European Highlights – France Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

European Highlights Tours for Young Adults

The one that does Europe’s best bucket list destinations in 2 weeks

This trip delivers a highlight reel of European beauty, history, culture and food over two unforgettable weeks. The perfect loop from that will see you gawping at the glittering lights of Paris one moment to gliding through Venetian canals the next. Oh, and did we mention the French Riviera and a stay at Contiki’s legendary private chateau? Twinkling cities, lush vineyards and enough culture to fill a thousand journals – this one has it all.

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

4.5 out of 5 stars (441 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

14 days, 7 countries from about $ 2247* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Europe > France

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: London

Dover

Calais

Paris

Day 2: Paris

Day 3: Paris

Fontainebleau

Beaujolais Wine Region

Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region

French Riviera

Day 5: French Riviera

Monaco City

French Riviera

Day 6: French Riviera

Pisa

Florence

Day 7: Florence

Rome

Day 8: Rome

Day 9: Rome

Venice

Day 10: Venice

Tyrol

Munich

Day 11: Munich

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Sankt Goar

Day 12: Sankt Goar

Edam

Amsterdam

Day 13: Amsterdam

Day 14: Amsterdam

Calais

Dover

London

Day 1: London to Paris

LondonJoin forces in London & get to know the wolf pack you’re about to take on Europe with. We’ll hit the road this morning and make tracks for two weeks of adventure.

DoverShortly before we find our ferry for France, we’ll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover.

CalaisOff the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais – French soil! We will travel via World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, before reaching… Paris!ParisPop the champagne, dial up the romance, & pass the escargot – we’re in Paris, baby! Don’t waste a second unpacking, we’re going to hit the streets and see how this city comes alive by night.*Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We’re on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us!

Jo&Joe (or similar)

Included Meals:

DinnerIncluded ExperienceMarvel at the White Cliffs of Dover See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.Included ExperienceTake a Tour of ParisTake a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Day 2: Paris

Paris
Today’s the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, with plenty of time to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the many museums of the Louvre. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show.

Jo&Joe (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Parisian Welcome DinnerRight in the heart of Paris, this typical French bistro dishes up loads of atmosphere & is the perfect place to get to know your group. With a three-course meal & some local wine, kick start your trip with a night to remember.
Additional costs apply

See a Paris Cabaret ShowGet your glad rags on… it’s time for a night out at the Parisian cabaret. From your lamp-lit table, you’ll feast your eyes on a succession of feathers, sequins, can-can girls, acrobats, and comedians – sipping on delicious French champagne all the while.
Additional costs apply

Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region via Fontainebleau

ParisFarewell French capital! We’re off in search of charming countryside & legit, straight from the source, vino.

FontainebleauWith its medieval stature and grand surrounding ponds, Château Fontainebleau will take your breath away. We’ll amble around the gardens then recommence our scenic journey to Beaujolais.Beaujolais Wine RegionTonight’s the night we camp out at Contiki’s very own 16th century château. We say “camp” – LOL. This might be the most royal experience of your life. Wine tasting at the château’s working winery is just one of the ways we’ll kill time while we’re here.
Please note: On occasion, certain departures will be moved from Contiki’s Chateau de Cruix to the French gastronomic capital of Lyon (a title which ain’t given lightly, believe us!) We’ll get the party started with an included meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by local wine.

Château de Cruix (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Included Experience Marvel at Château de Fontainebleau There’s your everyday châteaux and then there’s Château de Fontainebleau. The medieval palace was once home to Napoleon. And it’s another level of luxe.
Included ExperienceTaste Wine at the ChâteauBe a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la!

Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera

Beaujolais Wine RegionYes, yes, you could stay here forever, but unfortunately the show must go on. And there is more French fabulousness just around the corner, we promise. French RivieraMissing an opportunity to see this glorious part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn’t miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.

Beach Hostel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Day 5: French Riviera (Including Monaco City)

French RivieraMissing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn’t miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.

