Almost There...

My countdown has officially begun... in 37 days I will be going to Europe for the very first time. Initially, I was really nervous about going alone on this trip but my awesome and amazing coworkers (Marisa & Evan) have been giving me so much advice from their adventures/travels to Europe that my nervousness has now turned into excitement.It's going to be a spectacular journey and I just can't wait! Just to give you an idea of where I will be going, here is the itinerary from the website:

Featuring: · France · Spain · Monaco · Italy · Vatican City · Greece · Austria · Germany · Liechtenstein · Switzerland · Holland ·Belgium (In transit)

Depart USA July 7 (Tour starts July 10)

Arrive London: After checking into the Imperial Hotel the day is yours to experience London at your leisure.

London to Paris: A warm welcome from your Contiki crew on our way to the White Cliffs of Dover. Cross the Channel to France then past World War I battlefields to Paris. Tonight our evening tour of this beautiful city.

Paris Sightseeing: This morning, on our city tour, see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Nôtre Dame Cathedral. Shop on the Champs Elysées, or watch the world go by at a sidewalk café. Why not join us tonight for an evening meal and afterwards experience a famous Parisian cabaret?

Paris to Bordeaux: Through the Loire Valley, home of over 3,000 châteaux. See magnificent Chambord and the vineyards which produce many of France’s finest wines.

Bordeaux to Barcelona: First to Carcassone, a medieval walled city before crossing into Spain and heading for fascinating Barcelona. Time to view Gaudi’s amazing Art Nouveau Cathedral and to see the 1992 Olympic Games complex.

Barcelona Sightseeing: This morning, our walking tour includes the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Try ‘tapas’, go shopping for Lladró porcelain and Majorica pearls, wander at leisure and why not take in a Flamenco show?

Barcelona to Nice - French Riviera: French Riviera. Back into France for the Riviera playground and two nights at our hotel near the centre of Nice.

Nice at Leisure: Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the promenade at Nice. A chance to relax, swim or shop for French fashion – the choice is yours! Tonight we visit Monaco to see the Royal Palace and a Monte Carlo Casino.

Nice to Florence: Today starts with a visit to a French perfumery before continuing across to Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany as we reach Florence.

Florence Sightseeing: Our local guide takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s Belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria. Shop for leather, silver and gold in this most famous of Renaissance Cities.

Florence to Rome: Southwards through the centre of Italy and on to the fabled Seven Hills of the Eternal City, Rome. Tonight a walking tour of this ancient city includes the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

Rome Sightseeing: Today why not discover the ancient ruins of Rome with a local guide and in your free time leisurely discover the secrets of the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.

Rome to Sorrento: First, an opportunity to visit the ancient city of Pompeii, then on to cliffside Sorrento with its marvellous views of the Bay of Naples.

Sorrento - Isle of Capri: Our complimentary cruise takes you to the Isle of Capri for a full day to enjoy its many attractions from the Blue Grotto to the hilltop town of Anacapri.

Sorrento to Greece: We cross Italy to Bari for our overnight ferry to Greece.

To Athens: From Patras we cross the famous Corinth Canal before arriving in historic Athens. An opportunity to join us for an optional meal in Athens.

Athens to Mykonos: Board the ferry this morning for the journey to the Cycladic Island of Mykonos. The dazzling white houses, windmills and the harbour are an unforgettable sight as you arrive.

Mykonos at Leisure (5 days WOOHOO!!): Make the most of the island’s myriad pleasures. Greek tavernas with traditional dancing or watch the sun set over Little Venice to the strains of Vivaldi. By day there’s excellent beaches, shops and trips to neighbouring islands. Breakfast is included each day so you have the freedom to eat when and where you please.

Mykonos to Athens: We take the ferry journey back to Athens. Tonight an opportunity to explore Athens nightlife.

Athens to Italy – Mini Cruise: This morning a guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Enjoy a city tour before boarding our ferry for the 2 nights and a full day cruise across the Adriatic to Italy.

To Venice: After docking in Trieste, we drive to Verona, home to Juliet’s balcony. Later we check in to our hotel for the evening.

Venice at Leisure: Our complimentary motorboat takes us into Venice to see St Marks Square, the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace-making demonstrations and later perhaps treat yourself to a gondola ride.

Venice to Vienna: Past picturesque villages for two nights at our special resort in Vienna. Take a dip in the pool, try the gym or just relax.

Vienna Sightseeing: Visit St Stephen’s Cathedral, see the State Opera House and maybe the Spanish Riding School. Drive along the famous Ring Road, perhaps see the palaces of the Hapsburgs and take time to wander at leisure.

Vienna to Munich: A leisurely start as we head for Munich, capital of Bavaria. View some of the sights before we check-in to our hotel. Tonight, we experience a typical Bavarian beer hall.

Munich Sightseeing: See the sights on the city tour including the town hall with its famous Glockenspiel. Explore the shops on Marienplatz or perhaps visit the Deutsches Technological Museum.

Munich to Lucerne: We pause at Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein, on our way to Switzerland and lakeside Lucerne. A very special treat as we take the cable car or cog railway for breathtaking views from our resort on top of Mt Pilatus, the highest hotel in Europe.

Lucerne Sightseeing: We take the cable car down for a day exploring Lucerne. Enjoy our orientation tour including the Chapel Bridge, and wander through the cobbled streets shopping for watches, jewellery and Swiss chocolate. An opportunity to cruise Lake Lucerne and enjoy a BBQ.

Lucerne to Rhine Valley: Northward to the old town of St Goar with superb views of the River Rhine. We take a scenic Rhine cruise past the famous Lorelei Rock.

Rhine Valley to Amsterdam: From the Rhine Valley, we travel past Cologne and cross the border into Netherlands. Past canals and windmills, we arrive in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Sightseeing: Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Also visit a cheese farm, and see clogs being made. Enjoy the orientation tour and shop for diamonds. Tonight why not get together for a farewell meal.

Whew... sounds like a whirlwind doesn't it? I still can't believe I'm going...Every day I wake up I think, "I'm one day closer to Europe". Sometimes I just want to pinch my self just to make sure I'm not dreaming! In order to remember this life-changing experience I am dedicating this site to my family, friends, and wellwishers so you can join me on this trip as well. I will try to keep this updated as regulary as possible while I am in Europe so you can see what sort of trouble I can get myself into hehehe Don't forget to leave me comments or emails! I would love to hear from you if you have more advice for me or if you just want to say hi Anyway, I will update this again later as my departure date gets closer! Stay Tuned!