Warsaw to London Vistas | Winter | 2025/2026
Warsaw to London Vistas | Winter | 2025/2026
Warsaw to London Vistas | Winter | 2025/2026
19 Days Starting in Warsaw and ending in London
Visiting: Warsaw, Kraków, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Banská Bystrica, Budapest, Mondsee, Salzburg, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi, Florence, Lucerne, Lyon, Paris, Calais, Dover, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WSLVAMA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Nine countries, nineteen days, one unforgettable adventure. From East to West we’ll explore the best of Europe as it comes alive in winter, from the historical heritage, colourful street art and infamousruin bars of Krakow and Budapest, to breathing in the crisp alpine air of the Austrian Alps & strolling the cobbled streets and markets of Ljubljana, before encountering all the charms of Italy with a hit of culture and pasta.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Warsaw To Krakow
Location: Warsaw, Kraków
Accommodation Name: Vienna House Easy Cracow (or similar)
Welcome aboard! Wave ‘pa!’ to Warsaw, we have our sights set on Krakow this morning. Once the capital of Poland, Krakow is now known for its rich history, tasty pretzels, excellent vintage markets (you heard it from us) and salt mining heritage. We’ll cover the basics on our included sightseeing tour before you’ll have time to explore the local restaurants for a traditional dinner, then you can rest up knowing we have all day tomorrow to get our Krakow on.
Day 2: Krakow
Location: Kraków, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kraków
Accommodation Name: Vienna House Easy Cracow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good morning Poland! Today is all about getting up close and personal with Krakow life. Journeying out of Krakow, we'll make a stop at the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp for a sobering reminder of Poland’s dark past. You'll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect. Then afterwards its back to the city of Krakow, we'll have a free afternoon to stroll the charming streets. Check out Kazimierz, the UNESCO listed Old Town & historic Jewish Quarter with its jumble of street art, vintage markets, crumbling cafes & 14th century synagogue. An optional Pierogi making class will keep us entertained into the evening.
Day 3: Krakow To Budapest
Location: Kraków, Banská Bystrica, Budapest
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We say a fond farewell to Krakow and head for the bright lights of Budapest this morning. Pastel painted and manicured to perfection, Banska Bystrica is a lunch break that will charm you to no end. Being in Slovakia, it's also your chance to brag 3 countries in one day - you crazy globetrotter you. Welcome to Hungary! Coming in at number 3 on our list of countries ticked off through the day. From the moment we arrive in the river split city, you'll understand why we needed a couple of nights here. As the evening draws in, you’ll have the chance to jump on board a Danube River Cruise with dinner included. Gliding across the shimmering night-lit river of Danube, you’ll get to experience the beautiful sights of Budapest while enjoying a delicious Hungarian feast.
Day 4: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to explore, we’ll head out on a journey of old and new this morning with a locally guided walking tour of Budapest including the Royal Palace, the Chain Bridge & the Fisherman’s Bastion. Take your time exploring this evening, stop for a drink in a ruin bar tucked away in the Jewish Quarter and keep our eyes peeled for a delicious Langos.
Day 5: Budapest To Salzburg Via Mondsee
Location: Budapest, Mondsee, Salzburg
Accommodation Name: A&O Salzburg (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bye Budapest! Normally we’d be devastated to be leaving, but with Austria on the horizon we have strudel and music to look forward to. Any 'The Sound of Music' lovers here? Today, we'll check out the historic town centre, the stunning blue lake and the iconic St. Michael's Basilica (as seen in the film) of this charming little town in the Alps. Onwards and upwards we go, into the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain Salzburg knows a tune! We'll also have the chance to visit a local farm and enjoy an authentic Austrian Dinner prepared by our hosts, followed by some schnaps.
Day 6: Salzburg
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation Name: A&O Salzburg (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is ours to enjoy all of Salzburg's delights! The options are endless: take a guided tour of the city with a local expert to ensure you uncover all the wonders. Fine tune your ear as you discover the deep history of classical music here, and let yourself be captivated by the spectacular scenery. Meet back with the crew for a magical dinner.
Day 7: Salzburg To Ljubljana
Location: Salzburg, Ljubljana
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning Salzburg! Today we say goodbye to Austria and continue east in our discoveries, bound for Slovenia. Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries, a distinct identity within Slovenian culture has evolved from the melody of influences surrounding it. After we've had a walking orientation to get acquainted with our new surroundings, you’ll have the chance to explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto or sit by one of Ljubljana’s atmospheric watercourses.
Day 8: Ljubljana To Venice
Location: Ljubljana, Venice
Accommodation Name: LH Hotel Sirio Venice (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ever the advocates of a balanced holiday, today we're trading in the obscure unknown for the globally adored hot spot of Venice. Whoop! Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! A private boat ride, gothic architecture and a web of lanes to explore will keep your day filled quite nicely.
Day 9: Venice To Rome
Location: Venice, 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. The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of it's glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments - perfetto!
Day 10: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Costanza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, Rome awaits us! Today will be a whirlwind of Roman architecture and bucket list sights as we uncover all of Rome’s key features. There’s also the option to head back in time and discover Rome of the Emperors and Gladiators. (Free Time Add-Ons can change depending on your departure. Don't worry, your Trip Manager will fill you in on the deets!)
