All the enjoyable Europe has to supply — with out the effort of planning.
A Europe trip is the bucket checklist journey. It’s such an enormous continent with so many unbelievable nations, every with their very own distinctive personalities.
But on a regular basis commitments (urgh, work) make it powerful to coordinate vacation dates with buddies — I’ve had journeys that haven’t made it out of the group chat after two years. 😞 At this charge, I is perhaps visiting Greece in a wheelchair.
In this case, why not simply pack up and journey solo? You may even meet new buddies and kind lasting reminiscences alongside the way in which.
Last 12 months, we travelled throughout England and Scotland with Contiki, and it was a pleasant change from having to plan every thing on a visit! We might profit from each second — from sharing meals with fellow travellers to making an attempt a brand new sport (Curling, anybody?).
And Contiki’s journeys are catered to younger folks (age 18 – 35), so it’s simpler to attach with each other.
Trip are additionally moderately priced — a 12-day Europe itinerary masking eight nations begins from S$2,647 (excl. flights)! This consists of cities like Rome, Paris and London and covers all lodging and transport, plus most meals and actions.
Intrigued? Here are 5 epic European adventures that are perfect for solo travellers who’re sick of journey plans being forgotten in group chats 🙌
Europe Itineraries Overview
1) Spain Itinerary (12 days, from S$1.6k)
2) England and Scotland Itinerary (9 days, from S$1.9k)
3) Greece Itinerary (11 days, from S$2.5k)
4) Norway Itinerary (8 days, from S$3k)
5) Europe Itinerary (12 days, from S$2.5k)
Click to leap to every part.
Contiki’s itineraries are customisable too, so there are optionally available add-on actions together with these specializing in sustainability. These actions are labelled [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience] — however extra on that on the finish.
1) Best of Spain — 12-Day Spain Itinerary from S$1.6k
Get able to immerse within the land of Gaudí, tapas and music. This Spain itinerary options large cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza, in addition to lesser-known cities like Bilbao and Pamplona.
Madrid – Burgos – Pamplona – Bilbao – San Sebastián – Zaragoza – Barcelona – Ibiza – Valencia – Granada – Toledo – Madrid
Photo credit score: @jorgefdezsalas through Unsplash
This Spain itinerary begins within the full of life capital of Madrid! Visit a few of Madrid’s greatest landmarks like Puerta del Sol (the primary sq.) and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (house of Real Madrid), earlier than assembly up together with your new Contiki squad.
Photo credit score: @davidvives through Unsplash
From Madrid, journey north to the charming cities of Burgos and Pamplona. Burgos is greatest identified for its French Gothic cathedral which was constructed within the thirteenth century.
Pamplona would possibly sound a bit acquainted — one of many new characters in season 5 of Money Heist was named after the city! Explore the previous city and gothic-style Pamplona Cathedral, then finish the day with a regional specialty — recent trout.
Photo credit score: @davidvives through Unsplash
For some cultural immersion, take a day journey to Bilbao — house to the well-known Museo Guggenheim. The constructing itself is a masterpiece, designed by American architect Frank Gehry — the identical man behind the Dancing House in Prague and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Photo credit score: @zoom_en_vadrouille through Instagram
Next up is the seaside resort city of San Sebastián. It’s identified for world-class Basque (a Southwestern European ethnic group) delicacies and has the third-most Michelin stars per capita! So in fact, you’ve received to strive pintxos (appetisers much like tapas) whereas there.
Optional add-on: Go on an genuine pintxos bar hopping tour and uncover the place the locals hang around.
Stop by Zaragoza for churros and to see its pretty previous city, earlier than arriving on the bustling metropolis of Barcelona. Take a while to wander the streets of the Gothic Quarter (one of many metropolis’s oldest neighbourhoods) and La Rambla (Barcelona’s Orchard Road).
Fun reality: The Gothic Quarter is the place Picasso held one among his first exhibitions and can also be house to Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, Can Culleretes (established in 1786).
[MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience]: Enjoy an area dinner at Mescladis cafe — a non-profit that’s all about social cohesion!
