housing over 7.5 million people. Its central area brimming with beautiful parks, exquisite shops, and the world's best museums and art galleries.

On Monday, your included half day London sightseeing tour begins with a panoramic drive around Parliament Square, to see Westminster Abbey, where Kings, Queens, Statesmen, poets and writers are buried. See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Then continue past Downing Street to Trafalgar Square, London's Theatre District and Piccadilly Circus. Stop at Buckingham Palace to watch the colourful Changing of the Guard ceremony. Accompanied by a military band, a detachment of the Queen's Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their bearskins and red tunics. Your tour finishes at Trafalgar Square at around 12.30pm.

Now we leave the rest to you. With such a rich choice of attractions on offer, there is always plenty to do, and everybody has their own personal preference on what they should see!

Why not devote part of the day to the treasures of the British Museum, or the Old Masters in the National Gallery? Or travel into the City, financial centre of Britain, to visit St Paul's Cathedral - the baroque masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren? And be sure to visit the awesome Tower of London, long the dreaded prison of the monarchs but now a fascinating museum housing the Crown Jewels!

You could go on a day trip to Hampton Court, with its gardens, maze and haunted gallery or catch the 'tube' to Kew Gardens.

If shopping's your thing then Harrods and Selfridges are a must. You could stroll down the King's Road in fashionable Chelsea, or spend an afternoon browsing through the market stalls at Camden Lock.

• If all this sounds a little overwhwelming then we have the answer. Additional London sightseeing, half day trips to Royal Windsor Castle or a full day excursion to places like Stonehenge and Bath are offered by Insight's sister company, Evan Evans Tours. See page 17 for details of what's on offer.

Once night falls in London, enjoy a myriad of entertainment options - perhaps go late-night shopping; consider taking in a show in the heart of London's famous West End; dine at some of the best restaurants in the world; or simply try the capital's famous pubs and taverns. (B)

Day 8: RETURN TO USA.

Sadly your tour comes to an end after breakfast. (B)

Day 1: DEPART USA.

Board your overnight flight.

Day 2: ARRIVE LONDON.

After checking into the tour hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax, shop or explore. In the evening you are invited to an informative meeting and Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5: LONDON AT LEISURE.

Three wonderful days to take in the delights of London and surrounding areas! Why not soak up the history at the Tower of London, stroll through Hyde Park or shop in the Kings Road boutiques? Some of the finest museums and art galleries in the world are to be found here and, even better, many are free to get in! .

But just to get you started, we have included a half-day London sightseeing tour which shows you the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Continue past Downing Street to Trafalgar Square, London's Theatre District and Piccadilly Circus. Stop at Buckingham Palace to see the colourful Changing of the Guard. Your tour finishes at Trafalgar Square at around 12.30pm.

• If you would like some help getting to know London, additional sightseeing, half day trips or a full day excursions to places like Stratford and Bath are offered by Insight's sister company, Evan Evans Tours See page 17 for details of what's on offer. (B)

Day 6: LONDON - PARIS.

After meeting your Tour Director, you are transferred to St Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar train service to Paris. Your comfortable two-and-a-half hour rail journey takes you under the English Channel via the historic Channel Tunnel. On arrival in the French capital, enjoy an included orientation tour which takes in all the main sights; the Louvre building, Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe, as well as the Eiffel Tower and enchanting Notre Dame Cathedral. You might like to consider an optional tour of the Paris illuminations tonight?
Hotel: Pullman Bercy (CB)

Day 7

Day 8: PARIS.

You've got two full days to visit the great galleries, take side trips, stroll by the Seine, window-shop in the Faubourg St-Honore and enjoy a pleasant hour or two watching passers-by from a Parisian cafe. Whether you choose to ascend the Eiffel Tower or visit the Louvre on your own, or select one of our comprehensive 'Paris Experiences', we will ensure your time in the 'City of Lights' is as relaxed, romantic or exciting as you want it to be. (BB)

• On our 'Paris Experience 1' a qualified guide introduces you to Monet and other great impressionists in the Musee d'Orsay. Next it's a short drive to visit the impressive Palace of Versailles. Enjoy the formal gardens designed by Le Notre and the State Apartments including the Hall of Mirrors on your guided tour before returning to Paris where the nightlife beckons.