Day 11: Rome To Sorrento
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Hotel Albatross (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full of gelato and memories, we’ll bid ‘ciao’ to Bella Roma and head south for Sorrento, with a special stop on the way. Driving down the coast today, we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Soak up the sweeping views on route to gorgeous Sorrento, where sun-bleached pastel houses perch along cliffs, tumbling down to the Mediterranean sea. Here you’ll have the chance to treat yourself with a visit to La Sorgente, a nearby locally-owned family mozzarella farm, for an authentic Italian meal complete with fresh homemade mozzarella, rich olive oil and sunshine-coloured limoncello.
Day 12: Sorrento
Location: Sorrento, Amalfi, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Hotel Albatross (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... After wandering the cobbled streets of Sorrento, we'll take a scenic drive along the Amalfi coast, stopping off in Amalfi town to admire the castles and coastal views. Next up, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit a Lemon Farm and learn all about how your fav limoncello is made. Back in Sorrento, we'll all tuck into an included dinner.
Day 13: Sorrento To Florence
Location: Sorrento, Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See you, Sorrento! Thanks for making our Instagram feeds look like shoots for Italian Vogue! Was that thunder?! Oh thank goodness, it was just your stomach… all that walking really gets the old appetite going. Good thing dinner’s on us tonight. Drop your bags off and join us to munch on a satisfying dinner. Let the Tuscan goodness sink in…
Day 14: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Woah, what’s that big thing in the sky?! It’s not a hot cross bun, is it… Oh wait, it's just the Duomo! You know, the one with the famous red dome that sits above Florence? Today after breakfast, we’ll learn all about Duomo, plus the Basilica, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more as locals show us around the city of Florence with a walking tour. Take your time soaking in the sights. And maybe even grab some lunch at a cosy trattoria. But remember to save some space for dinner. Because tonight, you can choose to join us for a special Tuscan dinner on the hills (with a sumptuous Florentine steak, and more local specialities). It’s ‘La Dolce Vita’ indeed.
Day 15: Florence To Lucerne
Location: Florence, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Goodbye, Florence! We’ll get some breakfast, and leave the historical streets for the heavenly lake scenes. 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 you'll have the chance to take an optional lake cruise (summer only), giving yourself a better look at the epic Swiss Alps reflected off the water. Our other recommendation for tonight? Swiss chocolate.
Day 16: Lucerne To Lyon
Location: Lucerne, Lyon
Accommodation Name: Ibis Lyon Sud Oullins (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Paris. After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so we'll head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies. Topped off with some beaujolais wine, but of course.
Day 17: Lyon To Paris
Location: Lyon, Paris
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rolling out of Lyon this morning we’re Paris-bound, swapping countryside for inner-city bliss. Lamp-lit bridges, a sparkling Eiffel Tower, & evening coffee haunts, tonight we fall in love with everything Paris, made all the more romantic in winter months. After an included dinner at the hotel, our Trip Manager will fill us in on the city's secrets with a dreamy night-time tour of the 'city of lights', passing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral. We’ll also take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower you’ll find anywhere in Paris.
Day 18: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pastries, paintings, perfume - Paris is ours! First we’ll visit the glamorous Fragonard perfumery for a lesson in the olfactory arts, then the time is yours to explore cosy cafes, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, hunt for vintage treasures in Le Marais, or get arty in the galleries of the Louvre.
Day 19: Paris To London
Location: Paris, Calais, Dover, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up your last dose of Paris and feel the astonishment of how much you’ve seen during this awesome trip, not to mention how close you’ve grown to your Contiki pals. What a journey! On arrival in London say a fond farewell to the group - the adventure has come to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and well-located hotels such as Vienna House Easy Cracow, Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, A&O Salzburg, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, LH Hotel Sirio Venice, Hotel Santa Costanza, Hotel Albatross, Hotel Mirage, Ibis Budget Luzern City, Ibis Lyon Sud Oullins, and B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème.
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Local Expert Tours
Guided tours by local experts in Kraków, Budapest, and Florence.
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Comfortable Coach Travel
Travel between destinations in a comfortable coach, with scenic drives and stops at key locations.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
Enjoy a private boat ride in Venice.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and several included dinners throughout the tour.
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Montparnasse Tower Visit
Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of Paris.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a Pierogi making class, Danube River Cruise, and a visit to Pompeii 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 and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations in a comfortable coach, with scenic drives and stops at key locations. Enjoy a private boat ride in Venice and optional lake cruise in Lucerne.
Dining Summary
- 18 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- Kraków: A local expert will take you around the UNESCO-listed Old Town, show you Wawel Castle and tell you the best place to taste some pierogi.
- Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau: Reflect on the tragedies of the past with a solemn visit to the largest concentration camp in World War II.
- Budapest: An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.
- 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!
- Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
- 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.
- Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel between destinations is in a comfortable coach, with scenic drives and stops at key locations. Additionally, there is a private boat ride in Venice and an optional lake cruise in Lucerne.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable and well-located hotels such as Vienna House Easy Cracow, Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, A&O Salzburg, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, LH Hotel Sirio Venice, Hotel Santa Costanza, Hotel Albatross, Hotel Mirage, Ibis Budget Luzern City, Ibis Lyon Sud Oullins, and B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities such as a Pierogi making class, Danube River Cruise, and a visit to Pompeii.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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What meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes various meals, typically breakfast and some dinners. Specific meals are mentioned in the daily itinerary.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include a local expert tour of Kraków's UNESCO-listed Old Town, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a walking tour of Budapest, a private boat ride in Venice, a stroll around Rome, a climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower in Paris, and a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The specific group size is not mentioned, but it is a coach tour, which typically accommodates a larger group of travelers.
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What are some of the exclusions in the tour package?
Exclusions include optional activities, personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals, travel insurance, flights, and visa fees.
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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.