P H O T O   A L B U M S   2 0 0 1 – 2 0 0 2

On the 24th May 2001 I took off, along with great mate Shannon Whitfield, on my first overseas adventure completely unaware of the impact this would have on the rest of my life…

Without knowing it at the time the next 2 years were going to change my way of life & how I would progress in life to where I am today! As mentioned, it all started way back at the age of 22 in May 2001 when Shan & I flew to Bali for a week long stopover on the way to London before we commenced a Contiki bus tour throughout western Europe with 50 other people over 2 weeks!

Below is the itinerary of the Contiki trip along with photos of my personal photo albums of the pictures, souvenirs & memories from these adventures & the weeks & months that followed. The albums capture our adventures living in London, attending festivals & events, living with numerous flatmates, hosting & attending numerous parties, family visits & farewells from London which all culminated in a short trip back home to Australia for myself at the end of 2002 after creating a new way of life living & working in London…

E U R O P E A N   E X P E R I E N C E

Day 1 – London to Paris. A warm welcome from your Contiki crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to Calais, France. Past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris. What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the city illuminations. Contiki Village (Dinner)
Day 2 – Paris. On our included sightseeing tour we visit Nôtre Dame, view the Champs Elysées, the Arc Du Triomphe, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. There’s time to shop, stroll along the Seine or just relax at a sidewalk café. Tonight, why not experience a famous Parisian cabaret. Contiki Village (Breakfast)
Day 3 – Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region. We travel south and stop at Fontainebleau to see the magnificient Château. Then to the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon and two nights in Contiki’s exclusive Château de Cruix. Contiki Special Stopover (B, D)
Day 4 – Beaujolais Wine Region. Drink in the atmosphere, enjoy our included picnic lunch and explore the French countryside – the choice is yours. Contiki Special Stopover (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 – Beaujolais Wine Region to Antibes. Our route today takes us south along the Autoroute du Soleil to the Côte d’Azur. Make the most of this splendid region and visit Cannes before trying your luck in the Monte Carlo casino. Contiki Village (B, D)
Day 6 – Antibes to Florence. First visit a French perfumery, then into Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa before arriving in the most fabulous of Renaissance cities, Florence. Contiki Village (B, D)
Day 7 – Florence. Begin with our included walking tour to see the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce. Time is yours to shop for leather, gold and silver, visit the many galleries, or stroll along the River Arno. This evening, an opportunity to enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. Contiki Village (B)
Day 8 – Florence to Rome. All roads lead to Rome and our Contiki Village. This afternoon why not discover the ancient ruins of Rome with a local guide. Later, a walking tour of this ancient city will include the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Contiki Village (B)
Day 9 – Rome. Today, take your chance to explore Rome. Leisurely discover the secrets of the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel or simply wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere. Perhaps a barbeque tonight and a party in the local disco. Contiki Village (B, D)
Day 10 – Rome to Venice. Travelling north we pass by medieval hillside villages. Then across the rugged Appennine Mountains for the Byzantine city of Venice. Contiki Village (B, D)
Day 11 – Venice. Our complimentary motor boat takes you to St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations, wander the fascinating canal side streets and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride. Contiki Village (B, D)
Day 12 – Venice – Hopfgarten. Today we travel over the spectacular Brenner Pass. Perhaps an opportunity to go white water rafting on our way to Contiki’s own Gasthof set amidst the magnificent Austrian mountains. Contiki Special Stopover (B, D)
Day 13 – Austrian Tyrol. The picture-postcard village of Hopfgarten is an excellent base to make the most of the beautiful countryside and experience a vast range of outdoor activities: walking, cycling or parapenting. Contiki Special Stopover (B, D)

Day 14 – Hopfgarten to Munich. On to Munich, the lively Bavarian capital. Our orientation tour includes the town centre with its historic Glockenspiel and excellent shops. Tonight, why not experience typical German fare in a Bavarian beer hall. Hotel (B)

Day 15 – Munich to Lauterbrunnen. Leaving Germany, we stop in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein before travelling onto lakeside Lucerne. A chance to see the Lion Monument before shopping for local souvenirs. We spend a relaxing evening at our cosy Alpine chalet in Lauterbrunnen. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)

Day 16 – Lauterbrunnen, Swiss Alps. A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain! Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)

Day 17 – Lauterbrunnen to Rhine Valley. Heading north we leave Switzerland and enter Germany for Heidelberg and an orientation tour of this university city on the Neckar River. Then on to our hotel in the Rhine Valley. Hotel (B,D)
Day 18 – Rhine Valley to Amsterdam. Today we cross the Dutch border making our way to Amsterdam. Visit a cheese farm and see how clogs are made on our afternoon orientation tour. Cycle through the countryside and explore the fishing and cheese village of Edam. Contiki’s centrally located hotel is home for our last two nights. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)
Day 19 – Amsterdam. After a diamond exhibition, why not take a canal bike ride to explore Amsterdam further, perhaps visiting Anne Frank’s house. Tonight, an opportunity to get together for our final night out. Contiki Special Stopover (B)
Day 20 – Amsterdam to London. Travelling south through the Belgian Countryside to Calais we catch the ferry back to Dover reaching London early evening. (B)

P H O T O   A L B U M   –   2 0 0 1

CONTIKI TOUR, CORK – IRELAND, WIMBLEDON MEN’S FINAL, SAN FERMIN FESTIVAL PAMPLONA – SPAIN, BRUGGES – BELGIUM, LONDON & EDINBURGH – UK

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P H O T O   A L B U M   –   2 0 0 2

LONDON BIRTHDAY, GALLIPOLI – TURKEY, WEST LONDON WILDCATS BALL, FIERCE FESTIVAL LONDON, WIMBLEDON, LEEDS, WEST LONDON WILDCATS WILD DAY OUT 1 & 2, RAIDERS GRAND FINAL, FAMILY TRIP, PARIS – FRANCE, EDINBURGH – SCOTLAND,  OCKTOBERFEST – GERMANY, LONDON FAREWELLS, MELBOURNE – AUSTRALIA

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