European Quest | Start Paris | Winter | 2024/2025
European Quest | Start Paris | Winter | 2024/2025
European Quest | Start Paris | Winter | 2024/2025
25 Days Starting in Paris and ending in London
Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Paris, Bordeaux, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Barcelona, French Riviera, Monaco City, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi, Pompeii, Rome, Verona, Venice, Salzburg, Prague, Dresden, Berlin, Amsterdam
Tour Overview
Coast to coast, city to city, the European Quest is el perfecto! Balancing everything we love about being in Europe. Stunning days spent on the coast of San Sebastian, cultured nights bar hopping in Prague, and enough time in Italy to leave you up to your eyebrows in pizza.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Paris
Location: London, Dover, Calais, Paris
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the first day of the best holiday 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 this 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. Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drool over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. Smitten and it's only day two!
Day 3: Paris To Bordeaux
Location: Paris, Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wipe away your tears sad travellers! Paris is not going anywhere, you can always come back and visit her again. You, on the other hand, are going somewhere, and it's somewhere pretty magnificent... Wise folk tell us that wine has been produced in Bordeaux since the 1st Century - that's a long time, which means they know what they're doing. And it's not just the vin that has dragged us here, it's a pretty place to boot featuring its famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror).
Day 4: Bordeaux To San Sebastian
Location: Bordeaux, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastián
Accommodation Name: Koisi Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breathe in your last breath of Bordeaux before we hit the road in search of the Spanish border. In just a few short hours we'll be exploring San Sebastian. Our stop will have you people watching in this cute little town on the French and Spanish border. With two nights in Spain's coastal town of San Sebastian, it will be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces. Take a walk to the aquarium where you can get a closer look at Isla de Santa Clara. The night is yours.
Day 5: San Sebastian
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation Name: Koisi Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian's coastline.
Day 6: San Sebastian To Barcelona
Location: San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don't worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief. This town comes complete with a baroque Basilica, a perfect combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture and truly a sight to behold. Hola Barcelona...The first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That's if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach. Unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & plenty of street life will leave you spellbound by Barcelona.
Day 7: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn't agree more. For a taste of what you can do, here's just a start of the never-ending list. Channel Gaudi at Sagrada Familia, his greatest masterpiece, started in 1882. This labour of love is still not compete, but is one for the Instagram upload for sure. Parc Guell could be next on the list, followed by the beach, and of course taking to the backstreets for some endless tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.
Day 8: Barcelona To French Riviera
Location: Barcelona, French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. 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: French Riviera
Location: French Riviera, Monaco City, French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (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 on perfume today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco.  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 10: French Riviera To Pisa Via Cinque Terre
Location: French Riviera, Cinque Terre, Pisa
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we'll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre. Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above. Then we'll head to our home for the night - Pisa.Oh, what a long but beautiful day it has been! We'll check into our hotel and get some well deserved rest.
Day 11: Pisa To Florence
Location: Pisa, Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Auto Park (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
As if we were going to leave Pisa without a trip to the Leaning Tower. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. Explore the city's markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skilful art of leather at an included demonstration. These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda.
Day 12: Florence To Sorrento
Location: Florence, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Sisters Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs. "So so so so in love with Sorrento" are about the only words you'll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty.
Day 13: Sorrento
Location: Sorrento, Amalfi, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Sisters Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... We'll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast today, stopping off in Amalfi town to admire the castles and coastal views. Next up, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit a Lemon Farm and learn all about how your fav limoncello is made. Back in Sorrento, we'll stroll along the plunging cliffs, explore the impossibly pretty historical centre and taste some local gnocchi.
Day 14: Sorrento To Rome
Location: Sorrento, Pompeii, Rome
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows. After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains. Today's roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome. On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy's capital, your Trip Manager will get you straight into the sightseeing. The Roman Forum and Colosseum can both be ticked off your list should you be in the mood for a little history.
Day 15: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: The Yellow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city an hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Day 16: Rome To Venice
Location: Rome, Verona, Venice
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have two more pins dropped on the Italian map before we start conquering new countries. And you'll be pleased to know they are both pretty special. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet, yes, the very same balcony. One for the romantics of the group. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. Kudos to the cats of decades gone by who constructed this lagoon fairytale. The 118 islands of Venice are yours to explore. Boats, bridges, gondolas; your heart is going to pound. Relax tonight knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore pretty streets. Just another day in the traveller's life.
Day 17: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (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 guided walking tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.
Day 18: Venice To Salzburg
Location: Venice, Salzburg
Accommodation Name: A&O Salzburg (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
That's it for our stint in Italy. Gelato, pizza, historical monuments, coastlines, gondolas; you have all been wonderful! Onwards and geographically upwards - it's time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat. Today we'll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe - Hohensalzburg - and have the chance to visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts.
