European Horizon | Start London | Plus | Summer 2026
European Horizon | Start London | Plus | Summer 2026
European Horizon | Start London | Plus | Summer 2026
10 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Dinkelsbühl, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Lucerne, Swiss Alps, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBHHA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Short on time but want to see Europe’s snazziest sights? In 10 days, we'll prove that adventures don’t need to be long to be absolutely EPIC. Discover the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, the remote beauty of the Swiss Alps and the unique charm of Paris – with accommodation upgraded to Twin share in 2-3 star hotels.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Get ready for 10 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. 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, you'll have the option to get an exclusive entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing, skipping the queues to enjoy epic views over the sprawling city below with an included drink in your hand. Afterwards, there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amsterdam is as cute as it comes & sure to win your heart with its cobbled main streets, canalside views, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today, you're free to use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, or just explore. If you're hungry to taste your way through the local culture, this place is famous for Dutch pancakes, frites, cheese, stroopwafels and coffee – or you can take the opportunity to visit the small Dutch fishing village of Volendam for an optional seafood or steak dinner. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for an iconic cruise through Amsterdam, complete with an onboard bar.
Day 3: Amsterdam To Rhine Valley
Location: Amsterdam, Rhine Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is your chance to explore Amsterdam. Take a wander down a cobbled canal-lined street, step into a local 'Poffertjes' cafe for Dutch mini pancakes, or check out some of the cute bookshops lining the canal. Then say 'Vaarwel!' because this afternoon we're setting off for our next country, Germany. From narrow canals to one sprawling river, with boats gliding to and fro. Welcome to the Rhine Valley, home of premium German wine… in a classic romantic setting. It’s a treat for all the senses.
Day 4: Rhine Valley To Munich Via Dinkelsbühl
Location: Rhine Valley, Dinkelsbühl, Munich
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying goodbye to the Rhine Valley, we'll head on to Munich – where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await. But not before we explore a Bavarian hidden gem! Quintessential German experiences don't get much better than visiting this charming medieval town. We'll stroll the cobblestoned streets, checking out vibrant market squares and picturesque half-timbered houses along the way. "Prost!”. Here in the home of Oktoberfest we'll take a locally guided tour of the city, and amuse ourselves watching the antics of mechanical figurines in the city's famous Glockenspiel. Making the most of our time in Munich this evening, we'll get introduced to 800 years of history at a traditional Bavarian beer hall.
Day 5: Munich To Venice
Location: Munich, Innsbruck, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
'Auf Wiedersehen' Munich, we're off to tick more countries off our list. This morning we'll climb aboard our coach ready for a scenic roll through the Bavarian Alps, past fairytale castles and rambling vineyards, en route to Austria. Drive through Austria without getting out to say hello? Never! We'll pull into Innsbruck for lunch, a laid-back student city made famous by a medieval old town, an old Olympic Ski Jump & a Royal Palace. Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Tonight we'll relax here, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.
Day 6: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Next, you have the chance to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour, take a traditional gondola ride, or just explore these cobbled streets on your own. Tonight, you can choose to sign up for an authentic Venetian 3-course feast.
Day 7: Venice To Swiss Alps Via Lucerne
Location: Venice, Lucerne, Swiss Alps
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sursee (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a few days left, it's time to say 'ciao' to our time in Venice. We'll never forget you, city of canals and beauty, but Switzerland is calling us. Back on our coach we'll pass Lake Como as we cruise out of Italy and head onwards and upwards toward the Swiss Alps. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we'll find ourselves in Switzerland, pulling up in the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and beautiful setting against the lake it's named after. Here we'll visit the wooden chapel bridge and lion monument, then you'll have the chance to take an optional lake cruise tonight, giving yourself a better look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.Time to rest your travel-tired limbs for the day after we check into our accommodation for the night. Dream on!
Day 8: Swiss Alps To Paris
Location: Swiss Alps, Paris
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's been sweet, but our time in the Swiss Alps 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.
