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A group of friends in Prague

Home > Blogs > 6 Countries in 8 Days – European Highlights with Contiki

6 COUNTRIES IN 8 DAYS – EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS WITH CONTIKI

Keen to tick off some European bucket list destinations but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’d like the ease of it already being organised? Or are excited to meet other young like-minded travellers? Then a Contiki tour is the perfect place to begin! The London to Vienna trail is an understandably popular tour for it allows you to visit many of Europe’s most iconic cities in just eight days - perfect if you’re a bit struck for time. Beginning in London, your adventure will take you to Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague and Vienna.

Day 1: London to Amsterdam

Beginning in London, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and tour leader in the morning before you set off for Amsterdam. See some pretty sights along the way such as the white cliffs of Dover and the shores of Calais whilst you get to know your fellow travellers on the coach.

 

You’ve reached Amsterdam; home to UNESCO World Heritage canals, an unrivalled café culture, plenty of history and museums, and lots of lively bars. For the adrenaline seekers there’s an optional 100-meter swing over the city and a well-earned drink at the top afterwards with stunning panoramic views!

Channel in Amsterdam Netherlands houses river Amstel

Day 2: Amsterdam

There’s no time to waste! See Amsterdam the way you want to see it and explore the city at your own pace with your newfound friends on tour. I’d recommend the optional canal cruise as a must-do in Amsterdam, allowing you to see the best of the city in a traditional and relaxing way. Following that, it’s time to hit the museums, worthy mentions being the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Explore the quirky art scene, cobbled lanes, floating flower market and more. You can even opt for another experience in the evening, learning about clogs and cheese before enjoying a traditional dinner - it doesn’t get much more immersive than that!

Bicycles on a bridge over the canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3: Amsterdam to Berlin

Say goodbye to Amsterdam as you head to an exciting new city, Berlin! An iconic city known for its history, culture, and nightlife. The group will tick off many of the most iconic sights to see in Berlin in just the first day, so get ready to learn some new things! Perhaps in the evening you’ll want to find out why Berlin’s nightlife is so famous and try it out for yourself! It’s the only way to know!

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

Day 4: Berlin

Gain some fascinating insight and learn some important stories on the historical walking tour today, before immersing yourself in more of Berlin’s modern culture and thriving street art scene. You’ll be happy to know that whilst this is an action-packed tour, there’s always time for a little respite; perhaps across these couple of days you can also hit the cafés and parks with your friends for a bit of downtime.

The Berlin Wall, Germany

Day 5: Berlin to Prague

There’s a lot to see today, so bid farewell to Berlin and say ‘ahoj’ to Prague! On the way you’ll visit the historical city of Dresden - previously ravaged by the war, you will not only hear its fascinating history but be able to see for yourself the way in which it has rebuilt itself and reclaimed its beautiful streets and architecture. Once you’ve arrived in Prague, you will fall in love with this compact and walkable city lined with history and culture to explore!

Old Town Square at sunset, Prague

Day 6: Prague

You and your travellers will be able to tick off famous sites such as Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. Be prepared for plenty of gothic architecture, fascinating castles and beautiful cobbled streets. Finally enjoy an optional traditional Czech evening with your group as you watch live music performances and traditional dancing alongside some delicious authentic food and beer.

Charles Bridge in Prague old town, Czech Republic

Day 7: Prague to Vienna

Finally, onto your final city - Vienna! Before your arrival in Austria’s capital, you will have some free time to explore the quaint town of Kutna Hora and perhaps find out how the ‘Bone Church’ got its name! Warning: as you may have guessed, it’s a little creepy!

 

You’ve reached Vienna, a city filled with grand architecture that will leave you in awe, abound with museums, galleries, and culture. In the evening, enjoy an optional classic night out with a Mozart and Strauss concert; what better way to experience the home country of Mozart?

Tourists on Michaelerplatz of Hofburg Palace, Austria

Day 8: Vienna

It might be the last day but that doesn’t mean it’s over - there’s time for a final exploration of the city with your group before you say your goodbyes at lunch and take your flight home.

 

Top tip: I certainly know from experience that it’s hard to leave a holiday, so why stop? Having found your feet with a group tour you might feel comfortable doing some solo travel afterwards. Perhaps spend a couple extra days getting to know Vienna after your tour, or explore the stunning mountainous region of Austria; I personally loved Salzburg, Hallstatt and Zell am See! Perhaps even visit your seventh country of the trip - Vienna is conveniently located so direct trains to other iconic cities is simple – Florence and Budapest are both easy options!

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

Contiki is a tour company dedicated to travel for 18 to 35 year olds, so you can relax in the knowledge you’ll be amongst like-minded young people with a buzz for adventure. Having been on a Contiki tour myself recently, exploring the Balkans, I can certainly say there’s no simpler way to travel and meet others!


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Lucy Weatherston

Content Executive

Lucy is a Content Executive based in our Kensington head office. Lucy has worked at TF since 2023 and has travelled to 22 countries. Her favourite destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Peru and Belize.

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