Amsterdam to Barcelona
Or call 800.781.4040
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Depart for Europe
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
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Arrive Amsterdam
Check-in to your hotel and head out into the buzzing, free-wheeling city of Amsterdam for a first taste. Later, meet up with your Contiki crew and Tour Manager over dinner. Jump start your trip and check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7.
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Amsterdam
Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made at a clog maker’s house and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. Free time this afternoon to experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and quirky boutiques. Wander along the canals and past gabled houses or try out 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 another angle on Amsterdam at water level. Get some pointers on the city’s hot spots from your Tour Manager and head into town for a fun night out.
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Amsterdam to Paris
Cut across three countries (Netherlands, Belgium, France) in one day as we make our way south to Paris, France’s chic capital. Tonight, the group kick starts Paris with the ‘Tour of Illuminations’, which shows off the French capital’s transformation into the “City of Lights”. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most-recognised monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Then get a stunning view of the entire city with included entry to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Oui, oui, Paris!
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Paris
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 huge Notre Dame Cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre where you can 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 cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls, dinner and Champagne and spend time with the group. But don’t stop there – hit the clubs and finish your time in Paris with a fun night out.
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Paris to Lucerne
With down-time on the coach, plug in your MP3, chill out to some music and chat with friends while travelling through the scenic wine producing regions of Burgundy and Chablis. Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful Alpine town of Lucerne.
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Lucerne
After your night in our cool Feature Hotel, the Jailhotel, head out & explore the best of Lucerne. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Tour Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches that Switzerland is so famous for. You could choose to head up Mt. Pilatus for amazing Alpine views or otherwise take time to chill in this cute city’s vibe. Sit café side by the Wooden Chapel Bridge, head to the shops & check out the moving Lion Monument.
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Lucerne to French Riviera
This morning, it’s your chance to splash some cash, with our stop at Serravale Designer Outlet mall for our exclusive Italian food & fashion experience. You can use this opportunity to get some gear to show off to your friends at home… This outlet mall is amazing, with your chance to pick up some designer fashion at incredible prices. With between 30%-70% off regular retail, the savings are epic, and because you’re with Contiki you’ll get up to an additional 10% off! From labels like Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana & Roberto Cavalli (to name a few) – there’s going to be plenty to tempt today. We take it up a level too, with some extra special Italian experiences with our local expert, like sampling regional produce for those authentic local flavours. With no doubt lots of bags in hand, we’ll hit the road en route to the French Riviera.
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French Riviera
In your free time live a bit of the lifestyle with a visit to the local markets. 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 glamorous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home of the Formula 1. Indulge in a bit of glitz with the group by opting for a typically French 4-course meal just a few doors down from the Royal Palace. Get the inside story on the Royal Family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager, then try your luck at a casino later on.
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French Riviera to Barcelona
Driving past Cannes, unwind on the coach and take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. We keep heading south through the rugged and dramatic scenery of the Pyrénées mountains, over the border into Barcelona. A sizzling, festive capital any night of the week, Barcelona is all about action. In Spain fiesta time starts late, so settle in at one of the city’s many outdoor squares to enjoy a glass of sangria and nibble on tapas (plate-sized snacks) before a fun night out exploring Barcelona’s nightlife with your friends.
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Barcelona
First stop: Montjuic. The hilltop has full-blown vistas of the city and it’s where we stop to check out the 1992 Olympic Games complex. Afterwards, get a look into Spanish architect Gaudi’s wild imagination with his Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Sagrada Família church. Your Tour Manager walks you through the cobbled lanes of Barcelona’s oldest district, the Gothic Quarter. There’s free time to discover more of Barcelona’s creative core. Pick up some quirky buys in the side streets or hit the big label shops on Plaça de Catalunya. Take in all of Barcelona’s buzzing street life on the tree-lined La Rambla – a boulevard packed with street performers, artists, shops and stalls. Other ideas for your afternoon off include hanging out in the colourful gardens of Parc Güell or kicking back with the locals on the beach and taking a swim in the Mediterranean sea. For lunch, there’s plenty of delicious local seafood to try as well as Spain’s signature dish, paella. Finish off an unforgettable time in this hot city and get into the local flavours with tonight’s optional flamenco dance show and dinner, including sangria. Afterwards, get the low down on Barcelona’s hottest spots and maybe hit the pumping clubs of Port Olympico by the water.
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Depart Barcelona
The tour ends after breakfast and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.
Or call 800.781.4040