25-Day European Quest | Hotels | Start 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 in the Valley of the Somme.  We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason.

Drool over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. Smitten and it's only day two!

Wipe away your tears sad travellers! Paris is not going anywhere, you can always come back and visit her again. You, on the other hand, are going somewhere, and it's somewhere pretty magnificent... Wise folk tell us that wine has been produced in Bordeaux since the 1st Century - that's a long time, which means they know what they're doing. And it's not just the vin that has dragged us here, it's a pretty place to boot featuring its famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror). You'll have the option to sip your way through local wines while soaking up the sights on a scenic stroll - because sightseeing’s better with a glass in hand.

Breathe in your last breath of Bordeaux before we hit the road in search of the Spanish border. In just a few short hours we'll be exploring San Sebastian. Our stop will have you people watching in this cute little town on the French and Spanish border. With two nights in Spain's coastal town of San Sebastian, it will be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces. You're free to explore then you'll have the option to hit up our epic Pintxos tour. Your call, but trust us… the flavours are next level.

We'll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian's coastline.

Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don't worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief.  This town comes complete with a baroque Basilica, a perfect combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture and truly a sight to behold. Hola Barcelona... the first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That's if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach. We'll kick things off with a stop at the epic Sagrada Familia and then you're free to check out the unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & street life. Just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.

They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn’t agree more. For a taste of what’s in store, here’s just the beginning of a never-ending list: hit up the colourful wonderland that is Parc Güell, soak up the sun at the beach, then lose yourself in the backstreets with non-stop tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more...  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? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline. We’ll kick back with an included dinner, then the night’s all yours to own.

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. An optional bike ride with the coastline as the backdrop is on the agenda this morning. 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.We'll make a  a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you’ll learn how your favourite scents are made – you'll even have the chance to craft your own signature fragrance!You're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco.After a night on the blackjack table it's back to our cosy accommodation and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we'll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre. Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above. Then we'll head to our home for the night - Pisa.Oh, what a long but beautiful day it has been! We'll check into our hotel and get some well deserved rest.

As if we were going to leave Pisa without a trip to the Leaning Tower. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal.  Explore the city's markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skilful art of leather at an included demonstration. These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at a Free Time Add-On dinner - think antipasti & wine.

After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs.  "So so so so in love with Sorrento" are about the only words you'll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty. Here, you’ll have the chance to treat yourself with a visit to La Sorgente, a nearby locally-owned family mozzarella farm, for an authentic Italian meal complete with fresh homemade mozzarella, rich olive oil and sunshine-coloured limoncello.

It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... We'll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast today, stopping off in Amalfi town to admire the castles and coastal views. Next up, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit a Lemon Farm and learn all about how your fav limoncello is made.  Back in Sorrento, we'll stroll along the plunging cliffs, explore the impossibly pretty historical centre and taste some local gnocchi.

Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows. After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains. Today's roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome. On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy's capital, we'll hit the cobblestoned streets to check out some of the most famous sights this city has on offer.

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture & the chance to see the Colosseum up close. The afternoon’s free & an optional pasta cooking class with dinner is on the agenda tonight. Oh, and treat yourself to some gelato, will ya? You’ve earned it.

We have two more pins dropped on the Italian map before we start conquering new countries. And you'll be pleased to know they are both pretty special.  In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet, yes, the very same balcony. One for the romantics of the group. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told.  Kudos to the cats of decades gone by who constructed this lagoon fairytale. The 118 islands of Venice are yours to explore. Boats, bridges, gondolas; your heart is going to pound. Relax tonight knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore pretty streets. Just another day in the traveller's life.

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. An optional food tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

That's it for our stint in Italy. Gelato, pizza, historical monuments, coastlines, gondolas; you have all been wonderful! Onwards and geographically upwards - 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 visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts.

With no time to waste, we'll journey on to Germany this morning. Before we arrive in Munich, we'll make a stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You'll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on to the next spot. Bavarian culture, a famous Glockenspiel and charm aplenty. Munich doesn't just turn it on during Oktoberfest! Explore peaceful gardens or head over to a legendary beer hall.

Munich's all yours to explore today. Wanna see the city's best sights with a local? There's an optional bike tour up for grabs.

So long, Munich - we’re heading east with a quick stop in a city that’s big on history (and charm).Known for legendary composers and striking monuments, you’ve got the afternoon to grab a bite and explore. Then it’s back on the road...Hello, Berlin. We’ll hit the ground running with a tour of the city’s top sights, then keep the good times rolling tonight.

Leap out of bed knowing Berlin is ready and waiting to be explored. You can opt to discover Berlin's restless past on a historical walking tour including Checkpoint Charlie and the site of Hitler's bunker. Or choose an alternative walking tour to see the street art and counter-culture that tourists often miss. The nightlife is also yours for the taking, so this is your chance to scope out some of the underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that make this city a world famous party spot.

We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights. Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. You can start your exploration of this city with a delicious included dinner. Later, choose to join us at a comedy show. The fun doesn't stop, knowing there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world’s most unique cities. Street art and graffiti lovers have the chance to visit the STRAAT Museum. Then, the final night on trip together culminates with a chance to join a farewell dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights.

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am.For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south to Calais.This afternoon we cross from France to England......and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.