London & Paris plus Amsterdam

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 5:00pm meet up with your Trip Manager and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner. Tonight, get a feel for this thriving cultural melting pot as you jump on the coach where your Trip Manager tells you all about London’s famous landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites in our included city tour. Learn about Big Ben, the Royal Family’s place of residence (Buckingham Palace), the horror tales of the Tower of London, and the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where many Kings and Queens have wed. After being wowed by the bright lights of London, take your chance to jump off in Leicester Square, where you will have time to soak up the glitz and glamour or maybe even venture down the road from there into Soho and Covent Garden.

Hotel

Dinner

Day 3 London

With two days in London, there’s plenty of time to get a real feel for this buzzing cosmopolitan capital, where iconic black taxis and red double-decker buses flash past historic buildings. Anything goes in London, so choose how you want to experience it. With included day passes for the London Underground take advantage of the tube system. Use it like a local and move around the city at your own pace. Some ideas for your free time include a visit to the Tower of London to look back in time at London’s epic history, or a visit to the Tate Modern to check out some of the world’s most famous contemporary art. You can rub shoulders with the stars by walking through world-famous Madame Tussauds waxwork museum. Otherwise shop in the colourful Camden Markets or stroll up Oxford Street. In the evening you'll have the chance to learn about the darker side of London and it's most infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. In our Exclusive Inclusion you will visit the sites of these horrific murders, learn about the most popular theories, suspects and more from your very own "ripperologist". On your second free day in London why not start with a ride on the London Eye to take in the views over the city. Then there is further chance so why not check out areas such as Covent Garden packed full of cool cafes and vibrant street performers. If you’re keen for something a bit more off the beaten track, ask your Trip Manager for some tips. On your last night in London experience a bit of London culture with a trip to a famous West End musical – it’s on us! Afterwards, round up some friends and hit the town. London has it all; jazz bars, traditional pubs, pumping clubs and loads of live music - take your pick and dive into the action.

Hotel

Breakfast

Day 4 London to Paris

We hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. We travel via World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, to Paris. Tonight, the group kick-starts Paris with the ‘Tour of Illuminations’, which shows off the French capital’s transformation into the “City of Lights”. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Trip Manager will fill you in on the world’s most-recognised monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Then get a stunning view of the entire city with included entry to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Oui, oui, Paris!

Hotel

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Paris

This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods). Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame Cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces. There’s a visit to 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. Time in Paris includes a trip out to France’s most well-known château: Versailles, once home to ‘the Sun King’ Louis XIV, and hot spot of the French Revolution. Check out the impressive exterior of this extravagant palace. Then there’s an opportunity to explore the former Royal Family’s luxurious living quarters. Treat yourself to the full Parisian experience with a cabaret show, complete with can-can girls, dinner and Champagne. But don’t stop there – afterwards hit the clubs and finish up your travels with a big Parisian night out.

Hotel

Breakfast

Day 8 Paris to Amsterdam

We cut across 3 countries in one day and travel up to 300km/h on a high speed train to Amsterdam. With an included tram pass for this free-wheeling city, you can easily explore more of Amsterdam. Experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and cool, quirky boutiques. Wander along shady canals and pass gabled houses or hop on two wheels like the laid-back locals and bike through the centre of town. Make the most of Amsterdam’s multi-ethnic cuisine. This cultural melting pot dishes up loads of affordable food. Other ideas for your time here include an evening canal cruise. It’s a great way to unwind and get another angle on Amsterdam from the water. Check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7. Please note: You'll travel independently by train & will be met by a Contiki Representative in Amsterdam & transferred to your hotel. Your stay in Amsterdam is unescorted.

Hotel

Breakfast

Day 9 Depart Amsterdam

The trip ends after breakfast and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.

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Breakfast