The Winter Wanderer is like a leisurely stroll through Europe's top destinations. Some of the highlights of the tour include: driving along the French Riviera, exploring the Eternal City of Rome (it's never too cold for Gelato!) and sampling traditional Spanish tapas in Barcelona not to mention retracing the history of WW2 and the Cold War in Berlin and Prague. Winter in Europe is not only magical, it's less crowded and has its very own charms that go unnoticed in the heat of summer. The epitome of a winter wonderland.
| Length: | 26 days |
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| Accommodations: | n/a |
| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | France, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium ( in transit ) |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
London to ParisA warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields 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?
ParisToday 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?
Paris to LucerneToday our path takes us through the vineyards of Burgundy, past Dijon toward the towering Alps of Switzerland and Lucerne, our home for the next two nights.
LucerneSpend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets shopping for local specialties - watches, chocolate and Swiss Army knives.
Lucerne to LyonThis morning we travel past Geneva and back in to France for an evening to explore the gastronomic capital - Lyon.
Lyon to BarcelonaContinuing south via the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, we cross the Spanish border to the Mediterranean city of Barcelona.
BarcelonaOur 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 Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?
Barcelona to French RivieraWe return to France and travel through Provence, one of France’s most stunning regions, past Cannes, to the glamorous resort town of Nice on the French Riviera.
French RivieraThis morning we visit a French Perfumery before free time in Nice. Take the time to relax or rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade, maybe shop for French fashion. Tonight we visit Monaco!
French Riviera to FlorenceToday we leave France and make our way along the stunning Italian coast. Passing Genoa we arrive in Pisa to view the famous Leaning Tower. This afternoon we travel through the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.
Florence to RomeLearn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks us through the city this morning. Shop for silver and gold and see a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. In your free time perhaps visit one of the many museums and galleries before we continue to the fabled city of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour.
RomeA free day to explore this historic city. Why not see the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum or even climb the Spanish Steps? Walk the Via del Corso and shop for Italian fashion or sit in a sidestreet café and sample a gelato.
Rome to VeniceSoak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains, vineyards and quaint hilltop towns. We cross the Apennine Mountains before reaching Venice.
VeniceA 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 museums. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience?
Venice to ViennaWe drive through gently rolling countryside, past picture-postcard villages and majestic mountains into the home of Mozart and Strauss for an evening experiencing the classical tastes and sounds of this city.
ViennaOur sightseeing tour takes in the grandeur of the Palace of the Hapsburgs, the fame of the State Opera House and fashionable Kartnerstrasse. Take time to wander at leisure and why not try some local schnaps, strudel or a schnitzel?
Vienna to MunichOn to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall.
Munich to PragueLeaving Munich behind we make our way to the historic capital of the Czech Republic - Prague!
PragueSoak up the Bohemian delights of Prague. This morning's sightseeing tour includes Hradcany Castle district where the St. Vitus Cathedral dominates the skyline and Wenceslas Square. Later, you'll have free time to shop for crystal in the Old Town, perhaps join us for a lunch cruise along the Vltava River, or maybe visit the Jewish Quarter. Dinner is your choice tonight, a great way to farewell this magical capital
Prague to BerlinToday we return to Germany. Following the path of the mighty River Elbe we stop in Dresden before heading on to Berlin.
BerlinThis morning on our included sightseeing tour, you can see the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Russian War Memorial and the Brandenberg Gate. In your free time this afternoon explore this historical city.
Berlin to AmsterdamWe cross Germany on our way to vibrant Amsterdam. After dinner why not head into town to explore this fascinating city by night?
AmsterdamToday take time to explore one of Europe's most intriguing cities. Maybe visit Anne Frank's House, the Van Gogh Museum or shop around the famous Dam Square. Later, why not join us for our farewell dinner and a guided cruise through the canals of Amsterdam?
Amsterdam to LondonTravelling south through the Dutch and Belgian countryside to France, we catch the ferry from Calais to Dover and reach London early evening.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!