Our Itinerary

Optional Excursions

Amsterdam: Candlelit Cruise, Euro 25.00. There's no better introduction to this beautiful 17th Century city than a candlelit cruise. Our glass covered boat allows great views of Amsterdam's many sites including the Dutch Gable houses, the churches, the River Amstel, the Red Light District and the Leidseplein with crowds of shoppers. Beer and wine is also included with some local cheese and assorted snacks.

Amsterdam: Sea Palace, tba. Built in the typical pagoda style of Chinese palaces, this unique floating restaurant sets the tone for our meal out tonight. Why not join us for a typical rice table in a relaxed and informal atmosphere in the heart of Amsterdam.

St Goar: Wine Tasting, Euro 7.00. A chance to sample and learn about some of the most famous wines of the Rhine region of Germany. There is also the opportunity to purchase some of your favourites! Don't leave the tasting glass behind - it's yours to keep.

Lucerne: Swiss Folklore Lunch and Lake Cruise, SF75. The Stadtkeller lunch includes traditional cheese fondue and while you're teasing the melting cheese in the pan, there's a superb show to entertain you: folk music, yodelling, alphorn blowing and flag throwing. To finish our day in Lucerne, we cruise back enjoying the majestic beauty of the wooded mountains and picturesque villages reflecting in the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne.

Switzerland: Mt. Pilatus Cog Railway, tba. Who would want to miss the opportunity to travel 7,000 ft to the top of Mt. Pilatus. The steepest cog railway in the world climbs gradients of 48% on its way to the peak. Once you're there enjoy the panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and its surrounds.

Austrian Tyrol: White Water Rafting, Euro 35.00. Stop by the River Inn and experience the thrills of white water rafting through foaming river rapids in the company of a highly professional team - you'll never forget it! Full equipment (including safety helmets and wet suits) is included in the cost.

Venice: Gondola Ride, Euro 18.00. No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals by a gondolier wearing a sailor's shirt and straw hat! It's everything you'd expect and you'll love it. Take in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly memorable Venetian experience. Time to browse around the famous St. Mark's Square surrounded by covered galleries housing lively cafes and exquisite boutiques.

Rome: Guided Imperial Tour, Euro 8.50. A unique insight to Imperial Rome. Let our local guide take you back in time!

Florence: Tuscan Dinner, Euro 35.00. 'La Certosa' is a charming 16th Century building set in the scenic Tuscan hills. Begin the evening with a glass of Campari, then carry on with a typical Tuscan meal including an excellent anti-pasta collection of cold meats and salads, then tuck into a variety of delicious pasta, followed by a wonderfully aromatic main course - all washed down with the local Chianti. But there's more to it than just a charming setting on the outdoor terrace and the culinary delights of Italy. Entertainment is also on tonight's menu, a pianist to set a romantic mood and opera singers to serenade you.

Florence: Group Photograph, Euro 9.00. A famous Florentine view is the background for our group photo - a great souvenir to take back home.

Florence: Space Electronic Disco, Euro 8.00. A chance to dance the night away at Florence's largest night-spot. Enjoy the music and lasers upstairs or try the karaoke situated downstairs. The first drink of your choice is included in the price.

French Riviera: Monaco Restaurant, Euro 31.00. Our restaurant in the principality of Monaco is about five minute's walk from the sumptuous Palace. The menu is predominantly French and includes a 'Kir" aperitif, a four course meal and half a carafe of wine.

Paris: 'Nouvelle Eve' Dinner and Show, Euro 94.00. Enjoy dinner with drinks included at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabarets in Paris. Situated in the heart of the Pigalle, this extravaganza of dancing girls, exquisite costumes and of course the Can Can is an unforgettable experience.

All This Included
VISIT 10 COUNTRIES • Belgium (In transit) • Holland • Germany • Switzerland • Liechtenstein • Austria • Italy • Vatican City • France • Monaco
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS • 16 nights in superior tourist class hotels. • Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private facilities. • Continental breakfasts (B) and three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary. • Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges.
CONTIKI SPECIALS • Experienced, professional Tour Manager and Driver. • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats. • Free Contiki ‘Travellers Checks’ information book. • Ferry transport as itinerary.

