Rajah Travel Corporation

Dining Summary

• 4 Dinner (D)
• 18 Breakfast (B)

Faqs

• London: For this trip, we recommend that you carry the British Pound, Euro, Czech Koruna, Swiss Franc. (It’s a coin collector's dream!)
• London: This trip includes plenty of interesting Free Time Add-Ons in Amsterdam. So if you’re planning to do any other activity, and looking to book in advance - it’s best to book your tickets between 12-3PM. Of course, you can always book any other time (we’re all about freedom to explore!). But make sure you don’t miss the other activities, or a coach transfer to the accommodation!

Included Experience

• Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
• 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.
• Dresden: See the Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after the WWII bombings. Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche.
• Prague: Walk through the winding cobbled streets and head up into the fairytale-like Castle District for panoramic city views.
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: Take a somber but impactful visit to the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich. 
• 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.
• Venice: Life’s all about the waterways here; there’s not an Uber in sight! Get some classic pics of the famous gondola boats.
• Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list! 
• Florence: Live out all your sundrenched Tuscan dreams as you tour this 16th Century winery. Then treat yourself to some Chianti and antipasto. 
• Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
• Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap. 
• Lucerne: Check out the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the giant sandstone Lion Monument.
• Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’. 
• Paris: Take a dreamy stroll across the charming streets and famous spots in Paris. Bet this is what your insta-profile was craving!
• Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).

• Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
• Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
• Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel (or similar)
• Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
• A&O Hotel Venice Mestre (or similar)
• LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)
• BB Roma Tuscolana (or similar)
• BB Giustizia (or similar)
• Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
• Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)

Get ready for 19 days of unforgettable adventures through Europe! 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. Our first stop is Dover, where we'll take a ferry to cross over the channel. One step closer! As we set off, take in that last glimpse of English coastline with the beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. Off the ferry, we arrive in the port town of Calais. We're in France! With no time to waste, we'll jump back on our coach and head onwards 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, you'll have the option to get an exclusive entry pass to the A'Dam Tower and Swing, skipping the queues to enjoy epic views over the sprawling city below with an included drink in your hand. Afterwards, 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)

Amsterdam is as cute as it comes & sure to win your heart with its cobbled main streets, canalside views, obscure museums & a café culture like no other. Today, you're free to use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, 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 seafood or steak dinner. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for an iconic cruise through Amsterdam, complete with an onboard bar.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but today's agenda is onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. 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 bit of a tour of the city and its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, you'll have some free time to discover the city. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the somber icons like the Holocaust memorial to side streets with hidden cafes and shops. And if you're not sure where to start, your Trip Manager can always point you in the right direction.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)

Tours, glorious tours! After our taster of Berlin's history yesterday, we’ll have two inspiring walking tours in store for today (totally optional of course). First up, take a historical walking tour, including a visit to the site of Hitler's bunker. Next, we’ll embark on an Alternative Berlin walking tour, taking us to all the city’s hipster haunts and historical hotspots. If you're looking for a night out, tonight is the perfect time to scope out one of those underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that Berlin is famous for.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)

This morning we'll motor out of Berlin, ready for our next city. Berlin is one tough act to follow, but luckily we're headed for the darling of Europe: Prague. A drive from Berlin to Prague wouldn't be complete without stopping in Dresden. Sadly destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. We'll spot them all on a tour of the best spots before hitting the road again. Arriving in the fairytale city of Prague with medieval spires, curvy cobbled lanes and street carts selling fried cheese, we'll waste no time in getting out and exploring for ourselves. Starting with castles and cathedrals, we'll soak up stories of Bohemian Kings and gothic history.Tonight, you'll have the chance to join an optional Czech evening with traditional music, dancing & dinner for all the Czech vibes you could hope for.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel (or similar)

With a full day to explore, Prague is yours! By the end of today you'll be an expert on Gothic architecture, artisanal food markets & locally-brewed Czech beer. Then, the night is yours to amble around the Old Town Square and find a few haunts to let the hours slip away in.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel (or similar)

