London to Athens Plus | Start Paris | 2025
London to Athens Plus | Start Paris | 2025
$3623
London to Athens Plus | Start Paris | 2025
17 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Paris, Beaujolais Wine Region, Beaujolais, Barcelona, French Riviera, Monaco, Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Athens
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBLGV20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from London to Athens, starting in the romantic city of Paris. This cultural adventure takes you through six captivating countries, including England, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, and Greece. Experience the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, explore the historic World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, and enjoy a guided tour of Paris, including the Montparnasse Tower and the Louvre. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena in Arles, the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Travel in style with a mix of coach rides, private boat rides in Venice, and an overnight Adriatic ferry. Stay in comfortable hotels and enjoy included meals, such as a dinner in Paris and breakfast in Lyon. Conclude your journey with a local guide in Athens, exploring the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Optional activities include a Parisian cabaret show, a gondola ride in Venice, and a traditional Greek dinner in Athens.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on our trip. After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme. We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. To start things off, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner and then a guided tour of the city itself.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, but first we'll take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Then the time is yours to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the Louvre. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!
Day 3: Paris To Beaujolais Wine Region Via Beaune
Location: Beaujolais Wine Region
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Château de Cruix (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we’ll have breakfast and then be on our merry way to the next stop: time for the Château. We'll make a quick lunch stop in this picturesque little town, known for its rich wine heritage. Plus, you'll have the chance to check out the iconic Hospices De Beaune (a stunning 15th century hospital with a vibrant tiled roof). Cameras at the ready! Rolling into the Beaujolais region of France amidst vineyards, we'll arrive at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. That's right, we're trading hotels for a castle tonight! You'll stay in multi-share, newly-renovated rooms (with 5 other travellers). What's more? Not much, just an on-site nightclub, artwork in every room, a games room, a powder room for makeup and hair, a beautiful sprawling garden AND a pool! Tonight we'll start off with an included dinner and wine tasting here at the château, because, when in France...!
Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region
Location: Beaujolais
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Château de Cruix (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château's gardens or loll about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine.
Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Saying goodbye to the grape juice we'll weave our way to two nights in beachside Barcelona. The Pyrénées mountains will keep our eyes satisfied today as we roll across the border for Spain's most lively city. Each day as sweet as the last. Welcome to España! Known for its chilled-out vibes, welcoming atmosphere and culture of acceptance and tolerance, there’s nowhere quite like Barcelona. Tonight we'll grab dinner at one of the city’s many exceptional eateries. And on the way, we'll stop by to marvel at the stunning Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's architectural masterpiece.
Day 6: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic hilltop vistas, & wild Spanish architecture will season our day to perfection. There's plenty of free time to roam free or take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.
Day 7: Barcelona To French Riviera Via Arles
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Amarante Cannes (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more... After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we'll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline.
Day 8: French Riviera And Monaco
Location: Monaco
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Amarante Cannes (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission. Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting Monaco tonight, and you'll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace, followed by a delicious optional dinner! After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Day 9: French Riviera To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner. But before we cross the border into Italy, we’ll make a fragrant pitstop here in Eze to visit a traditional French perfumery – where you’ll even have the chance to craft a signature scent of your own. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda.
Day 10: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A trip to the colourful Venetian island of Burano and a gondola ride are up for grabs… or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you.
Day 11: Venice To Florence Via Pisa
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo.
Day 12: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
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 13: Florence To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell Florence - today we have the epicentre of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. But not before one rather extraordinary stop-off. En-route to Rome, we’ll visit Casale Polegri – an organic Umbrian farm where we’ll feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more fresh local produce. And here… we… are… Back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. After a brief orientation tour from your Trip Manager, you’re free to check out the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona with your Contiki crew.
Day 14: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
When in Rome... This is the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority… Stuck for something to do this evening? There’s plenty of pasta, gelato and caprese salad stops to keep you occupied – and don’t get us started on the wine.
Day 15: Rome To Overnight Adriatic Ferry
Location: Pompeii
Accommodation Name: Overnight Ferry
Meals Included: Breakfast
As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning! We'll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail. Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country.
Day 16: Overnight Adriatic Ferry To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ahoy there, we'll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land... We'll roll off the boat in Patras and then it's straight back on the road. The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean. A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner with your new friends in this ancient city.
Day 17: End Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hugs, tears, and a final batch of reminiscing; it's astounding how close a group can get in just two short weeks, but not before our Local Guide will escort us through the history of the city visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis, as well as the first modern Olympic Stadium, host of the 1896 Games.
