European Highlights

A 16-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $1,849

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Starting Price: $1,849 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 16 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands
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  • Contiki is the best vacation for 18-35 year olds
  • Refer-a-Friend Reward you save $100 off a tour
  • Book any 2 Contiki trips of 10 days - Save $100
  • Triple Discounts Save 5% & Early Payment Discount
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: Budget
Tour Category: Regional Europe
Tour Operator: Insight Tours
Tour Code: CONTIKI117
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Featuring: France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria (in transit), Germany, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit)
Starting In London and ending in London

 
Accomodations
* 14 nights accommodation: 1 night in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 8 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 4 nights in hotels & 1 night in a hostel * 13 breakfasts (B) & 7 dinners (D) included in your food fund * A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff * Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with power outlets for charging * Ferry crossings * Sightseeing tours of all major cities

The Contiki Difference
h5. Only with Contiki * Paris illuminations night tour with French champagne, cheese & escargot * Special access Rome sightseeing coach tour * Private boat to the islands of Venice * See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam * Special stopover: Contiki’s Chateau & wine tasting * Contiki onsite Reps

 
Depart for Europe ( Days)
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Arrive London (1 Days)
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.

London to Paris (Dinner Days)
Meet up with your Contiki Crew before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris. If you’re adventurous, get right into French culture when you arrive at the campsite. Your Contiki Cook will prepare authentic escargots (snails) for the group. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out this national delicacy. You’ll also get to toast the start of your tour together in style with our special “Taste of France” welcome. Your Crew will serve champagne and local cheeses before we kick start Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, where the French capital transforms into the ‘City of Lights’. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafes give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most recognised monuments, like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.

Paris (Breakfast Days)
This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods). Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces. Tonight, treat yourself to a real Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaurant, where you can get to know your group. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls and champagne.

Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Southbound, we roll on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. Our team will make you feel right at home in Contiki’s very own 16th Century chateau. There’s a wine tasting within the chateau’s working winery, where our resident expert will teach you about Beaujolais wine as you swirl and sip on wines made in the area for centuries.

Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Unwind on the coach, listen to your MP3 and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. A lunch stop in the Popes’ fomer seat of power, Avignon, means a real taste of the Provencal lifestyle and look into the town’s Roman heritage. Wander through the cobbled streets and learn about Avignon’s past when you see the Papal Palace’s impressive walls and the town’s signature bridge. Next stop is the French Riviera and home to the French Perfume industry, where we visit Fragonard Perfumery. Learn about how perfume is made and some of its more surprising ingredients. It’s also a chance to pick up a bottle or 2 at great prices. Then it’s back on the road to the rugged coast line of the stunning Cote d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to Antibes.

French Riviera (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
In your free time live a bit of the riviera lifestyle with a visit to one of the neighbouring towns like Cannes or Nice. Try out the region’s produce like lavender honey, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and mouth-watering rosé wine. Window shop the chic boutiques or choose a beach and catch some sun among all the bronzed bodies! Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamourous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home to the Formula 1. Get the inside story on the royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager. Try your luck at a casino later on.

French Riviera to Florence (Breakfast Days)
Onwards to Italy, land of passion! Heading to Renaissance Florence, we stop by Pisa and get up close to the famous Leaning Tower. The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above Florence, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the pretty Tuscan country setting. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club.

Florence to Rome (Breakfast Days)
Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum. Our local guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art. Travel through Tuscany’s rustic hills, past the recognisable cypress tree landscapes of this olive-oil producing region, to vibrant Rome. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach tour gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum and Piazza Venzia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!) or maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back with a few slices of pizza and people watch.

Rome (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Then check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys. In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.

Rome to Venice (Breakfast Days)
Crisscross the Apennine Mountains, pass wildflower fields, quaint hilltop villages and Umbria’s rolling valleys, to Venice. Known as the “floating city” Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century. Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping. Maybe grab a table on St Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.

Venice to Munich (Breakfast Days)
Today, it’s northbound to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich - a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and a modern lifestyle. Explore the heart of Munich’s Old Town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel - a gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells. Then head off with some friends for a taste of tradition to a typical beer hall and park yourselves at a long wooden table. In this optional excursion, you’ll feast on hearty local food, like roasted pork knuckle, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.