One of one of the best issues to do in Barcelona is marvel on the unbelievable work of Antoni Gaudí. His resume consists of La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Trust me, you’ll need a while to admire these one-of-a-kind buildings.
Optional add-on: Explore Barcelona through a guided bike tour for an immersive native expertise and uncover hidden alleys most vacationers miss.
Read additionally: 16 Best Things to Do in Barcelona Besides the La Sagrada Familia
Photo credit score: @michaeljamescreates through Unsplash
The subsequent cease on our Spain itinerary wants no introduction — Ibiza, the world’s primary occasion vacation spot. You’ll be glad to have firm to profit from Ibiza’s legendary nightlife with! For those that desire to relax, the island has lovely seashores excellent for snorkelling and native markets to discover.
Optional add-on: Hop on an Ibiza occasion boat and cruise across the Balearic Islands together with your new Contiki mates 🥳
Photo credit score: @17_wei through Unsplash
After two nights in Ibiza, it’s time to return to the mainland and straight to the port metropolis of Valencia.
Optional add-on: Paella cooking class, anybody? Valencia is the place the tasty dish was invented — so there’s no higher place to learn to make it!
Photo credit score: @dimitry_b through Unsplash
Next up, Granada. This Spanish metropolis is in contrast to another — it was a Muslim kingdom for 800 years and its mixture of Arab and Spanish cultures continues to be seen at the moment. Visit the Muslim quarter of Albaicín and check out some Arab pastries and occasional.
Granada can also be house to Spain’s second-most visited attraction, Alhambra Palace. It’s a Moorish palace advanced that sits atop Sabika Hill — that means you’ll get one of the best views of the town from right here!
Photo credit score: Contiki
Optional add-on: Flamenco is a standard dance accompanied by dwell music. It originated in southern Spain, and Granada is without doubt one of the greatest locations to catch a efficiency!
Before heading again to Madrid (the beginning and finish level of this Spain itinerary), make a cease on the hill city of Toledo. Its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; take your time to admire the well-preserved medieval structure.
Check out Contiki’s 12-Day Best of Spain journey itinerary.
2) England & Scotland — 9-Day England and Scotland Itinerary from S$1.9k
Welcome to the United Kingdom, or extra particularly, England and Scotland! These nations provide an unbelievable mixture of historical past and modern-day tradition — you’ll want at the very least every week to get a way of all of it.
London – Liverpool – York – Lake District National Park – Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Scottish Highlands – Loch Ness – Glenfinnan Viaduct – West Highlands – Stirling – Glasgow – London
First cease, London! This metropolis is crammed with well-known landmarks you’ve in all probability seen in quite a few blockbusters — we’re speaking Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace.
Next on the England leg is Liverpool — birthplace of The Beatles and residential to Liverpool Football Club. For followers of The Beatles, there’s a “Magical Mystery Tour” that showcases a few of the band’s favorite spots together with Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.
York is a city boasting 2,000 years of historical past — catch glimpses of it at Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower.
Optional add-on: This could intrigue or spook you, however York is the most haunted metropolis on this planet. For the courageous souls, join a guided ghost stroll to go to creepy alleyways and haunted buildings.
With limitless inexperienced pastures and glowing lakes, Lake District National Park is one thing straight out of a fairytale. It’s England’s largest nationwide park, house to Scafell Pike (England’s tallest mountain!).
Optional add-on: Sail alongside England’s largest lake by occurring a Windermere Lake cruise.
Journey north from England to Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital. It’s the right place to dig into your first Scottish meal of the journey.
Optional add-on: Try haggis — the nationwide dish of Scotland — whereas being serenaded by a bagpiper! For those that’ve by no means heard of haggis, it’s a pudding composed of sheep’s liver, coronary heart and lungs. Now’s an excellent time as any to strive one thing new 😉
Photo credit score: @mzm0203 through Unsplash
Spend the following day exploring every thing Edinburgh has to supply, beginning with Edinburgh Castle — one among Europe’s oldest fortified palaces. After that, buy groceries alongside Princes Street (the town’s primary procuring avenue!).
Optional add-on: Scotland is the world’s largest whisky producer, so it’s no shock that whisky is the nation’s nationwide drink! Grab some ingesting buddies and go on a guided tour to indulge within the best native whiskies. 🥃
Stop by St. Andrews en path to the Scottish Highlands; it’s the birthplace of golf!
