European Horizon | Start London | Standard | Winter 2025/2026
European Horizon | Start London | Standard | Winter 2025/2026
Amsterdam
Cologne
Munich, Germany
Paris
$1444
European Horizon | Start London | Standard | Winter 2025/2026
10 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Dinkelsbühl, Munich, Innsbruck, Trento, Venice, Lauterbrunnen, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWEHA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Europe's most enchanting destinations with the "European Horizon" tour, starting in London. This winter adventure takes you through the iconic landscapes and vibrant cultures of England, France, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Marvel at the chalk-white cliffs of Dover, cruise the canals of Venice, and explore the romantic streets of Paris. Enjoy wine tasting in Germany's Rhine Valley, and soak in the alpine beauty of Innsbruck. With comfortable hostel accommodations, coach transportation, and a mix of included meals, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and leisure time. Conclude your journey with a complimentary transfer to Paris CDG Airport or central London, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: London, Dover, Calais, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
The adventure of a lifetime kicks off today. Meet up with your new Contiki family in London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north through Belgium before reaching...Amsterdam! Tonight, the famed-for-fun Amsterdam is ours to explore. First fill up on your included group dinner, then you're free to explore or hit the local bars.
Day 2: 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. This afternoon use your time to get local, bar hop, museum crawl, and see what other tastes take your fancy, this town is famous for pancakes, frites and stroopwafels or you can take the opportunity to visit a local cheese farm for an optional dinner. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for an iconic cruise through Amsterdam, complete with an onboard bar.
Day 3: Amsterdam To Rhine Valley Via Cologne
Location: Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Amsterdam, it's been lovely, but it's time to say 'Vaarwel!' because we're setting off for our next country, Germany. Is that grumbling we hear?? Well, you're in luck! We'll make a quick stop in Cologne for you to grab lunch. After the scenic journey of fairy tale castles, vineyards and valleys, you'll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany's famous Rhine Valley. This back-in-time town is our wine tasting host for the evening. Squeal!!!
Day 4: Rhine Valley To Munich Via Dinkelsbühl
Location: Rhine Valley, Dinkelsbühl, Munich
Accommodation Name: Bento Inn Munich Messe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying goodbye to the Rhine Valley, we'll head on to Munich – where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await. But not before we explore a Bavarian hidden gem! Quintessential German experiences don't get much better than visiting this charming medieval town. We'll stroll the cobblestoned streets, checking out vibrant market squares and picturesque half-timbered houses along the way. Today our eyes will be treated to a famous Glockenspiel, a charming old town & a traditional Bavarian culture. But first, take up the option to explore the side streets and English Gardens by bicycle.
Day 5: Munich To Venice Via Innsbruck And Trento
Location: Munich, Innsbruck, Trento, Venice
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
'Auf Wiedersehen' Munich, we're off to tick more countries off our list. This morning we'll climb aboard our coach ready for a scenic roll through the Bavarian Alps, past fairytale castles and rambling vineyards, en route to Austria. Drive through Austria without getting out to say hello? Never! We'll pull into Innsbruck for lunch, a laid-back student city made famous by a medieval old town, an old Olympic Ski Jump & a Royal Palace. Quick pitstop! We'll check out the charming little city of Trento, right in the heart of the oh-so-beautiful Adige Valley. 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.
Day 6: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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'll have the chance to take a traditional gondola ride, choose to learn how to steer a gondola (taught by literal experts) or discover Venice with a guided food tour.
Day 7: Venice To Lauterbrunnen
Location: Venice, Lauterbrunnen
Accommodation Name: Schutzenbach (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a few days left, it's time to say 'ciao' to our time in Venice. We'll never forget you, city of canals and beauty, but Switzerland is calling us. Back on our coach we'll pass Lake Como as we cruise out of Italy and head onwards and upwards toward the Swiss Alps. Welcome to lush green Lauterbrunnen! We've got a free evening tonight. There's plenty of time to soak up the idyllic scenery.
Day 8: Lauterbrunnen To Paris
Location: Lauterbrunnen, Paris
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's been sweet, but our time in Interlaken 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. After coasting through the pretty wine producing region of Burgundy, we'll arrive in the City of Lights. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, this evening we'll fall in love with everything Paris on a dreamy night-time tour. Is it just us, or is love in the air?
Day 9: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is yours! We'll take you to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery, then the time is yours to roam tree-lined quarters, see Notre Dame Cathedral, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre. It's our last night together - make it count with an optional Parisian Dinner followed by a cabaret show!
Day 10: Paris To London
Location: Paris, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whether you take your complimentary transfer to Paris CDG Airport or central London, it will be sad goodbyes all round this morning as our trip comes to an end.
What's Included
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Transportation
Coach transportation throughout the tour is included.
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Ferry Ride
A ferry ride from Dover to Calais is included.
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Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in Germany's famous Rhine Valley is included.
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Private Boat Ride
A private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice is included.
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Night-time Tour
A night-time tour of Paris is included.
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Fragonard Perfumery Visit
A visit to the glamorous Fragonard perfumery in Paris is included.
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Complimentary Transfer
Complimentary transfer to Paris CDG Airport or central London at the end of the trip is included.
What's Not Included
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Non-included Attractions
Tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as guided walking tours, gondola rides, and Parisian dinners are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with coach transfers between destinations, including scenic journeys through the Bavarian Alps and the Swiss Alps, as well as a private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and sociable hostels such as Via Hostel Amsterdam, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Bento Inn Munich Messe, Anda Venice Hostel, Youth Hostel Interlaken, and Jo&Joe Gentilly in Paris, offering a mix of multi-share rooms and modern amenities.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Culture
- Dinkelsbuhl: Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Innsbruck: Snow-capped peaks. Pristine air. Chocolate-box buildings. Innsbruck is the answer to all of your Alpine travel wishes.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
FAQs
- London: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? 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.
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What currency do I need? For this trip, you’ll need just three currencies - the British Pound, Swiss Franc and Euro.
- London: How do I know when to book tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam? 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.
- Sankt Goar: Take in the breath-taking scenery of the River Rhine.
- Lorelei: It’s the stuff of legends. Literally. A singing mermaid named Lorelei is said to sit on the rock, enchanting fishermen before luring them to their demise. Eek!
- Dinkelsbuhl: Seatbelts on! Today we're driving along 'Romantische Straße' AKA Germany's most scenic route, winding through picturesque medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
- Innsbruck: Snow-capped peaks. Pristine air. Chocolate-box buildings. Innsbruck is the answer to all of your Alpine travel wishes.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- 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.
- Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in multi-share rooms with other travelers of the same sex, staying in comfortable and sociable hostels such as Via Hostel Amsterdam, Hotel Montag Sankt Goar, Bento Inn Munich Messe, Anda Venice Hostel, Youth Hostel Interlaken, and Jo&Joe Gentilly in Paris.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 4 dinners and 9 breakfasts.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Coach transportation is provided throughout the tour, including scenic journeys through the Bavarian Alps and the Swiss Alps, as well as a private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice.
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Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?
Yes, there is a wine tasting experience included in Germany's famous Rhine Valley.
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Is there a night-time tour of Paris included?
Yes, a night-time tour of Paris is included in the itinerary.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in London, United Kingdom, with a complimentary transfer available to Paris CDG Airport or central London.
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Is there a private boat ride included in Venice?
Yes, the tour includes a private motoscaffo boat ride in Venice.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as guided walking tours, gondola rides, and Parisian dinners are available but not included in the tour package.
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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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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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