London to Rome Wanderer (Start Paris, Winter 2024/25)
London to Rome Wanderer (Start Paris, Winter 2024/25)
London to Rome Wanderer (Start Paris, Winter 2024/25)
13 Days Starting in Paris and ending in Rome
Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Paris, Lucerne, Lyon, Barcelona, French Riviera, Monaco City, Pisa, Florence, Baschi, Rome
Tour Overview
Paris, Barcelona and Rome – which European cities could be more extra? See famous sights and enjoy endless nights in all the cities you ever wanted to experience. Along the way, marvel at the mountains of Switzerland, then unwind by the sparkling French Riviera.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Paris
Location: London, Dover, Calais, Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
The time of your life starts now in London town. Say your goodbyes and grab any last minute snacks before we hit the road in search of Paris. Wave farewell as we leave behind the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are the first of many natural beauties we’ll see on our trip. We’ll soon arrive in Calais, where a historical talk will give us a poignant glimpse of the past, as we take in the World War One battlefields and pass the Valley of the Somme. We know you've been dreaming of Parisian sights since way back when. It’s straight down to business as we kick things off with a night tour, marvelling at the city sparkling with lights and romance from the top of the Montparnasse Tower. City of love, city of light, city of bridges...Paris is known in many ways and loved the world over. Cheese, wine, macarons, iconic sights at every corner, museums, fashion, the list is endless and the good times are only just beginning!
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Paris is your oyster (or snail) today - an open book with pages begging to be turned. Stroll the cobbled streets and leafy boulevards. Break a baguette in one of the many beautiful parks, stroll the endless walkways of The Louvre, Montmartre, or Notre Dame. Snap a selfie from the top of La Tour Eiffel then explore the bars and boutiques of the hipster Left Bank or Le Marais.
Day 3: Paris To Lucerne
Location: Paris, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we wind our way through the French countryside, past the scenic vineyards of the Burgundy region and across the border to Switzerland. Just when you think France is the most scenic place on Earth, we cross the border into Switzerland and the charming town of Lucerne. Cobbled streets, fairytale medieval architecture, snow-capped mountain backdrops and swans floating past on the sparkling lake make this a setting fit for fairytales. Tonight’s your chance to sample a traditional cheese fondue before we get ready for a busy day tomorrow in this scenic paradise.
Day 4: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to enjoy the great outdoors. Take an optional trip up Mount Pilatus via a cable car and cogwheel railway, where you can go hiking, ride Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan or simply take in the views. Speaking of views, there are plenty more of those if instead you choose to take a cruise on Lake Lucerne, sitting back and drinking in the meadows, forests and mountain peaks. Back in town, you’re free to pick up some souvenirs (a Swiss watch? A cowbell?), check out the wooden Chapel Bridge (dated 1333) and nibble on some delicious chunks of cheese (or chocolate) before dinner tonight.
Day 5: Lucerne To Lyon
Location: Lucerne, Lyon
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Spain. After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so we'll head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies. Topped off with some beaujolais wine, but of course.
Day 6: Lyon To Barcelona
Location: Lyon, Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's Spain day today, and we are ready. Out of Lyon & through the Pyrénées mountains in search of Barcelona - that's today's plan of attack. Year-round and Monday to Sunday, Barcelona is a hive of festive activities. The Catalonian capital's energy will capture your heart in an instant. Sunshine year round, great food and even better locals, here's just a start of the never-ending list of greatness.
Day 7: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have plenty of free time to discover Barcelona’s best sites. Hit up the beach, search for souvenirs on La Rambla or browse designer shops on Passeig de Gracia. Don’t miss the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s other architectural wonders. Foodies will love La Boqueria market and sports fans won’t want to miss a visit to Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. Just save some energy for tonight, with a chance to get tickets for a fiery traditional Flamenco show on the cards.
Day 8: Barcelona To French Riviera
Location: Barcelona, French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to explore. Much, much more... 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? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline.