Munich to Rhine Valley (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Leaving Munich behind, remember one of history’s darkest moments with a sobering stop at Dachau concentration camp. Learn more at the museum and walk through the remaining living quarters. The coach follows the Rhine River, weaving through valleys dotted with castles and vineyards. Next stop - the pretty, old-world village of St Goar, complete with fairy-tale castle and even a free-standing cuckoo clock! Learn about local know-how and get savvy on the craft of beer steins. Then kick back with a glass of local wine and choose to find out more with the optional wine tasting in a candlelit underground cellar.

Rhine Valley to Amsterdam (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. Head into the buzzing capital of Amsterdam and check out the eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and the wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7.

Amsterdam (Breakfast Days)
There’s free time this afternoon to experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and quirky, cool boutiques. Wander along the canals and past gabled houses or experience Amsterdam’s multi-ethnic cuisine. This cultural melting pot dishes up loads of affordable food. With an optional evening canal cruise, there’s a chance to toast your travels with the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam at water level as you drift past the city lights. For your last night on tour, treat yourself to a feast at a rice table dinner with the group in a popular restaurant. With this fun way to eat, you’ll be served loads of dishes from colonial times. Get some pointers from your Tour Manager, dive into Amsterdam’s night action with your friends and finish up your travels with a night to remember.

Amsterdam to London (1 Days)
After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Schipol Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay.

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • $150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more
  • Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how
  • CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT
  • 5% off for Contiki Alumni
  • Travel With Friends and Save Big!
  • Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts
  • Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)


No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due
to our website undergoing an update.

Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.

 

         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Paris
Evening Tour of Illuminations

Paris
See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris
See Château Fontainebleau (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Burgundy
See Chablis, Burgundy and Beaujolais vineyards

Burgundy
Beaujolais wine tasting

Avignon
Visit Avignon & see the Papal Palace

Paris
Visit a French Perfumery

French Riviera
Scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur

French Riviera
Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace

French Riviera
Visit a Monte Carlo casino

Pisa
See the Leaning Tower

Florence
See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria

Florence
Florentine leather craft demonstration

Prague
Walking tour with a local guide

Rome
See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum

Vatican City
See St. Peter's Basilica

Venice
Private motorboat to the historic islands

Venice
See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' Palace & St. Mark's Square

Venice
Murano glass-blowing demonstration

Brenner Pass
Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles

Munich
See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz

Rhine Valley
Scenic drive along the Rhine River

Rhine Valley
Visit the riverside town St. Goar

Amsterdam
See the canals, gable houses and city by night

Amsterdam
Visit a fishing and cheese village

Amsterdam
Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside

Amsterdam
Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house

 

$150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more

Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how

Book a Contiki to Europe & save $300 on airfare per couple. They've got deals for solo travelers also.

Valid for new bookings made between March 1st-30th only and must pay air portion in full by March 30, 2010.  Offer is valid for $300 off airfare per couple or $150 off if single traveler.  All travel myst be completed by NOv 30, 2010.  Offer is valid on major airlines.  Air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable after purchase.  Once payment is received, 100% cancellation penalties apply.  No name changes allowed once a reservation is made.  Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.  Offer can be combined with all brochure discounts and $150 Spring Flin tour promo.  Promotion can be withdrawn at any time.  

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% Off for Military Members and Spouses...

Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem.

Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply.

5% off for Contiki Alumni

So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off!

Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required.

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Save 5%

Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land.

Save 7.5%

Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person.

Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE.

Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours.

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Early Payment Discount

Offer #1: Save up to US$399

Must book and pay in full at least 12

months prior to trip departure date.

Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319

Must book and pay in full at least 6

months prior to departure date.

Valid for select trips only.  

Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100

Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour.

Europe Europe – Save US$100

Europe America – Save US$100

Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100

Tours may be in different countries or regions.

Australia & New Zealand - Save $100

Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost.

Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.  

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books.

Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting).

You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.)

Terms and Conditions:

1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009.

2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount.

3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel.

4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip.

5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement.

6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers.

7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available

8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up.

9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed.

10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited.

11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S.

12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion.

$100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.

 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.