• With 'Paris Experience 2' our expert guide will introduce you to the great works of the sculptor Auguste Rodin, including The Thinker and The Kiss. Later drive through the Latin Quarter along the Boulevard St. Michel, past the Sorbonne University and by the Luxembourg Gardens to the bohemian quarter of Montmartre. Ascend by funicular to the Place du Tertre for lunch in a Parisian bistro. Local street artists can capture your likeness in minutes - a great souvenir to take home – and close by you can appreciate the view from the steps of Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

Day 9: RETURN TO USA.

Your tour ends today. Transfers from the tour hotel arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08.00 and 11.00hrs. (BB)

Day 1

Overnight flight to London.

Day 2

After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure to relax or to start to explore this exciting capital city.

Hotel: Hilton Olympia

Day 3

Many major sights are included on our morning guided sightseeing tour, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Your sightseeing tour will finish in central London, so the rest of the day is at leisure to discover more of the city for yourself, or perhaps time for some last minute shopping. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4

Greetings from our Tour Director before a scenic drive to the White Cliffs of Dover. Here we board our ferry for our cruise to Calais in France. Then we continue by coach through Belgium to Holland and Amsterdam, one of Europe’s friendliest cities. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour
Director and fellow travelers. Afterwards why not explore Amsterdam’s nightlife? (Continental breakfast)

Hotel: Mercure Aan De Amstel

Day 5

After a morning orientation tour featuring the Mint Tower and the Royal Palace we travel past Arnhem en route to Cologne to see its Cathedral. Then via Bonn to the Rhine Valley where we embark on a relaxing Rhine cruise gliding past terraced vineyards and medieval castles. We will enjoy a guided commentary on the Rhine and have the chance to maybe enjoy some of the delicious white wine, which this area is famous for, as we glide slowly past fabulous scenery to St. Goar. Here we disembark and pass by the Lorelei Rock before arriving in our Rhineland hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Park Inn Manheim

Day 6

Today’s first stop is at Heidelberg to view its red sandstone Castle, towering above the university city of ‘Student Prince’ fame. Then on through the fairytale Black Forest, where cuckoo clocks were first invented, then on to Switzerland for views of the mighty Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. Next past picturesque wooden chalets en route to the lakeside resort of Lucerne for our two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Schiller

Day 7

Our morning orientation features the covered Chapel Bridge straddling the River Reuss, and the poignant Lion Monument, plus our Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure to us all in this charming town. Then free time to take a trip up a nearby mountain to shop for Swiss timepieces in the old town or to take a leisurely cruise across the Lake. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 8

This morning we drive northwards to the Swiss border with France to Basel on the River Rhine. Here we head into France, passing Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line. Then past the onion-domed churches of Montbeliard and through the Burgundy countryside with a stop to admire the vineyards at Savigny-Lès-Beaune. Finally we arrive in romantic Paris. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Holiday Inn la Villette

Day 9

Our morning guided sightseeing tour includes views of Notre Dame Cathedral, beautifully located on an island in the River Seine, the renowned Champs Elysées which lead to the Arc de Triomphe, the magnificent Opera House and the Louvre featuring the glass pyramid entrance as described in the Da Vinci Code. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this wonderful city, perhaps to cruise the Seine, or visit the Chateau of Versailles. You may wish to shop or just sit in a café and watch the world go by. This evening we celebrate our tour together with a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant! (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Day 10

Today time to say ‘au revoir’ to our fellow travelers and Tour Director. An airport transfer is available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 1

Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Next stop: the buzzing, freewheeling city of Amsterdam.

Check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets.

With an optional evening canal cruise, you’ve got a chance to get to know the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam from the water. Get some pointers on the city’s hot spots from your Tour Manager and head into town for a fun night out.

Day 2

See one of the most photographed spots in the world when we visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens. With 6 million tulips and the country’s top flower bulbs on display, the colourful gardens are totally spectacular.

Later, there’s a chance to visit the pretty fishing village of Volendam and experience a slice of maritime tradition with our optional dinner at an old-style Dutch restaurant by the sea.

