European Explorer plus Mykonos Island

34 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
A couple of weeks holidaying isn't your style. You're coming to Europe and you're here to do the whole kit & caboodle with a few days sailing around the islands of Greece in between. We salute you! Albania, Croatia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland ... just listing the countries on this trip is more than we have time for.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Walking tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
    • See Gaudi's Sagrada Família & the 1992 Olympic Games complex
    • Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice
    • See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
    • See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
    • Learn about the birthplace of modern society on a guided tour of Athens & the Acropolis
    • See the first modern Olympic Stadium
    • See the famous windmills
    • Visit Mykonos town & see the traditional Cycladic-style houses
    • See the famous windmills

What's this trip about?

    A couple of weeks holidaying isn't your style. You're coming to Europe and you're here to do the whole kit & caboodle with a few days sailing around the islands of Greece in between. We salute you! Albania, Croatia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland ... just listing the countries on this trip is more than we have time for.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondonderry
End CityAmsterdam

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Liechtenstein
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • Albania
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Spain
  • Greece
  • Croatia
  • Italy
  • Montenegro

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Athens
  • Barcelona
  • Dubrovnik
  • Florence
  • London
  • Lucerne
  • Lyon
  • Munich
  • Mykonos
  • Paris
  • Rome
  • Sorrento
  • Tirana
  • Venice
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive London

Check in to your hotel after 2:00pm and head out into the humming capital of Britain for a sneak peek at what’s to come. At 4:00pm meet up with your Trip Manager and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: London to Paris

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 English...

Day 3: Paris

Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the many museums of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and the Moulin Rouge cabaret show.

Day 4: Paris to Lyon via Fontainebleau

Farewell French capital! We're off in search of charming countryside & legit, straight from the source vino. With its medieval stature and grand surrounding ponds, Château Fontainebleau will take your breath away. We'll amble around the gardens then recommence our...

Day 5: Lyon to Barcelona

It's Spain day - eeekkkk!!!! Out of Lyon & through the Pyrénées mountains in search of Barcelona - that's today's plan of attack. Year-round and Monday to Sunday, Barcelona is a hive of festive activities. Start making the most of our time here by exploring the city, being sure to devour enough sangria and tapas to see your heart content.

Day 6: Barcelona

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...

Day 7: Barcelona to French Riviera

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? S...

Day 8: French Riviera incl Monaco

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 Monaco ...

Day 9: French Riviera to Venice via Verona

Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are about to warm us from the inside out. But first, we stock up on legitimate French perfume and discover how these sweet scents are made with a ...

Day 10: Venice

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. 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.

Day 11: Venice to Florence

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. Florence we are on our way! We are now nesting under the Tuscan sun in the breathtaking city of Florence. The adventures commence pronto with a tour of the city, a leather craft demo and many sites. Conserve some energy for the evening of Tuscan feasting and disco dancing on offer.

Day 12: Florence to Rome via Pisa

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-tow...

Day 13: Rome with Vatican City

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. 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 Renaiss...

Day 14: Rome to Sorrento via Capri

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 It...

Day 15: Sorrento to Overnight Adriatic Ferry via Pompeii and Bari

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...

Day 16: Overnight Adriatic Ferry to Athens

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 over...

Day 17: Athens to Mykonos

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...

Day 18: Mykonos

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.

Day 19: Mykonos

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...

Day 20: Mykonos

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?

Day 21: Mykonos to Preveza

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 Euope sitting ahead of you. Back on the mainland we find ourselves tak...

Day 22: Preveza to Tirana

Pack your bags and grab your last Greek breakfast feast. This morning we're hitting a very pretty road and heading to Albania! After a weave along the dramatic Adriatic Coast we find Albania’s colourful capital. Congratulations, wander folk! You are ticking off Tiran...

Day 23: Tirana to Dubrovnik via Budva

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 f...

Day 24: Dubrovnik

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...

Day 25: Dubrovnik to Zadar via Split

Saying goodbye to Dubrovnik isn't too tough this morning given we're heading to Zadar and taking the scenic route past crystal clear waters and the scattering of green islands that make up the Dalmatian Coast. Many whimsical thoughts coming right up. With quick cruise...

Day 26: Zadar to Vienna

Today Croatia becomes but a beautiful memory as we leave Zadar and head towards Austria. The journey will be prettied by Paklenica National Park and the stunning countryside of Slovenia. Austria, we have arrived! Strudel town, we are ready! Though given tomorrow's da...

Day 27: Vienna

A whole day lies ahead to uncover the ethereal Austrian capital. Our Trip Manager will uncover the historical heritage of Schönbrunn Palace, the State Opera House and the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You will also be swimming in plenty of free time to saunter aroun...

Day 28: Vienna to Munich via Mauthausen

Vielen dank, Vienna! We are officially in love with everything you are. We'd stay for another strudel but we've heard about the beer culture in Munich and we're a little bit intrigued... Before we arrive in mighty Munich, we make a sobering stop at Mauthausen Concentr...

Day 29: Munich to Lucerne via Lichtenstein

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. 3 countries in one day - squeal!!! Although just a tiny dot on the map, Liechtens...

Day 30: Lucerne

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, sign up for a Stadtkeller lunch and admire the Lion Monument and Wooden Chapel Bridge. Spoilt for choice much?

Day 31: Lucerne to Rhine Valley

Out with the altitude, in with the brand new country. 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 v...

Day 32: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam via Edam

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....

Day 33: Amsterdam

It's our last full day on tour & 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.

Day 34: Amsterdam to London

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 through Belgium - cross another country off your list. 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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,579
Price per day$223
Last Updated: 0/13/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Contiki.

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.

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Tour Operator

Contiki

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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.

Why we love this operator
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
What they’re known for
Social travel for 18-35 year olds around the world.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • Just you wait! In addition to breakfast every day, we'll be providing 14 dinners for your dining pleasure. Think plates piled high with paella and pintxos in Spain, seafood fresh from the ocean in Greece and all the Italian pasta you can slurp.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
contiki-BBHEMN113

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