European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2025

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2025

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19 Days From

$3966

$3173

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2025

19 Days Starting in Amsterdam and ending in London

Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Munich, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, Hopfgarten im Brixental, Venice, Rome, Chianti, Florence, Pisa, Lucerne, Paris

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBAPV20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 53

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3966 $3173 Barrhead discount: -$793 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Don't know where to start on your dream Euro trip? This one takes you through all the biggest destinations – hitting up the modern vibes and bouncing nightlife of Berlin and Prague, the Italian Holy Trinity of Venice, Rome and Florence, some chill time in the Swiss Alps and much more. It’s a bit of everything. It’s unforgettable. And you’ll sleep soundly at night with an upgrade to twin-share accom.

Make Travel Matter®

Berlin: Join us for dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel in Berlin, where Middle Eastern cuisine (think: delicious plant-based eats) is served by a diverse staff of refugees to help foster integration & solidarity.

Itinerary

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Day 1: London To Amsterdam

Location: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

The adventure of a lifetime kicks off today. Meet up with your new Contiki family in London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north through Belgium before reaching...Amsterdam! Tonight, the famed-for-fun Amsterdam is ours to explore. First fill up on your included group dinner, then an undisguised Red Light District & plenty of bars are there for the curious.

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. This afternoon use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this town is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more.

Day 3: Amsterdam To Berlin

Location: Amsterdam, Berlin

Accommodation Name: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Out of Amsterdam, onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. That's on today's agenda. On the world map of cool party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this amazing city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of history into the city and its troubled and interesting past. Once we arrive your Trip Manager can point you in the right direction to go and see the sights.

Day 4: Berlin

Location: 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 traveler, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. Spend the day lapping up history, scouting the Berlin Wall and dialing up your intellect at sites like the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building. That way you can let loose a little in the evening without a hint of remorse.

Day 5: Berlin To Prague Via Dresden

Location: Berlin, Dresden, Prague

Accommodation Name: Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

"More city hangs" you'll all scream in unison as we motor out of Berlin, high on life & still wanting more. Since you asked so nicely, let us present you with Prague, the darling of Europe.  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 re-birthed beauty of the 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.

Day 6: Prague

Location: Prague

Accommodation Name: Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square Hotel (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! Tonight, you could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers as the sun goes down on the 'City of a Thousand Spires'.

Day 7: Prague To Munich

Location: Prague, Munich

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We warned you about falling head over heels for Prague! Sorry team, you cannot live here forever. But there's no need to shed tears just yet, we're heading to somewhere even more exciting! It would seem we were born in need of some delightful Bavarian culture, we just didn't know it until now. Munich may be famed for its Oktoberfest festivities, but the spirit of things kicks on year round. A trip to a traditional beer hall will get you very well acquainted with things. Maybe right after you’ve toured the city on two wheels?

Day 8: Munich To Austrian Tyrol Via Dachau

Location: Munich, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, Hopfgarten im Brixental

Accommodation Name: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

With no time to waste, we'll make our way to Austria this morning. We'll make a stop for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You'll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on. Ahhh, cool breeze on sun-kissed skin...we must be in the Austrian Tyrol. Before we reach our final stop for the evening, you'll have the chance to zip through the icy waters while white-water rafting. Afterwards, we'll continue on to Hopfgarten where a delicious welcome dinner awaits. When it comes to hitting the hay tonight, you'll sleep in a same-sex multi-share with up to 5 other travellers.

Day 9: Austrian Tyrol

Location: Hopfgarten im Brixental

Accommodation Name: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A free day? In Austria? With epic Alpine views? It must be your lucky day… You have the chance to ride a bike through the valleys and enjoy a BBQ lunch. Or even better, paraglide over them. (Whee!)

Day 10: Austrian Tyrol To Venice

Location: Hopfgarten im Brixental, Venice

Accommodation Name: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hopfgarten, you’ve been incredible. But a very special place awaits us this afternoon. And just like that, we're in a new country and a whole new vibe. Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. And what better way to explore than a Gondola ride? Plus, you have the chance to visit Venice’s most famous restaurants! This is what La Dolce Vita must be all about...

Day 11: Venice To Rome

Location: Venice, Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. The evening will really take it up to high key as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. With a city tour on arrival, we'll get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night, ready to be fully unveiled tomorrow. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments, we're here for it all.

Day 12: Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we're up and out early to make the most of our chance to explore this ancient city. You can opt to take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators in a guided tour, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. Visit the Trevi Fountain and throw coins to make a wish, sip espresso in a cobbled backstreet and soak up Italian life as it dances by.

