I am leaving Hong Kong at 12:35 am on June 11th, and then I have 3 nights on my own in London before my Contiki tour starts. Once it starts...it's a whirlwind! Here's the itinerary for my 45-day trip, adapted from the Contiki website.
Day 1: London to Paris
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris.
Day 2 - Day 3: Paris
Two full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles, home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret?
Day 4: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region
Today’s journey leads us to Contiki’s exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon.
Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region
This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of rural France.
Day 6: Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona
Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona.
Day 7: Barcelona
Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?
Day 8: Barcelona to French Riviera
We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.
Day 9: French Riviera
Today we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo.
Day 10: French Riviera to Venice
Today we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.
Day 11: Venice
A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?
Day 12: Venice to Florence
We travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it's a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.
Day 13: Florence
Your day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.
Day 14: Florence to Rome
All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Day 15: Rome
Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing.
Day 16: Rome to Corfu
A chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Greece.
Day 18: Corfu Day 17
Two sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu staying at Contiki's Special Stopover. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing.
Day 19: Corfu to Athens
Today we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens.
Day 20: Athens to Ios
Our sightseeing tour this morning takes in the national treasures of the Acropolis and Parthenon as well as the first modern Olympic stadium. Later, board your ferry to Ios for three nights of partying and relaxation.
Day 21 - Day 22: Ios
Ios is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic party atmosphere. The perfect mixture of party and relaxation, it's also famous as the place where the great poet Homer died. Lucky you have three nights here!
Day 23: Ios to Santorini
A ferry ride from the party atmosphere of Ios to the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini.
Day 24 - Day 25: Santorini
Explore the main towns of Fira and Oia, take a day trip to one of the neighbouring islands or just relax on a beach and watch the world go by.
Day 26: Santorini to Athens
Cruising back to Athens today for your final night in the capital. Catch up with your fellow travellers on their arrival back from Egypt and swap stories. Dinner is your choice tonight, a great opportunity to dine in the famous Plaka district.
Day 27: Athens to Kavala
We drive past Spartan Thermopylae and Thessaloniki, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and then on to our seaside overnight stop at Kavala.
Day 28: Kavala to Cannakale
After crossing the border into Turkey we cross the Dardanelles to see Troy's Wooden Horse.
Day 29: Canakkale to Istanbul
We take time to pay tribute at Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. Travel onwards to Istanbul where you'll have a chance to revel in a night of belly dancing, eastern food, and music.
Day 30 - Day 31: Istanbul
Two full days to enjoy this amazing city. Join a local guide in the spice markets and the heart of the city. Plenty of time to search for a bargain at the Grand Bazaar or treat yourself to a relaxing Turkish bath.
Day 32: Istanbul to Sofia
We pass the Turkish border town of Edirne before crossing into Bulgaria and driving to the capital, Sofia. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by free time to shop at the stalls near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Day 33: Sofia to Belgrade
Today we travel to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. A country with a troubled past and a promising future, Belgrade is a surprisingly beautiful contrast between old and new.
Day 34: Belgrade to Budapest
Following the Danube River north today, we make our way to the jewel in the crown of Hungary, the capital city of Budapest. A chance to enjoy the sights and tastes of the city on a river cruise.
Day 35: Budapest to Vienna
Sightseeing takes in the quaint hill-top Buda and bustling Pest, before we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to see the splendours of the once mighty Austrian Empire. Classical music to heighten your senses tonight?
Day 36: Vienna
On our sightseeing tour see the fabulous Palace of the Hapsburgs, the State Opera House and fashionable Kärntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. Later why not sample some local schnaps and a traditional Viennese meal?
Day 37: Vienna to Austrian Tyrol
Today our destination is the picturesque Tyrol region. Along the way we pass through Austria's beautiful countryside before arriving in our home for two nights, Hopfgarten.
Day 38: Austrian Tyrol
The picture-postcard village of Hopfgarten is an excellent base to make the most of the beautiful countryside. Experience a vast range of outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or perhaps trout fishing.
Day 39: Austrian Tyrol to Munich
On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Our orientation tour includes the town centre with its historic Glockenspiel. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls.
Day 40: Munich to Swiss Alps
We stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and see the sights in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps.
Day 41: Swiss Alps
A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain!
Day 42: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley
Heading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Tonight we stay in the picturesque Rhine Valley after seeing the famous Lorelei and hearing how German beersteins are crafted in St. Goar.
Day 43: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam
We cross the Dutch border and make our way towards Amsterdam. Visit a cheese farm and see how clogs are made. Cycle through the countryside and the village of Edam and enjoy the famous Amsterdam nightlife.
Day 44: Amsterdam
This morning why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam? In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together.
Day 45: Amsterdam to London
Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England.
I return to London on July 28th around 6:45 pm, and I have one last night in Europe before catching my flight home in the morning of July 29th. I will be back in Canada just in time for the August Long Weekend, which I will be spending with my family in Muskoka!
It's all very exciting...
ROME - Near Piazza Navonna - Blue Ice has the best Gelato in Rome.
ReplyDeleteVenice - you will get lost. guaranteed. avoid meals in Saint Marco's Square .. they are more expensive because of the location, instead go down a side street
Florence - Amazing leather shopping, and barter. a girl on my trip got an amazing leather jacket for 110. - originally 280. - Don't be afraid to go low and tell them that you are a student, they give you a discount at the Market.
Munich - There is a starbucks (Internet) near odeonplatz - I know that is important information for you.
You have to go to the Hoffenbrau House - Famous beer hall, and drink beer by the litre.
Swiss Alps - from your description it seems like you will be in Lauterbrunnen...Not a lot to do there, there are a few bars but the surroundings are amazing - look at my f.book album for pics.
warning - it will smell like cow shit.
I'll let you know about Greece as I make my way through. I don't think you are in for. Each city you will think is the best, until you get to the next and realize how much more amazing it is.
love you and I wish I could be a part of the family with you on the august long weekend...I miss you
love always