ok i think i prob need some advice.... e med pple are thinking of going to europe for a trip in late may, ie me gill shawn john jia lun n mebbe gloria.... n mebbe tousif n pravin? i dunno...... anws, there's this huge prob about the costing. we have currently 2 options:
1) contiki travels -
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: 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 it's amazing nightlife. Youth Hotel (D)
Day 2: Amsterdam. This morning why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam? In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together. Youth Hotel (B)
Day 3: Amsterdam to Berlin. Today we pass Hannover and cross the River Elbe as we make our way to Germany's capital Berlin. Youth Hotel (B,D)
Day 4: Berlin. Time to explore this lively city where East and West once met. A chance for an Historical Walking tour, a visit to the "Checkpoint Charlie" museum or to check out the great shops, cafés and nightlife. Youth Hotel (B)
Day 5: Berlin to Prague. This morning we make a stop in Dresden before crossing the border in to the Czech Republic. Tonight we discover the golden city of Prague. Hotel (B)
Day 6: Prague. Free time to further discover the labyrinth of streets in the old town, the medieval castle district and Karlov Most, the most photographed bridge in Prague. Tonight's dinner is your choice and afterwards enjoy the local nightlife. Hotel (B)
Day 7: Prague to Munich. On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Maybe join us this evening at one of this city's traditional Beer Halls. Youth Hotel (B)
Day 8: Munich to Austrian Tyrol. Our orientation tour of Munich includes the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz. Take the opportunity to go white-water rafting in the heart of the Austrian Alps before a special welcome awaits at Contiki's own Gasthof. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)
Day 9: Austrian Tyrol to Venice. This morning the Austrian Alps form the backdrop for you to try white water rafting before we travel into Italy. We stop at Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet before continuing to mainland Venice in the Veneto region. Contiki Village (B,D)
Day 10: Venice. A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride? Contiki Village (B,D)
Day 11: Venice to Rome. All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Tonight, a walking tour of this ancient city will include the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Contiki Village (B)
Day 12: Rome. Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing. Contiki Village (B,D)
Day 13: Rome to Florence. A morning drive to Florence where our included walking tour takes us to the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Sante Croce. Shop for leather, gold and silver and tonight a chance to be treated to "La Dolce Vita" at a local Italian restaurant and sample the local nightlife. Contiki Village (B)
Day 14: Florence to Swiss Alps. We continue north past Lake Como and through beautiful mountain scenery into Switzerland. Our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps is nestled at the base of the Jungfrau mountain. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)
Day 15: Swiss Alps. A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe 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 16: Swiss Alps to Paris. Travel past vineyards and through the French countryside to the romantic city of Paris and your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Contiki Village (B,D)
Day 17: Paris. Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? Contiki Village (B)
Day 18: Paris to London. Departing Paris we visit the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. On to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. (B)
so in all, it's 18 days n it sounds really good. it costs about S$2377 after conversion + 245 bucks for meals provided on 13 of the 18 days (breakfast n dinner only) but it basically includes transport btw states n accomodation.... not sure if it includes entrance fee costs to attractions. DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR FARE. i called up e travel agent lady my mum always goes to n she says cheapest direct flight (transit is abt 20 bucks cheaper super not worth it) to london is S$1358 inclusive of tax. so it totals to S$3980. damn ex right. but it really goes a lot of places, as u can see....
2) peishan's og aka mathew's og already roughly worked out their free & easy route n costing. just the 1st phase at least. their costing so far is as such: just including air ticket + accomodation for 3 weeks (ie in student dorms) + transport btw cities (not within cities itself) = S$2600. their accomodations shld be in like uni dorms, n transport btw cities is via euro-rail. heard just pay 600 bucks singh for any amt of travelling via train in europe. pretty good deal...hmmm..... so shld we go free & easy? if we work out our route properly n cost properly, it may be cheaper yet....
but there r several complications, like gill cant go unless its a tour cos her parents want to make sure she's well taken care of. but mebbe we can convince if we plan a concrete route with backup plans....?
i really thought we were pretty set on e contiki tour alr cos we dun have to spend time planning. but after the costing is totalled, it's damn a lot of money n gill didnt tell us bout e 245 bucks food money b4hand, dun think she knew either. so it adds up to so much money. n mat's grp is going for 21 days, ours is 18 days. but they didnt include food, which cld cost a lot... i think average 10 euros for each meal is pretty safe. so if say go for 18 days, n we eat cheap breakfast, like just bread n jam. abt say 25 euros a day for meals....450 euros for meals? enough?