Day 3

Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm.

Experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and cool, quirky boutiques. In your free time, wander along shady canals and pass gabled houses. Try out Amsterdam’s multi-ethnic cuisine. This cultural melting pot dishes up loads of affordable food.

Day 4

Circle back to France via Belgium and ferry across the English Channel to England. A short drive brings us back to London where the tour ends and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.

Day 1

Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

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.

Day 3

Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris.

If you’re adventurous, get right into French culture when you arrive at the campsite. Your Contiki Cook will prepare authentic escargots (snails) for the group. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out this national delicacy.

You’ll also get to toast the start of your tour together in style with our special “Taste of France” welcome. Your Crew will serve champagne and local cheeses before we kick start Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, where the French capital transforms into the ‘City of Lights’. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafes give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most recognised monuments, like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.

Day 4

This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods).

Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces.

Tonight, treat yourself to a real Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaurant, where you can get to know your group. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls and champagne.

Day 5

Southbound, we roll on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. Our team will make you feel right at home in Contiki’s very own 16th Century chateau. There’s a wine tasting within the chateau’s working winery, where our resident expert will teach you about Beaujolais wine as you swirl and sip on wines made in the area for centuries.

Day 6

There’s loads of time to catch up on some sleep, laze about the Chateau or position yourself poolside. Explore the French countryside with a walk through the vineyards and picnic in the hills above the chateau. In the afternoon, get a feel for a real French country town and head into nearby Thiezé.

Day 7

Unwind on the coach, listen to your ipod and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs.

We continues on the road to the rugged coast line of the stunning Cote d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to Antibes.

Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamourous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home to the Formula 1. Get the inside story on the royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager. Try your luck at a casino later on.

Day 8

In your free time live a bit of the riviera lifestyle with a visit to one of the neighbouring towns like Cannes or Nice.

Try out the region’s produce like lavender honey, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and mouth-watering rosé wine.

Window shop the chic boutiques or choose a beach and catch some sun among all the bronzed bodies!

Day 9

Next stop on the Riviera and home to the French perfume industry is Fragonard Perfumery. Learn about how perfume is made and some of its more surprising ingredients. It’s also a chance to pick up a bottle or 2 at great prices.

Onwards to Italy, land of passion! En route to Renaissance Florence, we stop by Pisa and get up close to the famous Leaning Tower.

The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above Florence, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. After dinner, walk along the River Arno with your Tour Manager, take in the atmosphere and head into the heart of Florence, where you can sit back and relax Tuscan style with a glass of chianti wine.

Day 10

Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre..

Our Local Guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art.

With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city.

Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the heart of Florence. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club.

Day 11

Travel through Tuscany’s rustic hills, past the recognisable cypress tree landscapes of this olive-oil producing region, to vibrant Rome.

Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach tour of the city gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!) or hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps and sit back with a few slices of pizza.

Make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Day 12

This morning, check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.

Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars.

Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys.

In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.

Day 13

Pass gritty Naples, see Mt Vesuvius and plunge into Pompeii’s well-preserved past in an interesting optional excursion and retrace ancient history with our expert Local Guide.

Then there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of Southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece in Brindisi. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!

Days 14-16

Corfu is all that’s great about Greek island living. You’ll immediately find yourself on ‘local time’, browsing the markets of the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town and bargaining with the laid-back locals.

Jump on board George’s boat optional with a bunch friends for a fun day out on the water. It will give you another angle on idyllic Corfu. Work up an appetite swimming in the secluded spots and then feast on a lunch of olives, salad, cheeses, fresh bread and dips – prepared with ingredients from George’s back yard.

Corfu also gives you the chance to dive into action with a selection of water sports, like parasailing, banana-boating and waterskiing. Otherwise hire a car for a deeper look into Corfu and venture across the island to explore some beautiful, remote beaches.

While you’re here, there’s a fun toga theme party – don’t worry, we’ll supply the outfit!

Day 17

Today we cruise across the Adriatic Sea to Venice. With a full day and night on board, you’ve got plenty of time to catch up on some sleep, kick back with a book or hang out with the group.

