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Contiki Review – Travel Tours, Group Vacations & Adventure Holidays

Amar Hussain

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Young Travelers

Solo travelers, friends or groups, destinations, contiki australia, contiki europe, contiki japan, contiki new zealand, contiki thailand, contiki usa & canada, contiki reviews, contiki vs. topdeck, final thoughts.

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Contiki provides travel tours for young adults. The tour company was incorporated in the mid-1960s after a group of friends posted a flyer on a noticeboard advertising space on their 12-seater minibus to travel around Europe. To this day, group travel is still immensely popular, as you not only get to explore a fantastic destination, but you get to make lots of friends in the process.

Contiki is one of the best European bus tour companies out there, but it also offers group tours all over the world. Many tours use coaches, and groups can be as large as 52 people. In some destinations such as Africa and Latin America, group sizes can be as small as 12 people up to a maximum of 30.

Each tour has a driver and a trip leader that will be with you for the entire journey, and local expert guides will also join you for specific activities. With your travel, accommodations, and itinerary arranged for you, all you need to worry about is having an incredible time.

Who Are Contiki Tours Good For?

Contiki tours are exclusively for travelers from 18 to 35 years old so that you can experience a new destination with like-minded young vacationers. The tours are incredibly social and many travelers meet lifelong friends. Including a combination of scheduled activities and free time, the tours let you tick-off bucket list experiences and landmarks before enjoying a beer with your new pals.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or are embarking on your first solo trip, Contiki tours are perfect for single travelers. You’ll experience the excitement of independent travel while having the logistics taken care of. Rather than having to approach a new friend in a hostel bar, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers in a less daunting environment.

Tour prices are based on twin sharing with a fellow traveler of the same gender, but you can also upgrade to a private room for a fee.

It’s not just solo travelers that choose Contiki tours. Groups of friends often join tours together as they love the idea of meeting more new people as well as getting to travel with their friends. You can all book your places and pay final balances independently, avoiding 1 person having to be responsible for everyone’s finances.

Contiki Tour Types and Destinations

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to travel. To help travelers choose which tours might suit their travel style, Contiki has tagged its tours under various categories.

Contiki’s Adventure tours include the usual transport and accommodation, but they also include unique travel experiences for adventurous types. You could be quad biking through the Cambodian countryside or soaring high above the Sonoran Desert in Arizona in a hot air balloon.

Hot Tip:  Be sure to check out our adventure travel essentials before your next trip.

African Safari

Africa’s incredible landscapes are teeming with wildlife, large and small, from majestic elephants bathing in watering holes to color-changing desert chameleons. African Safari tours include plenty of wildlife encounters and other bucket-list experiences such as Victoria Falls, the Sossusvlei salt pans, and Table Mountain.

Beach Trips

Contiki has picked some of the best beaches in the world to create tours with the perfect blend of sun, sea, adventure, and nightlife. Beach Trips tend to follow the coastline of a destination, so you can enjoy surf lessons to beach yoga and sunset cocktails to fresh seafood dining.

Hot Tip:  We take the pain out of packing for your beach vacation with this printable packing list .

Discoverer trips offer an excellent balance of culture, iconic sights, and adventure. You’ll tick off lots of bucket list experiences as well as authentic local encounters, which are often the most memorable moments. These tours are generally longer than 9 days, so you’ll get to immerse yourself in a destination.

Iconic Essentials

Iconic Essentials tours cover comprehensive itineraries around Europe and include some excursions and lots of free time. This means that you can tailor-make your trip to only see the sights that are important to you. If you’re used to traveling solo or are skeptical about touring, this tour type could be a good compromise — travel and accommodation are arranged but many of the excursions are optional.

Hot Tip:  Check out the best compact, mirrorless, and DSLR cameras for travel so that you can capture iconic sights on your tour. 

In-Depth Explorer

In-Depth Explorer tours enable travelers to experience a destination like a local, with lots of authentic experiences to immerse yourself in the local culture. Accommodations include well-situated, independent hotels, so you’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience while knowing you’re supporting local communities.

Island Hopping

Why stay on 1 island when you can experience them all? Island Hopping tours allow travelers the opportunity to experience the unique culture and quirks of island life while enjoying the journey in between. Relax on palm-fringed sandy beaches, sip a cocktail while watching an island sunset, or go in search of marine life with a snorkel or diving excursion.

Hot Tip:  Make sure you’re prepared for your beach tour with these recommendations for the best travel beach towels and blankets .

