Run Club: European Whirl
Run Club: European Whirl
Run Club: European Whirl
19 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Austrian Tyrol, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LTAPRE20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Run Club: European Whirl," a limited edition tour that takes you on an exhilarating journey through some of Europe's most iconic cities. Starting in Amsterdam and concluding in London, this adventure spans England, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Each day offers a unique blend of scenic runs, cultural exploration, and local cuisine. From the historic streets of Berlin to the romantic canals of Venice, and the majestic Alps of Lucerne, you'll experience the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of Europe. Enjoy guided tours, optional activities like paragliding and gondola rides, and savor local delicacies along the way. This tour is perfect for those who love to combine fitness with travel, offering a dynamic way to explore Europe's treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to London! Join forces here & get to know the running crew you’re about to take on Europe with. Then, we'll hit the ground running by jumping on the coach & making tracks for two weeks of adventure. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We’ll travel via World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, 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: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amsterdam is cute as a button & sure to win your heart with a refreshing run through Vliegenbos & Noorderpark (or just one of them if you prefer). Then the day is yours to explore as you wish. This evening, choose to float along the canal or dining on local food or both.
Day 3: Amsterdam To Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation Name: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Out of Amsterdam, onto the autobahn and on the fast-track to uber-cool Berlin. That's on today's agenda. On the world map of cool party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this amazing city, and we'll kick it off with a bit of history into the city and its troubled and interesting past. Once we arrive your Trip Manager can point you in the right direction to go and see the sights.
Day 4: Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation Name: Ibis Berlin Messe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit record on your watch. Today we’re running to Brandenburg Gate, right through the Tiergarten. Then it’s back to our hotel for a hearty breakfast. Spend the day lapping up history, scouting the Berlin Wall and dialling up your intellect at sites like the Russian War Memorial & the historic Reichstag building.
Day 5: Berlin To Prague Via Dresden
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
"More city hangs" you'll all scream in unison as we motor out of Berlin after bolting through the Grunewald forest. Since you asked so nicely, let us present you with Prague, the darling of Europe. A drive from Berlin to Prague would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the re-birthed beauty of the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence On arrival in the compact & lovable city of Prague, we'll get out and go exploring, seeing castles and cathedrals and learning of Bohemian Kings and gothic history.
Day 6: Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise & shine besties. Prague’s got a river (and so many spectacular sights to see). And we’ve got an early morning run to tick it all off. Then it's a full day of exploring around. Expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antiques & cheers-ing local beer; not to mention - life! Tonight, you could see yourself spending the evening indulging in traditional Czech cuisine while admiring the local folklore dancers.
Day 7: Prague To Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Munich City West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We warned you about falling head over heels for Prague! Sorry team, you cannot live here forever. But there's no need to shed tears just yet, we're heading to somewhere even more exciting! 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. Maybe right after you’ve toured the city on two wheels?
Day 8: Munich To Austrian Tyrol Via Dachau
Location: Austrian Tyrol
Accommodation Name: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ve got time for one last run in Munich this morning before hitting the road once again. We'll make a stop for 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. Ahhh, cool breeze on sun-kissed skin... we must be in the Austrian Tyrol. Before we reach our final stop for the evening, you'll have the chance to zip through the icy waters while white-water rafting. Afterwards, we'll continue on to Hopfgarten where a delicious welcome dinner awaits. When it comes to hitting the hay tonight, you'll sleep in a same-sex multi-share with up to 5 other travellers.
Day 9: Austrian Tyrol
Location: Austrian Tyrol
Accommodation Name: Contiki Haus Schoneck (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Step 1: Run along Hopfgarten’s picture-perfect peaks. Step 2: Enjoy a well-deserved BBQ lunch with your crew. Does it get any better? Yep. You have the chance to go paragliding this afternoon before settling down for a delicious dinner. This day deserves a crown.
Day 10: Austrian Tyrol To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning! Wanna go for one last run in this Austrian beauty? Yeah you do! Afterwards, we’ll make our way to the City of Love… And just like that, we're in a new country and a whole new vibe. Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. And what better way to explore than a Gondola ride? Plus, you have the chance to visit Venice’s most famous restaurants! This is what La Dolce Vita must be all about...
Day 11: Venice To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. We’ve been running for 11 days. So the only thing on the agenda today? Rest. Recover. Roam Rome. (And carb load with loads of pasta).
Day 12: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine! After an early morning run to see the most iconic sites of Rome, we'll head back to the hotel for breakfast with espresso to keep you buzzin’. Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture & the chance to see the Colosseum up close. The afternoon’s free & an optional pasta cooking class with dinner is on the agenda tonight. Oh, and treat yourself to some gelato, will ya? You’ve earned it.
Day 13: Rome To Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: BB Giustizia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 a 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.
Day 14: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: BB Giustizia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready for a full day of all things Florence? We’ll kick off with (you guessed it) a park run - this time with the locals! Then we’ll head to our hotel for a shower & breakfast before a local guide will help us uncover the beautiful art of traditional leatherwork, explore streets bursting with heritage, and see all the top sights on a walking tour. This evening, you can choose to visit a 14th century Certosan monastery, followed by dinner and wine at a magical Tuscan restaurant nestled in the countryside nearby.
Day 15: Florence To Lucerne Via Pisa
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 16: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A morning run? Around Lake Lucerne? With breathtaking alpine vistas as your backdrop? Stoppp. After breakfast at the hotel, you can opt for a visit to the top of Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, 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.
Day 17: Lucerne To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's been sweet, but after an optional run this morning, our time in Lucerne is officially up this morning. We're Paris-bound! Out with the altitude, in with the inner-city 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? Once we've seen the most famous landmarks, we'll celebrate our first night in the city by heading up the Montparnasse Tower for the best panoramic views of the city.
