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
It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... After wandering the cobbled streets of Sorrento, we'll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast, 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 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 Lyon
Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Paris. After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so we'll head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies. Topped off with some beaujolais wine, but of course.
Accommodation : Ibis Lyon Sud Oullins (or similar)
Day 7 : Lyon to Paris
Rolling out of Lyon this morning we’re Paris-bound, swapping countryside for inner-city bliss. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris, made all the more romantic in winter months. 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 lights', 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 : B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (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 :