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Trip: Britain and Southern Ireland

Europe 18-day tour Starting at A $2429 (land only) Timeout

Explore London, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and the Roman spa town of Bath in Great Britain, historic Warwick, Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia Park in Wales, scenic Killarney, the Cliffs of Moher and the Irish cities of Galway and Dublin.

Trip Itinerary

London to Bath. A warm welcome from your Contiki crew as we begin with a city tour of London. >From here we go to the historic town of Windsor and a chance to visit the famous castle. We cross the Salisbury Plains to the ancient monument at Stonehenge and then to Bath for a city tour and chance to visit the Roman Baths. (D) Bath to Coventry. Today we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, home of Shakespeare, for a tour of the Elizabethan town. See Anne Hathaway’s cottage then head to Warwick Castle, for a chance to explore the beautiful gardens andstate rooms. This evening why not go back in time and revel at a romping ‘Medieval Banquet’? (B) Coventry to York. We head north through the Midlands to the historic city of York. See Roman, Viking and medieval history in this famous walled city. An included walking tour by day and a chance to go ghost hunting by night. Our home tonight is in nearby South Milford. (B,D) York to Edinburgh. Today we take a trip to the foot of the Pennine Mountains to view Hadrian’s Wall. North into bonnie Scotland for a scenic drive to the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Our city tour introduces you to this cultural capital, see the Castle and Holyrood Palace. After dinner explore the lively nightlife. (B) Edinburgh at Leisure. A free day to explore the city. Why not walk the Royal Mile and shop for tartan and shortbread along Princes’ Street? Tonight an opportunity to try haggis and the sound of the bagpipes at a local Scottish Evening. (B) Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands. Crossing the Forth Bridge we head for the Dee Valley in the Grampian Mountains. Enjoy a spectacular drive along the Whisky Trail to our home tonight in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. (B,D) Scottish Highlands to Oban/Fort Williams. This morning we visit Eilean Donan Castle, location for the cult film Highlander! Continuing south past the home of ‘Nessie’ at Loch Ness and in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, we arrive at our overnight stop.(B,D) Oban Sightseeing/Fort William to Oban Time to relax and enjoy this harbor-side village or take the opportunity of a short ferry ride across to the Isle of Mull with its stunning scenery. Tonight enjoy a wee dram with the locals.(B) Oban to Lake Windermere – Lake District. This morning we head south past Loch Lomond to Gretna Green. We leave Scotland behind as we head through the beautiful Lake District. Our hotel tonight is close to Lake Windermere. (B,D) Lake District at Leisure. If you’re feeling active try our “adventure day” or perhaps just stroll and take in the lakeside scenery. Tonight experience the local hospitality. (B) Lake District to Swansea - South Wales. First stop is the Roman town of Chester. Walk the ramparts and admire the unique Tudor architecture. Crossing into Wales we take a scenic drive through the Cambrian Mountains and head south through Wales to our overnight stop at Swansea. (B,D) South Wales to Waterford – Ireland.Spend this morning exploring your Welsh town, before meeting new friends and travelling to Pembroke to board our ferry across the Irish sea and onto Waterford. Enjoy the best of Irish hospitality and smiles for your first night on the ‘Emerald Isle’. (B) Waterford to Killarney. An opportunity to visit the Crystal Factory and a chance to lean over backwards to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Onto the Ring of Kerry and a magnificent drive to Killarney. (B,D) Killarney to Galway. We leave County Kerry, travel into County Limerick andonto County Clare with it’s awesome 700ft sheer Cliffs of Moher. Across the eerie moonscape of the Burren and on to the lively seaside city of Galway. Tonight we take you on a walking tour of Galway City and there’s a chance to try the local fare.(B) Galway and the Connemara. The Twelve Pins Mountains overlook our scenic drive through this amazing landscape of Connemara. There’s an opportunity to try our “activity morning” around scenic Killary Harbor before returning to Galway. (B,D) West Coast to Dublin. We travel through the center of Ireland to Dublin’s fair city. Our sightseeing tour includes St. Stephens Green, O’Connell Street and Trinity College with its wonderful Georgian architecture. Tonight explore Dublin’s vibrant nightlife. (B,D) Dublin at Leisure. A whole day to marvel at Dublin’s sights and soak up its unique atmosphere. Take the opportunity to view the historic Book of Kells and stroll through the grounds of famous Trinity College. Perhaps take a walking tour of the literary and musical spots or just shop and relax. Tonight a final farewell evening “to be sure” in the Wicklow Mountains close to Dublin.(B) Dublin to London. We take the ferry to Holyhead and drive through Wales and England on our journey back to London.(B)

