17 Day
Tour of Europe - European Impressions
See the White
Cliffs of Dover, Paris, the Loire
Valley, Barcelona, the French Riviera,
Monaco, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Innsbruck,
Munich, Heidelberg and Brussels.
London to Brussels. London
to the White Cliffs of Dover. Cross the
Channel to France. From there we drive
to Belgium and its capital Brussels.
See the Grand Place - a Medieval Square,
the Palace of Justice and the statue
of Mannekin-Pis. (D)
Brussels to Heidelberg. We
exit Belgium transiting through the tiny
Benelux country of Luxembourg and on
into Germany. Then an orientation tour
of Heidelberg, the student city situated
on the banks of the Neckar River. (B)
Heidelberg to Lauterbrunnen. We
head for Switzerland, stopping for an
orientation tour of Lucerne with time
to shop for that Swiss watch you've wanted
or famous Swiss chocolate. Then continuing
onto our hotel for two nights in Lauterbrunnen
set in the heart of the Swiss Alps. (B,D)
Swiss Alps at Leisure. A
spectacular region where you can choose
to hike the many trails or why not enjoy
a trip up the snow covered Jungfrau mountain
on a cog railway that passes through
the Eiger mountain? (B)
Lauterbrunnen, Swiss
Alps to Munich. We head
for Germany via the tiny principality
of Liechtenstein. From there our
route takes us to the Bavarian capital
Munich. Our orientation tour takes
in the Marienplatz, with its famous
Glockenspiel. Tonight, why not join
the locals in a typical Beer Hall?
(B)
Munich to Innsbruck. South
through the Fern Pass, into Austria and
picturesque Innsbruck. See the Golden
Roof and view the Olympic Ski jump. (B,D)
Innsbruck to Venice. South
through the Alps and the Brenner Pass
we cross to Italy and on to fairytale
Venice. (B,D)
Venice Sightseeing. Our
complimentary motor boat takes us to
St. Marks Square. See the Doges Palace
and the Bridge of Sighs. Watch glass
and lace making demonstrations, wander
the fascinating canal side streets and
why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?
(B)
Venice to Florence. This
morning we travel through the vineyards
and olive groves of Tuscany as we reach
Florence. This afternoon our local guide
takes us on a walking tour to see the
Duomo, Giottos Bell Tower, Basilica of
Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria.
Time to shop for gold or silver and see
a demonstration of Florentine leather
craft. (B)
Florence to Nice
- French Riviera. Our
first stop this morning is at Pisa
to see the Leaning Tower and Baptistry.
Heading across the Italian French
border for the Riviera playground
and two nights at our hotel on the
Cote d'Azur. (B,D)
Nice Sightseeing
at Leisure. Rub shoulders
with the jet-set and shop for souvenirs
or French fashion. A chance to swim
in the sea or relax on the promenades
and watch the world go by. Tonight,
we drive to Monaco to see the Royal
Palace and visit a casino. (B)
Nice - French Riviera
to Barcelona. From Nice
we cross into Spain and head for
fascinating Barcelona. Time to view
Gaudi's amazing Art Nouveau Cathedral
and see the 1992 Olympic Games complex
before dinner at our hotel. (B,D)
Barcelona Sightseeing. This
morning, our walking tour takes us to
the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. The
try "tapas", go shopping for Lladro porcelain
and Majorica pearls, or perhaps take
in a Flamenco show. (B)
Barcelona to Bordeaux. We
travel north back into France to the
famous wine producing town of Bordeaux.
(B,D)
Bordeaux to Paris. Continuing
North through the Loire Valley, home
of over 3000 Chateau to France's capital
Paris. Tonight we enjoy a magical evening
tour of this beautiful city. (B,D)
Paris Sightseeing. This
morning visit Notre Dame Cathedral on
our city tour. See the Eiffel Tower,
Arc de Triomphe, shop on the Champs Elysees,
stroll by the Seine or watch the world
go by at a sidewalk cafe. Tonight join
us for dinner and famous Parisian cabaret.
(B)
Paris to London. Going
north we first visit the Canadian War
Memorial situated near the Valley of
the Somme. From here to Calais and our
cross channel ferry to Dover to arrive
in London early evening. (B)
What's
Included
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS • 16
nights in superior tourist class hotels. • Accommodation
based on your choice of twin or triple-share
with private facilities. • Continental
breakfasts (B) and three-course dinners
(D) as per itinerary. • Hotel tips,
local taxes and service charges.
CONTIKI SPECIALS • Experienced,
professional Tour Manager and Driver. • Modern
air-conditioned coach with reclining
seats. • Free Contiki 'Travellers
Checks' information book. • Free
Contiki backpack. • Ferry transport
as per itinerary.
