Contiki Time Out Tours

Venture through Europe and explore the beauty, culture, history, and its people. This tour includes stops in Paris, the French Riviera, Barcelona, Florence, Venice, Munich, Lucerne, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam & Brussels

Name of Tour:European Impressions
Duration: 18 Days
Exclusive Price Discounts are shown below

Itinerary

Day 1: London to Brussels. A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and Channel crossing to France. It's a short drive to Belgium and its capital, Brussels. See the medieval buildings of the Grand Place and the intriguing Mannekin-Pis and make sure you take the time to try some Belgian specialties - waffles, chocolate and beer! (D)

Day 2: Brussels to Amsterdam. This morning we leave Brussels and arrive in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Spend time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting a famous museum such as the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank's House. Tonight, why not join us for dinner in a local fishing village? (B)

Day 3: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley. Leaving the 'City of Diamonds' we cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. At St Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock before learning how beersteins are crafted. (B,D)

Day 4: Rhine Valley to Swiss Alps. Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and the vast serene lakes of Switzerland. Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion monument and plentiful shopping opportunities. Maybe a cruise on Lake Lucerne to enhance your ultimate Swiss encounter? Tonight's accommodation is at the base of the snow-capped Mt Titlis. (B,D)

Day 5: Swiss Alps. Today you have the opportunity to explore the peak of one of Switzerland's most dramatic mountains - Mt. Pilatus. Maybe travel by cable car to the summit and enjoy the views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Explore the cobbled streets of Lucerne and see the famous Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge. (B,D)

Day 6: Swiss Alps to Munich. We stop for lunch in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Germany and Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and maybe take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (B)

Day 7: Munich to Venice. Today we travel south through Austria and the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy. Tonight we stay on the mainland of Venice. (B,D)

Day 8: Venice. A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing musuems. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)

Day 9: Venice to Florence. We wind through the Apennine Mountains towards the gorgeous region of Tuscany. We visit Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower and Baptistry. This evening enjoy the chance to stroll through the streets of this most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D)

Day 10: Florence. Your day includes a walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)

Day 11: Florence to French Riviera. Amazing views as we wind along the beautiful coastline and reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d'Azur. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us tonight for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

Day 12: French Riviera. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches - the choice is yours! (B,D)

Day 13: French Riviera to Barcelona. We travel south today and visit a French perfumery in the heart of Provence. As we skim past the Pyrenées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 14: Barcelona. Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Ramblas and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

Day 15: Barcelona to Bordeaux. We return to France today, past medieval cities, golden fields and vineyards. This evening we reach the famous wine-producing town of Bordeaux. (B,D)

Day 16: Bordeaux to Paris. Continuing north, we follow the river past the chateaux of the Loire Valley and on to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City of Lights" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)

Day 17: Paris. Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)

Day 18: Paris to London. We visit the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge on the way to our cross-channel ferry back to England. Time to swap addresses and say goodbye as we arrive early evening in London. (B)

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Contiki "Time Out" Introduction
Take some "Time Out" with Contiki! Contiki's Time Out tours are the way to go if you're looking for a little extra comfort as you travel around Europe. If you have already seen the traditional sites of Europe, Time Out offers in-depth tours of countries such as France, Spain, Morocco and Italy as well as tours of the Egypt and Turkey.

You'll always travel in style aboard an air-conditioned coach for all touring vacations. Aboard the coach, you'll be accompanied by an always-entertaining Contiki Tour Manager and Driver, ready to answer all of your questions from "Where's the bathroom" to "How do you say hello in Turkish"?

Traveling is action-packed, but we know sooner or later you're going to want to get some rest. On a Time Out tour, you'll relax in superior tourist class hotels, many in the center of major cities. Most tours include some exceptional properties like our City Club in Vienna - a 5 star resort, or Europe's highest hotel on Mount Pilatus, Lucerne. All rooms have private facilities and you can choose either single, twin-share, or triple-share.

Start your days off right with breakfast, on us! A traditional continental breakfast - coffee or tea, juice, rolls and croissants- is served mornings while on tour. In some places you can have a buffet and occasionally a fully cooked breakfast. At lunch, we give you the freedom to do your own thing. For dinner, you'll be our guest for about half your vacation with a buffet or three-course meal. In each country where we don't include the evening meal, we arrange special optional meals out to try the local cuisine. If notified at the time of booking, Contiki will do their best to meet any special dietary requirements.

AIRFARES
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 EARLYBIRD COACH TOUR DISCOUNTS-2008

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 Contiki Time Out Coach Tour Program

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
Book/pay 6 Months in advance up to $319 Discount
Book/pay 4 Months in advance up to $159 Discount
(Please ask us for discounts on your selected tour)

GROUP DISCOUNTS
When 4 Persons travel you receive an extra 5% Discount
When 7 Persons travel together you receive an extra 7% Discount
When 10 Persons travel together you receive an extra 10% Discount

SECOND TOUR DISCOUNTS
Book a second tour and receive up to an extra $150 Discount, please call for details

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Save 20% on QBE Travel Insurance or 10% or HBF Insurance member rates if taken out at time of booking.

TRIPLE ROOM
Great Discounts-please call for details

 

What's Included