Day 19: Salzburg To Prague
Location: Salzburg, Prague
Accommodation Name: Plus Prague (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border into the Czech Republic. With Prague on the horizon, things are looking mighty fine. Castles and bridges and gothic cathedrals make the city of Prague a surprise and delight. Compact and bursting with atmosphere, use your free time to trot around on foot and see what you stumble upon (hoping to heaven it's the traditional fruit dumpling of ovocné knedlÃky).
Day 20: Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Plus Prague (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & you cheers-ing local beer; not to mention life! Use your free time to shop for some famous Bohemian beads and amber jewellery or dive a little deeper into the lanes and courtyards of the Old Town, and sus out a roof bar for a cocktail overlooking the city.
Day 21: Prague To Berlin
Location: Prague, Dresden, Berlin
Accommodation Name: Generator Mitte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Just remember, with every great city we leave behind, we get a little bit closer to somewhere new to explore. And today that somewhere new happens to be the cultural hub of Berlin. Thanks for everything, Czech! road trip from Prague to Berlin would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed during World War II, the rebuilt city is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirth beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. Come for a wall covered in art & history, stay for a culture of cool, a smorgasbord of partying & enough unique German flair to leave you desperate to see the rest of the country. Today we will shower you in iconic sites, none more interesting than the remains of the Berlin Wall.
Day 22: Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation Name: Generator Mitte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets.
Day 23: Berlin To Amsterdam
Location: Berlin, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to hit the original fast-track of the autobahn and make our way out of Germany. We have one last city to tick off & it's sure to see us go out with a bang. Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. Fire yourself up for pretty canals, a bounty of unique museums & quirky cafes galore.
Day 24: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with its canals, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this place is famous for pancakes, frites and so much more. This evening, opt in to enjoy a unique (and absolutely delicious) dinner with the rest of our Contiki fam.
Day 25: Amsterdam To London
Location: Amsterdam, Calais, Dover, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 through Belgium - cross another country off your list. 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.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in a mix of hostels and hotels throughout the trip, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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Transportation
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Meals
Enjoy daily breakfasts and some other meals throughout your journey.
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Professional Trip Manager
Expert guidance from a professional trip manager who will ensure your trip is seamless.
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City Tours
Guided tours in multiple cities, including Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
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Special Experiences
Unique experiences like a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast, a visit to a Lemon Farm in Sorrento, and a gondola ride in Venice.
What's Not Included
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Some Meals
While many meals are included, some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to explore local cuisine.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and personal expenses are not included, allowing you to customize your experience.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Airfare to Starting Location and from Ending Location
Flights to the starting location (Paris) and from the ending location (London) are not included.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 24 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: What currency do I need? For this trip, you’ll need just three currencies - the British Pound, Czech Koruna and Euro.
- London: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? Usually, your trip manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.
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.
- Bordeaux: Stroll around this chic metropolis to see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux. Then make time for a nice glass of red by the river.
- 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!
- 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).
- Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Verona: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
- 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.
- Salzburg: Marvel at one of Europe's largest medieval castles, perched high on the hill over Salzburg. Like something out of the Sound of Music.
- Prague: Charles Bridge. Wenceslas Square. Old Town Square. The Astronomical Clock. See them all IRL in this whimsical city.
- Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
- Dresden: See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings. Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche.
- Berlin: Heads up culture vultures. Here’s your chance to check out the longest open-air gallery in the world.
- Berlin: Get your culture on. It’s time to see Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, the Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag building.
- Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries will the tour visit?
The tour will visit Austria, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, and Spain.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include seeing the iconic chalk-white coastline of Dover, exploring the city of romance Paris, strolling around chic Bordeaux, checking out the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, gliding through the French Riviera, walking in the footsteps of Grace Kelly in Monaco City, exploring Cinque Terre National Park, and posing with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
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What type of accommodations are included?
Accommodations include a mix of hostels and hotels throughout the trip, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes daily breakfasts and some other meals throughout the journey.
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Are there any professional guides included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes expert guidance from a professional trip manager who will ensure your trip is seamless.
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What are some of the inclusions in the tour?
Inclusions in the tour are accommodations, transportation between destinations and to/from included activities, meals, professional trip manager, guided tours in multiple cities, and special experiences like a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast, a visit to a Lemon Farm in Sorrento, and a gondola ride in Venice.
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What are the exclusions?
Exclusions include some meals, optional activities and personal expenses, travel insurance, and airfare to the starting location (Paris) and from the ending location (London).
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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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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.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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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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Terms and Conditions