Getting ready to leave for JFK in just a few minutes, and I must confess, the reality of this upcoming tour is finally beginning to hit home... A dozen countries in 30 days--and all I can say is, if I remember any of it, I'll be more than a little bit surprised! Naturally I will be out of cell phone contact for most if not all of the time; however, those who wish to get in touch with me can of course still do so via e-mail. In the interim, I do have a few friends housesitting for the next several weeks--and life shall go on, though I'll miss you all terribly whilst I'm gone. Expect postcards all, and perhaps even a few gifts upon my return. Wish me luck! (And do check back to the site often for continuual updates from me as the tour progresses.)
My itinerary follows...
Day 1: Depart USADay 2: Arrive London: After checking into the Imperial Hotel the day is yours to experience London at your leisure.
Day 3: London to Paris: A friendly welcome from your Contiki crew on our way to the White Cliffs of Dover. Cross the Channel to France then past World War I battlefields to the romance of Paris. Tonight our evening tour of this beautiful city. (D)
Day 4: Paris Sightseeing: This morning on our city tour see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Nôtre Dame Cathedral. Shop on the Champs Elysées, stroll by the Seine or watch the world go by at a sidewalk café. A chance to eat out tonight, then how about a Parisian cabaret?(B)
Day 5: Paris to Bordeaux: We travel south through the Loire Valley, home of over 3,000 chateaux, for our overnight stop in the famous wine producing town of Bordeaux. (B,D)
Day 6: Bordeaux to Barcelona: First to Carcassone, a medieval walled city, before crossing into Spain and on to 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)
Day 7: Barcelona Sightseeing: This morning, our walking tour takes us to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Then try ‘tapas’, go shopping for Lladró porcelain and Majorica pearls, or perhaps take in a Flamenco show. (B)
Day 8: Barcelona to Nice - French Riviera: Back into France for the Riviera playground and two nights at our hotel on the Côte d’Azur. (B,D)
Day 9: 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)
Day 10: Nice to Florence: First, visit a French perfumery before traveling to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Baptistry. Then the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany as we reach Florence. (B,D)
Day 11: Florence Sightseeing: Today our local guide takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s Belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria. Shop for leather and silver and gold. Take the time to visit one of the many galleries or museums in this ‘City of Art’. Tonight why not join the locals in a restaurant or club. (B)
Day 12: Florence to Rome: Southwards through the center of Italy passing medieval hillside villages and on to the fabled Seven Hills of the Eternal City, Rome. Tonight a walking tour of this ancient city includes the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. (B)
Day 13: Rome Sightseeing: Today why not discover the ancient ruins of Rome with a local guide and in your free time leisurely discover the secrets of the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. (B,D)
Day 14: Rome to Corfu: Leaving Rome there is a chance to tour the ancient city of Pompeii as we cross Italy to Brindisi for our overnight ferry to the Greek island of Corfu. Adriatic Ferry (B)
Days 15-17: Corfu at Leisure: Three days on this fabulous Greek Island. Relax beside the hotel pool, work on your tan or take to the water - a chance to enjoy some watersports. Hire a 4-wheel drive jeep to explore through the olive groves, discover hidden beaches off the beaten track and perhaps take a cruise on a Greek caique. At night, visit a local taverna, try some Greek specialities and maybe dance to the sound of Zorba. Corfu is as laid-back or as action-packed as you like. (B,D)(B)(B,D)
Day 18: Corfu to Italy - Mini Cruise: Board our cruise boat and enjoy the facilities on board as we cruise the Adriatic. (B)
Day 19: To Venice: Our spectacular morning arrival into the Port of Venice is one of Europe’s most impressive sights. After docking we head to St Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations before checking into our hotel. (B,D)
Day 20: Venice at Leisure: Our complimentary motor boat takes us back into Venice. Perhaps take a trip to one of the outer islands and later treat yourself to a Gondola Ride. (B)
Day 21: Venice to Vienna: We drive through gently rolling countryside past picture-postcard villages for two nights at our special resort in Vienna. Take a dip in the pool, work out at the gym or just relax at the bar. Resort Hotel (B,D)
Day 22: Vienna Sightseeing: See St Stephen’s Cathedral, the State Opera House and maybe the Spanish Riding School. Drive along the famous Ring Road, perhaps see the Palace of the Hapsburg’s and wander at leisure. Resort Hotel (B)
Day 23: Vienna to Munich: Now Germany and the capital of Bavaria, Munich, arriving early afternoon. Our orientation tour includes the Marienplatz and famous Glockenspiel. Tonight we check-out a Bavarian beer hall. (B)
Day 24: Munich to Austrian Tyrol: We leave Munich early to drive through the Alps to Austria and the beautiful Tyrol. A warm welcome awaits you at your hotel. Perhaps try trout fishing or enjoy a bike ride through the beautiful mountain valleys. (B,D)
Day 25: Austria Tyrol to Lucerne: First an opportunity to try white water rafting (conditions permitting) we then pause at Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein, on our way to Switzerland and lakeside Lucerne. A very special treat as we take the cable car or cog railway for breath taking views from our resort on top of Mt Pilatus, the highest hotel in Europe. Resort Hotel (B,D)
Day 26: Lucerne Sightseeing: We take the cable car down for a day exploring Lucerne. Enjoy our orientation tour, a chance to see the Lion Monument, cross the Chapel Bridge, spend time wandering through the narrow cobbled streets shopping for watches, jewellery and Swiss chocolate. Resort Hotel (B,D)
Day 27: Lucerne to Rhine Valley: Northward to beautiful St Goar, by the river Rhine. We take a Rhine cruise past beautiful scenery including the famous Lorelei Rock. (B,D)
Day 28: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam: From the spectacular Rhine Valley, we continue past Cologne to cross the border into Holland. Past canals and windmills, we arrive in Amsterdam for our final two nights. (B,D)
Day 29: Amsterdam Sightseeing: Visit the cheese village of Edam, a cheese farm and see clogs being made. Enjoy the city tour and shop for diamonds and take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Tonight why not get together for a meal of traditional Dutch fare to round off a great tour? (B)
Day 30: Amsterdam: This morning your scheduled tour ends at your accommodation. After breakfast but before 10am, there will be a transfer for you to Amsterdam Schphol airport for those on our fly & tour package.