Day 9: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is yours! We'll take you to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quarters, see Notre Dame Cathedral, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with an optional Parisian Dinner followed by a cabaret show!
Day 10: Paris To London
Location: Paris, Calais, Dover, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whether you take your complimentary transfer to Paris CDG Airport or central London, it will be sad goodbyes all round this morning as our trip comes to an end.
What's Included
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Meals
2 dinners and 9 breakfasts are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino, Hotel Sursee, and a conveniently located hotel in Paris.
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Transportation
Coach transportation is provided throughout the tour, including a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in Munich and other locations.
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Activities
Activities such as a private motoscafo boat ride in Venice and a night-time tour of Paris are included.
What's Not Included
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Non-included Attractions
Tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam and other cities are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the A'Dam Tower and Swing in Amsterdam, seafood or steak dinner in Volendam, and a gondola ride in Venice are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel by coach, ferry, and private motoscafo boat, ensuring a seamless journey across multiple European countries with scenic routes and comfortable transfers.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino, Hotel Sursee, and a conveniently located hotel in Paris.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Active
- Munich: Roll through the Bavarian city on two wheels with an expert guide, for a fun and fascinating jaunt.
Culture
- Dinkelsbuhl: Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Innsbruck: Snow-capped peaks. Pristine air. Chocolate-box buildings. Innsbruck is the answer to all of your Alpine travel wishes.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
FAQs
- London: What currency do I need? For this trip, you’ll need just three currencies - the British Pound, Swiss Franc and Euro.
- 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!
Foodie
- Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
Included Experience
- Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- Sankt Goar: Take in the breath-taking scenery of the River Rhine.
- Dinkelsbuhl: Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Munich: Roll through the Bavarian city on two wheels with an expert guide, for a fun and fascinating jaunt.
- Munich: This guided walking tour will take you around all the highlights of this Bavarian city, including Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel.
- Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
- Innsbruck: Snow-capped peaks. Pristine air. Chocolate-box buildings. Innsbruck is the answer to all of your Alpine travel wishes.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- 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’.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the main activities included in the tour of Munich?
In Munich, you will take a locally guided tour of the city, including highlights such as Marienplatz and the Rathaus Glockenspiel. You will also visit a traditional Bavarian beer hall for an introduction to 800 years of history.
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What can I expect during the visit to Venice?
In Venice, you will start by cruising the canals on a private motoscafo boat to the historical heart of the city. You have the option to take a guided walking tour, enjoy a traditional gondola ride, or explore the cobbled streets on your own. There is also an option to sign up for an authentic Venetian 3-course feast.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will meet your Contiki crew in London and board a coach to Dover. From Dover, you will take a ferry to Calais, France, and then continue by coach to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, you will explore the city with a peek of canals, bicycles, and 17th-century gable houses lit up by night. You also have the option to get an exclusive entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Lucerne?
In Lucerne, you will visit the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. You also have the option to take a lake cruise to get a better look at the Swiss Alps reflected off the water.
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What activities are available in Amsterdam on the second day?
On the second day in Amsterdam, you are free to explore the city on your own. You can visit museums, bar hop, or enjoy the local café culture. You also have the option to visit the small Dutch fishing village of Volendam for a seafood or steak dinner and sign up for an iconic cruise through Amsterdam with an onboard bar.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Swiss Alps?
In the Swiss Alps, you will visit the fairytale town of Lucerne, famous for its wooden bridges and cobbled lanes. You will also have the chance to take an optional lake cruise to see the Swiss Alps reflected off the water and enjoy some Swiss chocolate.
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What are the main activities included in the tour of Paris?
In Paris, you will visit the Fragonard perfumery and have free time to explore landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. You also have the option to join a Parisian Dinner followed by a cabaret show.
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What is the final day of the tour like?
On the final day, you will have the option to take a complimentary transfer to Paris CDG Airport or central London. The tour concludes with sad goodbyes as the trip comes to an end.
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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
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
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.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.