Day 13: Rome To Florence

Location: Rome, Chianti, Florence

Accommodation Name: BB Giustizia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

With antipasto, good vino and golden countryside ahead, saying goodbye to Rome doesn't feel so bad. Cast your eyes over the city one last time this morning before we hit the road, bound for Tuscany.  We’ll stop off to visit a gorgeous 16th Century villa that’s now a working winery. We’ll check out the old cellar, and even sample some Chianti wine for ourselves – with antipasti too of course (rude not to, right?)  Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Here we'll drift along the River Arno, get into the Tuscan vibes with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its magnificent Duomo Cathedral. Take it all in - we have all day tomorrow to let the explorations continue.

Day 14: Florence

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: BB Giustizia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ready for a full day of all things Florence? Today is the perfect balance of guided local wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leatherwork, explore streets bursting with heritage, and see all the top sights on a walking tour. This afternoon you'll have free time to take to the local markets and taste the local gelato before a special optional evening out tonight, a visit to a 14th century Certosan monastry, followed by dinner and wine at a magical Tuscan restaurant nestled in the countryside nearby.

Day 15: Florence To Lucerne Via Pisa

Location: Florence, Pisa, Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

It's almost time to say a heartfelt 'ciao' to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and watches. But we have one more thing to do in Italy first.... As if we were going to jump from Florence to Switzerland without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Here's your chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot, so make it a good one. 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 and take the chance to explore. Our recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.

Day 16: Lucerne

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you're free to stroll the beautiful streets of Lucerne, sit in a coffee shop soaking up mountain life, or consume your body weight in chocolate. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can opt for a visit the top of Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, or take an optional cruise across Lake Lucerne for a look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Don't say we don't spoil you.

Day 17: Lucerne To Paris

Location: Lucerne, Paris

Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (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.

Day 18: Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)

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 quartiers, wander Le Marais for food, shop up a storm on the Champs Elysee, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with can-can girls & a Cabaret show.

Day 19: Paris To London

Location: Paris, Calais, Dover, London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective.  What a journey, on arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the journey on arrival.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    18 nights in Hotels Accommodation included.

  • Fully Guided

    Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides on this tour.

  • Meals

    18 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners is included.

  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Some Meals

    While many meals are included, some will be at your own expense, giving you the freedom to explore local cuisines.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and personal spending are not included, allowing you to customize your experience.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers are not included, giving you the flexibility to arrange your own transportation.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 18 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

  • 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.
  • Berlin: Join us for dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel in Berlin, where Middle Eastern cuisine (think: delicious plant-based eats) is served by a diverse staff of refugees to help foster integration & solidarity.
  • 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.
  • Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
  • Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: Take a somber but impactful visit to the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich.
  • 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!
  • Florence: Live out all your sundrenched Tuscan dreams as you tour this 16th Century winery. Then treat yourself to some Chianti and antipasto.
  • 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.
  • 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).

Check out our Q&As

  • What countries will we visit on the European Whirl tour?

    The European Whirl tour visits England, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

  • Are meals included in the European Whirl tour?

    While many meals are included in the European Whirl tour, some will be at your own expense, giving you the freedom to explore local cuisines.

  • What are some of the highlights of the European Whirl tour?

    Some highlights of the European Whirl tour include exploring Amsterdam, visiting the Berlin Wall, discovering Prague, enjoying Bavarian culture in Munich, experiencing Venice, exploring Rome, visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, enjoying Lucerne, Switzerland, and ending the tour in Paris.

  • Is travel insurance included in the European Whirl tour?

    Travel insurance is not included in the European Whirl tour and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Are there any optional activities on the European Whirl tour?

    Optional activities and personal spending are not included in the European Whirl tour, allowing you to customize your experience.

  • Are airport transfers included in the European Whirl tour?

    Airport transfers are not included in the European Whirl tour, giving you the flexibility to arrange your own transportation.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Sunday - Thursday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$3966 $3173

Barrhead discount: -$793

Sunday - Thursday

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Barrhead discount: -$807

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Barrhead discount: -$865

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Barrhead discount: -$865

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Barrhead discount: -$865

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Barrhead discount: -$649

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Barrhead discount: -$865

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$4160 $3328

Barrhead discount: -$832

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Sep 16, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$4160 $3328

Barrhead discount: -$832

Sunday - Thursday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026
$4084 $3267

Barrhead discount: -$817

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Apr 26, 2026 - May 14, 2026
$4151 $3321

Barrhead discount: -$830

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

May 17, 2026 - Jun 04, 2026
$4426 $3541

Barrhead discount: -$885

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

May 31, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
$4455 $3564

Barrhead discount: -$891

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jul 02, 2026
$4455 $3564

Barrhead discount: -$891

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
$4455 $3564

Barrhead discount: -$891

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$4455 $3564

Barrhead discount: -$891

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
$4455 $3564

Barrhead discount: -$891

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Aug 16, 2026 - Sep 03, 2026
$4455 $3564

Barrhead discount: -$891

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$4284 $3427

Barrhead discount: -$857

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Sunday - Thursday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 08, 2026
$4284 $3427

Barrhead discount: -$857

European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Summer 2026

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Why book with Barrhead?

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Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.

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