Day 9: Nice Including French Riviera And Monaco
Location: French Riviera, Monaco City, French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nowhere says ‘French chic’ like Nice, and today is your chance to browse the tempting stalls of the market, climb to the castle (or take the lift) for breathtaking views over the Cote d’Azur or make like the locals, sipping a pastis and watching the world go by. Missing an opportunity to see this glorious 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. You're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy in Monte Carlo. Here you’ll have time for dinner before we get ready for an evening of glamour at the Monte Carlo Casino, forever immortalised on screen as James Bond’s nightspot of choice. After a spin on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Day 10: French Riviera To Florence
Location: French Riviera, Pisa, Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are about to warm us from the inside out. As if we were going to head straight 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. And welcome to Florence. Home to red roofs, Renaissance architecture and rustic cuisine - which we'll have the chance to experience first hand on a traditional Tuscan evening. Make sure you're hungry!
Day 11: Florence To Rome
Location: Florence, Baschi, Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list. First up is a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history, followed by a tour from a local guide taking us behind the scenes & revealing the city's cultural beginnings. We'll stop for lunch at Casale Polegri (where the traditional hospitality is sure to knock your socks off!) After a journey of romantic views past cypress trees and olive groves, we'll arrive in the Eternal City of Rome. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato.
Day 12: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wasting no time uncovering the city, we'll take a tour of some of the biggest Italian icons, with famous sights and photo stops including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. You could explore one of the world's greatest icons and walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors past. Hit up the Colosseum or embark on an Ancient Rome walking tour today (your Trip Manager will advise based on availability) - it's hard to believe these sights still exist. If neither of these are your jam make the day your own and do all the quintessential Italian things, like sipping endless espressos while the world rides by on a Vespa. We recommend heading to the Trastevere for the ultimate people watching over a bowl of steaming carbonara in its true home, flanked by a caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil. Yum!
Day 13: End Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your trip ends after breakfast, so it's time to swap email addresses and say "Arrivederci" to your new friends.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in a mix of hotels such as Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel, Ibis Budget Luzern City, B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin, Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona, Hotel du Pin Nice Port, Hotel Mirage, and other conveniently located hotels.
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Meals
Enjoy daily breakfasts and select meals including traditional and local cuisines across various destinations.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably with provided transportation between cities and to various attractions.
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Guided Tours
Benefit from guided tours in major cities like Paris, Lucerne, Lyon, Barcelona, Florence, and Rome, including iconic sights such as the Montparnasse Tower, the Louvre, Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum.
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Sightseeing and Excursions
Explore highlights across England, France, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, and Italy with excursions to the White Cliffs of Dover, World War One battlefields in Calais, the French Riviera, and more.
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Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in local cultures with experiences like a traditional cheese fondue in Switzerland, a visit to a traditional Olive Oil mill in Italy, and a chance to play at the Monte Carlo Casino.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, giving you the opportunity to explore local cuisines on your own.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.
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Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities not included in the tour itinerary are not covered.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for tour guides and drivers are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
- Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
- 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).
- 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.
- French Riviera: Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.
- 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).
- 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!
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Check out our Q&As
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What countries will I visit on the London to Rome Wanderer tour?
On the London to Rome Wanderer tour, you will visit England, France, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, and Italy.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include exploring iconic sights of Paris like the Montparnasse Tower and the Louvre, marveling at the White Cliffs of Dover, discovering the culinary delights of Lyon, experiencing the vibrant culture of Barcelona, basking in the glamour of the French Riviera, and exploring the historic grandeur of Rome including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum.
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What type of accommodations can I expect?
You can expect to stay in a mix of hotels such as Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel, Ibis Budget Luzern City, B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin, Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona, Hotel du Pin Nice Port, Hotel Mirage, and other conveniently located hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes daily breakfasts and select meals featuring traditional and local cuisines across various destinations.
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What kind of transportation will be provided?
The tour provides comfortable transportation between cities and to various attractions.
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Will there be guided tours?
Yes, the tour benefits from guided tours in major cities like Paris, Lucerne, Lyon, Barcelona, Florence, and Rome, including iconic sights such as the Montparnasse Tower, the Louvre, Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum.
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What are the exclusions?
Exclusions include travel insurance, some meals, personal expenses such as laundry and mini-bar, costs for optional activities not included in the tour itinerary, tips and gratuities for tour guides and drivers, and airport transfers.
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What cultural experiences will I have?
Cultural experiences include immersing yourself in local cultures with experiences like a traditional cheese fondue in Switzerland, a visit to a traditional Olive Oil mill in Italy, and a chance to play at the Monte Carlo Casino.
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Is travel insurance included?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Are airport transfers included?
No, airport transfers are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.
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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.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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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