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9D European Magic (Winter)
Belgium (in transit), Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France
OVERVIEW
The European Magic tour takes the tried and tested favourite destinations of travellers  throughout Europe and packs them into an awesome itinerary. 7 countries in 9 days may seem like an impossible task but if it couldn't be done, we wouldn't do it. In fact, two nights in Venice and Paris will almost feel like a holiday within a holiday! The beauty of this tour is seeing so much in a short space of time and knowing that each day is guaranteed to bring something completely different to yesterday!
Tour Highlights These highlights are included in the price of your tour.
- Amsterdam
- See the White Cliffs of Dover
- See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night
- Rhine Valley
- Scenic drive along the Rhine River
- Munich
- Learn how beer steins are crafted
- See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz
- Locally guided tour of Munich
- Visit a traditional beer hall
- Venice
- Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
- See the Golden Roof, Royal Palace & Olympic Ski Jump in Innsbruck
- Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice
- See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
- See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
- Lucerne
- Feature Hotel: The Jailhotel
- See the Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- Scenic Alpine drive
- Paris
- See Chablis & Burgundy vineyards
- Exclusive 'Paris by Night' sightseeing tour
- See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Check out Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower
Daily Itinerary
 Day 1 London to Amsterdam (Hotel)
Meet up with your Contiki team before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Next stop: the buzzing, free-wheeling city of Amsterdam. Check out Amsterdam’s eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets, 24/7. With an optional evening canal cruise, you’ve got a chance to get to know the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover Amsterdam at water level. Get some pointers on the city’s hot spots from your Tour Manager and head into town for a fun night out.(D)
Day 2 Amsterdam to Rhine Valley (Hotel)
Experience Amsterdam’s coffee shops, museums and cool, quirky boutiques. In your free time, wander along shady canals and pass gabled houses or hop on two wheels like the laid-back locals and bike through the centre of town. Chill out while the coach follows the Rhine River, weaving through valleys dotted with castles and vineyards. Next stop - the pretty, old-world village of St. Goar, complete with fairy tale castle and even a free-hanging cuckoo clock! Kick back with a glass of local wine and choose to find out more with the optional wine tasting in a candlelit underground cellar.(B,D)
Day 3 Rhine Valley to Munich (Hotel)
Travelling south, pull into the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich – a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture with modern lifestyle. Explore the heart of Munich’s old town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It’s a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel – a Gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells. Get off the beaten track and onto Munich’s side streets with our Local Guide on a walking tour around the city – it’s a great way to see the sights. Then, get a taste of tradition at a typical beer hall. Park yourself at a long wooden table, order yourself some hearty local food, like roasted pork knuckle, and quench your thirst with a stein of one of Germany’s 5000 brews.(B)
Day 4 Munich to Venice (Hotel)
Wind through the Bavarian Alps and over the Brenner Pass to Venice. But first, pull into Innsbruck, a down-to-earth student city. Walk around the medieval streets of the old town, grab some lunch, and check out Innsbruck’s landmark Golden Roof and Royal Palace. You pace will race when you see the totally impressive Olympic Ski Jump. Next up is Venice. Known as the “floating city”, Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals.(B,D)
Day 5 Venice (Hotel)
Known as the “floating city”, Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the Gothic arches of the Doge’s Palace and the expanse of St. Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market – a local favourite for food shopping. Maybe grab a table on St. Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.(B)
Day 6 Venice to Lucerne (Hotel)
Catch a glimpse of stunning Lake Como as we make our way into the massive Swiss Alps. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne’s centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Tour Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches that Switzerland is so famous for.(B,D)
Day 7 Lucerne to Paris (Hotel)
With down-time on the coach, plug in your MP3, chill out to some music and chat with friends while travelling through the scenic wine producing region of Burgundy. Tonight, the group kick-starts Paris with the 'Tour of Illuminations', which shows off the French capital’s transformation into the “City of Lights”. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most-recognised monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Then get a stunning view of the entire city with included entry to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Oui, oui, Paris! (B,D)
Day 8 Paris (Hotel)
Next up: Fragonard! This perfumery has an elegant interior and is a unique setting for a look into the history of perfume. It’s also a chance to pick up some French perfume at great prices. This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods). Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank. Step into the Notre Dame or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre, where you can get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. In your free time, try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many city parks. Tonight is the last night with your friends, so make it special. Treat yourself to the full Parisian experience with a cabaret show, complete with can-can girls, dinner and Champagne. But don’t stop there – afterwards hit the clubs and finish up your travels with a big Parisian night out.(B)
Day 9
Depart Paris
This morning after breakfast we transfer you to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival 10:00am) where your tour ends. Or choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London & extend your stay.(B)
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