Around the cities of Amsterdam and London Today is the first day of your exciting new adventure. Prior to continuing on to Amsterdam, get together with the rest of your Contiki group for a last-minute London debrief. We want to visit the picturesque White Cliffs of Dover just before we board our ferry to continental Europe. See, you’re learning, and we haven’t even left the UK yet, because their beauty is due to the presence of chalk in their construction. After disembarking, we find ourselves in the French port town of Calais. Leaving southern France towards Belgium, we finally arrive in… Amsterdam? After a complimentary meal and an available canal tour this evening, you are free to discover the legendary fun city of Amsterdam at night.

Time has come to let the sun shine in and soak up the sights of canals, wonky architecture, little-visited museums, and an unparalleled café culture. You’ll be enchanted by the picturesque ride through castles, vineyards, and valleys straight to  Germany’s famous Rhine Valley. Our evening’s wine tasting will be hosted by this historic town.

To the immediate vicinity of Munich Possibly you drank too much grape juice the night before. As we head south and trade wine for beer, the prospect of Munich should help lift your spirits. Today we will see a famous Gothic clock, a picturesque old town, and authentic Bavarian culture. You can go for a stroll through the city’s alleys and then reward yourself with a stein of beer and maybe some pork knuckle at one of the city’s many beer halls.

Bye-bye, Munich, and hello, mountains. We’re hitting the road in search of locations that served as inspiration for the film The Sound of Music. After crossing the Bavarian Alps, it’s time to head to this famous Olympic town, where your jaw will drop at the sight of the famous ski jump and you’ll have the afternoon to soak in the mediaeval old town atmosphere. Tonight, you can see a traditional Tyrolean performance. Don’t forget to try some delicious Austrian strudel and local schnaps!

Venice and its environs Wanderers, wake up with the gorgeous snow-capped Alps as your backdrop; we have a hearty breakfast and a floating city in Italy to attend to. Life is difficult! After seeing the Central Austrian Alps and the Brenner Pass on your way to Italy, you’ll think you’ve seen enough beauty for one day. Then we’ll arrive in Venice, where your jaw will drop as we navigate hidden lanes, storybook bridges, and a private canal boat ride.

Rome and its environs Farewell, floating city, but Italy, we’re not finished with you yet; the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner. The afternoon will really kick things up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country’s capital, Rome, while catching a glimpse of them at night. Gelato, pizza, and ancient ruins—ideal!

We’re getting up early this morning to make the most of our opportunity to explore this ancient city. Begin with a visit to Vatican City, the world’s smallest country. Take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, while in Rome. Whether you’re religious or not, the Vatican’s Italian Renaissance church will send chills up your spine. This is also a good day to learn about the Colosseum and go exploring on your own. Back in Rome, we’ll have time to explore the streets and learn about the incredible ancient civilization that is right on our doorstep. You can take a guided tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators, or you can take epic selfies against a backdrop of pink azaleas near the entrance. Visit the Trevi Fountain and make a wish with coins, or sip espresso in a cobblestoned backstreet and soak up Italian life as it passes by.

Florence and its surroundings We may be returning to the road, but Italy is not yet over. We have one more city to fantasise about… The dome of the Duomo Cathedral towers above the city, signalling that we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to appreciate the unique beauty of this lovely city, where culture and the good life can be found in every direction. On a guided walking tour, we’ll become history buffs before learning the art of leather. Tonight, you can start your Tuscan love affair with an optional dinner of olives, cured meats, crostini, and wine.

Lucerne and its surroundings Say goodbye to Italy and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese, and, of course, watches. Hello there, Switzerland! Swans float beneath wooden bridges, snow-capped mountains tower over us, and chocolate tastes like heaven on earth. You’re in the Swiss Alps, and you can’t stop grinning.

Paris and its environs It’s been wonderful, but our time in Lucerne is coming to an end this morning. We’re off to Paris! Out with the altitude, in with the bliss of inner-city Paris. We’ll get back on our coach and head out of Switzerland and back into France. We’ll arrive in the City of Lights after cruising through the lovely wine-producing region of Burgundy. On a dreamy night-time tour, we’ll fall in love with everything Paris: a lamp-lit bridge, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, and evening coffee haunts. Is it just us, or is there something in the air? After seeing the most famous landmarks, we’ll cap off our first night in Paris by climbing the Montparnasse Tower for the best panoramic views of the city.

It’s time to wander the dreamy streets of Paris, swoon over haute couture you can’t afford, marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral while juggling coffee and crêpes, and get artsy at the Louvre’s many museums. Just don’t overdo it; you’ll want to get involved with a ticket to an iconic cabaret show and dinner. Make your last night in the city of lights something to remember.

It’s time to swoon over haute couture you can’t afford, marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral while juggling coffee and crêpes, and get artsy at the Louvre’s many museums. Just don’t go overboard; you’ll want to get involved with a ticket to a legendary cabaret show and dinner. Make your last night in the City of Lights memorable.