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European Encounter (Winter)

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Our Price From 3,781 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,209 Per Person
 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
London
16 Day European Encounter (Winter) Itinerary (Contiki)
Trip Operator
Trip Styles
Winter & Ski , Discoverer
Departures
Accommodation
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Max. Group Size
50
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
WWHZ

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Contiki's 16 Day European Encounter (Winter). Small budget, small window of time, big list of Must Dos? The European Encounter should do the trick. Make your way through 10 countries, catching some rays on the Italian Riviera, downing pizza in Rome & exploring castles in Prague. If you know a better way to spend just under two and a half weeks, we need to hear about it!

Itinerary

Get ready for 16 days of unforgettable adventures through Europe! You'll meet up with your Contiki crew in London and we'll all board our coach here, ready to set off for European soil. Our first stop is Dover, where we'll take a ferry to cross over the channel. One step closer! As we set off, take in that last glimpse of English coastline with the beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Off the ferry, we arrive in the port town of Calais. We're in France! With no time to waste, we'll jump back on our coach and head onwards to Amsterdam. Cross off another country off your list as you cruise through Belgium on your way to Amsterdam.

And here we are at our final stop for this evening: Amsterdam! We'll start our exploration of this city with a peek of canals, bicycles & 17th century gable houses lit up by night. Next on the agenda tonight, you'll have the option to get an exclusive entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing, skipping the queues to enjoy epic views over the sprawling city below with an included drink in your hand. Afterwards, there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours. (D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)

Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. This evening, opt in to enjoy a delicious dinner with the rest of our Contiki fam. (B)

Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but today's agenda is onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of a tour of the city and its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, you'll have some free time to discover the city.

Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the somber icons like the Holocaust memorial to side streets with hidden cafes and shops. And if you're not sure where to start, your Trip Manager can always point you in the right direction. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Ostbahnhof (or similar)

Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. Today we'll embark on an Alternative Berlin walking tour, taking us to all the city's hipster haunts and historical hotspots. (B)

Finishing Berlin off on an important note we see the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall known as East Side Gallery and one of the city's symbols, covered in grafitti from head to toe. Next up, we head to the border and stop at a town called Dresden.  A drive from Berlin to Prague would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we'll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings and gothic history. Prague is a paradise for beer lovers and in the afternoon you have the chance for a local expert to take you on a tour of some of Prague's coolest drinking spots. (B) Stay: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)

With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life! Tonight choose to get up close to Czech culture with a live music performance & traditional dancing over dinner and drinks. live music performance & traditional dancing. (B)

We warned you about falling head over heels for Prague! Sorry kids, you cannot live here forever. Onwards we go - it's time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat. Today we'll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe - Hohensalzburg - and have the chance to partake in the Sights & Sounds of Salzburg. Never a dull moment!

This evening opt to venture off the beaten path and visit a farming family in the hills above Salzburg who invite us into their home to eat, drink and learn about their lives. The family have lived on this farm for many generations and now look to tourism to help support them and their local community. The ribs you will eat come from the next-door neighbour, the fruit for the schnapps from the village and the service from the locals. (B) Stay: A&O Salzburg (or similar)

Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border and prepare to stuff ourselves full of all things pizza & pasta. Yes, traveller we're making our way to Italy!   You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps, and then we'll arrive in Venice & your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private canal boat ride. (B) Stay: A&O Hotel Venice Mestre (or similar)

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. But first, we have an epic, included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience to enjoy. Casa Segreta (Secret House) is set within the gorgeous town of Baschi, where we'll meet the Polegri family. These guys have run their vineyard and olive orchard for generations, and after giving us the grand tour, will serve us lunch under the Veranda.

As we overlook the Tiber Valley, enjoying some of the most authentic Italian food we've ever tasted (topped off with the Polegri's very own wine, naturally), we might reflect that we've never had it so good. It's the kind of local travel experience you don't encounter every day (you're welcome). Then, all roads lead to Rome as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital and get a glimpse of its glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto! (B/L) Stay: A conveniently located hotel

This morning we're up and out early to make the most of our chance to explore this ancient city. Starting with a visit to the world's smallest country, Vatican City. When in Rome...take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine. This is also the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring.