Sailing and Cruise

Sail between beautiful islands and buzzing port towns with a Sailing or Cruise tour. On some tours, your ship is your transport and your accommodation, so you’ll only need to unpack once for your whole trip. When it comes to sightseeing, you’ll get the best of both worlds, with regular stops for land-based exploration and plenty of incredible views of the coastline.

Short Trips and Festivals

Short Trips and Festival tours are great for those who want to explore a city for a couple of days or combine their holidays with a festival or celebration. These include music festivals, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or local public holidays, so you can celebrate in style while soaking up the local culture.

Hot Tip:  If you’re heading away on a short break, you might want to upgrade to one of these recommended carry-on bags , including wheeled cabin bags and backpacks.

Ski and Snowboard

Ski and Snowboard tours offer the perfect solution if you’re looking to explore a new destination while getting in some slope time. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, you’ll have the option to book lessons and chances are there will be someone on your tour of a similar standard. Enjoy the cool and crazy vibes of Tokyo before taking a train to one of the nearby ski resorts or hit the slopes in Lake Tahoe on a sightseeing trip through California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Small Group

Some of Contiki’s groups accommodate up to 50 people, which some travelers love, as it allows them to meet more people. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate travel experience, Contiki offers Small Group tours with tours averaging 12 to 24 people.

Volunteering

Contiki’s Volunteering tours allow travelers to give back to the countries and communities they’re exploring. Volunteer tours combine exploration with a service element, such as participating in sustainable development projects.

Other Tour Types

Contiki has a variety of other tour types:

• Backpacking
• Christmas Tours
• Group Travel
• Guided Tours
• Hiking and Trekking
• New Year’s Eve Tours
• Sightseeing
• Solo Travel
• Winter Holidays
• World Tours

Contiki provides over 350 tours to 75 destinations within these countries, continents, and regions:

• Latin America
• Middle East
• New Zealand
• U.S. and Canada

Contiki Top Tours

Contiki offers itineraries of up to 22 days to explore this vast country. Many cover the popular east coast from Sydney to Cairns, while others venture into the remote outback to watch the sunset at Uluru. Sail around the Whitsundays, learn to surf at Byron Bay, or see where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation.

• Includes transport, accommodation, breakfast, and some activities

Hot Tip:  As flights are not included in the tour price, you might be interested in the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles . 

Contiki is well-known for its European bus tours, but some destinations utilize transportation by train or boat for coastal areas. It’s usually unnecessary to fly between destinations as combination tours like European Discovery typically cover neighboring countries. Let’s take a look at a sample of what’s available.

Contiki Croatia

You can discover Croatia as a standalone tour or as part of a combination Balkans or European tour. With one of the longest coastlines in the Mediterranean, it’s the perfect sailing destination, stopping at the historic coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split and the beautiful islands of Korčula and Hvar.

• Includes transport, accommodation, some meals, and activities

Contiki Greece

You can island-hop your way around Greece or visit as part of a wider European tour. With most tours starting in Athens, you can explore the iconic Acropolis and Olympic Stadium before sailing between the likes of Mykonos, Santorini, and Ios.

Contiki Italy

Contiki runs a wide variety of trips to Italy, ranging from week-long tours visiting some of its most iconic cities and coastlines to 45-day European tours. From exploring Roman ruins and floating cities to sampling fresh pasta or delicious wine at a 16th-century Tuscan winery, you’ll most definitely be living la dolce vita .

Japan is an enchanting county of contrasts, from bustling cities to ornate temples and magnificent mountains to war memorials. With the high-speed bullet train, it’s pretty easy to get around to Kyoto and Hiroshima, and some tours include a trip into the mountains for skiing or snowboarding.

Hot Tip:  If you’re planning to visit Japan in Spring, take a look at our ultimate guide to the cherry blossom festivals .

Explore the North Island, South Island, or both with a Contiki New Zealand tour. Cruise across the Bay of Islands, go white water rafting down Kaituna River, or spend a night on the town in Wellington. Contiki tours range from 6 to 19 days.

• Includes transport, accommodation, some meal, and activities

Hot Tip:  If you’re flying from the U.S. to New Zealand, find out which U.S. airports Air New Zealand flies direct from .

Embark on the ultimate Thailand adventure and tour the northern jungles of Chang Mai and the exotic coastlines and islands of the south. If you’re looking to visit more than 1 country, some tours combine Thailand with neighboring Cambodia or Malaysia.

If you’re looking for a tour closer to home, Contiki offers trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. These range from 2-night city breaks exploring Los Angeles , Orlando, or New York, or trips up to 26 days covering most of the eastern and southern states.

