Embark on a two-week European journey, from the glittering lights of Paris to the enchanting canals of Venice. Experience the allure of the French Riviera and enjoy a stay at Contiki's exclusive chateau. This adventure blends twinkling cities, lush vineyards, and rich cultural immersion. Explore the best of Europe in a perfect loop of iconic destinations.
Includes
14 Day Contiki Guided Holiday
13 Nights accommodation: 10 nights in Hostels, 2 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Special Stay
13 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Transport by coach
Experienced Trip Manager and Local Guides
Optional free time add on experiences (additional costs apply)
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Extras
You have to be between the age of 18 and 35 years old to travel with Contiki
Additional costs apply for optional free time add on experiences
Please not that your starting point is in Paris on Mon 31 March 2025 at 18:00.
Secure your spot today with a deposit from as low as R1000* and pay the rest 60 days before departure
Highlights
13 Nights accommodation
13 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Included experiences and sightseeing
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Pop the champagne, dial up the romance, & pass the escargot - we're in Paris, baby! Don't waste a second unpacking, we're going to hit the streets and see how this city comes alive by night.
Accommodation:Jo&Joe (or similar)
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Paris
Today's the day 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 many museums of the Louvre. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!
Accommodation:Jo&Joe (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region via Fontainebleau
Paris
Farewell French capital! We're off in search of charming countryside & legit, straight from the source, vino.
Fontainebleau
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.
Beaujolais Wine Region
Tonight's the night we camp out at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. We say "camp" - LOL. This might be the most royal experience of your life. Wine tasting at the château’s working winery is just one of the ways we'll kill time while we're here.
Please note: Due to so many people wanting to party with us, certain departures will be moved from Contiki's Chateau de Cruix to the French Gastronomic Capital of Lyon (a title which ain't given lightly, believe us!) We'll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine. We'll also uncover all the city's magic on a guided tour.
Accommodation:Château de Cruix (or similar)
Included Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera
Beaujolais Wine Region
Yes, yes, you could stay here forever, but unfortunately the show must go on. And there is more French fabulousness just around the corner, we promise.
French Riviera
Missing an opportunity to see this glorious 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.
Accommodation: Beach Hostel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: French Riviera (Including Monaco City)
French Riviera
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.
Monaco City
A night in glamorous Monaco should complete your day slash life. Don a fancy necklace and pop a plum in your mouth - we're about to embark on the lifestyle of the rich and the famous.
French Riviera
After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Accommodation: Beach Hostel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: French Riviera to Florence via Pisa
French Riviera
After almost a week in France you'll be full to the brim with all things French and ready for new ground. Italy, perhaps?
Pisa
No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to Florence.
Florence
The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at a Free Time Add-On dinner - think olives, pastas, focaccia, meats & wine.
Accommodation: Hotel Auto Park (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Florence to Rome
Florence
This morning is a perfect balance of guided wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leather & explore streets bursting with heritage before eventually hitting the road for Rome.
Rome
And you thought your morning was interesting! The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of its glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfecto!
Accommodation: Hostel Trustever (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Rome
Rome
When in Rome... take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine. This is also 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.
Accommodation: Hostel Trustever (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Rome to Venice
Rome
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over...
Venice
Venice is yours for this glorious Italian afternoon. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A guided walking 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.
Accommodation: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Venice to Munich via Tyrol
Venice
Confident we have ticked off all the Italian essentials, we can now leg it to Germany. After all the sophistication and glamour of France and Italy, a few beers and the chance to wear Bavarian suspenders will be precisely what we feel like.
Tyrol
Wind through the Austrian Alps to lively Munich.
Munich
Bavarian culture, a famous Glockenspiel and charm aplenty; Munich doesn't just turn it on during Oktoberfest! Explore peaceful gardens and legendary beer halls or join in the bike tour and explore the side streets you wouldn't usually see.
Accommodation: Bento Inn Munich Messe (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Munich to Rhine Valley via Dachau
Munich
Today it’s goodbye Munich, hello wine country. But first, we have an important stop to make.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Journeying out of 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 Rhine Valley.
Sankt Goar
After the scenic journey of fairytale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. This back-in-time town is our wine tasting host for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam via Edam
Sankt Goar
This morning we'll drag you all away from Germany kicking and screaming that you want to stay forever. Only to see you equally infatuated with another dot on the European map hours later...
Edam
You know the cheese, and now you're going to know the place that pioneered it. We'll cycle into the countryside, admiring windmills on our way to an actual cheese farm & clog maker's house.
Amsterdam
Pretty canals lined with quaint crooked houses and cafes bursting with life. Amsterdam is all that and way more than what you could ever imagine.
Accommodation: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Amsterdam
Amsterdam
It's our last full day on trip & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer. The best way to say farewell to this gorgeous city? Opt to take the A'DAM lookout swing, an incredible observation deck with unrivalled panoramas of the twisting canals below.
Accommodation: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Amsterdam to London
Amsterdam
Down your breakfast and wipe away your tears - this is always the worst day of the trip. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am for those leaving us in the canal lined city.
Calais
For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south through Belgium, then cross into France to Calais.
Dover
We'll make our way back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.
London
What a journey! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Terms & conditions
Prices are per person twin share/multi share as per itinerary, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Offer can be removed at any time. Pricing varies pending departure date. Trips valid for travellers aged 18-35 years. Excludes flights. Only R1000 deposit per person is required to confirm your trip booking. Deposit is due within 3 days of booking; airlines may impose different penalties and cancellation fees. Payment due in full 120 days before departure. All savings / discounts mentioned has already been included in advertised price. Pentravel and Tour Operator reserves the right to withdraw or amend promotional offers at any time. Advertised price is based on 31 March 2025 departure. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.