Contiki 18 Day European Impressions

Itinerary

Day 1: London to Brussels. A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and Channel crossing to France. It's a short drive to Belgium and its capital, Brussels. See the medieval buildings of the Grand Place and the intriguing Mannekin-Pis and make sure you take the time to try some Belgian specialties - waffles, chocolate and beer! (D)

Day 2: Brussels to Amsterdam. This morning we leave Brussels and arrive in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Spend time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting a famous museum such as the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank's House. Tonight, why not join us for dinner in a local fishing village? (B)

Day 3: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley. Leaving the 'City of Diamonds' 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)

Day 4: Rhine Valley to Swiss Alps. Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and the vast serene lakes of Switzerland. Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion monument and plentiful shopping opportunities. Maybe a cruise on Lake Lucerne to enhance your ultimate Swiss encounter? Tonight's accommodation is at the base of the snow-capped Mt Titlis. (B,D)

Day 5: Swiss Alps. Today you have the opportunity to explore the peak of one of Switzerland's most dramatic mountains - Mt. Pilatus. Maybe travel by cable car to the summit and enjoy the views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Explore the cobbled streets of Lucerne and see the famous Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge. (B,D)

Day 6: Swiss Alps to Munich. We stop for lunch in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Germany and Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and maybe take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (B)

Day 7: Munich to Venice. Today we travel south through Austria and the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy. Tonight we stay on the mainland of Venice. (B,D)

Day 8: Venice. A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing musuems. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)

Day 9: Venice to Florence. We wind through the Apennine Mountains towards the gorgeous region of Tuscany. We visit Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower and Baptistry. This evening enjoy the chance to stroll through the streets of this most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D)

Day 10: Florence. Your day includes a walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)

Day 11: Florence to French Riviera. Amazing views as we wind along the beautiful coastline and reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d'Azur. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us tonight for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

Day 12: French Riviera. 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 - the choice is yours! (B,D)

Day 13: French Riviera to Barcelona. We travel south today and visit a French perfumery in the heart of Provence. As we skim past the Pyrenées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 14: Barcelona. Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Ramblas and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

Day 15: Barcelona to Bordeaux. We return to France today, past medieval cities, golden fields and vineyards. This evening we reach the famous wine-producing town of Bordeaux. (B,D)

Day 16: Bordeaux to Paris. Continuing north, we follow the river past the chateaux of the Loire Valley and on to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City of Lights" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)

Day 17: Paris. Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)

Day 18: Paris to London. We visit the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge on the way to our cross-channel ferry back to England. Time to swap addresses and say goodbye as we arrive early evening in London. (B)