Hot Tip:  If you decide that a group tour isn’t for you, check out the best road trips in the U.S.  that might inspire you for your next vacation.

My Contiki is a platform for you to manage your profile and bookings and view trip itineraries, including the details for your Trip Manager (the person responsible for running the trip day-to-day). If you want to chat beforehand with people that will be on your tour, you can do this in the Meet Up area and you can also access any social media groups that the Trip Manager or your fellow travelers might set up.

Contiki is a well-reviewed tour company with the following overall ratings:

• Feefo : 4.6 out of 5
• Contiki.com : 4.6 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.7 out of 5

These are some recent reviews from some of Contiki’s top tours. It’s clear to see that the Trip Managers contribute hugely to the enjoyment of the tours. The majority of the negative reviews for Contiki center around the lively nature of the tours and a focus on drinking culture. While this may suit some young travelers, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Australian Outback Adventure “The trip itself was incredible, we had so many activities, most of them you had to pay for but it was defiantly money well spent, it was worth it!! There was a lot of travelling involved but it was all an amazing adventure, and we got to get to know everyone much better.” — Emma Mccaw

Croatia Island Sail “Dani was incredible, made it such a fun experience. She was so knowledgeable with history and local tips. Gave us plenty of down time and got the party started at the right times. It was a great week and would definitely recommend to friends” — Harriet Gilmour

Japan Winter Wonder “The trip manager was absolutely brilliant. We visited amazing places and our accommodation was very good. We were well looked after and our trip manager always made sure we were enjoying ourselves. There was so much to do everywhere we went and there just weren’t enough hours in the day to do them all but we always saw the highlights in every city.” — Anonymous

New Zealand The Big Tiki “Honestly can say one of the best trips I have been on! Amazingly well organised and the included activities were very good. A big thanks to Dan and Pat for organising it all so well and going above and beyond to make sure we made it to our activities!! The accommodation was very very good and I thought the itinerary covered everything key.” — Anonymous

Spotlight on Greece “The trip manager was really cool and took us to amazing local spots! The activities went from nature to museums to wine and dining! It was all a blast and I highly recommend for anyone who has only a week to get away! The locals are all so friendly and the food is amazing! Beautiful hotels and easy transportation included! A must see!!” — Melanie Button

Thai Island Hopper East “Everything was great. Especially for the price of the trip. Trip manager was amazing and everything was set out for us. Best experiences with not a worry in the world.” — Alexander Brighton

United States Grand Southern “Trip is well thought out stopping at great spots around the U.S. The extra add ons were fantastic, a large variety of what you normally get on organised tours. The trip manager Hayley Jo was beyond amazing, she went above and beyond to make sure anything was possible on the trip! Would highly recommend the Hot air balloon and snowmobiles, was such a great day!” — Emma Walker

Topdeck is another popular tour company covering many of the same destinations as Contiki , with both companies extremely popular for European bus tours. Both appeal to the same target market, however, Contiki does have a firm age limit of 35, and Topdeck caters to “18-30 somethings.” The travel style is very similar across both operators with socializing at the core, and both offer small group tour alternatives for those looking for a less party vibe.

When it comes to cost, Topdeck comes in cheaper than Contiki on the overall tour price, but this is often because there are more entrance fees and excursions included with Contiki. Topdeck provides a lot more free time, so any activities would be additional.

Contiki is an extremely popular tour company for young people, but large group tours are not going to suit everyone’s travel styles. Contiki tours are known for their lively, party atmosphere, which many travelers love. It’s as much about meeting new people and socializing as it is about exploring a new destination for them.

Many travelers make lifelong friends within their tour group, and the company states that many people have even found love on a Contiki tour. Contiki recognizes that not everyone wants to travel in a large group and has created some tour categories that have a more in-depth focus on the destination or for traveling in smaller groups.

As with other group tour operators such as G Adventures and Intrepid Travel , Contiki is committed to sustainable travel by supporting local communities, ethical animal experiences, and planting 1 tree for every traveler that uses e-documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go on contiki if you are over 35.

Contiki has a maximum age limit of 35 for all of its tours, so if you are over 35 you would not be permitted, unfortunately.

Should I go on a Contiki tour alone?

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or are embarking on your first solo trip, Contiki tours are perfect for single travelers. You’ll experience the excitement of independent travel while having the logistical side of things taken care of. Rather than having to approach a new friend in a hostel bar, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers in a less daunting environment.

Tour prices are based on you sharing with a fellow traveler of the same gender, but you can also upgrade to a private room for a fee.

Are Contiki tours safe?