Day 18

Onwards to Verona, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Get romantic and stand under one of the world’s most famous shrines to love, Juliet’s balcony from Romeo and Juliet. Check out the main shopping street and the Roman arena, before heading on to Venice.

Day 19

Known as the “floating city” Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals.

The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life.

Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century.

Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping.

Maybe grab a table on St Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco.

Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.

Day 20

Chill out on the coach as we make our way through the mighty Dolomites and cruise pass typically Austrian villages, complete with wooden chalets and green mountain fields.

Next stop is the cultural hub of Vienna. Tonight, there’s a chance to experience Vienna’s musical legacy with a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the city’s imperial palaces.

Day 21

Your Tour Manager starts the day by introducing the group to the city’s historical heritage. There’s the imperial grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, the elegantly ornate State Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral – a gothic masterpiece. Cruise down Kärterner Strasse, Vienna’s main shopping spot and buy some traditional ceramics and materials for gifts back home.

There’s free time to check out the magnificent squares and majestic palaces or the city’s art galleries. Take a break in a coffee house like the locals do, chill out in Vienna’s manicured gardens or wander along the Danube River.

Get schnaps savvy with a behind-the-scenes look into this local liqueuer’s production in an optional excursion to the Old Vienna Schnaps Museum. Later, there’s a chance for a traditional meal with the group in the Viennese country side.

Day 22

Stop at the World Heritage town Ceský Krumlov before arriving in the Czech capital Prague.

Day 23

Prague is a beautiful and atmospheric city. It’s also pretty compact, so it’s best explored on foot. Get straight into Prague’s historic heart with your Tour Manager. You’ll walk together over the landmark Charles Bridge, through Hradcany Castle, the home of the original Bohemian Kings and to the gothic St Vitus Cathedral, along the way.

Choose a lunch cruise on the Vltava River, which runs through the heart of Prague, and take in stunning views of the city from the water. The Czech capital has a really mixed past so look out for signs of the Roman Empire, the Bohemian Empire, the Nazis and the Communists.

Free time means you can get deeper into Prague’s old town in your own time. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a jumble of little lanes, alleys and courtyards. Slow the pace down and give yourself a chance to uncover its hidden treasures.

Spend some time in the picturesque Old Town Square, where historic buildings and churches surround cafes that spill out onto the pavement. With some world-famous Czech pilsner in hand, park yourself at a table, people-watch and try out some of the traditional local dumplings. This is also the spot to pick up some famous bohemian glass, beads or garnet and amber jewellery

By night, Prague bursts with possibilities. Loaded with all types of music, from jazz bars and hip DJs to opera, there is something for everyone, so make the most of it with your friends.

Day 24

This morning, travel southwest to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich - a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and modern lifestyle.

Explore the heart of Munich’s Old Town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel - a gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells.

Then head off with some friends for a taste of tradition to a typical beer hall and park yourselves at a long wooden table. In this optional excursion, you’ll feast on hearty local food, like roasted pork knuckle, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.

Day 25

Use your free time to discover more of Munich. Give an optional bike tour a go and get off the beaten track and onto Munich’s side streets with our Local Guide.

Otherwise head back to the old town and hunt around the little shops on the pedestrian-only lanes or for a change of scene, head to the university area. With shaded streets, buzzing pavement cafes and cute bookstores, it’s a great way to spend a chilled-out afternoon.

Day 26

Today, travel past the stony cliffs of Liechtenstein, into the capital, Vaduz, where you can grab some lunch and enjoy it in the shadow of the royal family’s 12th Century Castle.

Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful alpine town of Lucerne. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Tour Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches Switzerland is so famous for.

Tonight, we head to the alpine heights of Lauterbrunnen and stay at Contiki’s very own Swiss chalet.

Day 27

It’s a change of pace amongst Switzerland’s massive alps. Take in the amazing views from your chalet window.

Opt to visit Jungfrau mountain, head up the sheer slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage listed site on a cog rail to Europe’s highest railway station, and step out onto the “roof” of Europe for spine-tingling views.

Back at the chalet, make the most of the genuine underground bomb shelter and party it up with friends at the bar there.

Day 28

Over the border and into Germany, we head to the university town of Heidelberg. Wander around, grab a late lunch and check out its famous baroque church.

