Hey guys, how r u all? I just thought i would make my first blog a summary of my tour so you can all see what i will be getting up to on my time away. I fly out of Adelaide at 1.05pm on Thurs 27th of Dec, and am spending a couple of weeks in Munich with my host family before I fly from Munich to London to start my tour which you can see the details of below! Hope to see you all tonight at my birthday/farewell, or atleast before i go, & i will do my best to keep in touch while i'm away! xxx

Winter Wanderer

It's the perfect excursion for a winter dream holiday! Winter in Europe is packed with activities to try and places to explore. This tour visits 11 countries, each with its own unique flavor and attractions. Some of the highlights of the tour include driving along the French Riviera, exploring the beautiful City of Rome (it's never too cold for Gelato!), trying an oversized stein of Bavarian beer in Munich, and sampling traditional Spanish tapas in Barcelona. There's a ton to do in Europe, even in the winter time. We'll make sure your holiday sizzles! If you're looking for summer holidays, take a look at European Magic and European Discovery.
Trip Itinerary

• Day 1: London to Paris (12/1/08)

A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City of Lights" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (D)

• Day 2: Paris Sightseeing (13/1/08)

Today, why not take the opportunity to visit some of the most celebrated icons of Europe? The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées all await your arrival! Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous cabaret? (B)

• Day 3: Paris to Lucerne (14/1/08)

Today our path takes us through the vineyards of Burgundy, past Dijon toward the towering Alps and the vast serene lakes of Switzerland, our home for the next two nights. (B,D)

• Day 4: Lucerne(15/1/08)

Spend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town. See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets. See the city at its best by joining us for a trip up a mountain and a cruise on beautiful Lake Lucerne. (B,D)

• Day 5: Lucerne to Lyon (16/1/08)

This morning we stop in the lovely city of Geneva to see the amazing Jet d'Eau before travelling back into France and its gastronomic capital of Lyon. (B)

• Day 6: Lyon to Barcelona (17/1/08)

Continuing south via the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, we cross the Spanish border to the Mediterranean city of Barcelona. (B,D)

• Day 7: Barcelona(18/1/08)

Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street Las Ramblas and discover some of Spain's specialties (B)

• Day 8: Barcelona to French Riviera(19/1/07)

Today we follow the Mediterranean coast back into France to arrive on the elegant French Riviera. We stay in Nice, the 'Queen of the Riviera'. (B,D)

• Day 9: French Riviera (20/1/07)

Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade at Nice and enjoy your chance to relax or shop for French fashion. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

• Day 10: French Riviera to Florence (21/1/07)

Today we visit a French perfumery before arriving in Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We travel past the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence. (B)

• Day 11: Florence to Rome (22/1/07)

Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks us through the city this morning. Shop for silver and gold and see a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. In your free time perhaps visit one of the many museums and galleries before we continue to the fabled city of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour. (B)

• Day 12: Rome(23/1/08)

A free day to explore this historic city. Why not see the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum or even climb the Spanish Steps? Walk the Via del Corso and shop for Italian fashion or sit in a sidestreet café and sample a Gelato - the choice is yours! (B,D)

• Day 13: Rome to Venice(24/1/08)

Soak in the changing scenery of Italy as we drive past golden plains, vineyards and quaint hilltop towns. We cross the Appennine Mountains before reaching Venice. (B,D)

• Day 14: Venice(25/1/08)

A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing museums. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)

• Day 15: Venice to Vienna(26/1/08)

We drive through gently rolling countryside, past picture-postcard villages and majestic mountains into the home of Mozart and Strauss. A chance to relax in a special resort before an evening experiencing the classical tastes and sounds of this opulent city. (B)

• Day 16: Vienna(27/1/08)

Our sightseeing tour takes in the grandeur of the Palace of the Hapsburgs, the fame of the State Opera House and fashionable Kartnerstrasse. Take time to wander at leisure and why not try some local schnapps, some strudel or a schnitzel? (B,D)

• Day 17: Vienna to Munich(28/1/07)

On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (B,D)

• Day 18: Munich to Prague(29/1/08)

Leaving Munich behind we make our way to the historic capital of the Czech Republic - Prague! (B,D)

• Day 19: Prague (30/1/08)

This morning's sightseeing tour includes Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St Vitus and Wenceslas Square. Then free time to explore - maybe visit the Jewish Quarter. (B)

• Day 20: Prague to Berlin(31/1/08)

Today we return to Germany. Following the path of the mighty River Elbe we pass Dresden before heading on to Berlin. (B,D)

• Day 21: Berlin(1/2/08)

This morning on our included sightseeing tour, you can see the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Russian War Memorial and the Brandenberg Gate. In your free time this afternoon explore this historical city. (B)

• Day 22: Berlin to Amsterdam (2/2/08)

This morning we traverse Germany on our way to Amsterdam, the "City of Diamonds". After dinner why not head into town to explore this fascinating city by night? (B,D)

• Day 23: Amsterdam (3/2/08)

Today take time to explore one of Europe's most intriguing cities. Maybe visit Anne Frank's House, the Van Gogh Museum or shop around the famous Dam Square. Later, why not join us for our farewell dinner and a guided cruise through the canals of Amsterdam? (B)

• Day 24: Amsterdam to London(4/2/08)

Travelling south through the Dutch and Belgian countryside to France, we catch the ferry from Calais to Dover and reach London early evening. (B)