Contiki is committed to providing a safe environment for all travelers, and Trip Managers are there to support travelers with advice and recommendations on safety. Although most traveler’s experiences are problem-free, there is always a small element of risk when exploring an unknown destination.

Are Contiki tours good for couples?

If you’re a sociable couple happy to be around the company of others, you’ll likely enjoy a Contiki tour. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic trip with lots of alone time, it probably won’t suit you.

Do Contiki trips include flights?

Entry and exit flights from the meeting point are not included in the tour price. Any flights that form part of the itinerary are included in the price (unless otherwise stated) and these are often used in Asia and South America where it’s necessary to cover large distances in a short space of time.

Is Contiki a party tour?

Contiki tours do have a reputation for being party tours, featuring a reasonable amount of free time to explore the local nightlife. Although the atmosphere can be quite lively and social, it’s up to the individual whether they decide to partake.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Contiki tours review: the good and bad of traveling europe with contiki.

Is a Contiki Tour right for you?

Product Reviews

We receive a lot of questions from people asking me about our thoughts on joining tour groups in Europe — most notably Contiki Tours. For those of you who aren’t aware, Contiki is a well-known and very popular bus tour company that caters to students/youth travelers. Not surprisingly, based on their younger clientele, they have earned a reputation as being a booze-filled party tour.

We want to say upfront that we prefer traveling independently — after all The Savvy Backpacker is focused on independent travel. That said, we don’t have any problem with these kinds of tours. So, with that in mind, our goal for this article isn’t to talk you into or out of a Contiki Tour. Our goal is to give you the facts, both good and bad, so you can make an informed decision on whether a tour like this is right for you.

Quick Overview of Contiki Tours

Contiki is the most popular bus tour company for young travelers (18-35). They operate in Europe, Russia, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Asia — but most of the info in this guide will be focused on their European tours.

They host more than 150,000 travelers each year and they’ve been doing tours since the early 60s.

Multiple Tour Options

One nice thing about Contiki is that they offer a wide variety of tour options — ranging from week-long trips to multiple-month excursions. They also have tour options that visit just about every part of Europe so that’s really nice.

Their most popular tours are their “budget” tours (which basically means the accommodation consist of budget hotels and campsites).  You can view all their European tours here .

The tour prices range from around $1000 for about a week to well over $6000 for multi-week trips. Their most popular tours will be around $2000. Visit this page to see all their prices .

Travel Styles

In the past, we’ve ragged on Contiki because they were traditionally seen as a party on wheels. Don’t get us wrong, we can totally see why people would be into that and we don’t have a problem with it… but not everyone is into that kind of travel.

But these days, while some of the tours still have that party atmosphere, Contiki now offers a lot more options to fit other travel styles — which we think was a great move.

Here are their main travel styles:

• High Energy
• Discovery Plus
• In-Depth Explorer
• Freestyle Camping
• Sailing and Cruising
• Winter and Ski

Click here to see all their travel styles

Accommodation

All the accommodation is provided by Contiki and is included in the price —so you never have to worry about finding a place to sleep (conversely, you have no say in where you stay). Each tour usually features multiple types of accommodation but there are basically three types of accommodation:

• Budget Hotels: They claim to only book “2-3 star” hotels but many have reported that some of the hotels were very “budget”.
• Hostels: Similar to budget hotels. You’ll be sharing a room — which is normal.
• Contiki Owned Campsites: Think summer camp with shared cabins —not tents. The company’s employees staff the site.

On average, the quality of the accommodation tends to be on par with that of a budget hostel. The type of accommodation differs in each city and some are nicer than others. Some places are not that great, but some are fairly nice (for budget standards).

Much like a hostel, expect to share a room with 2-4 other people. However, you can usually pay extra to have your own room.

Be aware that your accommodation might not be located in the city. Depending on the tour, a few of your hostels/campsites could be far outside the city (sometimes 30-60 minutes by train/taxi). These locations are often not on any public transportation routes, so you’ll have to fork over 40-50 euros for a taxi ride if you want to spend time in the city.

Contiki’s website does a pretty good job of telling you what to expect on each tour/destination so be sure to do some research.

Breakfast is provided every day and it usually consists of standard food you’d find for free at almost any hostel (milk, cereal, toast w/ jam, coffee, and tea). You will sometimes get lucky and have eggs or sausage.

Lunch is always up to you. A lot of times you eat at rest stops because you’re usually on the bus during lunchtime.

Dinner is provided about half the time. Most of the time the staff at the campsite cooks it and sometimes you have to help with some of the cooking and cleaning.

