Duration: 19 Days
Five countries, ten days, one unforgettable adventure. From East to West we’ll explore the best of Europe as it comes alive in winter, from the historical heritage, colorful street art and infamous ruin bars of Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest, to breathing in the crisp alpine air of the Austrian Alps & strolling the cobbled streets and markets of Ljubljana, before encountering all the charms of Italy with a hit of culture and pasta. Day 1
Warsaw to Krakow
Welcome aboard! Wave ‘pa!’ to Warsaw, we have our sights set on Krakow this morning.
En route, we’ll stop off at the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp for a sobering reminder of Poland’s dark past.
Once the capital of Poland, Krakow is now known for its rich history, tasty pretzels, excellent vintage markets (you heard it from us) and salt mining heritage. Tonight you’ll have time to explore the local restaurants for a traditional dinner, then you can rest up knowing we have all day tomorrow to get our Krakow on.
Day 2
Krakow
Good morning Poland! Today is all about getting up close and personal with Krakow life. We’ll cover the basics on our included sightseeing tour in the morning, and you have a free afternoon to stroll the charming streets of Krakow. Check out Kazimierz, the UNESCO-listed Old Town & historic Jewish Quarter with its jumble of street art, vintage markets, crumbling cafes & 14th century synagogue. An optional Pierogi making class will keep us entertained into the evening.
Day 3
Krakow to Budapest
We say a fond farewell to Krakow and head for the bright lights of Budapest this morning.
Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you.
Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day. From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. Take your time exploring this evening, stop for a drink in a ruin bar tucked away in the Jewish Quarter and keep our eyes peeled for a delicious Langos.
Day 4
Budapest
Ready to explore, we’ll head out on a journey of old and new this morning with a locally guided walking tour of Budapest including the Royal Palace, the Chain Bridge & the Fisherman’s Bastion. As the evening draws in, you’ll have the chance to jump on board a Danube River Cruise with dinner included. Gliding across the shimmering night-lit river of Danube, you’ll get to experience the beautiful sights of Budapest while enjoying a delicious à la carte Hungarian feast.
Day 5
Budapest to Salzburg
Bye Budapest! Normally we’d be devastated to be leaving, but with Austria on the horizon we have strudel and music to look forward to.
Onwards and upwards we go, into the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain Salzburg knows a tune!
We'll also have the chance to visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts, followed by some schnaps.
Day 6
Salzburg
Today is ours to enjoy all of Salzburg’s delights. The options are endless; take a guided tour of the city with a local expert to uncover its wonders, or perhaps jump in the car for a drive through spectacular scenery.
Day 7
Salzburg to to Ljubljana
Morning Salzburg! Today we say goodbye to Austria and continue east in our discoveries, bound for Hungary.
Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries, a distinct identity within Slovenian culture has evolved from the melody of influences surrounding it. After we've had a walking orientation to get acquainted with our new surroundings, you’ll have the chance to explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto or sit by one of Ljubljana’s atmospheric watercourses.
Day 8
Ljubljana to Venice
Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we're trading in the obscure unknown for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop!
Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! A private boat ride, gothic architecture and a web of lanes to explore will keep your day filled quite nicely.
Day 9
Venice to Rome
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner.
The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it's glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto!
Day 10
Rome
Rise and shine, Rome awaits us! Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture and bucket list sights as we uncover all of Rome’s key features, from the Colosseum to the Vatican City. Not enough? There’s also the option to head back in time and discover Rome of the Emperors and Gladiators.
Day 11
Rome to Sorrento
Full of gelato and memories, we’ll bid ‘ciao’ to Bella Roma and head south for Sorrento, with a special stop on the way.
Driving down the coast today, we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash.
Soak up the sweeping views on route to gorgeous Sorrento, where sun-bleached pastel houses perch along cliffs, tumbling down to the Mediterranean sea. Here you’ll have the chance to treat yourself with a visit to La Sorgente, a nearby locally-owned family mozzarella farm, for an authentic Italian meal complete with fresh homemade mozzarella, rich olive oil and sunshine-colored limoncello.
Day 12
Sorrento
It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to...
After wandering the cobbled streets of Sorrento, we'll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast, stopping off in Amalfi town to admire the castles and coastal views. Next up, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit a Lemon Farm and learn all about how your fav limoncello is made.
Back in Sorrento, we'll all tuck into an included dinner.
Day 13
Sorrento to Florence
See you, Sorrento! Thanks for making our Instagram feeds look like shoots for Italian Vogue!
Woah, what’s that big thing in the sky?! It’s not a hot cross bun, is it… Oh wait, it's just the Duomo! You know, the one with the famous red dome that sits above Florence? We’ll learn all about Duomo, plus the Basilica, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more as locals show us around the city of Florence. Was that thunder?! Oh thank goodness, it was just your stomach… all that walking really gets the old appetite going. Good thing there’s a Tuscan evening ahead - a feast of local food from Central Italy with music. Opt in to this experience as a free time add on (trust us, you won’t regret it!). Eating pasta in Italy is as good as it sounds, but also keep your eye out for sumptuous Florentine steak, boozy tiramisu, and more local specialties.
Day 14
Florence to Milan
Florence, you’ve been a dream, but today will see us moving onwards and upwards to Milan.
Arriving in super-chic Milan, get ready to feel your diva self. Strut your stuff downtown to see the famous Milan Duomo, Galleria and La Scala. If you want to dine like a Milanese opt for an EatWith experience.
Day 15
Milan to Lucerne
Leaving Milan this morning we’ll be saying a final ‘Ciao’ to Italy, but the dreamy destinations don’t stop coming as we cross the border over the Swiss Alps.
With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here you'll have the chance to ascend Mt Stanserhorn, or take an optional lake cruise (summer only), giving yourself a better look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.
Day 16
Lucerne to Lyon
Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Paris.
After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so we'll head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies. Topped off with some beaujolais wine, but of course.
Day 17
Lyon to Paris
Rolling out of Lyon this morning we’re Paris-bound, swapping countryside for inner-city bliss.
Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris, made all the more romantic in winter months. After an included dinner at the hotel, our Trip Manager will fill us in on the city's secrets with a dreamy night-time tour of the 'city of lights', passing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral. We’ll also take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower you’ll find anywhere in Paris.
Day 18
Paris
Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is ours! First we’ll visit the glamorous Fragonard perfumery for a lesson in the olfactory arts, then the time is yours to explore cozy cafes, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, hunt for vintage treasures in Le Marais, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre.
Day 19
Paris to London
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you’ve seen during this awesome trip, not to mention how close you’ve grown to your Contiki pals.
What a journey! On arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group - the adventure has come to an end.
Start Date: 2023-10-25
End Date: 2023-11-12
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