London to Athens Plus | Start Paris | 2025
London to Athens Plus | Start Paris | 2025
London to Athens Plus | Start Paris | 2025
17 Days Starting in Paris and ending in Athens
Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Paris, Lyon, Barcelona, Arles, French Riviera, Monaco City, Eze, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Baschi, Rome, Pompeii, Bari, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Athens, Patras, Corinth Canal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBLGV20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 53
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from London to Athens, starting in the romantic city of Paris. This cultural adventure takes you through the heart of Europe, visiting iconic destinations in England, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, and Greece. Experience the charm of Paris, the historical allure of Lyon, the vibrant energy of Barcelona, and the glamour of the French Riviera. Discover the ancient wonders of Rome, the artistic heritage of Florence, and the enchanting canals of Venice. Conclude your trip in the historic city of Athens, where ancient history meets modern vibrancy. This tour is perfect for foodies, history buffs, and photography enthusiasts, offering a blend of sightseeing, walking tours, and boat excursions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Paris
Location: London, Dover, Calais, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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. 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. To start things off, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner and then a guided tour of the city itself.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!
Day 3: Paris To Lyon
Location: Paris, Lyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll have breakfast and then be on our merry way to the next stop: time for lovely lovely Lyon.
Blue skies and sultry red roofs – oh yeah, we’re in Lyon! Tonight you’re free to wander this historical and architectural haven with your Contiki crew.
Day 4: Lyon
Location: Lyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll have a full day to explore France’s second-largest city. Don’t miss the Notre Dame Basilica & St Jean Baptiste Cathedral, the ancient outdoor theaters inspired by the Romans and of course, the museums! If you need a rest, you can’t beat a stroll (or a nap) in the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Need something to eat? Well, we can confirm you’re in the right place…
Day 5: Lyon To Barcelona
Location: Lyon, Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll head to Barcelona bright and early this morning... but not until after breakfast.
Welcome to España! Known for its chilled-out vibes, welcoming atmosphere and culture of acceptance and tolerance, there’s nowhere quite like Barcelona. Tonight you’re free to explore and check out the city’s many exceptional eateries.
Day 6: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: Barcelona To French Riviera Via Arles
Location: Barcelona, Arles, French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8: French Riviera And Monaco
Location: French Riviera, Monaco City, French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 you'll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace, followed by a delicious optional dinner!
After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Day 9: French Riviera To Venice
Location: French Riviera, Eze, Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 before we cross the border into Italy, we’ll make a fragrant pitstop here in Eze to visit a traditional French perfumery – where you’ll even have the chance to craft a signature scent of your own.
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.
Day 10: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. A trip to the colorful Venetian island of Burano and a gondola ride are up for grabs… or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you.
Day 11: Venice To Florence Via Pisa
Location: Venice, Pisa, Florence
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 13: Florence To Rome
Location: Florence, Baschi, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. But not before one rather extraordinary stop-off.
En-route to Rome, we’ll visit Casale Polegri – an organic Umbrian farm where we’ll feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more fresh local produce.
And here… we… are… Back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. After a brief orientation tour from your Trip Manager, you’re free to check out the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona with your Contiki crew.
Day 14: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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… Stuck for something to do this evening? There’s plenty of pasta, gelato and caprese salad stops to keep you occupied – and don’t get us started on the wine.
Day 15: Rome To Overnight Adriatic Ferry
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Bari, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital
Accommodation Name: Overnight Ferry
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
We'll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail.
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.
Day 16: Overnight Adriatic Ferry To Athens
Location: Athens, Patras, Corinth Canal, Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 with your new friends in this ancient city.
Day 17: End Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hugs, tears, and a final batch of reminiscing; it's astounding how close a group can get in just two short weeks, but not before our Local Guide will escort us through the history of the city visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis, as well as the first modern Olympic Stadium, host of the 1896 Games.
What's Included
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Guided Tour of Montparnasse Tower and Paris
Enjoy a guided tour of the Montparnasse Tower and the city of Paris.
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Included Dinner in Paris
Bond with your travel group over a delicious included dinner in Paris.
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Breakfast in Lyon
Start your day with an included breakfast in Lyon.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
Experience a private boat ride through the canals of Venice.
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Overnight Adriatic Ferry
Travel on an overnight ferry across the Adriatic Sea.
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Local Guide in Athens
A local guide will escort you through the history of Athens, including visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
What's Not Included
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Parisian Cabaret Show
The iconic Parisian cabaret show is not included and is an optional activity.
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Dinner in Montmartre
The Parisian feast in Montmartre is not included and is an optional activity.
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Flamenco Evening in Barcelona
The evening of Flamenco fun in Barcelona is not included and is an optional activity.
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Dinner in Monaco
The optional dinner in Monaco is not included.
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Gondola Ride in Venice
The gondola ride in Venice is not included and is an optional activity.
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Dinner and Wine in Tuscany
The visit to a 14th-century Certosan monastery followed by dinner and wine at a Tuscan restaurant is not included and is an optional activity.
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Guided Tour of Pompeii
The guided tour of Pompeii is not included and is an optional activity.
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Traditional Greek Dinner in Athens
The traditional Greek dinner in Athens is not included and is an optional activity.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of coach rides, private boat rides in Venice, and an overnight Adriatic ferry, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey from London to Athens.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème, B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin, Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud, Appart City Nice Acropolis, Hotel Riviera dei Dogi, and Pineta Palace Hotel Roma, ensuring a restful night after each day's adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guided tours are included in the trip?
The trip includes a guided tour of the Montparnasse Tower and Paris, as well as a local guide in Athens who will escort you through the history of the city, including visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several meals such as an included dinner in Paris, breakfast in Lyon, and meals on various days throughout the trip.
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Is there any special transportation included during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a private boat ride in Venice and an overnight ferry across the Adriatic Sea.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a Parisian cabaret show, dinner in Montmartre, a Flamenco evening in Barcelona, dinner in Monaco, a gondola ride in Venice, dinner and wine in Tuscany, a guided tour of Pompeii, and a traditional Greek dinner in Athens.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre in Paris, the ancient Roman Arena in Arles, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens.
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What kind of accommodation can we expect during the tour?
Accommodation will be in hotels such as the Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel, B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin, Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona, Hotel Busby in the French Riviera, LH Hotel Sirio Venice, and Hotel Santa Costanza in Rome, among others.
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Will there be any free time to explore on our own?
Yes, there will be free time to explore in various cities such as Paris, Lyon, Barcelona, Venice, Florence, and Rome.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Unique experiences include a private boat ride in Venice, a visit to a traditional French perfumery in Eze, and a local guide-led tour in Athens.
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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.
Expert Knowledge
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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We look after you every step of the way.