Enchanting Europe
F you are looking for adventure, head for Europe which combines a heady mix of culture, history, creativity and sheer awesomeness. And if you are between 18 and 35 years old, there’s no better way to discover Europe than with Contiki, the market leader for young travellers.
With Contiki, it’s not just about amazing accommodation throughout the continent like Contiki’s own 16th Century French chateau or the best restaurants to dine with the locals. Contiki also gives you exclusive Backstage Pass access to the best attractions and experiences that Europe can offer.
From multi-country to in-depth regional trips, Contiki serves up almost 100 itineraries designed to suit different travel needs and to stretch that ringgit, giving you more bang for your buck. Here are some of Contiki’s Hot Picks for 2014.
Eight-day Italian Espresso
The Eight-day Italian Espresso itinerary gives you an in-depth regional discovery of two countries – Italy and Vatican City. The journey begins in Rome, the symbol of strength and pride of the mighty Roman Empire. In this ancient city, you will take in impressive sights that include the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Trevi Fountain.
Here, you will also visit Vatican City and see the impressive St Peter’s Basilica. From Rome, you pass through the rolling hills and terraced vineyards to Renaissance Florence, home to famous architectural wonder, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
There is also an opportunity to shop till you drop at a designer outlet mall in Barberino before you proceed to the floating city of Venice. Meander through the tight alleyways, grand squares and art-filled palazzos or take an optional gondola ride, a must while in Venice.
10-day Turkey & Greek Island Odyssey
For an eclectic mix of East and West, embark on a 10-Day Turkey & Greek Island Odyssey.
This tour starts in Istanbul, the diverse capital city of Turkey which is split by the Bosphorus, a strait that forms the boundary between the Asian and European side of Istanbul. Highlights here include the Blue Mosque and a visit to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market which amaze with their exotic atmosphere.
From Istanbul, travel to Gallipoli before boarding a ferry to the quaint port city of Cannakkale, home to the legendary ruins of Troy.
From Cannakkale, travel along the coastline to the ancient spa town of Hieropolis to see the dreamlike cotton castle of Pamukkale. Then head towards Kusadasi, stopping at the stunning Ephesus, perhaps one of the best-preserved ancient cities.
The Greek portion of this adventure begins in Rhodes and continues with island-hopping to Santorini where you will enjoy a visual feast of breathtaking sceneries with spectacular volcanic islands as well as the famous sight of blue and white buildings perched on clifftops.
12-day European Discovery
One of the top favourites for first-timers to Europe is the 12-day European Discovery itinerary covering eight countries.
From London, cross the English Channel to the vibrant city of Amsterdam to see its canals and gable houses by night.
Take a stunning drive along the Rhine River, stopping at charming wine villages with an old-time German atmosphere.
Then, its south to Munich, the festive home of Oktoberfest where you will visit a traditional beer hall and see the bustling Marienplatz square in the centre of Munich.
Travel through the pretty Bavarian Alps before arriving in the floating city of Venice.
The next day, head on to Rome and Florence to catch a glimpse of the magical Lake Como enroute to Lucerne, a charming city nestled in the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
From Lucerne, head towards Paris, the City of Lights, to find magic, romance and history among famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
12-day Scandinavia
Contiki’s 12-day Scandinavia itinerary covers Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Begin in Berlin before crossing the channel to Denmark’s harbourside capital Copenhagen, where highlights include sights of the vibrant waterfront and wandering through the cosmopolitan hub to absorb the vibes in Christiania, the city’s modern hippy community.
From Copenhagen, travel north across the border through Sweden to arrive in Norway’s capital city of Oslo. Further north, travel through beautiful and rugged landscapes en route to Voss. Then head towards Geiranger and be blown away by the sheer beauty of the mountains, the longest and most spectacular fjord in Norway – Sognefjord – as well as the incredible Boyabreen glacier.
Then head to Sweden, the home of Ikea, Saab and of course, Abba. A scenic drive through unspoilt forests and lakes will take you to the cool city of Stockholm from where you will board a ferry to the quirky Finnish capital of Helsinki.
Book your Contiki holiday today and enjoy savings up to 15%. Combine this saving with a 5% frequent traveller discount and a group discount of up to 10%.
Contiki also offers itineraries to the United States, Canada, South America, Australia and New Zealand.
Visit Holiday Tours at Booths No.1305 -1324 (Hall 1) at the MATTA Fair or contact 03-6286 6288 for more information.