 

Trip: European Encounter

Europe 16-day tour Starting at A $1935 (land only) Timeout

Enjoy sightseeing in London, Amsterdam, the Rhine Valley, the Swiss alps, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, the French Riviera, Lyon, and Paris.

Trip Itinerary

London to Amsterdam. Meet your Contiki crew as we drive to the White Cliffs of Dover for our cross-Channel ferry to France. Then through Belgium to Holland and its capital, Amsterdam for the evening. (D) Amsterdam Sightseeing. Visit the cheese village of Edam, a cheese farm and see clogs being made. Shop for diamonds and take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Tonight why not get together for a local meal?(B) Amsterdam to the Rhine Valley. Leaving Holland we enter Germany and head for the Rhine Valley. We travel past Cologne, seeing the barges and boats on the waterways. At St Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, castles and the infamous Lorelei rock. (B, D) Rhine Valley to Engelberg. Today we head for the Alps and lakeside Lucerne. Enjoy an orientation tour of the beautiful city of Lucerne. An opportunity to see the Lion Monument, cross the Chapel Bridge and shop for watches and Swiss chocolate. Later we take a short journey to Engelberg and our hotel. (B,D) Engelberg at Leisure. This morning, an opportunity for your to take the revolving cable to the top of Mount Titlis for spectacular view at 10,000 ft. Relax in Engelberg for the afternoon. After dinner, enjoy the nightlife in Engelberg. (B,D) Engelberg to Innsbruck. Now to Austria via Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Perhaps take the opportunity to try white water rafting before arriving in Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof. (B,D) Innsbruck to Venice. We head south over the Brenner Pass to Venice where we learn about glass-blowing. Enjoy our complimentary motor boat to see St Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Tonight why not treat yourself to a gondola ride? (B) Venice to Rome. Southwards as we pass Bologna, climb through the Appennine Mountains, passing medieval hillside villages and on to the fabled Seven Hills of the Eternal City, Rome. Tonight a walking tour of this ancient city includes the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. (B) Rome Sightseeing. Today why not discover the ancient ruins of Rome with a local guide and in your free time leisurely discover the secrets of the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.(B,D) Rome to Florence. We drive to Florence where our local expert guide takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell-tower, Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Tonight join the locals in a restaurant or club. i>(B) Florence to Nice - French Riviera. We continue via Italy’s west coast to view the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then to the Côte d’Azur and our hotel on the French Riviera. Tonight, we drive to Monaco to see the Royal Palace and visit a casino. (B) Nice Sightseeing at Leisure. Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade at Nice. A chance to relax, swim or shop for French fashion – the choice is yours! (B,D) Nice to Lyon. Visit a French perfumery before our drive to see the Palace of the Popes in the Papal city of Avignon. Then north along the Rhône Valley to Lyon.(B) Lyon to Paris. Drive north to the Château of Fontainbleau before continuing on to Paris. Tonight we enjoy a magical evening tour of the city illuminations. (B,D) Paris Sightseeing. Today, a full day for you to explore Paris. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Nôtre Dame Cathedral. There’s time to shop on the Champs Elysées, take in a museum or stroll by the Seine. Tonight join us for dinner and a famous Parisian cabaret.(B) Paris to London. Going north we first visit the Canadian War Memorial situated near the Valley of the Somme. From here to Calais and our cross channel ferry to Dover. Arriving London early evening. (B) NB: the tour price does not include a night in London at the end of your tour.

