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Contiki - European Discovery... by Kathryn Comeau  I have recently returned from an amazing, exciting, breathtaking adventure through 8 of Europe's beautiful western countries with a company called Contiki. Forty-three jet-lagged strangers from all over the world (Canadians, Americans, Australians, South Africans, Mexicans, Koreans, and more) met for the first time in London's Coffee and had no idea what was about to take place. We all ranged from ages 18 to 35 and all we knew was that we hadn't slept in what felt like ages and how we had to be awake and on the bus the next morning at 6:30am. 6:30am came awfully quickly. We all made our way onto the bus where we were given the welcome and don't wreck the bus speech by the tour manager and the driver. My first impression of the road crew was not very good because the first thing they did was run off this huge list of things not to do, things we could not do and things to not even bother asking. Day 1: From London we drove to Dover where we caught the ferry to Calais. The view of the white cliffs was a beautiful beginning to our 12-day journey. The ferry took approximately 1 ½ hrs and then we were once again on the coach heading towards Amsterdam. Amsterdam was AMAZING! After arriving into our cute little family owned hotel right on the docks, we were fed a large buffet dinner and then made our way into town for a candlelight cruise along the canals. This cruise started nice and peacefully with complimentary drinks and snacks but within about 20 minutes this was the royal booze cruise. Everyone was having a great time enjoying the sites, and their new companions. Once the cruise was over some of us made our way down the red light district. This is a must when in Amsterdam. Day 2: Up at 6:15am, breakfast at 7:00am, on the bus at 7:30am. Today we made our way to St. Goar, Germany. Did you know there are castles around every corner in the German countryside? I couldn't believe it. Here we stayed in this really nice little hotel right across the street from the Rhine River. This town was tiny so we spent most of the night by the water looking at the castles, which surrounded us. Breathtaking! Day 3: This morning we were up early to go take a look in some of the local shops and were then off to München. As soon as we stepped off the bus in Munich we heard music everywhere. In the squares, in the parks, in the Bavarian beer houses…Today was spent mostly on our own exploring the city, the glockenspiel and sampling bratwursts. Day 4: AUSTRIA! Rolling hills of green with small little villages throughout. Beautiful! Here is where we went white water rafting, spent the afternoon strolling around Innsbruck and ended up in a great hotel at the top of the Bavarian Alps. Day 5: Did you know they have stopped Venice from sinking? That is right. The government went to Amsterdam for help and have now successfully stopped the sinking. My favorite part of Venice was the outdoor markets. They were everywhere along the cobblestone streets. Here some of us went on gondola rides around the canals, visited one of Mozarts homes and went for dinner in a nice Italian restaurant while we were serenaded by an accordion player. Day 6 and 7: I LOVE ROME! So much history everywhere you step, although watch out for thieves. Within the first 5 minutes of being in Rome we witnessed a pickpocket and no more then an hour later watched a lady's camera being stolen by one of the street performers who wanted money for the picture the lady had just taken. Be cautious but don't let this spoil your vacation. Visit the Pantheon, the Coliseum, the old ruins, the Trevi Fountain, the outdoor markets as well as the museums. They are really something! The following day we wandered back into Rome and explored the Vatican City. If you like Art, History and/or Religion then this is a must. As soon as you walk through the gates you feel surrounded by life. Marble statues line the walls, the Sistine Chapel will awe you and if you are there on a Tuesday you may catch a glimpse of the pope waving from the window. Day 8: Off to Florence for a guided tour of the city of statues. Florence was much more laid back then Rome or Venice and everywhere you turned you found leather. Don't forget to drink lots of water if traveling during the summer. We had a girl on our tour with heat stroke who missed all of Rome and Florence. This evening we drove up into the hills for a huge Tuscan feast where we were entertained by musicians and an opera singer. Day 9: This morning we were up early and off to Lucerne, Switzerland. What a difference from Italy. Here everything was so clean, fresh and new. Mountains, trees and water surrounded this picturesque town. Wandering around town we came across the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. There was this statue of a wounded lion carved right out of the side of a cliff. It was a monument for all the Swiss soldiers who died in WWII. Our accommodation this evening was in this old jailhouse, complete with combinations on the doors and bars on the windows. You should have seen where we ate dinner. It was fantastic! Day 10 and 11: The romantic city of Paris. We arrived in the early evening and spent most of the first night touring around the city with our road crew and climbing the Eiffel tower. The next day we had to ourselves to explore the remainder of the city. We hit the Louvre, Notre Dame, L'Arc de Triumph, Les Champs Elysee, the Latin Quarter, and much much more. On the evening of the 11th day a bunch of us went to a Parisian cabaret, similar to the Moulin Rouge, for dinner and a show. This was expensive but spectacular. A great way to spend our last night! Day 12: Back to London with a stop at this intense memorial for all the Canadian soldiers who died in WWI. After the 12 days I was ready to jump on the next tour. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done and completely surpassed all my expectations. I would highly recommend Contiki to anyone who wants to have an adventure with a group of people of their own age from all over the world. |
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