Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: London to Paris
Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life – we’re calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we’ll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights. A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we’ll see on our trip. After we ferry across the English Channel for France we’ll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields as we drive past the Valley of the Somme. We’ll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris and bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Day 2: Paris
Today it’s straight down to business with a tour of the city then you’re free to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the Louvre. It’s a lovely night to have a French meal with your crew. But it doesn’t end there. You can then wander down the hill of Montmartre to see a cabaret show too. It’s gonna be a night to remember!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region via Fontainebleau
Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we’re dragging you away in search of vineyards and châteaus. With its medieval stature and grand surrounding ponds, Château Fontainebleau will take your breath away. We’ll amble around the gardens then recommence our scenic journey to Beaujolais. Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we’ll arrive at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. That’s right, we’re trading hotels for a castle tonight! You’ll stay in newly-renovated rooms. What’s more? Not much, just an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, a powder room for makeup and hair, a beautiful sprawling garden AND a pool! Tonight we’ll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France…Please note: Certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Chateau de Cruix to the city of Lyon due to space limitations. These departures will be centrally located in Lyon and have an included dinner and wine tasting to enhance the time spent in Lyon.
Meals: Dinner
Day 4
Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region
Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château’s gardens, relax in the courtyard with a coffee & croissant, or lounge about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine.
Meals: Lunch
Day 5
Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona
Bye-bye Beajoulais! And hello Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain’s most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last. Well would you look at that for timing, we’ve pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o’clock. Fate, you’ve done it again! A scrumptious Spanish feast and a night exploring this culturally rich city should have us in the fiesta mood soon enough.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 6
Day 6: Barcelona
Cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic hilltop vistas, & wild Spanish architecture will season our day to perfection. There’s plenty of free time to roam free or take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, just don’t tire yourself out – chances are you’ll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Day 7: Barcelona to French Riviera via Arles
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more… After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we’ll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. You’re not a real celebrity until you’ve frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Day 8: French Riviera Including Monaco
Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn’t miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission. Plus, there’s an optional bike ride with views of Cote d’azur we know you’ll love. Please tell us you didn’t throw away all of your pennies today? Because you’re going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We’re visiting Monaco tonight, and youll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace! After a night on the blackjack table it’s back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Day 9: French Riviera to Venice
Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner. But first we’ll make a a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you’ll learn how your favourite scents are made – and even have a go at crafting your own signature fragrance! The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges – what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you’ll want to be alert for tomorrow’s magical agenda.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Day 10: Venice
Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We’ll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. You can learn to be a Gondelieri (Gondola driver…) or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you. A hop between Venice’s coolest restaurants, and a gondola ride are up for grabs.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Day 11: Venice to Florence Via Pisa
Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. As if we are going to travel from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it’s heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Day 12: Florence
Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom, food and free time to roam. Take the opportunity to explore streets bursting with heritage and delicious flavours in an optional walking tour, or take yourself to the local markets and down some gelato. Tonight is yours to find a local Trattoria and indulge in local delicacies, or to visit a local wine window and continue sightseeing – just pick your poison!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Day 13: Florence to Rome
Farewell Florence – today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas…we’re coming in hot. After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we’ll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we’ll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Day 14: Rome
When in Rome… This is the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority, as well as stuffing yourself to the brim with pasta, gelato and caprese salad all washed down with a glass of red at a local trattoria.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Day 15: Rome to Overnight Adriatic Ferry
As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we’re a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year…wait for it…79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying “stepping back in time” is about to take on a whole new meaning! Although we don’t arrive in Athens tonight, it’s in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you’ll wake in a brand new country.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16
Day 16: Overnight Adriatic Ferry to Athens
Ahoy there, we’ll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land… We’ll roll off the boat in Igoumenitsa and then it’s straight back on the road. The awe of Greece’s mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean. A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17
Day 17: End Athens
Hugs, tears, and a final batch of reminiscing; it’s astounding how close a group can get in just two short weeks, but not before our Local Guide will escort us through the history of the city visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis, as well as the first modern Olympic Stadium, host of the 1896 Games.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 16 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Picnic Lunch (PL)
FAQs
- London: You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- London: Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
- Athens: The climate in this region is extremely varied. In shoulder season (May, September, and October) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C (86 F).
- Athens: It’s always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night (especially outside of the cities), so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece. You’ll also need to pack comfortable shoes for walking during the day, plus sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a light/beach towel. And if you wanna visit any basilicas, cathedrals or sacred sites during your trip, we recommend you bring a few outfits that cover your knees and shoulders.
- London: You’ll stay in a Twin share room (meaning you’ll be paired with a fellow traveller of the same gender, and will have two separate beds). If you’re booking your trip with a friend/travel companion – just let us know, so we can join your bookings and ensure you share a room. Need a lil’ more privacy? You’re welcome to opt for a single supplement if you like.