 

Trip: Mediterranean Highlights

Europe 13-day tour Starting at A $1699 (land only) Timeout

Travel along the varied coastline of the Mediterranean Sea and visit four of Europe's most sought after countries--Spain, France, Monaco and Italy! This tour is more than breathtaking with its beautiful scenery, its a magical experience...

Trip Itinerary

Arrive Madrid. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the Spanish capital. This evening meet your Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travellers at 6pm in the hotel. (D) Madrid Sightseeing. Our morning sightseeing includes a guided tour of the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is free for you to discover this amazing city. Perhaps a visit to the Bullring or the famous Prado Musuem. Tonight a chance to try fabulous traditional Spanish cuisine. (B) Madrid to Barcelona. The first stop today is Zaragoza. See the impressive Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. A chance for lunch in this city of 4 cultures. We travel east arriving in Catalonia’s most famous city, Barcelona. (B,D) Barcelona Sightseeing. Our city orientation takes in Gaudi’s amazing art nouveau cathedral, a real “must see,” and the 1994 Olympic Games complex. Later our walking tour takes us to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. A chance to shop for Spain’s famous Lladró porcelain, Majorica Pearls and leather. An opportunity to try Paella and maybe a flamenco show. Tonight you are free to check out Barcelona’s lively night scene. (B) Barcelona to Avignon. We say goodbye to Spain today as we head for France. We visit Carcassone for lunch, a perfect example of a medieval walled defence. Travelling along the Canal du Midi we arrive in Avignon, City of the Popes. (B,D) Avignon to Aix-en-Provence. This morning time to explore Avignon. See the Papal Palace before continuing to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, to reflect on the marvels of this ancient architecture. Continuing to Provence we visit the city of Arles, home of Vincent Van Gogh. We see the Roman Amphitheatre and maybe there’ll be a chance to sample the wines of Provence. For dinner this evening why not discover the local cuisine of Aix-en-Provence.(B) Aix-en-Provence to Nice. Leaving the home of Paul Cezanne, we make a stop in Grasse, to visit a French Perfumery, then onto Cannes on the glamorous Cote D’Azur. See the Palais du Festival, home of the Cannes Film Festival before continuing to our hotel in Nice. Tonight we visit magnificent Monaco, to see the Royal Palace and Monte Carlo Casino.(B) French Riviera at Leisure. Relax this morning and soak up the atmosphere of the capital of the Riviera. A last chance to shop in France or simply enjoy the beach. An opportunity to visit the medieval hilltop town of St Paul du Vence. (B,D) Nice to Cinque Terre, Italy. An early start as we travel to Italy. We drive past Genoa (Christopher Columbus’ birthplace) before entering the unspoilt Cinque Terre Region. At Monterosso we take a cruise to Manarolo to view this magnificent region. A short walk to Riomaggiore and time to explore this picturesque village. Continuing by boat we reach La Spezia and transfer to our hotel for the evening. (B,D) Cinque Terre to Florence. First we visit Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, then on to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon our local guide in Florence takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s Belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria. Enjoy a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft before your opportunity tonight to sample traditional Tuscan hospitality. (B) Florence at leisure. Your day to discover this amazing city. Why not see Michaelangelo’s David or the famous Uffizzi Gallery. Cross the Arno River by way of the famous Ponte Vecchio and maybe visit the Pitti Palace. Don’t forget to try Italian gelati and sample the unique atmosphere of the capital of Tuscany. (B,D) Florence to Rome. We head south to the eternal city of Rome. A chance to do a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Walk the ancient streets this evening passing the famous Trevi Fountain,the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Why not share a farewell meal together to mark a memorable tour. (B) Rome. Your tour finishes after breakfast this morning. Time to swap addresses and say goodbye.(B)