The coach follows the Rhine River, weaving through valleys dotted with castles and vineyards.

Next stop - the pretty, old-world village of St Goar, complete with fairy-tale castle and even a free-standing cuckoo clock! Learn about local know-how and get savvy on the craft of beer steins.

Then kick back with a glass of local wine and choose to find out more with the optional wine tasting in a candlelit underground cellar.

Day 29

Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm.

Head into the buzzing capital of Amsterdam and check out the eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and the wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7.

Day 1

Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

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.

Day 3

Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris.

If you’re adventurous, get right into French culture when you arrive at the campsite. Your Contiki Cook will prepare authentic escargots (snails) for the group. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out this national delicacy.

You’ll also get to toast the start of your tour together in style with our special “Taste of France” welcome. Your Crew will serve champagne and local cheeses before we kick start Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, where the French capital transforms into the ‘City of Lights’. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafes give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most recognised monuments, like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.

Days 4-5

This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods).

Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces.

Time in Paris includes a trip out to France’s most well-known chateau: Versailles, once home to the Sun King, Louis 14th and hot spot of the French Revolution. Check out the impressive exterior of this extravagant palace. Then there’s an opportunity to explore the former royal family’s luxurious living quarters.

Treat yourself to a real Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaruant, where you can get to know your group. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls and champagne.

Day 6

Southbound, we roll on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. Our team will make you feel right at home in Contiki’s very own 16th Century chateau. There’s a wine tasting within the chateau’s working winery, where our resident expert will teach you about Beaujolais wine as you swirl and sip on wines made in the area for centuries.

Day 7

There’s loads of time to catch up on some sleep, laze about the Chateau or position yourself poolside. Explore the French countryside with a walk through the vineyards and picnic in the hills above the chateau. In the afternoon, get a feel for a real French country town and head into nearby Thiezé.

Day 8

Today, it’s on to Pont du Gard in Southern France. It’s a stunning bridge with 2000 year old arches spanning across the river. This imposing Roman Aqueduct is an impressive feat of ancient engineering.

We keep heading south through the rugged and dramatic scenery of the Pyrénées mountains, over the border into Barcelona.

A sizzling, festive capital any night of the week, Barcelona is all about action. In Spain, fiesta time starts late, so park yourself at one of the city’s many outdoor squares to enjoy a glass of sangria and nibble on tapas (plate sized snacks) before a fun night out exploring Barcelona’s nightlife with your new friends.

Day 9

First stop: Mont Juic. The hilltop has full-blown vistas of the city and it’s where we stop to check out the 1992 Olympic Games complex. Afterwards, get a look into Spanish architect Gaudi’s wild imagination with his art nouveau masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Your Tour Manager walks you through the cobbled lanes of Barcelona’s oldest district, the Gothic Quarter.

There’s free time to discover more of Barcelona’s creative core. Pick up some quirky buys in the side streets or hit the big label shops on Plaça de Catalunya. Take in all of Barcelona’s buzzing street life on the tree-lined La Rambla – a boulevard packed with street performers, artists, shops and stalls.

Other ideas for your afternoon off include hanging out in the colourful gardens of Parc Güell or kicking back with the locals on the beach and taking a swim in the Mediterranean sea. For lunch, there’s plenty of delicious local seafood to try like Spain’s signature dish, paella.

Wrap up your time in this hot city with an optional Flamenco dance show for a closer look into Spanish culture. Get some tips on regional food from your Tour Manager and head to one of the excellent local restaurants to try out the flavours of Catalan cuisine, like crema catalana (caramalised custard), cargos a la llauna(cooked snails) and the fantastic Rioja wine! Afterward, hit the pumping clubs of Port Olympico, by the water.

Day 10

Unwind on the coach and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. A stop for lunch in Arles means a look at the ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town.

It’s back on the road to the rugged coast line of the stunning Cote d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to Antibes.

Day 11

Next stop on the Riviera and home to the French perfume industry is Fragonard Perfumery. Learn about how perfume is made and some of its more surprising ingredients. It’s also a chance to pick up a bottle or 2 at great prices.