Discover Europe
Dover: See the White Cliffs of Dover. • Amsterdam: Orientation tour including a visit to a diamond exhibition. Excursion to the cheese village of Edam. Visit a cheese farm and clog-maker’s house. Bicycle tour of Dutch countryside.• Rhine Valley: Scenic Rhine Cruise, including the famous Lorelei Rock • Lucerne: Orientation tour including the wooden Chapel Bridge. • Innsbruck: View the Golden Roof. Scenic drive to view the Olympic Ski Jump.• Venice: Motor boat trip to Piazza San Marco. See a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. See a lace-making demonstration. See the Bridge of Sighs and Doges’ Palace. Walk around St Mark’s Square. • Vatican City: See St Peter’s Basilica home to Michelangelo’s famous ‘Pieta’. • Rome: Orientation tour including Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. • Florence: Expert local guide on a walking tour of Renaissance Florence, including the Duomo, Basilica of Santa Croce, Giotto’s Belltower, the Baptistry and Piazza della Signoria. Demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. • Pisa: See the Leaning Tower. • French Riviera: Visit a French perfumery. Spectacular drive along the French Riviera. • Avignon: Visit the city of the Popes. • Lyon: Visit the gastronomic capital of France. • Fontainbleau: See the magnificent Chateau. • Paris: Use of local guide on sightseeing tour including Notre Dame Cathedral. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the Champs Elysées. Evening tour of the Illuminations.

Day 3: Sunday, 26 May 2002: London to Amsterdam. Meet your Contiki crew as we drive to the White Cliffs of Dover for our cross-Channel ferry to France. Then through Belgium to Holland and its capital, Amsterdam for the evening. (D)

Day 4: Monday, 27 May 2002: Amsterdam Sightseeing. Visit the cheese village of Edam, a cheese farm and see clogs being made. Shop for diamonds and take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Tonight why not get together for a local meal? (B)

Day 5: Tuesday, 28 May 2002: Amsterdam to the Rhine Valley. Leaving Holland we enter Germany and head for the Rhine Valley. We travel past Cologne, seeing the barges and boats on the waterways. At St Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, castles and the infamous Lorelei rock. (B, D)

Day 6: Wednesday, 29 May 2002: Rhine Valley to Lucerne. Today we head for the Alps and lakeside Lucerne. Don’t miss an opportunity to take a cable car or cog railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus and enjoy the fabulous views. (B,D)

Day 7: Thursday, 30 May 2002: Lucerne Sightseeing at Leisure. Enjoy an orientation tour of the beautiful city of Lucerne. An opportunity to see the Lion Monument, cross the Chapel Bridge, spend time wandering through the narrow cobbled streets shopping for watches and Swiss chocolate. (B,D)

Day 8: Friday, 31 May 2002: Lucerne to Innsbruck. Now to Austria via Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Perhaps take the opportunity to try white water rafting before arriving in Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and take a scenic drive to view the Olympic ski jump. (B,D)

Day 9: Saturday, 1 June 2002: Innsbruck to Venice. We head south over the Brenner Pass to Venice where we learn about glass-blowing and lace-making. Enjoy our complimentary motor boat to see St Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Tonight why not treat yourself to a gondola ride? (B)

Day 10: Sunday, 2 June 2002: Venice to Rome. Southwards as we pass Bologna, climb through the Appennine Mountains, passing medieval hillside villages and on to the fabled Seven Hills of the Eternal City, Rome. Tonight a walking tour of this ancient city includes the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain the Pantheon and Piazza Venezia. (B)

Day 11: Monday, 3 June 2002: Rome Sightseeing. Today why not discover the ancient ruins of Rome with a local guide and in your free time leisurely discover the secrets of the Vatican City and the Sistene Chapel. (B,D)

Day 12: Tuesday, 4 June 2002: Rome to Florence. We drive to Florence where our local expert guide takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s Belltower, Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Tonight join the locals in a restaurant or club. (B)

Day 13: Wednesday, 5 June 2002: Florence to Nice - French Riviera. We continue via Italy’s west coast to view the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then to the Côte d’Azur and our hotel on the French Riviera. Tonight, we drive to Monaco to see the Royal Palace and visit a casino. (B)

Day 14: Thursday, 6 June 2002: Nice Sightseeing at Leisure. Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade at Nice. A chance to relax, swim or shop for French fashion – the choice is yours! (B,D)

Day 15: Friday, 7 June 2002: Nice to Lyon. Visit a French perfumery before our drive to see the Palace of the Popes in the Papal city of Avignon. Then north along the Rhône Valley to Lyon. (B)

Day 16: Saturday, 8 June 2002: Lyon to Paris. Journey north to the Chateau of Fontainbleau before continuing to the romance of Paris. Arriving in Paris we visit Notre Dame Cathedral on our city tour. Tonight we enjoy a magical evening tour of the city illuminations. (B,D)

Day 17: Sunday, 9 June 2002: Paris Sightseeing. Today, a full day for you to explore Paris. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. There’s time to shop on the Champs Elysées, take in a museum or stroll by the Seine. Tonight join us for dinner and a famous Parisian cabaret. (B)

Day 18: Monday, 10 June 2002: Paris to London. Going north we first visit the Canadian War Memorial situated near the Valley of the Somme. From here to Calais and our cross channel ferry to Dover to arrive in London early evening. (B)

Day 19: Tuesday, 11 June 2002: Depart London.