Back in Rome, we'll have time to hit the streets and discover the incredible ancient civilisation on our doorstep. You can opt to take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators in a guided tour, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. Visit the Trevi Fountain and throw coins to make a wish, sip espresso in a cobbled backstreet and soak up Italian life as it dances by. (B)

We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over… The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to take in the unique beauty of this beautiful city where culture and la dolce vita is evident in every direction you look at. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair with a dinner of Bistecca, a Florentine Steak. (B)

Hopefully by now you are head to toe in fresh leather, you've eaten your body weight in antipasto, and you're feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to farewell Florence.  No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to the Italian Riviera. 

Hello beautiful! The 'Five Lands' or Cinque Terre is completely beautiful and will take your breath away with their stunning colours, washing hanging out windows and picture perfect setting. Perched on a cliff and overlooking the Ligurian Sea this is 100% bucket list worthy destination, use the included day pass to explore this colourful heaven, stopping for an Aperol Spritz on the way too, all in the name of culture of course! Feeling all lovey dovey from our day in the Cinque Terre, we'll rest our heads in Parma for the night – ready for more magic on the morrow. (B)

Parma, it's been short and sweet but we must move on. Next stop, Lucerne! Swans float under wooden bridges, snow-capped mountains stand regally behind us & chocolate tastes like heaven on earth. You're in the Swiss Alps & you cannot wipe the smile off your face. (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

It's been sweet, but our time in Lucerne is up this morning. We're Paris-bound! Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and (back) into France. After coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy, we'll arrive in the City of Lights. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, this evening we'll fall in love with everything Paris on a dreamy night-time tour.

Is it just us, or is love in the air? Once we've seen the most famous landmarks, we'll celebrate our first night in the city by heading up the Montparnasse Tower for the best panoramic views of the city. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)

If you're waiting for a chance to indulge yourself in all things Paris, today is your day. With our last night looming, we'll start with a morning visit to Montmatre's cobbled street, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Later you have plenty of time to wander up the Champs-Élysées for a pastel-hued macaron at the original Ladurée, then pop in to local favourite Colette, drool over haute couture on rue Saint-Honoré, admire the Notre-Dame cathedral while juggling coffee & sugared crêpes, or hustle your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the enigmatic Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, because tonight you have the chance to grab tickets for dinner at the Moulin Rouge caberet show, an optional group evening out to perfectly top off your time in the city of lights. (B)

Rise, shine, and soak up your last dose of Paris this morning over a coffee and croissant together, as we marvel at how much we've seen on this magical journey. It may be over for now, but these friendships and memories will last a lifetime. Our last coach ride together will be a complimentary transfer to CDG airport this morning, or you can stay onboard for the full ride back to London. Plenty of time to start planning the next reunion... What an adventure! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it's had songs dedicated to it.
  • Berlin: Get your culture on. It's time to see Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag building.
  • Berlin: Heads up culture vultures. Here's your chance to check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.
  • Dresden: See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings. Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche.
  • Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
  • Salzburg: Marvel at one of Europe's largest medieval castles, perched high on the hill over Salzburg. Like something out of the Sound of Music.
  • Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice. Get total James Bond vibes.
  • Venice: Life's all about the waterways here; there's not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
  • Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking all the sights off your bucket list!
  • Orvieto: Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more at this organic Umbrian farm. (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience)
  • Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up' as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
  • Cinque Terre National Park: We'll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories.
  • Lucerne: Check out the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the giant sandstone Lion Monument
  • Paris: Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
  • Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light'.
  • Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).