Day 18: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bonjour, runners! We’ll kick off our first run on the trip with a metro ride to Jardin de Luxembourg, then sprint along the Seine, past Paris’ iconic spots (wave to Notre Dame…). And end right at the Eiffel Tower! Then it’s back to the hostel for a well-deserved brekkie & a full day of exploration. Tonight, you can choose to get together with the crew for a delicious French-style dinner followed by a Cabaret show.
Day 19: Paris To London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you've seen. And how close you've grown to your loved-up Contiki collective. For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south through Belgium, then cross into France to Calais.We'll make our way back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.Aaand after 19 days of some of the most scenic sprints in Europe, our run has come to an end. And what a journey it has been! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.
What's Included
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Dover
See the iconic chalk-white coastline.
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London
Receive matching running merch for the crew.
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Amsterdam
Enjoy a morning run in Amsterdam's famous running spots like Vliegenbos and Noorderpark.
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Berlin
Experience a run through Berlin's enchanting forest.
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Dresden
See the Baroque architecture rebuilt after WWII bombings, including the Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House, and Frauenkirche.
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Prague
Start your day with a run along the Vltava River, ticking off Charles Bridge, castles, squares, and cathedrals.
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Munich
Run along the Isor river for your morning miles.
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Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Visit the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich.
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Hopfgarten im Brixental
Run through the streets of this market town, surrounded by mountains.
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Venice
Capture classic pictures of the famous gondola boats.
Mode of Transport
Travel across Europe in style with coach transfers, ferry rides, and scenic drives, ensuring a seamless journey from London to Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, and beyond, with plenty of opportunities to explore each destination.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Ibis Berlin Messe, and Contiki Haus Schoneck, offering a mix of shared and private rooms, ensuring a cozy and convenient stay throughout your European adventure.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 18 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- 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.
Included Experience
- Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- London: Matching merch? Ab-so-lu-tely. We'll hook you up with some running merch so the crew's all matching. We'll be in touch for sizing details a few weeks before your trip starts.
- Amsterdam: Just Vliegenbos? Or Nooderpark? Or both? Kick off your day with a morning run in Amsterdam's most famous running spots!
- 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.
- Berlin: Join us for dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel in Berlin, where Middle Eastern cuisine (think: delicious plant-based eats) is served by a diverse staff of refugees to help foster integration & solidarity.
- Berlin: Get ready for an energising journey to the famous Brandenburg Gate (straight through the Tiergarten!).
- Berlin: Ever ran through a forest before? After today you can, you can say you have! And in Berlin's most enchanting forest too...
- 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.
- Prague: Start your day with a 8-10 km run along the Vltava River. You'll tick off Charles Bridge, castles, squares and cathedrals along the way.
- Munich: We'll make a stop at a traditional Bavarian ‘Bier Halle’. Grab your Contiki crew and a beer. Prost!
- Munich: Get your morning miles in as we run along the Isor river.
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: Take a somber but impactful visit to the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich.
- Hopfgarten im Brixental: Lace up for a trail run through the Austrain Alps as one wonder unfolds after another. To top it all off, we'll get together for a well-deserved authentic Austrian BBQ at the end.
- Hopfgarten im Brixental: This cute market town is your turf this morning, as we run through the streets, surrounded by mountains on all sides. You'll probably need a minute to catch your breath & take in the view...
- 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!
- Rome: Watch the Eternal City wake up as we head out on an early morning run. We'll check out the key sights (before the crowds emerge!) including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon.
- Florence: Live out all your sundrenched Tuscan dreams as you tour this 16th Century winery. Then treat yourself to some Chianti and antipasto.
- Florence: We'll hit the tracks for a run through Florence's famous park - with the locals! Then, fuel up with a delicious lunch at a local eatery. Yum!
- 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.
- Lucerne: Nothing better than a morning run with snowy mountains as your backdrop.
- 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: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
- Paris: We'll hit the streets for a run to the Eiffel Tower, ticking off Paris's most glorious sights - Jardin du Luxembourg, the Notre Dame and ofc, the River Seine.
- 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 kind of running activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes various running activities such as a refreshing run through Vliegenbos and Noorderpark in Amsterdam, a run to Brandenburg Gate through the Tiergarten in Berlin, a morning run along the Vltava River in Prague, and a run along the Isor river in Munich. There are also runs in the Austrian Alps, around Lake Lucerne, and through the streets of Paris, including a sprint along the Seine past iconic spots like Notre Dame and ending at the Eiffel Tower.
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Are there any unique dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several unique dining experiences. In Berlin, you can dine at Kreuzberger Himmel, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine by a diverse staff of refugees. In Munich, you can visit a traditional Bavarian beer hall. In Florence, there's an opportunity to visit a 16th Century winery for a wine tasting with antipasti. Additionally, in Paris, you can enjoy a French-style dinner followed by a Cabaret show.
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What cultural or historical sites will we visit on this tour?
The tour includes visits to several cultural and historical sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall in Berlin, the Dachau concentration camp memorial near Munich, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum in Rome. In Lucerne, you'll see the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, and in Paris, you'll visit landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities during the tour include a canal cruise in Amsterdam, paragliding in the Austrian Tyrol, a gondola ride in Venice, a pasta cooking class in Rome, a visit to a 14th-century Certosan monastery in Florence, and a cruise across Lake Lucerne. In Paris, you can also learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour provides accommodation in various hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside, Ibis Berlin Messe, Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Munich City West, Contiki Haus Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol, LH Hotel Sirio Venice, Hotel Santa Costanza in Rome, BB Giustizia in Florence, and Ibis Budget Luzern City in Lucerne. The accommodations are typically comfortable and centrally located.
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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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Sunday - Thursday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Book with Confidence
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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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