European Whirl | Gap | Start London | Summer 2025
European Whirl | Gap | Start London | Summer 2025
$4089
European Whirl | Gap | Start London | Summer 2025
19 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Austrian Tyrol, Venice, Rome, Florence, Swiss Alps, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPEWA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the European Whirl tour, starting and ending in the vibrant city of London. This summer 2025 adventure takes you through nine captivating countries, including England, France, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Experience the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the cultural richness of Berlin, the fairytale charm of Prague, and the romantic allure of Paris. Enjoy a mix of included meals and free time to explore local cuisines and attractions. From the canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome, each destination offers unique experiences, such as a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and a gondola ride in Venice. With a blend of guided tours and personal exploration, this tour promises a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Join us for a whirlwind tour of Europe's most enchanting cities and landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Via Hostel Amsterdam (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: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Via Hostel Amsterdam (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: Berlin
Accommodation: Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Generator Alexanderplatz (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: Generator Alexanderplatz (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Generator Alexanderplatz (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: Prague
Accommodation: Plus Prague (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Plus Prague (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: Plus Prague (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Plus 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! 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: Munich
Accommodation: Bento Inn Munich Messe (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Munich Messe (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: Austrian Tyrol
Accommodation: Bento Inn Munich Messe (or similar)
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.
Day 9: Austrian Tyrol
Location: Austrian Tyrol
Accommodation: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
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: Venice
Accommodation: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up roamers, we have a bountiful breakfast and a floating city in Italy to tend to. Life's tough! You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking in the Central Austrian Alps & Brenner Pass en route to Italy. 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 11: Venice To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: The Yellow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Casa San Juan (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: The Yellow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (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: Florence
Accommodation: The Yellow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (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. 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: The Yellow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready for a full day of all things 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. We'll learn the art of Florentine leather before venturing off to see what this "city of dreams" has in store for the afternoon. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at an optional dinner - think olives, cured meats, crostini & wine.
Day 15: Florence To Swiss Alps
Location: Swiss Alps
Accommodation: Youth Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Youth Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
That's it for our feasting on all things Florence. With the Swiss Alps in our sights, the devastation of leaving this place should be well and truly numbed. Arrive in a picture perfect setting ready for two nights at our accommodation in the heart of this traditional resort town. This place comes to life as the sun sets, so tonight we'll have a chance to spend our free time checking out the local nightlife and foodie scene.
Day 16: Swiss Alps
Location: Swiss Alps
Accommodation: Youth Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Youth Hostel Interlaken (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Plenty of views await us today (and if you can find words to do them justice, we applaud you). We’ll head to the top of Jungfrau Mountain via cog train and cable car. Want to spike your adrenaline levels too? No probs. You’ll also have the chance to go on the canyon swing.
Day 17: Swiss Alps To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Generator (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Generator (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's been sweet, but our time in the 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?
Day 18: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Generator (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Generator (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: 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
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Meals
The tour includes 6 dinners and 18 breakfasts.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in multi-share rooms with other travelers of the same sex.
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Dover
See the iconic chalk-white coastline of Dover.
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Berlin
Visit Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the historic Reichstag building.
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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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Munich
Stop at a traditional Bavarian 'Bier Halle' for a beer.
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Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Visit the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich.
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Venice
Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice and enjoy the famous gondola boats.
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Rome
Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list.
What's Not Included
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Non-included Attractions
Tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam are not provided and should be booked in advance.
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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 is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as paragliding in Austria or a guided tour of the Colosseum in Rome are not included.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 18 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
- 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 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.
- 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!
- 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: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
Mode of Transport
Travel by coach, ferry, and private canal boat, ensuring a seamless journey across Europe with scenic views and convenient transfers between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable multi-share accommodations at Via Hostel Amsterdam, Generator Alexanderplatz, Plus Prague, and other similar hostels, offering a friendly and social atmosphere for travelers.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in various hostels and similar accommodations, such as Via Hostel Amsterdam, Generator Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Plus Prague, and Youth Hostel Interlaken in the Swiss Alps. The accommodations are typically multi-share rooms with other travelers of the same sex.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 18 breakfasts and 6 dinners. These meals are provided at various points throughout the trip, allowing you to experience local cuisine.
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Will there be any free time to explore on my own?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time in several cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, and Paris, allowing you to explore on your own, visit museums, or enjoy local cafes and attractions.
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What are some of the unique experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, a private canal boat ride in Venice, and a chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house.
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Is there any guidance on booking tickets for attractions not included in the tour?
Yes, for non-included attractions in Amsterdam, it is recommended to book tickets between 12-3 PM to ensure you don't miss other activities or coach transfers to the accommodation.
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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.
