European Encounter | Start London | Classic | Summer | 2025
Tour Overview
Embark on a 16-day European adventure starting in London, exploring the cultural and historical wonders of eight countries. This classic summer tour takes you from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the romantic streets of Paris. Discover Amsterdam's charming canals, Berlin's poignant history, and Prague's Gothic allure. Marvel at Salzburg's medieval fortress and Venice's enchanting waterways. Experience the vibrant life of Rome, the artistic heart of Florence, and the breathtaking beauty of Cinque Terre. Journey through the Swiss Alps to Lucerne, and end with a magical night-time tour of Paris. Travel in comfort with coach transfers, including a ferry crossing and a private canal ride, while staying in a variety of accommodations. This tour promises unforgettable memories and a deep dive into Europe's rich tapestry of culture and history. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London to Amsterdam
Location: London, Dover, White Cliffs of Dover, Calais, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Get ready for 16 days of unforgettable adventures through Europe! You'll meet up with your Contiki crew in London and we'll all board our coach here, ready to set off for European soil. Our first stop is Dover, where we'll take a ferry to cross over the channel. One step closer! As we set off, take in that last glimpse of English coastline with the beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. Off the ferry, we arrive in the port town of Calais. We're in France! With no time to waste, we'll jump back on our coach and head onwards to Amsterdam. Cross off another country off your list as you cruise through Belgium on your way to Amsterdam. And here we are at our final stop for this evening: Amsterdam! We'll start our exploration of this city with a peek of canals, bicycles & 17th century gable houses lit up by night. Next on the agenda tonight, the famed for fun Amsterdam is ours to explore. ...more ...less
Day 2: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. This evening, opt in to enjoy a delicious dinner with the rest of our Contiki fam.
Day 3: Amsterdam to Berlin
Location: Amsterdam, Berlin, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin
Accommodation Name: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but today's agenda is onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of a tour of the city and its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, you'll have some free time to discover the city. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the somber icons like the Holocaust memorial to side streets with hidden cafes and shops. And if you're not sure where to start, your Trip Manager can always point you in the right direction.
Day 4: Berlin
Location: Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
Accommodation Name: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. Today we’ll embark on an Alternative Berlin walking tour, taking us to all the city’s hipster haunts and historical hotspots.
Day 5: Berlin to Prague
Location: Berlin, Dresden, Prague
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll motor out of Berlin, ready for our next city. Berlin is one tough act to follow. Next up, we head to the border and stop at a town called Dresden. A drive from Berlin to Prague would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we'll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings and gothic history. Tonight choose to get up close to Czech culture with a live music performance & traditional dancing over dinner and drinks.
Day 6: Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life! We'll explore the city by boat today to show us all the sights and sounds of the epic spots that have put this Eastern city on the map.
Day 7: Prague to Salzburg
Location: Prague, Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress
Accommodation Name: A&O Salzburg (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We warned you about falling head over heels for Prague! Sorry kids, you cannot live here forever. Onwards we go - it's time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat. Today we'll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe - Hohensalzburg - and have the chance to partake in the Sights & Sounds of Salzburg. This evening opt to venture off the beaten path and visit a farming family in the hills above Salzburg who invite us into their home to eat, drink and learn about their lives. The family have lived on this farm for many generations and now look to tourism to help support them and their local community.
Day 8: Salzburg to Venice
Location: Central Austrian Alps, Venice
Accommodation Name: Venice Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border and prepare to stuff ourselves full of all things pizza & pasta. Yes, traveller we're making our way to Italy! You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps, and then we'll arrive in Venice & your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private canal boat ride.
Day 9: Venice to Rome
Location: Venice, Baschi, Rome
Accommodation Name: BB Roma Tuscolana (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination the Eternal City of Rome is just around the corner. But first, we have an epic, included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience to enjoy. Casale Polegri is set within the gorgeous town of Baschi, where we'll meet the Polegri family. These guys have run their vineyard and olive orchard for generations, and after giving us the grand tour, will serve us lunch under the Veranda. As we overlook the Tiber Valley, enjoying some of the most authentic Italian food we've ever tasted (topped off with the Polegri's very own wine, naturally), we might reflect that we've never had it so good. It's the kind of local travel experience you don't encounter every day (you're welcome). Then, all roads lead to Rome as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital and get a glimpse of its glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto!
Day 10: Rome
Location: Rome, Colosseum, Rome
Accommodation Name: BB Roma Tuscolana (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Day 11: Rome to Florence
Location: Rome, Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over… The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Take a moment to take in the unique beauty of this beautiful city where culture and la dolce vita is evident in every direction you look at. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair with an optional walking tour and finishing with a dinner of Bistecca, a Florentine Steak.
Day 12: Florence to Parma via Pisa and Cinque Terre
Location: Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Parma
Accommodation Name: Parma & Congressi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hopefully by now you are head to toe in fresh leather, you've eaten your body weight in antipasto, and you're feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to farewell Florence. No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to the Italian Riviera. Hello beautiful! The 'Five Lands' or Cinque Terre is completely beautiful and will take your breath away with their stunning colours, washing hanging out windows and picture perfect setting. Perched on a cliff and overlooking the Ligurian Sea this is 100% bucket list worthy destination, use the included day pass to explore this colourful heaven, stopping for an Aperol Spritz on the way too, all in the name of culture of course! Feeling all lovey dovey from our day in the Cinque Terre, we’ll rest our heads in Parma for the night – ready for more magic on the morrow.