In some cities, there are optional “special meals” that are served at restaurants but they’re fairly expensive. Some have reported that the meal is delicious and some told me that it was mediocre at best — it depends on where you go. For a budget traveler, this extra fee is a lot of money and I know you can get a cheaper meal in any European city.

Travel Pace

The breakneck travel pace seems to be a complaint that a lot of people have. Contiki Tours aims to hit as many places as possible so you often end up barely scratching the surface of each destination. You’ll only spend a day or two in large cities (Paris, Rome, etc) and half days in smaller towns.

On the other hand, you do end up getting to see a lot (albeit briefly).

In many instances, you are dropped off in the center of town, given a map, and told to meet back at a specific location/time. If your accommodation is outside the city, the bus will take you back to the campsite/hotel at night, otherwise, you meet at the bus in the morning (6-8 am).

You will spend a lot of time on the bus  — about 40% of the trip. Most people say that every second day is spent on the bus and most rides are 6-10 hours long. A lot of people spend their time on the bus sleeping off their hangovers or socializing. The bus stops every few hours at roadside convenience stores and gas stations.

Without a doubt, you’ll see a lot in a short amount of time, but things often tend to blend together when traveling at such a fast pace. Some people told me that they liked the fast pace because it gave them a good overview of where they want to visit again when they come back for their next European trip.

Note: Contiki does have some tours that travel at a bit slower of pace but their bread and butter tours are typically fast-paced.

Party Atmosphere

Contiki Tours have earned a reputation for being a party on wheels. I have heard from multiple sources that many of the tours quickly turn into drunken parties with lots of sex. This really isn’t too surprising — young people + hormones + plenty of alcohol + close quarters with the same people for long periods of time + interesting accents = hazy memories. It is basically a college party on steroids.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because a lot of people have tons of fun on Contiki Tours.

Because of the constant parties and accelerated travel pace, many people have told me that they have fuzzy memories of Europe. Some people have an absolute blast and just love this style of travel. Hell, we really enjoy letting loose and maybe having a few too many drinks, but doing that multiple times a week will really wear you down.

Of course, you don’t have to drink/get drunk but there is a good chance the people around you will.

The Contiki Traveler

All travelers have to be between 18-35, but the average age is about 20-25. Contiki Tours is an Australian company so there are a lot of Australians, but there are also plenty of Americans, Canadians, Kiwis, Brits, and Irish (you’ll probably get a few other nationalities in there too). It seems that there are generally more females than males and about half of the people are traveling alone.

A large majority of former Contiki travelers often talk fondly of all the cool people they met and how much fun they had with them. A lot of people form really close friendships with their fellow travelers. For good and bad, many people’s best memories come from the people they meet—not from the sights. But, to be fair, some of our best memories of traveling came from the people we’ve met in hostels, so we can’t see how this is any different.

Group Travel Frustrations

When there are 50 people in a group it is inevitable that someone will be constantly late—this is especially true in the morning when there are a bunch of hung-over travelers. Just be prepared to wait a lot.

You also run the risk of having a lame group. I have heard a few stories about travelers expecting a party only to find out that most people didn’t want to do anything. Or people could just not get along well and then you’re stuck with them for the duration of the trip.

Although, most people have very little conflict or frustrations stemming from group travel.

Tourist Traps

The tour guides are rumored to get kickbacks for bringing their guests to certain bars/shops/restaurants, so it is hard to always believe that the guide is showing you the best places to go.

For example, on some tours you are taken to an Italian leather shop as one of your destinations, but it is basically a glorified tourist gift shop (there are also silver, glass, diamond, and other shop “tours”). The people in the shop demonstrate their craft but then hit you with a big sales pitch. We’ve also heard stories about how the tour guides give travelers “city maps” but the maps really only highlight these “gift shops.”

We’ve also been warned that many of the “extra” excursions are extremely overpriced. It is usually best to book those on your own at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, there is a lot of pressure to purchase these extra tours because you can either go or be stuck at the campsite (which doesn’t have access to the city).

Tipping is highly encouraged by the staff. Each person gets their own envelope w/ their name on it and you’re supposed to put your tip in it. We don’t have a problem with tipping but some past guests thought this method seemed a bit forceful.

Reasons People Choose Contiki

Again, we’re not against these kinds of tours and we totally understand the benefits they provide. Below are some of the reasons people love Contiki Tours.

No Need To Plan

Some travelers simply don’t want to plan their trip and they would rather just let someone else take care of all that work. We think this is understandable, and we admit that travel planning can take a lot of time.