Monaco CityA night in glamorous Monaco should complete your day slash life. Don a fancy necklace and pop a plum in your mouth – we’re about to embark on the lifestyle of the rich and the famous. French RivieraAfter a night on the blackjack table it’s back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

Beach Hostel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceDrive along the Côte d’Azur Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.Included ExperienceGet to Know Glitzy Monaco Walk in the footsteps of Grace Kelly at the Royal Palace and see the Monte Carlo Casino (where the car park looks like a Fast & Furious set).
Take a ‘Nice’ Bike RideRide your bike along the promenade in the outskirts of Nice. You’ll ride all the way to the Chateau Hill to catch a show-stopping view of the ENTIRE town.
Additional costs apply

Day 6: French Riviera to Florence via Pisa

French RivieraAfter almost a week in France you’ll be full to the brim with all things French and ready for new ground. Italy, perhaps?

PisaNo 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. FlorenceThe dome of Duomo Cathedral sits above the city making certain we know we have arrived in Florence. Tonight you can choose to begin your Tuscan love affair at a Free Time Add-On dinner – think olives, pastas, focaccia, meats & wine.

Hotel Auto Park (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included Experience Visit Pisa (for that Epic Selfie) Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap. Tuscan DinnerWind down with the fantastic local wine, Chianti, in the heart of Florence. In true Italian fashion, our warm hosts will load your table with a feast of entrées followed by a house speciality & something ‘dolce’ for dessert.
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Florence to Rome

FlorenceThis morning is a perfect balance of guided wisdom and free time to roam. We’ll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leather & explore streets bursting with heritage before eventually hitting the road for Rome.RomeAnd you thought your morning was interesting! The afternoon will really take it up a notch as we uncover Italian icons in the country’s capital of Rome as you get a glimpse of its glory by night. Gelato, pizza and ancient monuments – perfecto!

Hostel Trustever (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceTour Rome on Foot Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!

Day 8: Rome

RomeRise 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.

Hostel Trustever (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Emperors & Gladiators inc ColosseumWander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire’s political heart, while our Local Guide peels back the layers of history & reconstructs the past. From the assassinations at the Forum to the bloody battles in the Colosseum, learn how the roots of Western culture started here. Subject to availability – if Colosseum tickets are not available for your trip, the alternative Ancient Rome of the Emperors tour will be offered.
Additional costs apply

Ancient Rome of the EmperorsDiscover the wonders of ancient Rome by embarking on a captivating tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the iconic ruins and archaeological treasures that once stood at the heart of the Roman Empire. Take in the the best view of the Colosseum as your local guide brings these ancient sites to life with fascinating stories and historical insights.
Additional costs apply

Day 9: Rome to Venice

RomeWe may be hitting the road again, but we’re not done with Italy just yet. We have one more city to lust over…VeniceVenice is yours for this glorious Italian afternoon. We’ll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A guided walking tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Anda Venice Hostel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceCruise on a Motoscafo to Venice Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.GondolasSit back & watch the city open up from the canals in a gondola. From magnificent palazzi looming in the distance to the locals’ laundry strung across the backwaters, Venice’s charm gets you at every turn.
Additional costs apply

Hidden Venice & AperitivoGet an in-depth look into Venice as you walk through the lanes & squares of the city’s historic heart. Our Local Guide will show you the monuments & reveal the hidden secrets of the floating city before finishing with a drink & some cicchetti (Venetian style tapas) in true Venetian fashion.
Additional costs apply

Gooses T-ShirtsFeeling creative? Make up a one-off design for a trip t-shirt with your group. They’re perfect for keeping your travel memories fresh when you’re back home.
Additional costs apply

Day 10: Venice to Munich via Tyrol

VeniceConfident we have ticked off all the Italian essentials, we can now leg it to Germany. After all the sophistication and glamour of France and Italy, a few beers and the chance to wear Bavarian suspenders will be precisely what we feel like.

TyrolWind through the Austrian Alps to lively Munich.MunichBavarian culture, a famous Glockenspiel and charm aplenty; Munich doesn’t just turn it on during Oktoberfest! Explore peaceful gardens and legendary beer halls or join in the bike tour and explore the side streets you wouldn’t usually see.