Day 13: Parma to Lucerne
Location: Parma, Lucerne, Swiss Alps
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Parma, it’s been short and sweet but we must move on. Next stop, Lucerne! Swans float under wooden bridges, snow-capped mountains stand regally behind us & chocolate tastes like heaven on earth. You're in the Swiss Alps & you cannot wipe the smile off your face.
Day 14: Lucerne to Paris
Location: Lucerne, Burgundy, Paris, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Montparnasse Tower, Paris
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's been sweet, but our time in Lucerne is up this morning. We're Paris-bound! Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city Parisian bliss. We'll jump back onto our coach to cross the border out of Switzerland and (back) into France. After coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy, we'll arrive in the City of Lights. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, this evening we'll fall in love with everything Paris on a dreamy night-time tour. Is it just us, or is love in the air? Once we've seen the most famous landmarks, we'll celebrate our first night in the city by heading up the Montparnasse Tower for the best panoramic views of the city. *Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer 2024 Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We're on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us!
Day 15: Paris
Location: Paris, Champs-Élysées, Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, Louvre Museum, Paris
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you're waiting for a chance to indulge yourself in all things Paris, today is your day. With our last night looming, we'll have plenty of time to wander up the Champs-Élysées for a pastel-hued macaron at the original Ladurée, then pop in to local favourite Colette, drool over haute couture on rue Saint-Honoré, admire the Notre-Dame cathedral while juggling coffee & sugared crêpes, or hustle your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the enigmatic Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, because tonight you have the chance to grab tickets for a cabaret show, an optional group evening out to perfectly top off your time in the city of lights.
Day 16: Paris to London
Location: Paris, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise, shine, and soak up your last dose of Paris this morning over a coffee and croissant together, as we marvel at how much we've seen on this magical journey. It may be over for now, but these friendships and memories will last a lifetime. Our last coach ride together will be a complimentary transfer to CDG airport this morning, or you can stay onboard for the full ride back to London. Plenty of time to start planning the next reunion... What an adventure! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.
What's Included
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Dover
See the iconic chalk-white coastline.
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Berlin
Get your culture on with visits to Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the historic Reichstag building.
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Berlin Open-Air Gallery
Check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.
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Dresden
See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings, including the Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House, and Frauenkirche.
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Prague
Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
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Prague Boat Tour
See the bright lights and church spires from a totally new perspective.
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Salzburg
Marvel at one of Europe's largest medieval castles, perched high on the hill over Salzburg.
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Venice
Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice and get classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
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Rome
Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list.
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Baschi
Visit Casale Polegri, stroll around the vineyards and olive orchards, and enjoy a meal with homemade wine.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Travel
International flights to and from the tour are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What currency do I need? For this trip, we recommend that you carry the British Pound, Euro, Czech Koruna, Swiss Franc. (It’s a coin collector's dream!)
- London: How do I know when to book tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam? This trip includes plenty of interesting Free Time Add-Ons in Amsterdam. So if you’re planning to do any other activity, and looking to book in advance - it’s best to book your tickets between 12-3PM. Of course, you can always book any other time (we’re all about freedom to explore!). But make sure you don’t miss the other activities, or a coach transfer to the accommodation!
Included Experience
- Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- Berlin: Get your culture on. It’s time to see Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag building.
- Berlin: Heads up culture vultures. Here’s your chance to check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.
- Dresden: See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings. Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche.
- Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
- Prague: See the bright lights and church spires from a totally new perspective. Ships ahoy!
- Salzburg: Marvel at one of Europe's largest medieval castles, perched high on the hill over Salzburg. Like something out of the Sound of Music.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Baschi: We'll head to the rocky (but so picturesque) village of Baschi to visit Casale Polegri. Stroll around the vineyards and olive orchards on a short tour of the azienda agricola. We'll learn about the farming techniques used by the Polegri Family to harvest their fresh plants and fruit. We'll end the afternoon with a crunchy bruschetta topped with homemade extra virgin olive oil, focaccia bread with homegrown rosemary and vegetables. And of course, some risotto or pasta. All of this with a glass of their homemade wine and dessert. Happy tummy, happy life!
- Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
- Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories.
- Lucerne: Check out the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the giant sandstone Lion Monument.
- Paris: Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
- Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with coach transfers throughout the tour, including a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a private canal boat ride in Venice. Enjoy seamless transitions between destinations with all transportation included.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a variety of accommodations including the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Ibis Berlin Messe, B&B Hotel Prague, A&O Salzburg, Venice Palace, BB Roma Tuscolana, Hotel Mirage, Parma & Congressi, Ibis Budget Luzern City, and B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème, or similar. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes coach transfers throughout, a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais, and a private canal boat ride in Venice. All transportation between destinations is included for seamless transitions.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations including the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Ibis Berlin Messe, B&B Hotel Prague, A&O Salzburg, Venice Palace, BB Roma Tuscolana, Hotel Mirage, Parma & Congressi, Ibis Budget Luzern City, and B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème, or similar. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 15 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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What are some of the unique experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as exploring Amsterdam's canals, visiting Berlin's iconic sites, a boat tour in Prague, a private canal boat ride in Venice, and a night-time tour of Paris including the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse Tower.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from the tour are not included.
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What is the policy on optional activities during the tour?
Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
European Encounter | Start London | Classic | Summer | 2025
16 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Dover, White Cliffs of Dover, Calais, Amsterdam, Berlin, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Central Austrian Alps, Venice, Baschi, Rome, Colosseum, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Parma, Lucerne, Swiss Alps, Burgundy, Paris, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Montparnasse Tower, Paris, Champs-Élysées, Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, Louvre Museum Paris ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBHXP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 41
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Why book with Barrhead?
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All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.