After that, it’s the primary attraction of the day — the Scottish Highlands, a mountainous area identified for dramatic landscapes and top-tier whisky. Here you’ll discover Loch Ness lake, the place the legend of the Loch Ness Monster was born.
Read additionally: 9D UK Itinerary Under S$3k — From London to Scotland
Photo credit score: @jack_anstey through Unsplash
Potterheads will certainly recognise this subsequent cease — Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s the well-known railway crossed by the Hogwarts Express!
Photo credit score: @charlieurban_ through Instagram
After that, head to Glasgow. This metropolis is understood for pleasant locals and an unbelievable music scene — a lot in order that it was named a UNESCO City of Music in 2008! On common, there are 130 music occasions every week, so that you’ve received a excessive probability of catching one whereas visiting.
Glasgow is the final cease of this England and Scotland itinerary. Continue exploring Scotland, or take the Contiki bus again to London.
Check out Contiki’s 9-Day England and Scotland journey itinerary.
3) Greek Island Hopping — 11-Day Greece Itinerary from S$2.5k
Get prepared for lovely islands, wealthy historical past and recent Greek delicacies — this Greece itinerary covers all of the must-sees in your first journey to the land of the Gods ⚡.
Athens – Mykonos – Paros – Santorini – Ios – Athens
Your Greek journey kicks off in Athens — the center of the traditional Greek empire. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, you’ll love exploring the Acropolis (above) and the Temple of Poseidon.
Photo credit score: Contiki
Greece is product of 6,000 islands and islets scattered within the Greek Seas, of which solely 227 islands are inhabited! So in fact, island hopping is a should — beginning with two nights on the beautiful island of Mykonos.
Optional add-on: Mykonos presents greater than island hopping. Go on a guided strolling tour to find little outlets and alleyways on the town!
Mykonos can also be identified for its full of life seashore golf equipment and bars — the right place to bounce until the wee hours of the morning!🕺
Photo credit score: @axpphotography through Unsplash
Next cease, Paros. This island within the Aegean Sea is understood for its top-quality white marble, pretty Byzantine church and conventional villages.
Optional add-on [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience]: For a extra native expertise, join a visit to an area natural farm! Learn about Mediterranean produce like olives, grapes and herbs — whereas having fun with home-cooked goodies. This tour features a go to to the quaint fishing village of Naoussa.
You’ve in all probability heard of this subsequent Greek island, Santorini.
There’s loads of free time to discover in Santorini, so it’s actually as much as you what to incorporate in your itinerary. Work in your tan at Perissa Beach (a black sand seashore), strive native delicacies like domatokeftedes (Santorini-style tomato fritters) or go on a cruise tour!
Photo credit score: @kodyg through Unsplash
Optional add-on: The Oia Visit Plus Volcano Cruise features a journey to Oia, Santorini’s most well-known village. It’s identified for hanging blue dome roofs and beautiful sundown views. The tour additionally options stops at volcanic islands, the place you’ll get to hike up a dormant volcano and swim in sulphur springs!
Photo credit score: @johnnyafrica through Unsplash
Moving on to Ios — a Cycladic island with pristine seashores and vibrant nightlife.
Optional add-on: Zip throughout the attractive shoreline of Ios through a pace boat tour! You’ll make stops to discover underwater caves, go reef-snorkelling and go to secluded seashores.
After over every week of visiting Greece’s dreamy islands, it’s time to return to Athens to your flight house.
Check out Contiki’s 11-Day Greece Island Hopping journey itinerary.
4) Norway Fjords and Northern Lights — 8-Day Norway Itinerary from S$3k
Vivid Northern lights, snowy adventures and huge landscapes that simply go for film backdrops — this Norway itinerary covers all of it.
Oslo – Tromso – Honningsvag – Overnight Hurtigruten Cruise – Kirkenes – Oslo
Begin your Norway journey in Oslo, the beautiful Norwegian capital! Catch the day by day altering of guard on the Royal Palace at 1:30PM, go to Oslo’s harbourside Opera House and check out some native seafood.