What's Included
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Guided Tour of Montparnasse Tower and Paris
Enjoy a guided tour of the Montparnasse Tower and the city of Paris.
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Included Dinner in Paris
Bond with your travel group over a delicious included dinner in Paris.
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Breakfast in Lyon
Start your day with an included breakfast in Lyon.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
Experience a private boat ride through the canals of Venice.
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Overnight Adriatic Ferry
Travel on an overnight ferry across the Adriatic Sea.
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Local Guide in Athens
A local guide will escort you through the history of Athens, including visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
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Travel in Style
Travel in style with a mix of coach rides, private boat rides in Venice, and an overnight Adriatic ferry, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey from London to Athens.
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Comfortable Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème, B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin, Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud, Appart City Nice Acropolis, Hotel Riviera dei Dogi, and Pineta Palace Hotel Roma, ensuring a restful night after each day's adventures.
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Dining Summary
Enjoy 5 dinners, 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 picnic lunch during the tour.
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Included Experiences
Experience iconic sights such as the White Cliffs of Dover, Montparnasse Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Monte Carlo Casino, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more.
What's Not Included
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Parisian Cabaret Show
The iconic Parisian cabaret show is not included and is an optional activity.
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Dinner in Montmartre
The Parisian feast in Montmartre is not included and is an optional activity.
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Flamenco Evening in Barcelona
The evening of Flamenco fun in Barcelona is not included and is an optional activity.
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Dinner in Monaco
The optional dinner in Monaco is not included.
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Gondola Ride in Venice
The gondola ride in Venice is not included and is an optional activity.
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Dinner and Wine in Tuscany
The visit to a 14th-century Certosan monastery followed by dinner and wine at a Tuscan restaurant is not included and is an optional activity.
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Guided Tour of Pompeii
The guided tour of Pompeii is not included and is an optional activity.
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Traditional Greek Dinner in Athens
The traditional Greek dinner in Athens is not included and is an optional activity.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 16 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Picnic Lunch (PL)
Included Experience
- Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- 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’.
- Arles: Visit the historic city of Arles, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh.
- Monaco City: Walk in the footsteps of Grace Kelly at the Royal Palace and see the Monte Carlo Casino (where the car park looks like a Fast & Furious set).
- French Riviera: Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.
- Nice: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a French perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
- Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
- 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!
- Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
- Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
- Athens: Even if you’re not a sports nut, this is probably the most iconic Olympic stadium in the world and you won’t want to miss it.
- Athens: Walk in the footsteps of Gods and Goddesses, as you take a guided tour around the Ancient Greek monuments and explore the Parthenon temple.
- Beaujolais: Enjoy a French-style picnic while admiring the gorgeous Beaujolais countryside.
- Beaujolais: Clear out the cobwebs and get in touch with you zen side with a guided yoga session on the sweeping lawns of the château.
- Barcelona: Combat boots at the ready, folks! Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are so cool, you won’t know what to photograph first!
- Barcelona: We’ll check out the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s world-renowned masterpiece. Work began on the church in the 1880s and while it was technically never finished, it’s still a wonder to behold.
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 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.
- Athens: What’s the weather like in summer? The climate in this region is extremely varied. In shoulder season (May, September, and October) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C (86 F).
- Athens: What should I pack for a summer trip? It’s always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night (especially outside of the cities), so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece. You’ll also need to pack comfortable shoes for walking during the day, plus sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a light/beach towel. And if you wanna visit any basilicas, cathedrals or sacred sites during your trip, we recommend you bring a few outfits that cover your knees and shoulders.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of coach rides, private boat rides in Venice, and an overnight Adriatic ferry to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey from London to Athens.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème, B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin, Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud, Appart City Nice Acropolis, Hotel Riviera dei Dogi, and Pineta Palace Hotel Roma, ensuring a restful night after each day's adventures.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 5 dinners, 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 picnic lunch.
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Is there a guided tour included in Athens?
Yes, a local guide will escort you through the history of Athens, including visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
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Is there an opportunity to experience a private boat ride in Venice?
Yes, the tour includes a private boat ride through the canals of Venice.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a Parisian cabaret show, dinner in Montmartre, a Flamenco evening in Barcelona, dinner in Monaco, a gondola ride in Venice, dinner and wine in Tuscany, a guided tour of Pompeii, and a traditional Greek dinner in Athens.
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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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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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