Rajah Travel Corporation

Dining Summary

• 7 Dinner (D)
• 26 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Picnic Lunch (PL)

Faqs

• London: For this trip, you’ll need just two currencies - the British Pound and the Euro.
• London: Most accommodations on the trip offer self-service laundry or a laundry service. Wanna know the best time and place to do your laundry? Ask your Trip Manager! They have all the info you need.
• Athens: Ferry departure & arrival timings tend to change for every trip. So if you’d like to know the exact time, you can contact our 24/7 customer service centre.

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.
• Beaujolais: Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la! 
• Beaujolais: Enjoy a French-style picnic while admiring the gorgeous Beaujolais countryside.
• Beaujolais: Clear out the cobwebs and get in touch with you zen side with a guided yoga session on the sweeping lawns of the château.
• 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!
• 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.
• Arles: Visit the historic city of Arles, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh.
• 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).
• French Riviera: Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.
• Nice: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a French perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
• Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
• Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap. 
• Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list! 
• Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance. 
• Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
• Athens: Even if you’re not a sports nut, this is probably the most iconic Olympic stadium in the world and you won’t want to miss it.
• Athens: Walk in the footsteps of Gods and Goddesses, as you take a guided tour around the Ancient Greek monuments and explore the Parthenon temple. 
• Athens: Don't spend another second worrying about how you'll get around Athens. We've got that covered with a private transfer from the port to the hotel.
• Athens: All aboard! Time to sail from Athens to Mykonos, checking out that glittering sea view as we go. Includes reserved seating.
• Mykonos: We'll set sail from marvellous Mykonos to perfect Paros, with reserved seating included.
• Paros: We'll board the ferry in Paros and set sail for the sultry island of Santorini. With reserved seating included.
• Santorini: Don't worry about getting from the hotel to Fira, we've got you covered. (It's what we do best after all.)
• Santorini: We'll board the ferry in Santorini and set sail for inspiring Ios. Includes reserved seating (think of us as your Ferry Godmother.)
• Ios: We'll board the ferry in Ios and head back to where we started: the lovely Athens. Includes reserved seating.
• Athens: Don't spend another second worrying about how you'll get around Athens. We've got that covered with a private transfer from the port to the hotel.

• Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)
• Château de Cruix (or similar)
• Urbany Hostel (or similar)
• Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)
• Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
• A conveniently located hostel
• Casa San Juan (or similar)
• Overnight Ferry
• Dorian Inn (or similar)
• Hotel Evripides (or similar)
• Paradise Beach (or similar)
• Asterias (or similar)
• Kalipso Villas (or similar)
• Far Out Beach Resort (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 Budget Paris Nord 18e (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 Louvre. It's a lovely night to have a French meal with your crew. But it doesn't end there. You can then wander down the hill of Montmartre to see a cabaret show too. It's gonna be a night to remember!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Paris Nord 18e (or similar)

Just before you get too comfortable in that beret and striped shirt combo, we're dragging you away in search of vineyards and châteaus.  We'll roll on through Burgundy’s wine country to Beaujolais’ green hills and vineyards. So, once you drop your bags off at our iconic Château, we'll head straight to a local wine cuvage to taste the local tipple. And then it's back to the Château for a meal fit for French royalty. Yum! Please note: On occasion, certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Chateau de Cruix to the French gastronomic capital of Lyon (a title which ain’t given lightly, believe us!) We’ll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Château de Cruix (or similar)

Pinch yourself, this is another day at the Château & another chance to live your best French countryside life with a full day here in Beaujolais. Rise & shine with optional sunrise yoga on the sprawling lawn of the Château's gardens, relax in the courtyard with a coffee & croissant, or lounge about poolside in our castle-like setting. Our highlight today is a picnic in the picturesque gardens. Cue panoramic views & red wine.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Château de Cruix (or similar)

Bye-bye Beajoulais! 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! A scrumptious Spanish feast and a night exploring this culturally rich city should have us in the fiesta mood soon enough.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Urbany Hostel (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: Urbany Hostel (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: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)

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 today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting Monaco tonight, and youll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace! After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)

Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner. But first we'll make a  a brief stop-off at a French perfumery, where you’ll learn how your favourite scents are made – and even have a go at crafting your own signature fragrance!  The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Anda Venice Hostel (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 can learn to be a Gondelieri (Gondola driver...) or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you. A hop between Venice's coolest restaurants, and a gondola ride are up for grabs.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hostel

Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom, food and free time to roam. Take the opportunity to explore streets bursting with heritage and delicious flavors in an optional walking tour, or take yourself to the local markets and down some gelato. Tonight, opt to learn how to make the perfect pizza at a local restaurant and indulge in your very own culinary masterpiece

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hostel

Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we'll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we'll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Casa San Juan (or similar)

When in Rome... This is the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority, as well as stuffing yourself to the brim with pasta, gelato and caprese salad all washed down with a glass of red at a local trattoria.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Casa San Juan (or similar)

As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning! Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Overnight Ferry

Ahoy there, we'll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land... We'll roll off the boat in Patras and then it's straight back on the road. The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean. A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner and then make the most of the final night with your new friends in this ancient city.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Dorian Inn (or similar)

There are ancient wonders to be found inside the modern metropolis of Athens, and we'll start with a sightseeing tour of the city's best spots. Our Local Guide will walk us through the history of this famous city as we visit the Parthenon & Acropolis, followed by a visit to the first & original 'modern' (read: 1896) Olympic stadium. This evening we'll check into our hotel and settle in before the next phase of our trip begins: island hopping! First we'll welcome some new group members, then our Trip Manager will give the rundown of what to expect over the next 10 days before we settle in for an included dinner.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Evripides (or similar)

With no time to waste, we'll start our island hopping adventures today with our first destination: Mykonos. Let's do this! Two nights on the island of Mykonos, how did we get so lucky? Even the boat ride across the Aegean will have you awe struck and in love. Tonight, you'll have the option to join an exploration of Mykonos by night on a locally guided walking tour of the town's cobbled streets.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

Get ready for a day full of viewing coastal windmills, stuffing your face with olives, feta, and tzatziki. We'll stroll down storybook streets dotted with those gorgeous blue domes and we'll pick up some evil eye ornaments along the way to keep the bad vibes away. And this is all before you've even taken a dip in the ocean! Doesn't get much better than this... The day is yours to soak up the sunshine and play in the sea.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

This morning we're on to our next Greek island, Paros. Let's spare a thought for all those travellers who only get to visit just one Greek Island, and then remember how lucky we are. Beaches, naturally sculpted swimming coves, a Byzantine church and traditional villages: we must be in Paros. You're free to get into the sun and sea vibes. Those who feel like exploring can sign up for an optional trip to a traditional village where you'll visit a local family-run bakery and shop the local handicrafts.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Asterias (or similar)

Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today we're off for a visit to Naoussa, a fishing village with colourful fishing boats and white-washed houses. Tonight, you'll have free time to explore the local area and find yourself some dinner, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Asterias (or similar)

Paros, it's been magical – but today we're taking to the seas again, this time in search of Greece's most insta-famous island: Santorini. Santorini, we have arrived! Tonight you'll have an included transfer to Fira to explore Santorini's capital and roam the cobbled streets.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Kalipso Villas (or similar)

Rise and shine, Greek Island travellers! The island of Santorini won't explore itself. Today is your day to take a swim at Perissa Beach, eat the local specialty of fried tomato balls known as domatokeftedes, or roam and explore. You can even opt to take a visit to incredible Oia followed by a visit to the black sand beach of Santorini.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Kalipso Villas (or similar)

A bit more rugged and remote than Santorini and Mykonos, Ios will prove a nice change of scenery for our final Island night. And thankfully, there will be no change in the good vibes or the time spent ocean side. We'll join together for an included dinner tonight, with another free evening on the cards afterwards.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)

Our final Island day, and your last chance to soak up the Greek sun and frolic in the sand without a care in the world. Now is your chance to get some adrenaline in with a speedboat safari, or take a leisurely stroll around the pretty village of Ios Chora and enjoy some stuffed zucchini flowers or baked feta drizzled with olive oil at a local cafe. It's a free evening tonight, so you're going to need the fuel if you want to hit the party scene of Hora until the break of dawn.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)

While choking back the tears and waving a sad goodbye to the dreamy islands of Greece, try to think positive thoughts: we have a boat ride to enjoy this morning, as well as one more night together in the city of Athens. Ready for one more dose of Athens and one last chance to hang out together? We'll soak up the last rays of the Mediterranean sun this afternoon before an optional farewell dinner together.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Evripides (or similar)

And just like that, it's time for the goodbyes. As sad as they are, at least you have the memories. And another 300 Contiki trips to jump aboard! Make the most of your last free breakfast before you kick on to your next port of call.

Duration: 1 Day