Welcome to Kochi, Gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala

On arrival to Kochi Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The bountiful backwaters of Kerala, ‘God’s own country’, welcome you. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant colours and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea and let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth as you sink into a more straightforward way of life – one where nature sets the pace for the day.

Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for local appetisers.

Welcome

Meet your Travel Director at 19:00

Accommodation

Le Meridien Kochi

Nature and Relaxation in Periyar

Your love affair with Kerala’s lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, named after Kerala’s longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, your first stop.

Why not spend the afternoon soaking up the sounds of nature during an Optional Experience, an immersive Nature Walk with a Local Specialist? Tread lightly along the dense forest trails as you learn about the endemic flora and fauna. Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You might even be lucky enough to see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. And don’t forget to look up – hornbills, flycatchers and kites are just some of the many species of local and migratory birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary.

With your soul soothed after connecting with nature, you’ll head to your hotel to freshen up before the excitement continues. Get ready to Dive Into Culture with a Kalarippayattu performance. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this ancient martial art, jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body. After all that action it’s your turn. Unleash your inner warrior with a Kalarippayattu lesson guided by skilled masters.

Accommodation

The Elephant Court Thekkady Periyar National Park

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Onwards to Kumarakom

The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves linger long after today’s encounter with Kerala’s famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Kumily Spice Garden. Here you’ll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices'. Gain in-depth insights into the process of spice cultivation and discover how Kerala’s international spice trade has shaped its culture and heritage.

There’s more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and Dive Into Culture as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market and lively streets.

Accommodation

Rhythm Kumarakom

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Cruise the Calm Backwaters

Kerala’s intrinsic relationship with water takes centre stage today. But first, maybe start your morning with an optional yoga session, embracing the tranquillity of your surroundings before breakfast. Then, board a traditional houseboat for a cruise through Kerala’s iconic waterways. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life as you wind your way to Alleppey, passing villagers in wooden Shikaras and palm-fringed shores. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known as Kettuvalloms, were once used to ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, disembark and return to Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Accommodation

Rhythm Kumarakom

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi

The remnants of Kerala's colourful, centuries-old trading history are best explored in the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants came to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort season the cityscape that was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'.

Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a city tour to see first-hand this multicultural centre, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. See how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is famous.

This evening, Connect With Locals and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family followed by a delicious Be My Guest dinner.

Accommodation

Le Meridien Kochi

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Farewell Kochi

Your epic encounter with Kerala’s culture and natural wonders has come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Swiss Alps

Out with the altitude, in with sun-kissed streets and iconic waterways. Today we’re moving on to the passionate lands of Italy, bound for Venice.

Venice

Ah, Venice! Fresh pasta, lilting accents & romantic architecture - we've arrived in one of Italy's most famous cities. Tonight we'll relax here with free time to find some dinner, knowing we have all day tomorrow to cruise canals & explore picturesque cobbled streets.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Venice

Buongiorno! Venice is ours for a full and glorious Italian day. We'll start exploring The Floating City by jumping aboard our own private motoscafo boat and cruising the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. Here we'll take selfies at the Bridge of Sighs, see the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square. Next, you have the chance to take a traditional gondola ride, or just explore these famous streets on your own. Tonight, you can choose to sign up for a city exploration combined with food in a Traditional Tastes of Venice walking tour.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Venice

Farewell floating city, but Italy, we're not done with you yet, our next destination Florence is just around the corner.

Pisa

No trip around Europe is complete without seeing the world's most famous #AwkwardLean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you've got that perfect snap of you holding the thing up like you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, we'll be on the fast-track to Florence.

Florence

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is more proof that Italy has so many great places packed into one small region. Here you’ll be free to drift along the River Arno, get into the Tuscan vibes with a drop of Chianti wine, visit the markets and taste the local gelato, and admire the beauty of the city and its magnificent Duomo Cathedral. Take it all in! Tonight you’ll have the chance to sign up for a delicious Tuscan dinner, visit the historic Red Garter bar or enjoy a free evening.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Florence

Ready for even more of Italy? The eternal city of Rome awaits...

Rome

The evening will really take it up to high key as we uncover Italian icons in the country's capital of Rome. With a city tour on arrival, we'll get a glimpse of Rome's glory by night, ready to be fully unveiled tomorrow. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments, we're here for it all.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Rome

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.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Rome

Full of gelato and memories, we’ll cast our eyes over Rome one more time this morning before we hit the road, bound for new adventures.

Perugia

Perugia is a little hidden gem of Italy, where medieval vibes meet lively piazzas, making it the perfect spot to sip espresso, enjoy epic views, and embrace the dolce vita!

Ancona

Arriving at Ancona port, we'll get ready for our overnight sail to Croatia.

Overnight Adriatic Ferry

We'll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail. Let yourself be rocked to sleep as we cruise over the Adriatic Sea to Split.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Overnight Adriatic Ferry

Last night we fell asleep in Italy, this morning we wake up in Croatia. How magical is Europe?

Split

Landing in the atmospheric port town of Split, we’ll have some free time to soak up the Roman heritage of Diocletian's Palace, revel in Game of Thrones' filming locations or indulge in some local street food before jumping on the coach, bound for the Riviera.