Included Experience
- 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.
- Fontainebleau: There’s your everyday châteaux and then there’s Château de Fontainebleau. The medieval palace was once home to Napoleon. And it’s another level of luxe.
- Beaujolais: Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la!
- Beaujolais Wine Region: Set within the rolling hills of the Beaujolais wine region, the legendary Contiki Château special stay has been wowing travellers for decades. From the luxe bar to the elegant new bedrooms, our Château is the perfect backdrop to long summer days lounging by the pool, capped off with French feasts, local wine and dancing the night away in ‘La Cave.’
- Beaujolais: Enjoy a French-style picnic while admiring the gorgeous Beaujolais countryside.
- Beaujolais: Clear out the cobwebs and get in touch with you zen side with a guided yoga session on the sweeping lawns of the château.
- Arles: Visit the historic city of Arles, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh.
- Monaco City: Walk in the footsteps of Grace Kelly at the Royal Palace and see the Monte Carlo Casino (where the car park looks like a Fast & Furious set).
- French Riviera: Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.
- Nice: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a French perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
- Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
- Athens: Even if you’re not a sports nut, this is probably the most iconic Olympic stadium in the world and you won’t want to miss it.
- Athens: Walk in the footsteps of Gods and Goddesses, as you take a guided tour around the Ancient Greek monuments and explore the Parthenon temple.
Montmartre Cabaret Show
Settle into a plush Parisian cabaret for a night of high-energy choreography, glittering costumes and live music in the bohemian quarter of Montmartre. The atmosphere hums with Belle-Époque nostalgia and modern flair.
Order a glass of bubbles as the spotlight sweeps across the stage. This quintessential Paris evening is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
French-Style Picnic in the Beaujolais Gardens
Unfold blankets for a relaxed French-style picnic in the château’s landscaped gardens, surrounded by rolling Beaujolais vineyards. Expect crusty baguettes, creamy cheeses, charcuterie and seasonal produce.
As you dine alfresco, sip a chilled Beaujolais Villages and take in panoramic views across sun-warmed hills. The simple pleasure of fresh food, friends and open air captures the gentle rhythm of rural France.
Arles Orientation & Roman Arena Viewing
Wander the honey-hued lanes of Arles with time to admire its monumental Roman Arena, a 1st-century amphitheatre still anchoring daily life. Sunlight, shutters and café tables set a quintessential Provencal mood.
Trace the footsteps of Van Gogh, who captured Arles’ blazing skies and café nights on canvas. From antique stones to artists’ color, this stop reveals a small city where eras overlap with charm.
French Riviera Coastal Drive
Soak up the drama of the Côte d’Azur as you glide along winding coastal roads framed by umbrella pines and the Mediterranean’s sapphire bays. Chic towns and palm-lined promenades unfurl beside translucent water.
Your Trip Manager points out photogenic viewpoints and storied enclaves as sea light plays on pastel facades and bobbing yachts. It’s a snapshot of Riviera glamour, from cliffside curves to beach-side boulevards.
Monaco by Night: Royal Palace & Monte Carlo Casino Visit
Experience Monaco after dark, pausing in Monaco-Ville near the Royal Palace before descending to the yacht-filled harbor. Stroll the belle-époque arcades and admire the illuminated facade of the Monte Carlo Casino.
Soak up the glittering harbor scene and refined ambiance of this tiny principality. Entry to gaming rooms is at your own cost, with smart dress expected—perfect for those who want to step inside a European icon.
French Perfumery Workshop (Èze or Nice)
Step into a historic perfume house to learn the art of fragrance. Discover how notes are blended, explore essences from jasmine to vetiver, and see the craft behind a Riviera tradition.
Guided by a parfumeur, try your hand at creating your own scent to take away. Between copper stills, glass flacons and storied formulas, this cultural stop celebrates the olfactory heritage of the French Riviera.
Venice Lagoon Private Boat Ride & St Mark’s Square
Cross the Venetian Lagoon by private boat, skimming past islets and church spires toward the city’s marble heart. Disembark in the expanse of St Mark’s Square, framed by the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Absorb the soundtrack of lapping water and bell towers as your Trip Manager points out the Bridge of Sighs and ornate facades. It’s Venice as it was meant to be seen—arriving over water.
Pisa Leaning Tower Photo Stop
Pause on the lush lawns of the Piazza dei Miracoli to capture your classic shot with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The white-marble Duomo and Baptistery complete the Romanesque ensemble.
Learn how soft ground created the famous tilt and why engineers continue to stabilize the structure. This photo stop blends playful poses with genuine appreciation for medieval craftsmanship.
Rome Icons Orientation Walk
Join your Trip Manager for a city stroll that links the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Baroque fountains, cobbled lanes and café corners reveal layers of ancient, Renaissance and modern Rome.