Planning can also be frustrating and honestly it can get overwhelming. We kind of like the planning part of the experience (obviously, we created this website) but we don’t fault anyone for just wanting to have a good time without having the headache of planning.

Many travelers think traveling around Europe is difficult, but using trains, planes, and other public transportation (especially in Europe) is usually pretty simple once you understand how the system works. But we totally see how it would seem intimidating — especially for someone who has no experience with public transportation. Nonetheless, a tour can be a good choice if you still don’t feel comfortable traveling independently.

I also think a lot of travelers get caught up in the fact they don’t speak the local language. Hell, we still get intimidated when we travel to a foreign country. Being in a tour group takes away a lot of this apprehension (although most Europeans speak English well, so we wouldn’t worry too much about it).

Solo Travelers

Many solo travelers choose tours because they feel that traveling alone is unsafe or lonely — we hear this a lot from female travelers. These concerns are completely understandable and we’ve had the same feelings ourselves.

That said, we’ve met plenty of solo female travelers but not everyone is up for this kind of experience. So, given a choice between not traveling and going on a tour, we’d always choose the tour.

So, if traveling alone is preventing you from traveling to Europe, then I think Contiki is an excellent option.

Instant Friends

Being surrounded by 50 other people means that you’ll never go lonely.

In fact, this built-in social network is one of the reasons we love hostels. And a Contiki tour is like a hostel on steroids. Plus, you don’t have to constantly reintroduce yourself to new people over and over again as you do in hostels.

And if you read past reviews, almost every person mentioned the friendships they made on their tour.

Past travelers seem to love their tour guides.

Always Something To Do

There will always be something going on every night. You have the option to do your own thing but there is always an option to party with the group.

Some people love Contiki Tours and you can find plenty of people who rave about them online. In fact, many of these people take multiple tours with them. On the other hand, you will also find many reviews from people that didn’t enjoy their trip as much as they would have liked.

From what I’ve found, most former travelers said that their tour was fun and they were not disappointed they took the tour… but one tour is probably enough. I don’t think this is necessarily a negative thing since these tours help “ease” people into their European experience and it shows how easy European travel can be.

Check out their  European tours options  to see what all they offer.

If you’re interested in hearing a tour guide’s firsthand account of leading one of these tours I suggest reading Rule No. 5: No Sex on the Bus: Confessions of a Tour Leader by Brian Thacker. It isn’t written about Contiki specifically but we imagine many of the themes apply to all youth-oriented tour groups. It is pretty funny and interesting to read about all the crazy stuff a bunch of drunken youths can get up to.

Not sure if a Contiki tour is for you? We suggest you visit the Contiki Website to get a better idea of their specific tours.

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Everything You Need to Know for Your First Contiki Tour (Plus 17 Trip Recommendations)

If you’re currently deciding between Contiki and another method of travel, what I hope to do is provide some exposure and answer some questions about Contiki that I wish I had known so I could’ve considered it as an option sooner. Read on for everything you need to know about Contiki tours, along with 17 of my personal recommendations for itineraries to choose!

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I recently took my very first Contiki tour along the coast of the Mediterranean – through Spain, France, Monaco, Italy , and the Vatican. As someone who travels equally as a solo female , a couple, and part of a small group, I am not the kind of person who’s tied to one dedicated travel style and I tend to appreciate the benefits each way of seeing the world can provide. Contiki’s was the first large group tour I’d been on since college, though.

As soon as I announced earlier this year that I’d be going on a Contiki tour, I was instantly met with 3 types of responses: 

Praise – I love Contiki! I went on several tours / I’ve been dying to go (I specifically received more excitement than I expected to from people who are now 50 or 60 years old reminiscing on the Contiki tours they took in their 20s!) 

Skepticism – What’s it like traveling with that many people? Isn’t it just one big college party? 

Lack of Awareness – What’s a Contiki? 

I actually fell into the last category myself! I had no idea what Contiki was until recently. And now that I’ve been on a tour myself, I so regret not having known Contiki was an option when I was in college and just beginning to dip my toe into international travel without my parents. But even now, a couple of years out of college, I still had a blast. Something about being in a karaoke bar in Florence at 2 in the morning really brings the ‘youth’ out in everyone, you know? 

If you’re currently deciding between Contiki and another method of travel, what I hope to do is provide some exposure and answer some questions about Contiki that I wish I had known so I could’ve considered it as an option sooner. At the end of this post, you should have all the facts you’ll need to decide whether to book a Contiki trip, and which Contiki tour (because there are several!) is the perfect choice for you!

What is Contiki? 

