European Whirl

18 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
If you've been dreaming of going to Europe but don't know exactly where to start, the European Whirl is your best option. Taking in the usual destinations of Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, it also ventures out east to Prague and Berlin. Both of which are currently on Europe's 'must see' list. The perfect combination of culture, relaxation and of course, good t...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • See the White Cliffs of Dover
    • See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night
    • See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam
    • Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house
    • See the Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building
    • Take in commemorative artwork & the remains of the Berlin Wall
    • Visit Dresdan the city destroyed in World War II and known as the 'Florence of the North'
    • See the rebuilt Baroque architecture of the Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche
    • See Hradčany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square
    • Visit the Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock

What's this trip about?

    If you've been dreaming of going to Europe but don't know exactly where to start, the European Whirl is your best option. Taking in the usual destinations of Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, it also ventures out east to Prague and Berlin. Both of which are currently on Europe's 'must see' list. The perfect combination of culture, relaxation and of course, good times!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityEurope/London
End CityEurope/London

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Berlin
  • Florence
  • Munich
  • Paris
  • Prague
  • Rome
  • Venice

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 London to Amsterdam

Meet up with your Contiki Team before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Next stop: the buzzing, free-wheeling city of Amsterdam. Check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets.

Hotel

Dinner

Day 2 Amsterdam

Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made at a clog maker’s house and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese ...

Day 3 Amsterdam to Berlin

Motor down the autobahn and get ready for a dose of über-cool Berlin. With two nights in this historical hot spot, you’ve got time to find out what makes Germany’s capital one of the most cutting-edge cities in the world. It’s hard to believe that this funky town has...

Day 4 Berlin

Today why not join a local guide for a tour? Learn about the East/West split at the Berlin Wall and check out the controversial Reichstag (German Parliament) as well as Tiergarten (one the world’s biggest parks). You'll also visit Checkpoint Charlie, where many East B...

Day 5 Berlin to Prague

Heading south, we roll on to the region of Dresden, often dubbed 'Florence of the North' because of its beauty. This town completely rebuilt itself after being flattened in World War II. Your Trip Manager will show you Dresden’s signature buildings, like the Opera ho...

Day 6 Prague

More free time means you can get deeper into Prague’s Old Town in your own time. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a jumble of little lanes, alleys and courtyards. Slow the pace down and give yourself a chance to uncover its hidden treasures. This ...

Day 7 Prague to Munich

Today we travel to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich – a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and modern lifestyle. Explore the heart of Munich’s old town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glo...

Day 8 Munich to Austrian Tyrol

Journey through the Tyrol and "The Sound of Music" country to a cute Austrian village in a region famous for adventure sports. With 1 night in Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof (guest inn), our resident crew will give you pointers on the best stuff to do in the regi...

Day 9 Austrian Tyrol to Venice

Kick start the day and plunge into some whitewater rafting in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity on the river. Wind through the Central Austrian Alps via the Brenner Pass to Italy, the land of passion! First stop, fairy tale Venice.

Contiki Village

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Venice

Known as the “floating city”, Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the...

Day 11 Venice to Rome

Criss-cross the Apennine Mountains on the road to Rome. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach trip gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Trip Manager shows you the Colosseu...

Day 12 Rome

This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge with an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments th...

Day 13 Rome to Florence

Next up: Umbria’s rustic hills and many vineyards. Travel past the iconic cypress trees of this olive oil producing region, to the Renaissance city of Florence. The scene-stealing Duomo Cathedral rises above the city. Get the inside track on Florence’s cultural beg...

Day 14 Florence to Swiss Alps

Catch a glimpse of Lake Como as we move on to Switzerland and travel through the Gotthard Tunnel – the second longest in Europe. Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful Alpine town of Lucerne With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s...

Day 15 Swiss Alps

It’s a change of pace amongst Switzerland’s massive Alps. Take in the amazing views from your chalet window. Opt to visit Jungfrau Mountain, head up the sheer slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site on a cog rail to Europe’s highest railway station, and ste...

Day 16 Swiss Alps to Paris

With down-time on the coach, plug in your MP3, chill out to some music and chat with friends while travelling through the scenic wine producing region of Burgundy. Tonight, the group kick starts Paris with the “Paris by Night”, which shows off the French capital’s tr...

Day 17 Paris

Next up: Fragonard! This perfumery has an elegant interior and is a unique setting for a look into the history of perfume. It’s also a chance to pick up some French perfume at great prices. This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, t...

Day 18 Depart Paris

This morning after breakfast we transfer you to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival 10:00am) where your trip ends. Or choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London & extend your stay.

Array

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,525
Price per day$85
Last Updated: 0/18/2022

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.

Contiki Reviews & Ratings

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Other Contiki Reviews

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Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

European Horizon

So fun, trip manager was amazing, she had such useful trips to make the most of out time and keep us safe. Easily the best way to travel without fear. Only down side...

A

Abigail Renfrow

Apr 2024

Written on

Active New Zealand

Could not be more happy with the tour! It didn't disappoint :)

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Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Anonymous

No concerns with the customer service whatsoever. I called in t...

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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

Accommodation

17 nights accommodation: 1 night in Contiki's Austrian Gasthof, 2 nights in Contiki's Swiss Chalet, 5 nights in Contiki Village cabins, 4 nights in hotel upgrade, 5 nights in hostels Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging Ferry crossings,
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
  • 25 meals included in Food Fund:
  • 17 breakfasts
  • 8 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
contiki-contiki-126

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