  • 15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

  • 15 nights in Hotels

  • Expert Trip Manager & Driver Team + Local Guides

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Europe Sale
Wednesday 09 Oct 2024
Thursday 24 Oct 2024
Status
From: $5,715 $4,506
Save $1,209 Enquire
Wednesday 23 Oct 2024
Thursday 07 Nov 2024
Status
From: $5,715
  N/A
Europe Sale
Wednesday 06 Nov 2024
Thursday 21 Nov 2024
Status
From: $4,795 $3,781
Save $1,014 Enquire
Wednesday 13 Nov 2024
Thursday 28 Nov 2024
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From: $4,795
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Europe Sale
Wednesday 20 Nov 2024
Thursday 05 Dec 2024
Status
From: $4,795 $3,781
Save $1,014 Enquire
Wednesday 27 Nov 2024
Thursday 12 Dec 2024
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From: $4,795
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Europe Sale
Wednesday 04 Dec 2024
Thursday 19 Dec 2024
Status
From: $4,795 $3,781
Save $1,014 Enquire
Wednesday 11 Dec 2024
Thursday 26 Dec 2024
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From: $4,795
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Europe Sale
Wednesday 18 Dec 2024
Thursday 02 Jan 2025
Status
From: $5,279 $4,162
Save $1,117 Enquire
Europe Sale
Friday 20 Dec 2024
Saturday 04 Jan 2025
Status
From: $5,279 $4,162
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Europe Sale
Sunday 22 Dec 2024
Monday 06 Jan 2025
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From: $5,279 $4,162
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Wednesday 25 Dec 2024
Thursday 09 Jan 2025
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From: $5,279
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Europe Sale
Monday 30 Dec 2024
Tuesday 14 Jan 2025
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From: $5,279 $4,162
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Wednesday 01 Jan 2025
Thursday 16 Jan 2025
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From: $5,279
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Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 08 Jan 2025
Thursday 23 Jan 2025
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From: $4,919 $4,139
Save $780 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 22 Jan 2025
Thursday 06 Feb 2025
Status
From: $4,919 $4,139
Save $780 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 05 Feb 2025
Thursday 20 Feb 2025
Status
From: $4,919 $4,139
Save $780 Enquire
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Thursday 06 Mar 2025
Status
From: $4,919
  N/A
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 05 Mar 2025
Thursday 20 Mar 2025
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From: $4,919 $4,139
Save $780 Enquire
Europe Sale
Wednesday 09 Oct 2024
Thursday 24 Oct 2024
Status
From: $7,260 $5,724
Save $1,536 Enquire
Wednesday 23 Oct 2024
Thursday 07 Nov 2024
Status
From: $7,260
  N/A
Europe Sale
Wednesday 06 Nov 2024
Thursday 21 Nov 2024
Status
From: $6,340 $4,999
Save $1,341 Enquire
Wednesday 13 Nov 2024
Thursday 28 Nov 2024
Status
From: $6,340
  N/A
Europe Sale
Wednesday 20 Nov 2024
Thursday 05 Dec 2024
Status
From: $6,340 $4,999
Save $1,341 Enquire
Wednesday 27 Nov 2024
Thursday 12 Dec 2024
Status
From: $6,340
  N/A
Europe Sale
Wednesday 04 Dec 2024
Thursday 19 Dec 2024
Status
From: $6,340 $4,999
Save $1,341 Enquire
Wednesday 11 Dec 2024
Thursday 26 Dec 2024
Status
From: $6,340
  N/A
Europe Sale
Wednesday 18 Dec 2024
Thursday 02 Jan 2025
Status
From: $6,824 $5,380
Save $1,444 Enquire
Europe Sale
Friday 20 Dec 2024
Saturday 04 Jan 2025
Status
From: $6,824 $5,380
Save $1,444 Enquire
Europe Sale
Sunday 22 Dec 2024
Monday 06 Jan 2025
Status
From: $6,824 $5,380
Save $1,444 Enquire
Wednesday 25 Dec 2024
Thursday 09 Jan 2025
Status
From: $6,824
  N/A
Europe Sale
Monday 30 Dec 2024
Tuesday 14 Jan 2025
Status
From: $6,824 $5,380
Save $1,444 Enquire
Wednesday 01 Jan 2025
Thursday 16 Jan 2025
Status
From: $6,824
  N/A
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 08 Jan 2025
Thursday 23 Jan 2025
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From: $6,464 $5,439
Save $1,025 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 22 Jan 2025
Thursday 06 Feb 2025
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From: $6,464 $5,439
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Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 05 Feb 2025
Thursday 20 Feb 2025
Status
From: $6,464 $5,439
Save $1,025 Enquire
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Thursday 06 Mar 2025
Status
From: $6,464
  N/A
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 05 Mar 2025
Thursday 20 Mar 2025
Status
From: $6,464 $5,439
Save $1,025 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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