Rajah Travel Corporation

Dining Summary

• 7 Dinner (D)
• 23 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Lunch (L)

Faqs

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!)

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’. 
• Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
• Beaujolais: Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la! 
• 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.
• 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!
• Arles: Visit the historic city of Arles, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh.
• 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.
• Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list! 
• Umbria: Head to a family-owned traditional olive farm tucked away in the hills of Umbria. Six generations of their family have been producing extra-virgin olive oil since 1860! We'll take a guided tour of the mill, taste some fresh olive oil and feast on a delicious, wholesome lunch at Antico Frantoio Nunzi. Happy tummy, happy life!
• 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.
• Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
• Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
• 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.

• Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
• Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
• Château de Cruix (or similar)
• Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
• Hôtel Amarante Cannes (or similar)
• Hotel Auto Park (or similar)
• Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
• Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
• Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)
• Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
• B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)
• Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
• Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)

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. A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. 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. It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)

Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with 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. 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!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

It’s been sweet, but we’re swapping Switzerland back for France again this morning. But first, there's just time for one last breath of fresh mountain air. A quick lunch break in the home of the UN's headquarters and a view of that oh so famous water fountain. Grab a bite to eat and a last mouthful of delish swiss chocolate (try saying that three times fast) and then we'll be on our way. 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...

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Château de Cruix (or similar)

Bye-bye Beaujolais! And hello 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. Well would you look at that for timing, we've pulled into Barcelona just on sangria o'clock. Fate, you've done it again! Tapas and a night exploring the city should have us in the Spanish mood before we know it.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hôtel Amarante Cannes (or similar)

This morning we'll take in the crystal blue waters of the Riviera, cobble stone streets and charming markets! Later we take a scenic drive along the Côte d'Azur shows us everything we want to know about the French Riviera, as we make our way to the heart of it all, Monaco. It wouldn't be a true visit to Monaco without seeing the Royal Palace and the Monte Carlo casino, and that's exactly what we'll look for first. Then, what better place to spend your last night in France? You have a free evening to don your glad rags, spritz on some of your new perfume & rub shoulders with the high rollers, before it's back along the coast tonight. Monaco, you've been a real winner today. Winding our way back along the Côte d'Azur, we'll say goodbye to the flash pack and set our sights for bed.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hôtel Amarante Cannes (or similar)

After almost a week in France you'll be full to the brim with all things French and ready for new ground. Italy, perhaps? No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to Florence. Dancing and dinner in Tuscany. Is that the Duomo Cathedral we see, looming large over the pretty city? Now you know you’re in Florence. Tonight we’ll start our Italian adventure with an optional Tuscan feast (yum), then afterwards we’re off for a night out with dancing aplenty.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Auto Park (or similar)

Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list. First up is frolicking around Florence this morning, with our local guide taking us behind the scenes & revealing the city's cultural beginnings followed by a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history. We'll stop for lunch at a traditional Olive Oil mill (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. Wasting no time uncovering the city, we'll take a tour of some of the biggest Italian icons, with famous sights and photo stops include the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)

You could explore one of the world's greatest icons this morning, and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, it's hard to believe these sights still exist, and when in Rome of course! If an unveiling of the Colosseum isn't your jam, make the day your own and do all the quintessential Italian things, like sipping endless espressos while the world rides by on Vespa. We recommend heading to the Trastevere for the ultimate people watching, over a steaming bowl of carbonara in its true home, flanked by a caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)

We may be hitting the road again, but we're not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over... Kudos to the cats of decades gone who constructed this lagoon fairytale. Boats, bridges, gondolas; your heart is going to pound. Start off this evening with an optional walking tour that not only shows you the sights but also finishes with traditional Venetian cicchetti, washed down with an aperitivo.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)

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. You have the chance to become truly Venetian with a gondola ride up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)

Arrivederci, Venice! You've been splendid. We're back on the road through the Dolomite Mountains en route to find lands fit for the Sound of Music. Onwards, upwards & seeing the world with more grateful eyes than ever before, we'll settle back on the road and soon arrive in the breathtaking Austrian Tyrol. We'll be welcomed with open arms to Contiki's very own Austrian Gasthof (guesthouse), but before we settle in, we'll get outside and explore the dreamy setting we'll call home for the next two nights. Tonight is a welcome evening & tomorrow we'll get into the swing of things with some of the adventure activities this town is famous for. When it comes to hitting the hay tonight, you'll sleep in a same-sex multi-share with up to 5 other travellers.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Wake up, peel open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view. If you're feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls. If you're feeling really lively you can go tandem paragliding. Not so lively? Stroll around and take in the incredible setting; drink endless hot chocolate, go up a mountain in a gondola or relax at our Gasthof.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)

Farewell life in the blissful Austrian Alps, but don't give up on your Sound of Music image just yet. We'll leave Austria this morning in search of lands that prove the setting still exists. Farewell life in the blissful Austrian Alps, but don't give up on your Sound of Music image just yet. We'll leave Austria this morning in search of lands that prove the setting still exists. Bavarian culture, a famous Glockenspiel and charm aplenty. Munich doesn't just turn it on during Oktoberfest! Explore peaceful gardens and legendary beer halls or join in the bike tour and explore the side streets you wouldn't usually see, starting out with a city tour and a visit to a beer hall.

Duration: 1 Day

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

We'll say farewell to Munich and continue our journey to Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic is fast becoming one of the hottest spots on the European map, and today you find out why... We start with a walking tour of the ancient streets, starting in the Castle District and passing by St Vitus Cathedral. Later this evening we'll head into the Old Town to see the famous Charles Bridge and astronomical clock.  Tonight join us for an authentic Czech evening complete with dumplings, goulash, and plenty of local beer.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)

Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that's begging you to come out to play. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. You can take a walking food tour if you get a little hungry!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Prague (or similar)

Pack your bags and say your sincere thanks to the Czech Republic for being such a lovely host. As promised, we're heading back to Germany for a bout in Berlin.  A drive from Prague to Berlin 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 rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city and we'll kick it off with a tour to learn about its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, we’ll enjoy an included dinner together, ready for more exploring tomorrow.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)

Leap out of bed knowing Berlin is ready and waiting to be explored. You can opt to discover Berlin's restless past on a historical walking tour including Checkpoint Charlie and the site of Hitler's bunker. Or choose an alternative walking tour to see the street art and counter-culture that tourists often miss. The nightlife is also yours for the taking, so this is your chance to scope out some of the underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that make this city a world famous party spot.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)

We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights. Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. You can start your exploration of this city with a delicious included dinner. Later, the fun doesn't stop, knowing there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Opportunities in Amsterdam are infinite & the day is yours to explore one of the world’s most unique cities. Street art and graffiti lovers have the chance to visit the STRAAT Museum. Then, the final night on trip together culminates with a chance to join a farewell dinner at the beautiful fishing village of Volendam & an opportunity to cruise the famous canals and revel under the city lights.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am. For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south to Calais. This afternoon we cross from France to England... ...and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.

Duration: 1 Day