Day 1 : Rome to Sorrento via Pompeii
Kicking off your adventure in Rome, you’ll meet up with the rest of your crew who are all ready and waiting this morning. We’ll bid ‘ciao’ to Bella Roma and head south for Sorrento, with a special stop on the way. Driving down the coast today, we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Soak up the sweeping views on route to gorgeous Sorrento, where sun-bleached pastel houses perch along cliffs, tumbling down to the Mediterranean sea. 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.
Accommodation : Hotel Albatross (or similar)
Day 2 : Sorrento (Including Capri)
It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... We'll head over to the island of Capri for the day. With its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it's easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. If you'd like to spend some time on the water, opt for a cruise, with swim stops & great views of the coastline. Back in Sorrento, we'll all tuck into an included dinner.
Accommodation : Hotel Albatross (or similar)
Day 3 : Sorrento to Florence
See you, Sorrento! Thanks for making our Instagram feeds look like shoots for Italian Vogue! After checking in and dropping off your bags here in Florence, you and the group will have a free night to explore. And with lots of bars and restaurants to discover, you'll be utterly enthralled.
Accommodation : Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Day 4 : Florence
That big thing in the sky? It's the Duomo! You know, the one with the famous red dome that sits above Florence? Today after breakfast, we’ll learn all about it, plus the Basilica, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more as a local shows us around the city on a guided walking tour. Take your time soaking in the sights. And maybe even grab lunch at a cosy trattoria. Save space for dinner tonight though, because you have the chance to join a traditional Tuscan evening complete with a family-style dinner and live music - with a visit to the Certosa Monastery included too.
Accommodation : Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Day 5 : Florence to Lucerne
Goodbye, Florence! We’ll get some breakfast, and leave the historical streets for the heavenly lake scenes. On our way to Lucerne, we'll stop off for an (optional) trip to the top of Mt Stanserhorn. Get set for oh-so stunning panoramic views. Afterwards, we'll arrive in the fairytale town of Lucerne, where an optional lake cruise awaits (summer only). Our big recco for how to spend your free evening? Go. Try. Swiss. Chocolate.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Day 6 : Lucerne to Beaujolais Wine Region via Geneva
It's been sweet, but our time in Lucerne is up this morning. Out with the altitude, in with the French countryside bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and into France. But first, there's just time for one last breath of fresh mountain air. A quick lunch break in the home of the UN's headquarters and a view of that oh so famous water fountain. Grab a bite to eat and a last mouthful of delish swiss chocolate (try saying that three times fast) and then we'll be on our way. 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 multi-share, newly-renovated rooms (with 5 other travellers). 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.
Accommodation : Château de Cruix (or similar)
Day 7 : Beaujolais Wine Region to Paris
Wake yourself up with some morning yoga on the Chateau's lawn, survey the garden and give those limbs a good stretch before we pack up for Paris today. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris. After an included dinner at the hotel, our Trip Manager will fill us in on the city's secrets with a dreamy night-time tour of the 'city of love', passing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral. We’ll also take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower you’ll find anywhere in Paris.
Accommodation : Ibis Paris Porte de Bagnolet (or similar)
Day 8 : Paris
Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is ours! First we’ll visit the glamorous Fragonard perfumery for a lesson in the olfactory arts, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quartiers, see Notre Dame Cathedral, hunt for vintage treasures in Le Marais, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. Tonight, you'll have the chance to round off your European adventure in style, with a trip to a Parisian cabaret show with dinner (optional).
Accommodation : Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles (or similar)
Day 9 : Paris to London
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you’ve seen during this awesome trip, not to mention how close you’ve grown to your Contiki pals. What a journey! On arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group - the adventure has come to an end.
Accommodation :