Next, take a 2hr flight to Tromso — the world’s northernmost college city. It’s embellished with centuries-old wood homes and an attractive Arctic Cathedral with stained glass home windows.
There’s lots to do in Tromso, so we’ll be spending two nights right here!
Another cause to go to Tromso? Low mild air pollution and its prime location within the aurora zone make it the most effective locations on this planet to catch the magical Northern Lights. On this journey, you’ll have an opportunity to witness this phenomenon alongside new buddies.
If you haven’t received a clue what Norwegian delicacies entails, Tromso is an efficient place to study. Dig into native dishes like grilled stockfish, reindeer sirloin or seagull eggs!
Photo credit score: Contiki
Optional add-on [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience]: Spend a night with the Sámi reindeer herders — the indigenous folks of the Arctic. Learn about their tradition and lifestyle, whereas having fun with a standard dinner!
On the third day in Tromso, take pleasure in epic views of the town from the highest of the 421m-high Mount Storsteinen. There are two methods to get there — through Fjellheisen cable automobile or by mountaineering up the 1200-step Sherpa staircase.
For a uniquely Arctic expertise, rise early and go for a snowshoe or snowmobile tour!
Photo credit score: @elwindewitte through Unsplash
Time for an epic journey on the seas — this Norway itinerary options two nights on a rugged Hurtigruten ship. Sail alongside the shoreline in the direction of Skjervøy (a small city), chasing the elusive Northern Lights.
Photo credit score: @dyviknilsen through Unsplash
We’ll journey by means of Magerøysund Sound and cease by Hammerfest, earlier than arriving in Honningsvåg — the gateway to North Cape. It’s Europe’s northernmost level, with a 307m-high cliff and residential to colonies of puffins and gannets.
Photo credit score: @sergey_lupkin through Instagram
The remaining port of the in a single day Hurtigruten cruise is Kirkenes. It’s situated near the Russian border and is house to the world’s first snow lodge, Snowhotel Kirkenes! This lodge options 20 distinctive rooms carved by famend ice sculptors, and the rooms are stored at a cold -4°C.
Spend the day exploring Kirkenes and see landmarks just like the Wartime Mothers monument.
Photo credit score: @darya_tryfanava through Unsplash
Wrap up the journey with an evening of drinks and dwell music again in Oslo — the identical metropolis you arrived in!
Check out Contiki’s 8-Day Norway Fjords & Northern Lights journey itinerary.
5) European Discovery – 12-Day Europe Itinerary Incl. 8 Countries from S$2.5k
It’s powerful to select only one nation in Europe to go to — that’s what the European Discovery journey is for! From feasting in a German beer corridor to romantic gondola rides down Venice’s canals, this Europe itinerary has loads of iconic sights and experiences packed into 12 days.
London – Amsterdam – Munich – Innsbruck – Venice – Vatican – Rome – Florence – Lucerne – Paris
Photo credit score: @pmason303 through Unsplash
Your grand tour of Europe begins in London! Sail alongside the White Cliffs of Dover — a dramatic stretch of English shoreline — earlier than arriving in Amsterdam.
Photo credit score: Contiki
Amsterdam is understood for her canals, and a good way to take it in is by occurring a night canal cruise together with your new Contiki friends! This metropolis can also be well-known for her artwork and historical past, with prime sights just like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Next, keep an evening within the German city of Sankt Goar. It’s an important base to discover Rhine Valley, however not earlier than a comfortable night time of wine-tasting in an underground candle-lit cellar.
You can’t go to Germany with out seeing Munich — Germany’s unofficial beer capital (house to Oktoberfest!). Go on a guided stroll of the town to see landmarks just like the Rathaus-Glockenspiel (Munich’s well-known Gothic clock), then tuck into pork knuckle in a standard beer corridor.
Goodbye Germany, hey Austria! Head to Innsbruck, Austria’s very personal journey hub surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ski resorts.
Photo credit score: Contiki
Spend an evening at Contiki Haus Schöneck — an Austrian ski chalet reserved completely for Contiki company! Enjoy a hearty dinner ready on-site (included with Contiki journey), then unwind together with your journey companions on the cosy lounge.