Contiki is a social (group) travel company for ages 18-35. The company has been around since 1962 when it got its start in London as a minibus operation taking backpackers and holiday seekers from London to Europe on months-long expeditions. Since then, Contiki has grown into one of the most popular travel companies in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. More recently, they’ve started gaining steam in the US too. 

Today, Contiki operates over 350+ unique tours across 6 continents ranging from $179 to $9,000 in price. The tours run anywhere from 3 days to over 40 days, and either focus on one particular destination or a variety of cities and countries in close proximity. 

Contiki Tour Structure 

Contiki offers 8 different tour categories to appeal to a wide-ranging group of travelers with different interests, whether it’s traveling on a budget, seeking out local experiences, or squeezing in a quick getaway without taking too much time off from work or school .

If you decide to book a Contiki tour, you can use code CONTIKIRACH100 to save $100 on any 7+ day itinerary

1. contiki discoverer tours:.

What it Is: Discoverer tours are meant for seeing and experiencing as much of each destination as possible.

Availability : All regions except Africa and the Middle East

My Discoverer Tour Picks (Click to View):

2. Contiki In-Depth Explorer Tours:

What it Is: In-Depth Explorer tours are aimed at focusing on culturally rich exploration within a particular country or region.

Availability : All 6 continents

My In-Depth Explorer Picks (Click to View):

3. Contiki Iconic Essentials Tours:

What it Is: Iconic Essentials tours are focused specifically on essentials and a destination’s most famous sites, with the idea of giving you the most bang for your buck.

Availability : Europe only

My Iconic Essentials Picks (Click to View):

4. Contiki Sailing and Cruise Tours:

What it Is: Sailing and cruise tours are itineraries with an emphasis on water and beach activities.

Availability : Australia and Europe only

My Sailing & Cruise Picks (Click to View):

5. Contiki Short Trip and Festival Tours:

What it Is: Short, usually 3- or 4-day trips aimed at either attending festivals, taking a weekend getaway, or adding on to an existing trip you might already be taking.

Availability : Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA, and Canada

My Short Trip and Festival Picks (Click to View):

6. Contiki Ski and Snowboard Tours:

What it Is: Ski and snowboard tours are centered around winter sports and activities.

Availability : Asia, New Zealand, Europe, USA, and Canada

My Ski and Snowboard Picks (Click to View):

On Contiki’s site, you can filter their 300+ trips by the above categories to narrow down your search. If you’re more of a solo adventurer, you can also filter the trips to only see itineraries with maximum free time (versus a structured itinerary).

Most, if not all, Contiki itineraries will list out a number of different free-time add-ons (FTAs) that are not included in the base price of the trip. This is something you should be aware of and budget for upfront, because you will only be able to pay for these FTAs while you’re already on the trip itself.

Of course, you can opt out of any FTA you don’t want to do. But from my experience, there will be at least a handful of add-ons that you’ll either really enjoy or won’t want to miss out on (if the rest of the group is participating and there’s no better alternative, for example). These FTAs can be anything from a special meal to a full-day excursion. On my Contiki trip, some of the most fun FTAs we were offered included a tour of a monastery and a Tuscan dinner experience, a pasta making class in Rome, and a bike tour of the city in Nice. The bike tour was, without question, one of my favorite memories from the entire trip. 

What Kind of Traveler Would Like a Contiki Tour (and Is it Right for You?) 

While the Contiki brand markets itself as a travel company for 18-35 year olds, the average age of a Contiki traveler is 26. Old enough to have disposable income, but young enough to have the energy and stamina needed to sight-see all day and maybe even go out for a drink at night (and then do it all again the next day). 

Contiki is actually a prime tour for both friend groups and solo travelers. Many tours are large enough for entire groups of friends to book altogether and be guaranteed space. Beyond that, tours like Contiki are great for groups because no one from your friend group needs to be tasked with the planning, logistics, or budgeting, which is often the most stressful and time-consuming part of traveling with other people. On the flip side, solo travelers have an advantage too, because Contiki allows individuals to visit new countries and cities with a guaranteed arsenal of companions along with a dedicated trip manager, which can be a huge relief, especially if you’re thinking of using Contiki as your first exposure to international travel. About 45% of all Contiki travelers book tours with at least one friend or a significant other, and close to 55% travel solo. 

I love planning trips and figuring out itineraries , but one of my favorite things about going on my Contiki tour was not having to worry about a single thing for once! Everything from my transportation, to my hotel room, to my meals and activities was handled. All I had to do was show up and enjoy, which was such a nice change of pace from what I’m used to. 