Hear tales of emperors and artists as you navigate atmospheric side streets, spotting obelisks, marble columns and gelaterie. This walk orients you for deeper exploration of Italy’s capital.
Corinth Canal Viewpoint Stop
Pause at the Corinth Canal, a narrow 19th-century waterway dramatically cut through rock to link the Aegean and Ionian seas. Boats thread between sheer limestone walls that rise on either side.
From the bridge, take photos of the vivid blue channel and learn how this audacious engineering project reshaped maritime routes in Greece. It’s a striking meeting of geology, ambition and sea.
Acropolis & Parthenon Guided Visit with Panathenaic Stadium
Ascend the sacred hill for a guided tour of the Acropolis, marveling at the colonnaded perfection of the Parthenon and the elegant Caryatids of the Erechtheion. Panoramic views sweep across modern Athens.
Continue to the horseshoe-shaped Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of white marble and host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Ancient myths and modern sporting spirit meet in one compelling morning of history.
Sunrise Yoga on the Château Lawns
Center your breath with a gentle guided flow on the château’s sweeping lawns as soft light washes over vine-covered hills. Move through stretches and balances designed to clear out the cobwebs and awaken the body.
Mats are provided; all levels welcome. This wellness session is at additional cost and bookable on tour, ideal for greeting the French countryside with calm energy.
Barcelona Flamenco Evening
Feel the intensity of flamenco in an intimate tablao as guitar toque, soulful cante and percussive baile ignite the stage. Handclaps, footwork and swirling skirts channel Andalusian duende.
Optional drinks set the mood while artists perform just a few meters away. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; a passionate slice of Spanish culture to crown your Barcelona stay.
Côte d’Azur Scenic Bike Ride
Pedal a breezy coastal route with sea views, palm fronds and Belle-Époque facades as your backdrop. Gentle gradients and frequent pauses let you savor the Mediterranean light and photograph azure coves.
Guides set an easy pace and share local tips along the way. This outdoor adventure is at additional cost and bookable on tour, perfect for taking in the Riviera on two wheels.
Venice Gondola Ride
Glide along quiet canals beneath low stone bridges as your gondolier steers with time-honored skill. Reflections ripple on centuries-old palazzi and the soft splash of the oar sets a tranquil rhythm.
It’s a leisurely way to see Venice’s watery backstreets and hidden courtyards. This classic ride is at additional cost and bookable on tour; musicians may be available for a romantic serenade.
Florence Walking Tour with Local Guide
Explore the cradle of the Renaissance on foot, taking in the marble stripes of the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. Hear how Medici patronage fueled breakthroughs in art and science.
Your guide points out sculptural masterpieces and artisan traditions, from leatherwork to goldsmiths’ workshops. This cultural deep-dive is at additional cost and bookable on tour, ideal for getting under Florence’s skin.
Pompeii Archaeological Site Guided Tour
Walk Roman streets halted in time by Vesuvius as you tour Pompeii’s forum, bathhouses and frescoed villas. See stepping stones, bakery mills and poignant plaster casts that humanize the ancient city.
Guides unpack daily life in 79 AD and the eruption’s dramatic timeline. This in-depth visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour, offering powerful context before sailing for Greece.
Athens Taverna Night with Live Music
Dine at a traditional taverna with shared meze, grilled specialties and local wine as musicians strike up the bouzouki. Clinking glasses and spontaneous song set a warm, convivial tone.
Between toasts and stories, you’ll taste the social heart of Greek cuisine. This festive evening is at additional cost and bookable on tour, a relaxed finale to your Athenian stay.
Château de Fontainebleau Visit & Gardens
Explore the stately halls and formal lakeside grounds of Château de Fontainebleau, a royal residence for eight centuries and once home to Napoleon. Walk through Renaissance galleries hung with mythic frescoes and gilt detail.
Stroll the Grand Parterre and tranquil carp ponds designed by André Le Nôtre, feeling the shift from medieval stronghold to lavish court. The châteaux-and-forest setting captures the power and artistry of the French monarchy in a single, evocative place.
Beaujolais Château Stay: Wine Tasting & Dinner
Savor an evening at the legendary Contiki Château, a 16th-century hideaway in the Beaujolais hills. Sample local Gamay during a hosted wine tasting, then sit down to classic regional dishes paired with easy-drinking reds.
After dinner, mingle in the salons and head to the vaulted cellar bar—‘La Cave’—for music and dancing. Between stone walls, vineyard breezes and convivial toasts, this château night distills the spirit of the French countryside.
Paris Panoramic City Tour
Join a guided panoramic tour through the City of Light, taking in the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, and riverside views along the Seine. Glide past grand boulevards, mansard rooftops and café terraces that define Parisian life.
Hear stories that link medieval Île de la Cité to today’s creative capital, with photostops near icons like the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Your guide layers architecture, fashion and food culture into a vivid portrait of Paris’ past and present.
Operated By
Contiki