For one of the best postcard view of Innsbruck, head to the River Inn the place you’ll discover these vibrant homes alongside Mariahilferstraße Street.
Optional add-on: Innsbruck presents extra than simply winter sports activities — strive white water rafting down the River Inn!
Photo credit score: Contiki
This Europe itinerary additionally features a journey to Venice — the town of affection, scenic canals and bridges. Spend a day wandering the winding streets and soaking in the great thing about the town. Plus it’s an ideal setting to get higher acquainted together with your journey mates!
Optional add-on: Gondolas have been a way of transportation in Venice for the reason that eleventh century. Put your self within the footwear (learn: boat) of previous Venetians by occurring a gondola trip!
Photo credit score: @spencerdavis through Unsplash
Next up is Rome — and when in Rome, do because the Romans do. That means loads of creamy gelato and appreciating the wonderful structure! The Vatican and Colosseum are just some examples of Roman craftsmanship at its best.
Optional add-on: Rome holds a wealthy historical past, so occurring a tour with an area information will certainly provide perception into locations just like the Vatican and Colosseum.
Photo credit score: @ackley5 through Unsplash
For a la dolce vita (candy life), enterprise to Florence. During your free time, go to the Duomo Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio (medieval arch bridge turned procuring avenue) and Uffizi Gallery.
Optional add-on: Celebrate your night time in Florence by choosing a Tuscan dinner of native Chianti wine and meals — accompanied by dwell native music.
On to the land of chocolate, watches and snow-capped mountains — Switzerland! Explore Lucerne, house to Europe’s oldest wood-covered bridge of Kapellbrücke, and the 9 fortified towers of Musegg Wall.
Optional add-on: Take a cable automobile as much as Mount Pilatus for magical views of the Swiss Alps. At the highest, there are various mountaineering trails accessible however our favorite is the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike as a result of it’s low effort, excessive reward.
Is it an entire Europe itinerary if we didn’t embody Paris? We’ll be spending two nights right here so there’s loads of time to see the Eiffel Tower mild up at night time, strive uniquely French delicacies (like ratatouille and crepes) and get impressed by artwork at the Louvre.
Optional add-on: End the journey on a excessive by going for a Nouvelle Eve Cabaret dinner and present together with your Contiki squad.
Choose between a complimentary switch to Paris Airport or keep onboard and journey again to London.
Check out Contiki’s 12-Day European Discovery journey itinerary.
Affordable Social Travel for 18 to 35-year-olds
Everyone likes to journey. But not everybody enjoys planning a visit. You’ve received to resolve which sights to incorporate, and what lodging to e book — which typically makes a trip really feel like work.
Of course, none of that even issues for those who can’t coordinate depart dates with your pals.
Photo credit score: Contiki
The beauty of Contiki is that they provide ready-to-go itineraries the place every thing is deliberate out. There’s no want to fret about researching or reserving transport, inns or something! So you get to be extra current throughout your journey — no distracting ideas on what comes subsequent.
Contiki journeys are catered to younger folks (aged 18 – 35) from everywhere in the world — so that you get to satisfy new buddies of varied nationalities. It’s undoubtedly a spotlight of their journeys.
Activities are additionally curated for younger folks — so there’s a pleasant mixture of bar-hopping, strolling excursions, cooking courses, thrilling actions and extra!
Plus, you’ll have a number of hours of free time in every metropolis, that means you’re free to discover solo or join optionally available add-ons together with your newfound buddies. Contiki additionally makes it some extent to function socially and environmentally accountable native companies — like these labelled [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience] above.
What units Contiki journeys aside from conventional excursions is that they’re modular! You’re in a position to combine and match totally different journey segments to create the itinerary you need. For instance, our UK journey consisted of three segments from London all the way in which to Ireland (England and Scotland, Scotland, and Scotland and Ireland). And you may hop on and off the journey at any time limit!
No planning and new buddies? It’s kinda excellent for individuals who desire a fuss-free trip. 🍹
Check out different Europe itineraries on Contiki.
Which Europe itinerary are you most excited about? Share with us within the feedback under!
This publish is delivered to you by Contiki.