European Explorer (Mykonos, Paris)
Overview
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Itinerary
Welcome to the first day of the best time 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 Englis...
This morning it's straight down to business with tickets to the observation deck of the Montparnasse Tower. Then we'll make our way to the River Siene where we'll have plenty of time to lust over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst j...
Farewell French capital! We're off in search of charming countryside & legit, straight from the source vino. Welcome to Clermont-Ferrand, a university city known for its mountains, fountains and awesome statues. We'll arrive here in the late evening, and from ther...
Breathe one final gulp of mountain air, folks. Today we continue our European adventure... Well would you look at that for timing, we've pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o'clock. Fate, you've done it again! After dinner we have a night exploring the city - this will have us in the Spanish mood before we know it.
Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Breakfast, Dinner
Sample some paella, and take an unmissable wander through the colourful gardens of Parc Güell for a look at the architecture that has helped put this city on the map. Beach lovers could head to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea - the day is yours to do with as you p...
Provided you haven't been lured to a full time life of Flamenco dancing, this morning we leave Barcelona with a glamorous Riviera pinned on the map. 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? Sa...
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. A night in glamorous Mon...
Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera but not before 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! On the road to Italy, pizza, pasta, & charm...
Wake up sleepy heads! 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. 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.
Venice Palace (or similar)
Breakfast
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination Florence is just around the corner. Here in the capital of Tuscany, you’ll be free to drift along the River Arno, check out the Duomo Cathedral, visit the markets, sample Chianti wi...
Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas … we're coming in hot. As if we were going to leg it to Rome without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-to...
This morning we're up and out early to make the most of our chance to explore this ancient city. You'll have some free time to go shopping on the Via Del Corso, check out Rome’s famous bridges, or just kick back with a grattachecca (shaved ice) or two. Afterwards, it’s your chance to tour the famous Colosseum with a local guide (don’t miss this!)
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
Breakfast
One more destination is left to cement our Italian love affair. And it could be one of the European destinations you've been lusting over the most. …the island of Capri! We'll sail over the Tyrrhenian Sea taking in the glorious waters and majestic beauty of coastal I...
Arrivederci Italy! You've been real. And the next few days have a lot to live up to. Luckily, with Greece on the horizon, we're in pretty safe hands. After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Italian countryside, it will be time for a stop. He...
Bounce out of your ocean bed - we're pulling up in Greece! The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This manmade passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting ov...
Yes, yes, you're hearing the call of cocktails on Mykonos Island. But let's get acquainted with Athens for a day before we set sail. This city is a time capsule of life on earth. We'll see the first modern Olympic Stadium & take a guided tour of Athens & the A...
Drift off under a beach cabana, snack on olives & tzatziki in a cute cafe, or stroll the white-washed lanes of the Old Town. Tonight you'll probably want to make the most of the Mykonos party life - all nighters are easy with chilled days like this.
Paradise Beach (or similar)
Breakfast, Dinner
Remember when you first looked at our itinerary and wondered if 4-nights in Mykonos would be too much? LOL! What a joke those feels are now. We all wish our stay in Mykonos would last for 3 months. Do any sightseeing you've forgotten to do (because, beach hangs) or gi...
Sleeping all day because you danced all night is not an option. Well, technically it is. But wasting a day of glorious sunshine on the island of Mykonos won't be the best decision you've ever made. Saganaki pan fried cheese and a dip in the ocean should bring you back to life. Perhaps even get traditional with a glass of ouzo?
Paradise Beach (or similar)
Breakfast
Back out on the Aegean a sea breeze will wipe stupidly happy looks on our faces. That's correct, it's possible to be happy when leaving Mykonos. But only when you have another 2-weeks of exploring Europe sitting ahead of you.
Dorian Inn (or similar)
Breakfast
Back on the coach and bound for the border, we have one more stop to complete before we say goodbye to Greece. Here in Meteora, we'll be greeted by the spectacular site of six clifftop monasteries built on gigantic natural stone pillars. You'll have the chance to take...
Rolling across the border to Albania, we'll stop for sweeping views across Lake Ohrid before cruising into Tirana, the capital city. Soviet-era buildings meet modern culture, with rainbow-coloured concrete buildings, lush woodland parks, and 'Peace Bell' built with ol...
Obscure off the beaten track capitals one day, trusted favourite cities the next. Such is the beauty of a see it all trip! Goodbye Tirana, we have Dubrovnik on top of the deck. We're making a stop in this coastal heaven before Dubrovnik. A 2,500 year old town famous ...
The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre. After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail you'll be armed with the know...
Hitting the road for Plitviče, today we're off in search of the cascading teal pools at Plitviče Lakes. Guided by pretty wooden walkways amd surrounded by lush forest, we'll explore the 16 sparkling turquoise terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls that make ...
Feeling zen after all those waterfalls, we'll make our way over the border with a scenic drive from Croatia to Slovenia. Ljubljana awaits us with a curving river, outdoor cafe culture and green spaces that make it one of Europe's most liveable capitals. We'll explore ...
Saying so long to Ljubljana, we'll stop to admire Lake Bled – a picture-perfect spot and European must-see to complete our visit to Slovenia. Surrounded by thick forest and snowy mountains, Lake Bled is like something out of a fairytale. Here you can take a leisur...
Wake up, glide open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view...and your life in general. If you're feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls, followed by a BBQ lunch. If you're feeling really lively you can go ...
Another day, another chance to get into the swing of things with some of the adventure activites this area is famous for. Opt for Whitewater rafting in the breathtaking Austrian Alps before we set off en route to Munich. A city famous the world over for its annual ...
Although we're checking out of Munich today, this is not the last Germany has seen of us. We will reunite with this fine country after a gratifying stint in the mountains of Switzerland. On our way we'll stop off for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp ...
There's no reason why today can't be wasted strolling these beautiful streets or sitting in a coffee shop pondering mountain life. And consuming chocolate - that's perfectly acceptable too. However! Those wanting to spice up their day can take an optional river cruise...
Rise and Shine. Once we've crossed the border out of Switzerland we will be coasting into beer and wine territory in the castle dotted landscapes of the Rhine Valley. After the scenic journey of fairytale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed by Germa...
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... You know the cheese, and now you're going to know the place that pioneered...
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.
Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South (or similar)
Breakfast
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. 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.
Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Contiki Reviews & Ratings
Other Contiki Reviews
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Cape to Delta Safari
Extraordinary trip. 10/10 would recommend. Do most, if not all of the add ons. You won't regret it.
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Japan Unrivalled
I had the best time on this trip! It was my first ever international solo trip, contiki made it super easy to just sit back and relax. I was super grateful that my r...
Molly O'Dwyer
Apr 2024
Incredible Tour Manager and Bus driver!
Our tour manager and Bus driver were incredible. They made the trip...
Tour Operator
We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.
No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.
We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.
With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.
About the company:
Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?
Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.
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