Bento Inn Munich Messe (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Mike’s Bike TourExplore Munich like a true Bavarian & join us on a guided bike tour when you cycle past the famous sights as your Local Guide explains the fascinating history of the city. The perfect way to see a lot in a short time.
Additional costs apply

Day 11: Munich to Rhine Valley via DachauMake Travel Matter®

MunichToday it’s goodbye Munich, hello wine country. But first, we have an important stop to make.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial SiteJourneying out of Munich, we’ll make a stop at Dachau for a sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. You’ll be able to spend some time here to learn and reflect, before we head on to the Rhine Valley. Sankt GoarAfter the scenic journey of fairytale castles, vineyards and valleys, you’ll be charmed before we even arrive in Germany’s famous Rhine Valley. This back-in-time town is our wine tasting host for the evening.

Hotel Montag Sankt Goar (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Included ExperienceVisit Dachau Concentration Camp Take a somber but impactful visit to the site of a World War II concentration camp in Munich. Included ExperienceSee the River RhineTake in the breath-taking scenery of the River Rhine.Make Travel Matter®Rhine Valley Wine Tasting (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)In the historic setting of an underground candle-lit cellar, get the low-down on the region’s reputation as a leading white wine producer. Try out local wines as you sip on some Riesling & the exclusive ice wine, a speciality of the area.
Additional costs apply

Day 12: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam via Edam

Sankt GoarThis morning we’ll drag you all away from Germany kicking and screaming that you want to stay forever. Only to see you equally infatuated with another dot on the European map hours later…

EdamYou know the cheese, and now you’re going to know the place that pioneered it. We’ll cycle into the countryside admiring windmills in Edam.AmsterdamPretty canals lined with quaint crooked houses and cafes bursting with life. Amsterdam is all that and way more than what you could ever imagine.

Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Included ExperienceCycle through the Quaint Town of EdamExplore all the windmills, canals and dikes on two wheels.

Day 13: AmsterdamMake Travel Matter®

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. The best way to say farewell to this gorgeous city? Opt to take the A’DAM lookout swing, an incredible observation deck with unrivalled panoramas of the twisting canals below.

Via Hostel Amsterdam (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Have a Go on Amsterdam’s Highest SwingThere’s no better way to start your time in the capital city than with an exclusive entrance into Europe’s highest swing. An unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam’s historic centre, unique Dutch landscape, & famous canals which belong to the UNESCO world heritage list. Be amazed by this vibrant city while you swing back & forth 100 metres above the ground then enjoy a drink at the top.
Additional costs apply

Highlights of Amsterdam Canal CruiseFloating down Amsterdam’s canals by night is the perfect way to finish off your trip as you cruise past historic buildings. The cruise gives you a different take on one of Europe’s hottest creative capitals!
Additional costs apply

Make Travel Matter® Clogs, Edam and Dinner Experience (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) Join local Dutch farmers to get an insight into how clogs and Edam cheese are made. After a demo and a tasting sesh (of the cheese, that is), we’ll enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner in a restored cheese-making barn.
Additional costs apply

Day 14: Amsterdam to London

AmsterdamDown your breakfast and wipe away your tears – this is always the worst day of the trip. We’ll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am for those leaving us in the canal lined city.

CalaisFor those not leaving us until London, we’ll travel south through Belgium, then cross into France to Calais.

DoverWe’ll make our way back to London-town, where you’ll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure. LondonWhat a journey! Say a fond farewell to the group as you wrap up the trip on arrival in London.

Included Meals:

Breakfast

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

Included Experience
Taste Wine at the Château

Be a VIP at the epic Contiki Château and fill up on a banquet of classic French dishes and wines. Ooh la la!

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Visit Pisa (for that Epic Selfie)

Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.

INCLUDED

See a Paris Cabaret Show

Get your glad rags on… it’s time for a night out at the Parisian cabaret. From your lamp-lit table, you’ll feast your eyes on a succession of feathers, sequins, can-can girls, acrobats, and comedians – sipping on delicious French champagne all the while.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Tuscan Dinner

Wind down with the fantastic local wine, Chianti, in the heart of Florence. In true Italian fashion, our warm hosts will load your table with a feast of entrées followed by a house speciality & something ‘dolce’ for dessert.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Mike’s Bike Tour

Explore Munich like a true Bavarian & join us on a guided bike tour when you cycle past the famous sights as your Local Guide explains the fascinating history of the city. The perfect way to see a lot in a short time.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

What currency do I need?

For this trip, you’ll need just two currencies – the British Pound and the Euro.

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

13 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Average 46 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Coach

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized France tour for young adults or other Europe trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.