In your free time live a bit of the lifestyle with a visit to the local markets. Try out the region’s produce like lavender honey, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and mouth-watering rosé wine.

Window shop the chic boutiques or choose a beach and catch some sun among all the bronzed bodies!

Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamorous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home to the Formula 1. Get the inside story on the royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager. Try your luck at a casino later on.

Day 12

Onwards to Italy and Verona, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Get romantic and stand under one of the world’s most famous shrines to love, Juliet’s balcony from Romeo and Juliet. Check out the main shopping street and the Roman arena, before heading on to Venice.

Day 13

Known as the “floating city” Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals.

The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life.

Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century.

Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping.

Maybe grab a table on St Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco.

Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.

Day 14

Wind through the Apennine Mountains and Tuscan countryside to the Renaissance city of Florence, with a stop at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above Florence, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. After dinner, walk along the River Arno with your Tour Manager, take in the atmosphere and head into the heart of Florence, where you can sit back and relax Tuscan style with a glass of chianti wine.

Day 15

Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre..

Our Local Guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art.

With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city.

Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the heart of Florence. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club.

Day 16

Travel through Tuscany’s rustic hills, past the recognisable cypress tree landscapes of this olive-oil producing region, to vibrant Rome.

Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach tour of the city gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!) or hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps and sit back with a few slices of pizza.

Make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Day 17

This morning, check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.

Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars.

Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys.

In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.

Day 18

Pass gritty Naples, see Mt Vesuvius and plunge into Pompeii’s well-preserved past in an interesting optional excursion and retrace ancient history with our expert Local Guide.

Then there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of Southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece in Bari. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!

Day 19

From Patras, cross the impressive man- made Corinth Canal.

Athens is next, a city crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul.

Step back in time in Europe’s oldest city to the birthplace of democracy and get the run down on the Parthenon and the Acropolis from our Local Guide, as you wander around the marble columns perched above the city sprawl.

Then we check out the first modern Olympic Stadium from the 1896 games.

Wrap up the day on the shady slopes beneath the Acropolis, with an optional dinner in the rustic district of Plaka, full of traditional tavernas spilling out onto the pavements.

Day 20

Today, board a typical Greek ferry to Mykonos and take advantage of the amazing views across the Aegean and of the rocky islands with your camera.

Days 21-22

Mykonos is famous for its blissful beaches and party culture. No matter what you are after, chances are this island has got it! You’ll soon understand why people from all walks of life, from jet-setters to backpackers, come to hang out here.

You’ve got heaps of time to visit Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table for lunch in the village and feast on fresh local specialties, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip.

For a laid back afternoon, be sure to check out world-famous Paradise Beach on an optional excursion. Get some friends together, chill out to the tunes pumping at the beachfront resorts, swim and relax

Wrap up the day in Little Venice and watch the sun set over the Aegean. But don’t stop there-get into the vibe and party at one of Mykonos’ many bars and or hip clubs.

Day 23

Back to mainland Greece, we journey across the Peloponnese, through the mountains to the coastal town of Preveza, a fishing village known for its friendly locals.

Day 24

It’s over the border and into Albania this morning. Albania serves up mind-blowing scenery scattered with the remains of old war-bunkers – a sad reminder of its recent past. Your Tour Manager will give you this country’s history on the coach as we follow the coastline to our overnight stop.

Day 25

Sticking to the shoreline, continue through tiny Montenegro to the spectacular fortress town of Dubrovnik, well known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

Day 26

With baroque buildings, museums and monasteries, this eye-catching UNESCO World Heritage Site is great to explore on foot. Get lost in the walled city’s web of winding streets.

You’ve got free time so pull up at a table in the pedestrian district of the old town. Lunch on fantastic fresh seafood or a spicy beef stew. For full scale views of the area, wander along the 2kms of old town walls or hike up Mt Srj.

In the afternoon, try our optional Dubrovnik Cruise. Jump on the family-run boat and island hop!

Day 27

Weaving up the Dalmatian Coast towards Split, we pass crystal clear waters scattered with green islands.

Get up close to Roman heritage when you wander through the domain of Diocletian’s Palace in the city centre, complete with 220 buildings and a huge cathedral.

