Contiki Concept Tours

There's plenty of beautiful country and coastlines on this tour. You'll get a taste of the local culture and cuisine of each city... including Paris, Fontainebleau, Monaco, Rome, Vienna, Munich, Amsterdam and more!

Name of Tour:European Contrasts
Duration: 29 Days
Exclusive Price Discounts are shown below

Itinerary
Day 1: London to Paris
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the “City Of Lights”? (D) Contiki Village

Day 2: 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 Élysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B) Contiki Village

Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region
Today’s journey leads us to Contiki’s exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon. (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover

Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region
This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak in the idyllic atmosphere of rural France. (B, Picnic Lunch, D) Contiki Special Stopover

Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera
Our route today takes us south to the fabulous Côte d’Azur via the Autoroute de Soleil and Avignon, the city of the Popes. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo. (B,D) Contiki Village

Day 6: French Riviera
It’s your choice today – perhaps mix with the rich and famous on the beach at Cannes or take a trip into Nice to shop for souvenirs and explore this “Queen of the Riviera”. (B,D) Contiki Village

Day 7: French Riviera to Florence
We visit a French Perfumery before continuing to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it’s a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B,D) Contiki Village

Day 8: Florence
Your day includes a walking tour seeing 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) Contiki Village

Day 9: Florence to Rome
All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. (B) Contiki Village

Day 10: Rome
Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing. (B,D) Contiki Village

Day 11: Rome to Corfu
A chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Greece. (B) Adriatic Ferry

Days 12-14: Corfu
Three sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night, enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing. (B,D) (B) (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover

Day 15: Corfu to Italy - Mini Cruise
A full day and night cruise across the Adriatic back to Italy. Relax and enjoy the boat’s facilities. (B) Adriatic Ferry

Day 16: Arrival Venice
Our spectacular morning arrival into the Port of Venice is one of Europe’s most impressive sights. After docking, we make our way to Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. A warm welcome awaits us tonight at Contiki’s Venice Village. (B,D) Contiki Village

Day 17: Venice
A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride? (B,D) Contiki Village

Day 18: Venice to Vienna
An enchanting drive as we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to see the splendours of the once mighty Austrian Empire. Classical music to heighten your senses tonight? (B) Youth Hotel

Day 19: Vienna
On our sightseeing tour see the fabulous Palace of the Hapsburgs, the State Opera House and fashionable Kaerntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. Later why not sample some local Schnapps and a traditional Viennese meal? (B) Youth Hotel

Day 20: Vienna to Prague
Stop at the World Heritage town Ceský Krumlov before arriving in the Czech capital Prague. (B,D) Hotel

Days 21-22: Prague
Two free days to discover the labyrinth of streets in the old town, the medieval castle district and Karlov Most, the most photographed bridge in Prague. (B)(B) Hotel

Day 23: Prague to Munich
On to Bavaria’s lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe join us this evening at one of this city’s traditional Beer Halls. (B) Youth Hotel

Day 24: Munich to Swiss Alps
We stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and sightsee in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps. (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover

Day 25: Swiss Alps
A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain! (B,D) Contiki Special Stopover

Day 26: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley
Heading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Tonight we stay in the picturesque Rhine Valley after seeing the famous Lorelei and hearing how German beersteins are crafted in St Goar. (B,D) Hotel

Day 27: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam
We cross the Dutch border and make our way to Amsterdam. Visit a cheese farm and see how clogs are made. Cycle through the countryside and the fishing village of Edam. A centrally located hotel is home for our last two nights. (B,D) Youth Hotel

Day 28: Amsterdam
This morning why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam? In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank’s House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together. (B) Youth Hotel

Day 29: Amsterdam to London
Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. (B)

Images

(Please scroll down for the Holdayplanet Exclusive Discount Offers)

Contiki Concept Tours-Introduction
Contiki's Concept tours are perfect for travelers looking to do a lot without spending a lot. With great itineraries like the 12-day European Horizon and the 24-day Russia and Scandinavia, Concept tours allow you to explore the famous cities of Europe as well as smaller cities less frequented by the tourists. Contiki Concept tours also stop for the night at special accommodations not found on any other class of Contiki tours. Stay in a French Chateau surrounded by vineyards or an alpine Chalet in Switzerland!

You'll always travel in style and comfort with your Contiki Tour Manager and Driver aboard a modern air-conditioned coach.

Accommodation is mostly twin-share and never more than four persons sharing a room. Contiki has three types of Concept accommodations:

1. Special stopovers: Exclusive Contiki properties, which are not expensive or flashy - the emphasis is always on value and fun. Unique accommodations ranging from a restored Chateau in France, to Gasthofs in Austria, to alpine chalets in Switzerland - with all the creature comforts you need!
2. Villages: Cabins in specially designed Contiki Villages are located in Europe's best campsites with the usual shared facilities - W.C.s (bathrooms), showers, bars, shops, sports facilities, a swimming pool, a nightclub, and sometimes nearby beaches to soak up the sun.
3. Hotel/Pension: On certain tours, you can look forward to staying in a hotel or pension chosen for location, facilities and the warmth of its welcome.

The food is often prepared especially for you by the Contiki staff. You'll occasionally help with serving and washing up -- it's all part of the experience! For breakfast, there's cereal, muesli, yogurt, bread rolls and fresh fruit as well as a hot dish. At lunch you're free to do your own thing. About half your dinners are included in the cost of your tour (see tour itinerary for specific meal details) On other nights we take you out to sample the local restaurants. Veggie lover? 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

 Save Huge Dollars!!!!

 Contiki Concept Coach Tour Program

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
Book/pay 6 Months in advance up to $339 Discount
Book/pay 4 Months in advance up to $169 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 $100 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