We warned you about falling head over heels for Prague! Sorry team, you cannot live here forever. Unless....? Journeying out of the Czech Republic, we'll start our time in Germany with a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You'll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on to the city of Munich. It would seem we were born in need of some delightful Bavarian culture, we just didn't know it until now. Munich may be famed for its Oktoberfest festivities, but the spirit of things kicks on year round. A trip to a traditional beer hall will get you very well acquainted with things, just after you've swooned at a Gothic clock complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Today is your chance to dive deep into Munich's cute culture and urban life. After our walking tour, you're free to roam the old town, buy yourself a pair or lederhosen or a traditional dirndl, or visit the busy streets and cafes of the university district.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Goodbye Munich, hello mountains. Today we're hitting the road for Italy, but first we're in search of lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music. Take a breath of that fresh alpine air! We're in the Austrian Tyrol, and this part of the world is famous for adventure sports.  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. Tonight we'll relax here, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A&O Hotel Venice Mestre (or similar)

Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Next, you have the option to discover hidden Venice with a guided walking tour or a traditional gondola ride, or take a guided cruise out to the UNESCO heritage site of Burano. At this picture-perfect fisherman's island decorated with gorgeous technicolour houses, you'll visit a local family restaurant and indulge in the best seafood feast you've ever experienced.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)

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. The evening will really take it up to high key as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. With a city tour on arrival, we'll get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night, ready to be fully unveiled tomorrow. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments, we're here for it all.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)

This morning we're up and out early to make the most of our chance to explore this ancient city. Hit the streets and discover the incredible ancient civilisation on your doorstep. You can opt to take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators in a guided tour, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. Visit the Trevi Fountain and throw coins to make a wish, sip espresso in a cobbled backstreet and soak up Italian life as it dances by.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: BB Roma Tuscolana (or similar)

With antipasto, good vino and golden countryside ahead, saying goodbye to Rome doesn't feel so bad. Cast your eyes over the city one last time this morning before we hit the road, bound for Tuscany.  We’ll stop off to visit a gorgeous 16th Century villa that’s now a working winery. We’ll check out the old cellar, and even sample some Chianti wine for ourselves – with antipasti too of course (rude not to, right?)  Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Here we'll drift along the River Arno, get into the Tuscan vibes with another drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its magnificent Duomo Cathedral. Take it all in - we have all day tomorrow to let the explorations continue.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: BB Giustizia (or similar)

Ready for a full day of all things Florence? Today is the perfect balance of guided local wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leatherwork, explore streets bursting with heritage, and see all the top sights on a walking tour. This afternoon you'll have free time to take to the local markets and taste the local gelato before a special optional evening out tonight, a visit to a 14th century Certosan monastry, followed by dinner and wine at a magical Tuscan restaurant nestled in the countryside nearby.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: BB Giustizia (or similar)

It's almost time to say a heartfelt 'ciao' to Italy, and hello to the land of creamy chocolate, cheese and watches. But we have one more thing to do in Italy first.... As if we were going to jump from Florence to Switzerland without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Here's your chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot, so make it a good one. 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 and take the chance to explore. Our recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

Today you're free to stroll the beautiful streets of Lucerne, sit in a coffee shop soaking up mountain life, or consume your body weight in chocolate. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can opt for a visit the top of Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, sign up for a traditional Swiss fondue lunch, or take an optional cruise across Lake Lucerne for a look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Don't say we don't spoil you.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)

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. Ah, we've finally arrived in the city of love! So, of course, we're starting with a gorgeous French dinner. Afterwards, you're free to do what you please. Enjoy a glass of fine wine, explore trendy fashion, or even soak in iconic sights! Finally, we'll end the night with jaw-dropping city views from the Montparnasse Tower.*Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We're on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us!

Duration: 1 Day

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

Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris - and we'll start with a visit to an authentic French perfumery to learn all the secrets of the trade. Then there's plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crepes, 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, dinner & French champagne at an iconic Parisian 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!

Duration: 1 Day

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

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... What an adventure! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.

Duration: 1 Day