Croatian Riviera

Welcome to the Croatian Riviera, where we’ll be greeted by the rugged Biokovo mountains, a nature reserve with golden eagles, and a long stretch of beach ready to be enjoyed. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern. With 3 nights here, it’s like having a holiday within a holiday.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Croatian Riviera

With no agenda today other than to live your best beach life, the Croatian Riviera awaits! The beaches, seafront promenade and nightlife are calling your name, with paddle boats for hire, a cobbled main square to stroll around, and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic ready for diving into.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Croatian Riviera

A new day, a new beach spot to laze about in. You also have food markets to explore, cafes to sit in, ice cream parlours to visit, and day trips to sign up to - the choice is yours.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Croatian Riviera

Relaxed and sun-kissed after our time on the Riviera, we’re ready to see more of Croatia - and knowing that UNESCO-heritage listed Plitvice Lakes is ahead of us makes leaving a lot easier.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arriving at the mesmerising teal-blue waters of Plitviče, you’ll have the chance to tread the wooden boardwalks and discover the cascading pools of this breath-taking natural wonder. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea! We'll enjoy an included dinner together this evening at our accommodation on the edge of the National Park.

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bidding farewell to Plitviče and Croatia today, the enchanting allure of Slovenia lies ahead as we make our way to the capital city of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana

Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries, a distinct identity within Slovenian culture has evolved from the melody of influences surrounding it. After our orientation of the city, you’ll have the chance to explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto or sit by one of Ljubljana’s atmospheric watercourses.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Ljubljana

So long Ljubljana, your unique charm will remain in our hearts forever. Hitting the road, we’ll journey north-west and cross-country into Austria.

Hopfgarten im Brixental

Late this afternoon we arrive in Hopfgarten and will be welcomed with open arms to Contiki's very own Austrian Gasthof (guesthouse). Tonight is a welcome evening which means a traditional Austrian meal lovingly prepared for us by our on-site Contiki chefs, and tomorrow we'll get into the swing of things with more of the adventure activities this town is famous for.

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Hopfgarten im Brixental

Wake up, peel open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view. If you're feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls. If you're feeling really lively you can go tandem paragliding. Not so lively? Stroll around and take in the incredible setting; drink endless hot chocolate, go up a mountain in a gondola or relax at our Gasthof.

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Hopfgarten im Brixental

This morning you have the chance to sign up for some wild water sports - whitewater rafting - before we leave the breath-taking Austrian Tyrol. Then it’s time to say ‘adieu’ as we head on to the German city of Munich - where lederhosen, dirndls, steins of beer and gingerbread-style buildings await.

Munich

"Prost!”. Here in Munich, the home of Oktoberfest, you’ll have the chance to sign up for an optional guided bike ride with Mike’s Bikes and visit the city’s best spots. Otherwise you're free to roam the old town, buy yourself a pair or lederhosen or a traditional dirndl, or amuse yourself watching the antics of mechanical figurines in the city's famous Glockenspiel. Making the most of our time in Munich this evening, we'll get introduced to 800 years of history at a traditional Bavarian beer hall.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Munich

Today it’s goodbye Germany, hello Czech. But first, we have an important stop to make.

Dachau

Journeying out of Munich, we’ll make a stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial.

Regensburg

Lunch time! After a brief stopover in this old town, we'll hit the road once again.

Prague

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 & Queens and gothic history.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Prague

Wake up and explore a UNESCO World Heritage city that’s begging you to come out to play. Roam pretty lanes and romantic courtyards, admiring the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. Or shop for traditional bohemian treasures. Don't miss our optional 'Hidden Prague' adventure, where a local guide will show us the city's best kept secrets.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Prague

Pack your bags and say your sincere thanks to the Czech Republic for being such a lovely host. As promised, we're heading back to Germany for a bout in Berlin.

Dresden

A drive from Prague to Berlin wouldn’t be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed in World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, boasting the born-again beauty of the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence.

Berlin

On the world map of party vibes, Berlin has a gold star. We've got two nights to explore every inch of this iconic city and we'll kick it off with a tour to learn about its troubled but fascinating past. Once we've gotten acquainted with the key sites, we’ll enjoy an included dinner together, ready for more exploring tomorrow.

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Berlin

Today you'll have the chance to really uncover Berlin. You can opt to take a historical walking tour, including a visit to the site of Hitler's bunker. Otherwise, you're free to explore all the obscurities tucked away off the main street of Unter Den Linden, see the Brandenburg gate, discover nature at the Lustgarten, or catch the U-bahn to one of Berlin's quirky neighbourhoods. Or, if you skipped the historical walking tour this morning, there'll be the chance to join an alternative walking tour of the city, showing you a side of Berlin not often seen by tourists. And if you're looking for a night out, now is the perfect time to scope out one of those underground raves or cocktail-lounge-in-the-basement scenarios that Berlin is famous for.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Berlin

We’ll journey out of Germany today and travel through the gloriously flat Netherlands with Amsterdam in our sights.

Amsterdam

We'll enjoy an included dinner in Amsterdam this evening. Next on the agenda tonight, opt to take the A'DAM lookout swing, an incredible observation deck with unrivalled panoramas of the twisting canals below. Then you're free to explore this city with a peek of the canals, bicycles & 17th century gable houses lit up by night, plus plenty of nightlife to keep you going until the early hours.

Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Amsterdam

It's our last full day on trip & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer. Tonight, choose to indulge in a traditional Dutch meal on a local cheese making farm where you will learn the art of the clog and learn a local game along the way.

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Amsterdam

It’s been one heck of a trip, but all good things must come to an end. Whether you’re ending the trip in Amsterdam or returning to London, we’ll say our goodbyes and swap deets. New adventures lie ahead!

Calais

Dover

London

This afternoon we cross from France to England and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.

Included Meals

• Breakfast