European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Winter
European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Winter
European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Winter
19 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWAPE20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "European Whirl | Plus | Start Amsterdam | Winter" tour, a captivating exploration of Europe's most iconic destinations. Begin your adventure in Amsterdam, then traverse through the United Kingdom, Holland, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Experience the vibrant culture of Berlin with a special dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel, and enjoy guided tours in cities like Munich, Florence, and Paris. Travel comfortably by coach, ferry, and private boat, staying in well-located hotels throughout your journey. Delight in 18 breakfasts and 4 dinners, and immerse yourself in activities such as a private boat ride in Venice and a visit to a 16th-century winery in Florence. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring a memorable European adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: 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 you're free to explore or hit the local bars.
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: 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: 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: 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. Unless....? Journeying out of the Czech Republic, we'll start our time in Germany with 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 to the city of Munich. 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, just after you've swooned at a Gothic clock complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells.
Day 8: Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your chance to dive deep into Munich's cute culture and urban life. After our walking tour, you're free to roam the old town, buy yourself a pair or lederhosen or a traditional dirndl, or visit the busy streets and cafes of the university district.
Day 9: Munich To Venice Via Tyrol
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. Today we're hitting the road for Italy, but first we're in search of lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music. Take a breath of that fresh alpine air! We're in the Austrian Tyrol, and this part of the world is famous for adventure sports. And just like that, we're in a new country and a whole new vibe. 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 10: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (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 option to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour or a traditional gondola ride, or take a guided cruise out to the UNESCO heritage site of Burano. At this picture-perfect fisherman's island decorated with gorgeous technicolour houses, you'll visit a local family restaurant and indulge in the best seafood feast you've ever experienced.
Day 11: Venice To Rome
Location: 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: 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: 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: 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 with dinner.
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 4 dinners and 18 breakfasts.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Ibis Berlin Messe, Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, LH Hotel Sirio Venice, Hotel Santa Costanza, BB Giustizia, Ibis Budget Luzern City, and Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel.
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Transport
Transport includes a ferry from Dover to Calais and coach transfers between cities.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided in various cities including Berlin, Munich, Florence, and Paris.
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Activities
Activities include a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, a traditional Bavarian beer hall in Munich, a private motoscafo boat ride in Venice, and a visit to a 16th Century winery in Florence.
What's Not Included
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Non-included Attractions
Tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam should be booked between 12-3PM to avoid missing other activities or coach transfers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a guided walking tour or gondola ride in Venice, a visit to Mt.
Pilatus or a cruise across Lake Lucerne, and a Cabaret show in Paris are not included. -
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 should be arranged separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 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: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? Yep. If you’re booking a twin room as a couple, you’ll be roomed together.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: Take a somber but impactful visit to the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich.
- Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
- Munich: This guided walking tour will take you around all the highlights of this Bavarian city, including Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel.
- 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: 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
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel by coach, ferry, and a private motoscafo boat. This ensures a smooth and scenic journey through multiple European countries, including a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a private boat ride in Venice.
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What types of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 4 dinners and 18 breakfasts, providing a variety of meals throughout the journey.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided tours are provided in various cities including Berlin, Munich, Florence, and Paris, allowing you to explore these cities with expert insights.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided at comfortable and well-located hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Ibis Berlin Messe, Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, LH Hotel Sirio Venice, Hotel Santa Costanza, BB Giustizia, and Ibis Budget Luzern City.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes activities such as a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, a traditional Bavarian beer hall in Munich, a private motoscafo boat ride in Venice, and a visit to a 16th Century winery in Florence.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a guided walking tour or gondola ride in Venice, a visit to Mt. Pilatus or a cruise across Lake Lucerne, and a Cabaret show in Paris.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations 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
Why book with Barrhead?
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