Overview:

The European Inspiration gives you the best of both holiday worlds. A great combination of destinations, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Rome and Paris to name a few, as well as two nights everywhere, giving you time to explore each city in greater detail. Scenic drives through Italy and Austria, a stopover in the heart of the Swiss Alps and plenty of awesome extras that you definitely won't want to miss out on.

European Inspiration (Winter) (Start London, end London)

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Summarized Tour Details

Tour Duration:	20 Days
Depart From:	Paris
Arrive in:	London
Tour Style:	Hotels
Tour Type:	Escorted
Tour Supplier:	Contiki Holidays
Meal Description:	18 continental breakfasts 9 three-course dinners

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Prices and Dates (Save up to 10% OFF these Published Rates)

Departure Date	Return Date	Price(CAD)

2017-01-15	2017-02-03	4490.00
2017-01-15	2017-02-03	3575.00
2017-01-15	2017-02-03	3575.00
2017-01-15	2017-02-03	3396.00
2017-01-15	2017-02-03	3396.00
2017-02-05	2017-02-24	4294.00
2017-02-05	2017-02-24	3379.00
2017-02-05	2017-02-24	3379.00
2017-02-05	2017-02-24	3210.00
2017-02-05	2017-02-24	3210.00
2017-02-26	2017-03-17	4294.00
2017-02-26	2017-03-17	3379.00
2017-02-26	2017-03-17	3379.00
2017-02-26	2017-03-17	3210.00
2017-02-26	2017-03-17	3210.00
2017-03-12	2017-03-31	4360.00
2017-03-12	2017-03-31	3445.00
2017-03-12	2017-03-31	3445.00
2017-03-12	2017-03-31	3273.00
2017-03-12	2017-03-31	3273.00

Overview
Itinerary
Other Inclusions
Trip Highlights
Trip Summary

Overview:

Countries Visited

Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic

Overview
Itinerary
Other Inclusions
Trip Highlights
Trip Summary

Day : 1

Arrive London

Number of Days : 1

Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers for your Kickstart meeting this evening. Afterwards why not grab some dinner at one of the local restaurants or take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden

Day : 2

London to Amsterdam

Number of Days : 1

Meet up with your Contiki Team before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Next stop: the buzzing, free-wheeling city of Amsterdam. Check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets.

Day : 3

Amsterdam

Number of Days : 1

In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. 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. Tonight, try some of the traditional local cuisine at a restaurant in a nearby fishing village. 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. For your last night in this city, get some pointers from your Trip Manager, dive into Amsterdam’s night action with your buddies and finish up your travels with a night to remember.

Day : 4

Amsterdam to Berlin

Number of Days : 1

Motor down the autobahn and get ready for a dose of über-cool Berlin. With two nights in this historical hot spot, you’ve got time to find out what makes Germany’s capital one of the most cutting-edge cities in the world. It’s hard to believe that this funky town has had such a troubled past. On arrival your Trip Manager will peel back the layers of history and point out the lesser-known details of Berlin’s troubled past on an orientation tour of the city.

Day : 5

Berlin

Number of Days : 1

Today why not join a local guide for a tour? Learn about the East/West split at the Berlin Wall and check out the controversial Reichstag (German Parliament) as well as Tiergarten (one the world’s biggest parks). You’ll also visit Checkpoint Charlie, where many East Berliners tried to escape to the West, and be reminded of Germany’s darker past at the Brandenburg Gate. With free time, get inspired by Berlin’s creative scene and check out its galleries and street art. As a world forerunner in contemporary art, Berlin’s walls are covered in cutouts and graffiti. Shopping-wise, this town has it all and is right up there defining style. Berlin is great for small boutiques, funky fashions and one-of-a-kind buys. Your Trip Manager knows Berlin’s ins and outs, so get some pointers before you splurge. Do as the Berliners do and grab a currywurst (a local favourite) and kick back at a Bierkeller (German beer house). Experience the world of espionage in an optional evening Eye Spy Berlin tour with our Local Guide, and enjoy a fascinating look into the Stasi (what was once the East German Secret Police). Then top off your time in Berlin with some of your new friends and explore the city’s legendary nightlife. With cool cocktail bars and some of the best techno clubs in the world, there are heaps of fun choices.

Day : 6

Berlin to Prague

Number of Days : 1

Heading south, we roll on to the region of Dresden, often dubbed 'Florence of the North' because of its beauty. This town completely rebuilt itself after being flattened in World War II. Your Tour Manager will show you Dresden’s signature buildings, like the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, the Royal Residence – once home to the Saxon Kings – and the massive Zwinger Palace, where the royals went to party! Lunchtime! Go local and hang out in a river side beer garden, order some hearty German dishes with regional specialities like sour roast and potato soup. Then we head over the border and into the Czech Republic to Prague. Prague is a beautiful and atmospheric city. It’s also pretty compact, so it’s best explored on foot. Get straight into Prague’s historic heart with your Tour Manager. You’ll walk together over the landmark Charles Bridge, through Hradčany Castle, the home of the original Bohemian Kings and to the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral along the way. By night, Prague is loaded with all types of music, from jazz bars and hip DJs to opera. There is something for everyone, so make the most of it with the group.

