European Magic | Start Amsterdam | Winter | 2024/25

European Magic | Start Amsterdam | Winter | 2024/25

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European Magic | Start Amsterdam | Winter | 2024/25

9 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Munich, Venice, Lucerne, Paris, London

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWHHE19

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Europe's most enchanting destinations with the "European Magic" tour, starting in Amsterdam and concluding in London. Traverse eight countries, including England, France, Germany, and Italy, as you explore iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Marvel at the chalk-white cliffs of Dover, enjoy a guided tour of Munich, and experience the alpine beauty of Innsbruck. Glide through Venice's canals on a private boat, and discover Lucerne's charming wooden bridges. In Paris, ascend the Montparnasse Tower for breathtaking views and explore the city's romantic landmarks. With comfortable coach transport, guided tours, and select meals included, this winter adventure promises unforgettable memories across Europe's cultural heartlands. Optional activities like a gondola ride in Venice and a Moulin Rouge show in Paris offer additional excitement. Join us for an unforgettable European escapade!

Highlights

  • See the iconic chalk-white coastline of Dover.

  • Take a guided walking tour of Munich, including Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel.

  • Experience the snow-capped peaks and pristine air of Innsbruck.

  • Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.

  • Check out the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the giant sandstone Lion Monument in Lucerne.

  • Take a dreamy jaunt around Paris, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

  • Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of Paris.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London To Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: Dinner

Your 7-country, 9-day adventure begins here! You'll meet up with your Contiki crew in London and we'll all board our coach here, ready to set off for European soil. Shortly before we find our ferry for Europe, 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! Next we journey to Amsterdam! And here we are at our final stop for this evening: Amsterdam! We'll start our exploration of this city with a peek of canals, bicycles & 17th century gable houses lit up by night. Next on the agenda tonight, we have an optional evening cruise along the canals - the perfect way for our travel crew to get to know each other. Afterwards, there's plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

Day 2: Amsterdam To Rhine Valley

Location: Rhine Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning is your chance to explore Amsterdam. Take a wander down a cobbled canal-lined street, step into a local 'Poffertjes' cafe for Dutch mini pancakes, or check out some of the cute bookshops lining the canal. Then say 'Vaarwel!' because this afternoon we're setting off for our next country, Germany. From narrow canals to one sprawling river, with boats gliding to and fro. Welcome to the Rhine Valley, home of premium German wine… in a classic romantic setting. It’s a treat for all the senses.

Day 3: Rhine Valley To Munich Via Dinkelsbühl

Location: Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Saying goodbye to the Rhine Valley, we'll head on to Munich – where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await. But not before we explore a Bavarian hidden gem! Quintessential German experiences don't get much better than visiting this charming medieval town. We'll stroll the cobblestoned streets, checking out vibrant market squares and picturesque half-timbered houses along the way."Prost!”. Here in the home of Oktoberfest we'll take a locally guided tour of the city, and amuse ourselves watching the antics of mechanical figurines in the city's famous Glockenspiel. Making the most of our time in Munich this evening, we'll get introduced to 800 years of history at a traditional Bavarian beer hall.

Day 4: Munich To Venice Via Innsbruck

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Venice Palace (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

'Auf Wiedersehen' Munich, we're off to tick more countries off our list. This morning we'll climb aboard our coach ready for a scenic roll through the Bavarian Alps, past fairytale castles and rambling vineyards, en route to Austria. Drive through Austria without getting out to say hello? Never! We'll pull into Innsbruck for lunch, a laid-back student city made famous by a medieval old town, an old Olympic Ski Jump & a Royal Palace.  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 5: Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Venice Palace (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 motoscaffo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Next, you have the chance to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour, take a traditional gondola ride, or just explore these cobbled streets on your own. Later, you can choose to join us for an oh-so-delicious Venetian food (think: wine & cicchetti) walking tour with a local expert. Yum!

Day 6: Venice To Lucerne

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

With a few days left, it's time to say 'ciao' to our time in Venice. We'll never forget you, city of canals and beauty, but Switzerland is calling us. Back on our coach we'll pass Lake Como as we cruise out of Italy and head onwards and upwards toward the Swiss Alps.  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. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.

Day 7: Lucerne To Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles (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 8: Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

There's plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the many museums of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, because tonight's your chance to get involved with VIP seats and dinner at the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret show. With your last night looming, this is the perfect way to make it one to remember. Get ready to go out with a bang!

Day 9: Paris To London

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise, shine, and soak up your last dose of Paris this morning over a coffee and croissant together, as we marvel at how much we've seen on this magical journey. It may be over for now, but these friendships and memories will last a lifetime. Our last coach ride together will be a complimentary transfer to CDG airport this morning, or you can stay onboard for the full ride back to London. Plenty of time to start planning the next reunion... As we pass through Calais we'll remember the days gone by with a historical talk alongside a view of striking World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme and Vimy Ridge. We'll make our way back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.  What an adventure! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Meals included are breakfast on all days and dinner on selected days.

  • Transport

    Transport is provided by coach throughout the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walking tours are included in Munich and Venice.

  • Ferry Crossing

    Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais is included.

  • Montparnasse Tower

    Entry to the Montparnasse Tower in Paris is included.

  • Private Boat in Venice

    A private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, traditional gondola ride in Venice, and the Moulin Rouge cabaret show in Paris are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel-related documentation costs are not included.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino, Ibis Budget Luzern City, and Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

  • Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
  • Dinkelsbuhl: Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Munich: This guided walking tour will take you around all the highlights of this Bavarian city, including Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel.
  • Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
  • Innsbruck: Snow-capped peaks. Pristine air. Chocolate-box buildings. Innsbruck is the answer to all of your Alpine travel wishes.
  • Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
  • 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 type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation by coach throughout, with a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, breakfast is included on all days and dinner is provided on selected days.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, Hotel Ambra Quarto Daltino, Ibis Budget Luzern City, and Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, guided walking tours are included in Munich and Venice.

  • Is there an opportunity to take a boat ride in Venice?

    Yes, a private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice is included in the tour.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, a traditional gondola ride in Venice, and the Moulin Rouge cabaret show in Paris.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and it is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Does the tour include any entry fees to attractions?

    Yes, entry to the Montparnasse Tower in Paris is included.

  • 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

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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