European Discovery

Contiki (AU) · 12 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

European Discovery
12 Days
From AUD $2385 Was AUD $2650
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Easy

Rating


(10 reviews)

European Discovery

European Discovery

Contiki (AU) · 12 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Deluxe

Physical Rating

Easy

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Ready for the beginning of your sweet love affair with Europe? This European Discovery tour uncovers Europe’s finest in 12 days, complete with Bavarian beer & a visit to a French perfumery.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

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 border control in 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, you’ll need just three currencies - the British Pound, Swiss Franc and Euro.
  • London: How do I know when to book tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam? If you're travelling before March 2025, this trip spends 1 night in Amsterdam. You will have free time in the morning of day 2 until 12pm, during which time you can book activities. After this time, we will head off to the Rhine Valley.From March 2025, this trip will spend 2 nights in Amsterdam and you will have free time in the afternoon of day 2 from 12pm - 3pm, during which time you can book activities. Of course, you can book other times during this day, but it might mean you miss out on other included activities or a coach transfer to the accommodation!
  • London: Who will I room with if I book additional nights before my trip?  You'll stay in a Twin share room (meaning you'll be paired with a fellow traveller of the same gender, and will have two separate beds). If you're booking your trip with a friend/travel companion - just let us know, so we can join your bookings and ensure you share a room. Need a lil' more privacy? You're welcome to opt for a single supplement if you like.
  • 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.

Included Experience

  • Amsterdam: Best way to break the ice? By breaking bread of course. You and your new besties can bond over dinner before heading out to explore.
  • Sankt Goar: Take a scenic glide down the river, past fairytale castles, Baroque spires and timbered German houses.
  • Sankt Goar: Visit a local stein store and learn how the famous German steins are crafted, and as a bonus we will show you the worlds largest free hanging Cuckoo-clock!
  • Dinkelsbühl: 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: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
  • Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
  • Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
  • 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!
  • Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
  • 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: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
European Discovery

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private

Guide Language

English

Starts

London, United Kingdom

Finishes

London, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Deluxe

Travel Style

18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Easy

Itinerary

1
Day 1: London to Amsterdam
Your heart-pounding adventure kicks off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. 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! We travel north via Belgium before reaching... Amsterdam!Tonight, after an included dinner, the fun-famed Amsterdam is yours to explore in all its glory.

Accommodation: Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
2
Day 2: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is as cute as it comes & sure to win your heart with its cobbled main streets, canalside views, obscure museums & a cafe culture like no other. Today, you're free to use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, or sign up to check out the STRAAT museum (located in a former NDSM shipyard), or just explore! If you're hungry to taste your way through the local culture, this place is famous for Dutch pancakes, frites, cheese, stroopwafels and coffee – or you can take the opportunity to visit the small Dutch fishing village of Volendam for an optional dinner. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for an iconic cruise through Amsterdam, complete with an onboard bar.

Accommodation: Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
3
Day 3: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley
Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but it's time to say 'tot ziens!' because this afternoon we're setting off for our next country, Germany. After the scenic journey of fairytale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. There's a river cruise up for grabs, and this back-in-time town is our host for the optional wine-tasting experience this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
4
Day 4: Rhine Valley to Munich via Dinkelsbühl
Too much grape juice last night? Not to worry, the prospect of this Bavarian hidden gem should lift your spirits as we travel south & swap wine culture for beer. 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. Today our eyes will be treated to a famous Gothic clock, a charming old town & traditional Bavarian culture. You'll have the option to explore the side streets by foot and afterwards why not choose to explore one of the city's many beer halls, where you can try a stein of beer or even a pork knuckle!

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
5
Day 5: Munich to Venice
Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. Today we're crossing the Bavarian Alps and hitting the road for Italy. 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. Your jaw will hit the floor over hidden lanes, story book bridges & a private Motoscafo ride. What next? There are a bunch of optional experiences lined up to help you experience this city - gondola rides, venetian dinners, all the good stuff.

Accommodation: Villa Patriarca (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
6
Day 6: Venice to Rome via Baschi
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. But first, we have an epic, included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience to enjoy. Casale Polegri is set within the gorgeous town of Baschi, where we'll meet the Polegri family. These guys have run their vineyard and olive orchard for generations, and after giving us the grand tour, will serve us lunch. As we overlook the Umbrian landscape, enjoying some of the most authentic Italian food we've ever tasted (topped off with the Polegri's very own wine, naturally), we might reflect that we've never had it so good. It's the kind of local travel experience you don't encounter every day. The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it's glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto!

Accommodation: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
7
Day 7: Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Hit the streets for your own discoveries. Or choose to take a guided tour of the Colosseum. Throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by. And even join the optional food tour we've got planned in the city!

Accommodation: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
8
Day 8: Rome to Florence
We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over… The dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city, making certain we know we have arrived in 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. We'll become history buffs on a guided walking tour, before we learn the art of leather. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at an optional dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Auto Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
9
Day 9: Florence to Lucerne
Say a fond farewell to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and not to mention watches. Hello Switzerland! Swans float under wooden bridges, snowcapped mountains stand regally behind us & chocolate tastes like heaven on earth. You're in the Swiss Alps & you cannot wipe the smile off your face. Eeek!!!

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
10
Day 10: Lucerne to Paris
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. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris. Our Trip Manager fills us in on the city's secrets as we celebrate our first night in the city.

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
11
Day 11: Paris
It's time to stroll the dreamy streets of Paris, admire over haute couture you can't afford, snap a picture of the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the many rooms of the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with an optional ticket to an iconic cabaret show and dinner. With your last night looming, make it one to remember in the city of lights.

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
12
Day 12: Paris to London
Soak up your last dose of Paris this morning over a coffee and croissant and marvel at how much you've seen. And, how close you've grown to your new Contiki pals. Sob! Hop back on the coach for a complimentary transfer to CDG airport this morning, or stay onboard for the ride back to London. Plenty of time to start planning the next reunion...This concludes our 12-day Europe itinerary. What a journey! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.

Meals: Breakfast
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2650

AUD $2,385
(Tour only)
Offer ends 08 Apr, 2026 Per Person Triple, Share
10% Off

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

Ready for the beginning of your sweet love affair with Europe? This European Discovery tour uncovers Europe’s finest in 12 days, complete with Bavarian beer & a visit to a French perfumery.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Feb 2027

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Anonymous
Traveled, January 2024

01/31/2024

The trip was amazing so well managed, the travel guide was so helpful and gave us so much information, the extra activities were a lot of fun also, no complaints about anything it was perfect. Contiki is amazing when it comes to booking and their contact, they are available 24/7 and all of their customer service workers are so helpful have a great attitude and are always willing to do the most to help, they pick up the phone instantly and always helped me with everything i needed.

5.0
Jayson
Traveled, December 2024

12/30/2024

The trip was a good sampler of the different european countries! Now i know which cities i want to come back and spend a lot more time in. I’m also excited to do an eastern european countries contiki next time.

Tour Operator

Contiki Tours, founded in 1962, is a global travel company specializing in group tours exclusively for 18–35-year-olds, offering over 300 trips across more than 50 countries. Known for its strong social focus, Contiki blends adventure, cultural immersion, and nightlife with the convenience of fully organized itineraries. The brand is part of The Travel Corporation and differentiates itself through unique “Special Stays,” curated experiences, and a community-driven atmosphere that attracts solo travelers and young groups alike. With sustainability initiatives under its “Contiki Cares” program, the company also emphasizes responsible travel, making it a leading choice for younger travelers seeking connection, discovery, and memorable experiences.

In Business Since 1962