EUROPE 2007 (June 2-16)

Welcome to my Page!!!

Well today is February 8th at 11:03 PM.... I am sooo excited to go on this trip .

I've already started our Packing List... its 3 pages long haha. I really need to shorten that considering Contiki will only allow 1 suitcase (non-expanding up to 29” x 20” x 10” (73cm x 50cm x25cm)) and the maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.)) and 1 carry on. This will definitely be a challenge. Hopefully Bruce will have room in his haha.

We booked it with Contiki (www.Contiki.com). Contiki offers tours for people between the ages of 18 and 35. Should be interesting and tons of fun from what I’ve read.

Day 1: Leave Canada for London . We leave on June 2nd from Canada to London for 2 days.

Day 2: Visiting London . Check into our 1st hotel. Then off we go through London . I am really looking forward to visiting London . There is so much I want to see there (Stonehenge, London Eye, Buckingham   Palace , Big Ben etc...) 

Day 3:  London . Check into our 2nd hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London . This is when we meet our Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travelers for our pre-departure meeting. 

Day 4: London to Amsterdam: A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We travel through Belgium and into The Netherlands. After dinner a chance to explore this unique city and its amazing nightlife. (D)

Day 5:  Amsterdam to Rhine Valley . This morning take time to explore one of Europe 's most intriguing cities. Maybe visit Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum . This afternoon we cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley . (B,D)

Day 6:  Rhine Valley to Munich : A pretty drive along the Rhine River this morning is followed by our arrival in Munich . Our orientation tour takes in the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz and then we have time to visit perhaps the most popular beerhall in Munich , the Hofbrauhaus – Prost! (B)

Day 7:  Munich to Austrian Tyrol : Snow-capped Alps form the backdrop for you to try white water rafting mid-morning and later be dazzled by the sparkle of Swarovski crystal. Tonight we stay in the picture postcard paradise of the Austrian Tyrol. (B,D)

Day 8: Austrian Tyrol to Venice : Today we wind through the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy . It's a short boat ride to the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square , the Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs . There is no better way to see Venice than from a gondola so why not join us for a ride before treating yourself to a Venetian evening meal? (B)

Day 9:  Venice to Rome : Past medieval hillside villages and through the Appennine Mountains , we travel south to the fabled Seven Hills 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 10:  Rome . Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)

Day 11:  Rome to Florence : Our morning drive leads us to Florence , the Renaissance city in the beautiful mountain folds of Tuscany . Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our expert local guide walks us through the city. (B)

Day 12:  Florence to Lucerne : Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and the vast serene lakes of Switzerland . Be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge , Lion monument and plentiful shopping opportunities. (B,D)

Day 13:  Lucerne to Paris : Our focus today is the journey to Paris , the 'City of Lights '. What better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower ? (B,D)

Day 14:  Paris Sightseeing: Visit a French perfume house and then take the opportunity to visit some of the most celebrated icons of Europe . The Louvre, Eiffel Tower , Nôtre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées all await your arrival! Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous cabaret? (B)

Day 15:  Paris : Morning transfer to paris CDG Airport (estimated arrival 10am) or choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London and extend your stay. (B)

I can't wait untill the end of April when school is done and I can finally concentrate on all the things Bruce and I are going to see and do. I think a trip meeting will have to be held to decide all of these things haha

I plan on updating this Journal for everyone to read while were on Vacation. Hopefully I will have access to the internet everyday. But I may just have to complete it when I get home as I want to soak in as much of Europe as I can!

Stay Tuned Everyone!!!!