If you fancy visiting several European countries in one foul swoop, there are a wide number of multi-nation continental tours on offer.
(Photo: Contiki)
With excellent transport links across Europe – along with a vast network of well-maintained highways that make driving a breeze – exploring lots of Europe in a single trip can be simple and affordable. And if you’re young and sociabable and like the idea of doing so as part of an organised guided tour, then your choices are plentiful. Below are five of the best multi-country European adventures currently offered by renowned tour agency Contiki, who specilaise in travel for 18-35s.
European Horizon (11 days)
Starting and ending in London, this 11-day adventure takes in a total of eight countries and a feast of activities and attractions that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Staying in a mix of hostels, youth hostels and specialist accommodation unique to each location, you and your large group will visit some of the continents most iconic destinations. Highlights include wine tasting in the Rhine Valley, white water rafting in Austria, and exploring Munich like a true Bavarian on a guided bike tour. From £1,343 per person.
Scandinavia (12 days)
(Photo: Contiki)
From colourful Copenhagen to sophisticated Stockholm, this trip gives you 12 days of quintessential Scandinavian magic. Taking in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, over the course of the trip you’ll get to enjoy fairytale forests, fresh seafood, hot saunas, jaw-dropping fjords, and plenty of culture. Get the pulse racing in Voss, gawp at the Geiranger Fjord, meet some Alaskan Huskies in Dalarna, and explore Copenhagen’s world famous food scene by bike. There’ll also be the chance to head into the forest with a local expert to spot wildlife outside the Swedish city of Falun. From £1,724 per person.
London to Vienna Trail
The ultimate mix of history and modernity, this 8-day odyssey will see you travel from London to Vienna, passing by windmill lands, gothic spires and some of the best partying cities that Europe has to offer. Along the way you’ll cruise through Belgium on your way to Amsterdam, where the famed-for-fun Dutch capital is yours to explore. The next day, you’ll travel on to Berlin in Germany with its fascinating history, before stops in beautiful Prague and finally Vienna to round off your trip. From £761 per person.
Mini Balkan
(Photo: Contiki)
If you’re keen to explore the Balkan region of eastern Europe but are limited on time, this 5-day tour could be for you. You’ll visit the neighbouring countries of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia, visiting some of the region’s most beautiful natural landmarks and places of interest, including mesmerising Lake Bled and Plitvice Lakes National Park. There’ll also be a chance to enjoy city-based activities including a traditional Slovenian evening complete with local folklore performers and a farm-to-table Croatian feast washed down with regional wine. From £484 per person.
Ultimate European
If you’re between jobs, finished your studies of fancy a sabbatical, you may have time for an extended travel adventure. And for such people, this month-long exploration of Europe could be just the ticket. From Romania to Switzerland and Istanbul to Amsterdam, you 45-day, 16-country odyssey will see you cover some serious ground. With included flights and ferries and enough activities to satisfy the most energetic of travellers, this is nothing short of a trip of a lifetime. And it’s all topped off with a trip to the exotic lands of Egypt. From £5,553 per person.