Day : 7

Prague

Number of Days : 1

More free time means you can get deeper into Prague’s Old Town in your own time. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a jumble of little lanes, alleys and courtyards. Slow the pace down and give yourself a chance to uncover its hidden treasures. This is also the spot to pick up some famous Bohemian glass, beads or garnet and amber jewellery. Choose a river cruise on the Vltava, which runs through the heart of Prague, and take in stunning views of the city from the water. The Czech capital has a really mixed past so look out for signs of the Holy Roman Empire, the Bohemian Empire, the Nazis and the Communists. By night, Prague is loaded with all types of music, from jazz bars and hip DJs to opera. There is something for everyone, so make the most of it with the group.

Day : 8

Prague to Munich

Number of Days : 1

This morning, remember one of history’s darkest moments with a sobering stop at the Dachau concentration camp memorial. Learn more at the museum and walk through the remaining living quarters. Afterwards we travel to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich - a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and 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, get a taste of tradition at a typical beer hall. Park yourself at a long wooden table, order yourself some hearty local food, like roasted pork knuckle, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.

Day : 9

Munich

Number of Days : 1

Use your free time to discover more of Munich. Get off the beaten track and onto Munich’s side streets with our Local Guide on a walking tour around the city – it’s a great way to see the sights. Otherwise head back to the old town and hunt around the little shops on the pedestrian-only lanes or for a change of scene, head to the university area. With shaded streets, buzzing pavement cafes and cute bookstores, it’s a great way to spend a chilled-out afternoon.

Day : 10

Munich to Venice

Number of Days : 1

Wind through the Bavarian Alps and over the Brenner Pass to Venice. But first, pull into Innsbruck, a down-to-earth student city. Walk around the medieval streets of the old town, grab some lunch, and check out Innsbruck’s landmark Golden Roof and Royal Palace. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the impressive Olympic Ski Jump, used in both the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Next up - Venice!

Day : 11

Venice

Number of Days : 1

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 the Doge’s Palace and the expanse of St. Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. 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 & share this amazing experience with your friends - seeing Venice from on the water is unforgettable!

Day : 12

Venice to Rome

Number of Days : 1

We hit the road en route to the ancient city of 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 Trip Manager shows you the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. 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 or maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back with a few slices of pizza and people watch.

Day : 13

Rome

Number of Days : 1

This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge with an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafés and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Trip 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.

Day : 14

Rome to Florence

Number of Days : 1

Next up: Umbria’s many vineyards. Before arriving in Florence, we’ll stop off for a wine tasting in the rustic hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, known for its iconic cypress trees and olive oil. In an historic 16th century villa, the group will see a working winery, complete with its old cellar and vats. Here you can learn more about the region’s wines as you taste a glass or two of the local wine. The scene-stealing Duomo Cathedral rises above Florence, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. Before dinner, walk along the River Arno with your Trip Manager, take in the atmosphere and head into the heart of Florence, where you can sit back and relax Tuscan style with a glass of Chianti wine.

Day : 15

Florence

Number of Days : 1

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 learn from the masters how Florentine leather is made and understand this region’s traditional art. With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city. Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner – an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in a fantastic Tuscan country setting. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest nightclub.

Day : 16

Lucerne

Number of Days : 1

Get above the clouds with an optional excursion up the Swiss Alps. You can see massive mountain ranges with a bird’s-eye view over this spectacular region.

Day : 17

Florence to Lucerne

Number of Days : 1

En route north, stop by Pisa and get up close to the famous Leaning Tower before we head to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Alpine town 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 Trip Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches that Switzerland is so famous for.

Day : 18

Lucerne to Paris

Number of Days : 1

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 region of Burgundy. 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.

Day : 19

Paris

Number of Days : 1

Next up: Fragonard! This perfumery has an elegant interior and is a unique setting for a look into the history of perfume. It’s also a chance to pick up some French perfume at great prices. Then, get a stunning view of the entire city with included entry to the top of the Eiffel Tower. 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 or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre, where you can get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. In your free time, try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many cafés. Tonight is the last night with your friends, so make it special. Treat yourself to the full Parisian experience with a cabaret show, complete with can-can girls, dinner and Champagne. But don’t stop there – afterwards hit the clubs and finish up your travels with a big Parisian night out.

Day : 20

Depart Paris

Number of Days : 1

This morning after breakfast we transfer you to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival 10:00am) where your trip ends. Or choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London & extend your stay.

Overview
Itinerary
Other Inclusions
Trip Highlights
Trip Summary

London to Amsterdam

See the White Cliffs of Dover

See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night

Amsterdam

Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house

Amsterdam to Berlin

See the Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building

Take in commemorative artwork & the remains of the Berlin Wall

Berlin to Prague

Visit Dresden the city destroyed in World War II and known as the 'Florence of the North'

See the rebuilt Baroque architecture of the Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche

See Hradčany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square

Visit the Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock

Prague to Munich

Visit the Dachau concentration camp memorial

See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz

Visit a traditional beer hall

Munich

Locally guided tour of Munich

Munich to Venice

Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles

See the Golden Roof, Royal Palace & Olympic Ski Jump in Innsbruck

Venice

Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice

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

See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas

Venice to Rome

Special access Rome sightseeing coach tour

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

See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City

Rome to Florence

Guided tour of a 16th century Tuscan winery while enjoying local Chianti & antipasto

Florence

Discover the Secrets of Michelangelo's Florence – see where his David was gifted to the Florentines, Ponte Vecchio, the Medici Palace & much more on our locally guided walking tour of Florence

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

Learn about Florence's leather craft with a demonstration

Lucerne

View the Lion Monument

Florence to Lucerne

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

See the Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne

Lucerne to Paris

See Chablis & Burgundy vineyards

Exclusive 'Paris by Night' sightseeing tour

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

Paris