Zadar is the next stop with its medieval churches and marble streets. Check-out the local man-made wonder, the “sea-organ”, where surging water bursts through holes cut into the rock. If you’re keen, grab a few buddies and hang out among the lively student population that fills the town’s bars and cafes.

Day 28

Today we’ll head to little Ljubljana, Slovenia’s happening university town and colourful capital. Compact and user-friendly, it’s easy to discover on foot and with a gorgeous hill-top castle and striking river, it’s a great place to hang out. Take a walk along the shaded riverside paths or head to the city’s popular meeting point, Presernov Tg, the central town square where you can watch lively street musicians and performers.

Day 29

Next stop is the cultural hub of Vienna. Tonight, there’s a chance to experience Vienna’s musical legacy with a Mozart concert in one of the city’s imperial palaces.

Day 30

Your Tour Manager starts the day by introducing the group to the city’s historical heritage. There’s the imperial grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, the elegantly ornate State Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral – a gothic masterpiece. Cruise down Kärterner Strasse, Vienna’s main shopping spot and buy some traditional ceramics and materials for gifts back home.

There’s free time to check out the magnificent squares and majestic palaces or the city’s art galleries. Take a break in a coffee house like the locals do, chill out in Vienna’s manicured gardens or wander along the Danube River.

Get schnaps savvy with a behind-the-scenes look into this local liqueuer’s production in an optional excursion to the Old Vienna Schnaps Museum. Later, there’s a chance for a traditional meal with the group in the Viennese country side.

Day 31

Journey through the Tyrols and Sound of Music country to a cute Austrian village in a region famous for adventure sports. With 2 nights in Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guest inn), there’s plenty of time for pulse-racing activities. Our resident crew will give you pointers on the best stuff to do in the region and make sure you get everything out of your time here.

Day 32

This morning, fill your lungs with clean mountain air, jump on a bike and get into the region’s outdoor lifestyle with a fully guided optional tour through the Tyrol’s picture perfect scenery, complete with waterfalls and mountain fields. Work up an appetite – a BBQ lunch is waiting for you at the end!

With time to do your own thing, laze about or get out for a walk in the surrounding hills. Catch up on some emails or postcards at the inn or take a gondola up the mountainside for more spectacular views of the area. For something different, pop into the local trout farm.

For adrenaline-junkies, an optional tandem paraglide will give you an awesome angle on the surrounding alpine scenery.
(B,D)

Day 33

Kick start the day and plunge into some white-water rafting in an adrenaline-pumping optional activity on the river.

This afternoon, travel north to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich - a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and modern lifestyle.

Explore the heart of Munich’s Old Town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel - a gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells.

Then head off with some friends for a taste of tradition to a typical beer hall and park yourselves at a long wooden table. In this optional excursion, you’ll feast on hearty local food, like roasted pork knuckle, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.

Day 34

Today, travel past the stony cliffs of Liechtenstein, into the capital, Vaduz, where you can grab some lunch and enjoy it in the shadow of the royal family’s 12th Century Castle.

Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful alpine town of Lucerne. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Tour Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches Switzerland is so famous for.

Tonight, we head to the alpine heights of Lauterbrunnen and stay at Contiki’s very own Swiss chalet.

Day 35

It’s a change of pace amongst Switzerland’s massive alps. Take in the amazing views from your chalet window.

Opt to visit Jungfrau mountain, head up the sheer slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage listed site on a cog rail to Europe’s highest railway station, and step out onto the “roof” of Europe for spine-tingling views.

Back at the chalet, make the most of the genuine underground bomb shelter and party it up with friends at the bar there.

Day 36

Over the border and into Germany, we head to the university town of Heidelberg. Wander around, grab a late lunch and check out its famous baroque church.

The coach follows the Rhine River, weaving through valleys dotted with castles and vineyards.

Next stop - the pretty, old-world village of St Goar, complete with fairy-tale castle and even a free-standing cuckoo clock! Learn about local know-how and get savvy on the craft of beer steins.

Then kick back with a glass of local wine and choose to find out more with the optional wine tasting in a candlelit underground cellar.

Day 37

In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm.

Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam.

Head into the buzzing capital of Amsterdam and check out the eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and the wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7.