Transportation Style 

The majority of Contiki tours involve a coach bus or minibus. Contiki coach busses are something the company takes great pride in because they are essentially the symbol and walking billboard of the brand. Because of this, each Contiki coach is outfitted with bright colors on the outside, and plush seating arrangements on the inside. The busses have AC, a TV, WiFi, USB charging ports, and individual tray tables at the back of each seat. I’ll admit, the WiFi isn’t the best (you only get 100 MB of free WiFi on each device every 24 hours, and while you can purchase additional data, it’s spotty at best. However, it’s better than having nothing, and does get the job done if you’re just trying to catch up on texts or scroll through Instagram. 

Depending on your itinerary, you will be spending a lot of time in the coach. So pack a neck pillow, a book, and plan to spend this time catching up on sleep, work, reading, or getting to know the other travelers on your tour! The coach can be a pretty fun experience in itself. Also, Contiki’s drivers are top-notch, safe, and incredibly precise. I absolutely adored Paolo, our driver for the week we spent in Europe. 

Food & Drinks

You will have some meals and drinks included in your Contiki tour, while others will either be FTAs or free time to explore and eat on your own. Each itinerary on the Contiki site will list out the meals included so you can get a decent idea of what you’ll be responsible for while you’re on the trip. 

To get an idea of what tips of meal FTAs are offered for the itinerary you’re considering, scroll down to the itinerary section of the trip description and click on ‘See Detailed Itinerary.’ This will show you all of the FTA meals available and how much they will cost! 

For the meal inclusions, it’s important to also know that some of these meal inclusions will simply be whatever free food is served at the hostel or hotel you’re staying at. 

Accommodations

The accommodations you’ll stay in range from hostels to hotels to what Contiki refers to as ‘Special Stays’ in unique lodging. Think chateaus in France and floating rafts in Thailand! Regardless of the accommodation type, expect to share your room with between 1 – 4 other travelers throughout your trip. This may be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you view it, but hostel-hopping is an extremely common practice outside of the US and an incredibly easy way to meet new people. In my experience, despite having limited space for luggage, I got along with my roommates right away and we ended up banding together for the majority of our Contiki tour which was great since we all went into the trip as strangers! 

If you’re considering a tour that moves around frequently and doesn’t spend more than 1 or 2 nights in any location, I’d strongly recommend not bringing more than a carry on with you on the trip. All that moving around with a check-in luggage can be a huge pain and honestly not worth the hassle (speaking from experience!).

Conscious Travel

What I was really intrigued to learn that I don’t think many people know is that Contiki partners with the TreadRight Foundation to support and sustain people, wildlife, and environmental issues in the countries they impact. In addition to a number of organizational commitments (called ‘Contiki Cares’), Contiki has also created several opportunities to learn about sustainability and participate in volunteer opportunities while you’re on tour. Some of these opportunities include learning about bush medicine in Australia , supporting community building efforts in Ecuador , and visiting elephant rehabilitation sanctuaries in Thailand .

When making the decision to book a tour with Contiki or a similar tour operator, definitely pay attention to their values and the initiatives (if any) they’re supporting, as this is essentially what your dollars will be supporting. While many people associate Contiki with lots of partying and quick-hit trips through countries, there are actually a number of itineraries on offer that focus instead on slow travel, cultural immersion, and contribution to society and sustainability. Now that I know about the Contiki Cares program, I personally would love for my next trip with them to be one that includes a community or sustainability initiative (I actually have my eyes on this trip , which includes a visit to a women’s co-op in Jordan).

To learn more about Contiki’s approach to conscious travel, go here.

Overall Pros + Cons: 

Logistics figured out for you

Epic itineraries

Unique experiences

Like-minded travelers

Highly organized

Lots of partying, if you choose (pro and con)

Sustainability and conscious travel initiatives to participate in

Dedicated trip managers and drivers 

Price & financing options 

Cons: 

Packed schedule 

Shared lodging

Faster pace 

Price (listing this as a pro and a con, depending on how you look at it and depending on which trip you’re interested in) 

Use code CONTIKIRACH100 to save $100 on any 7+ day Contiki Trip

I was selected as Contiki’s Travel Ambassador for the 2019-2020 year. That said, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

#OffDutyDestination #ContikiAmbassador

Read This Next:

My Contiki Mediterranean Quest Itinerary Review: 10 Jam-Packed Days in Europe

Where to Stay in Nice, France: The Hôtel Ozz

Enjoy this post? Pin it for later!

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

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• Updated on: September 23, 2019

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How to Pick the Perfect Contiki Tour for Your Travel Style

Four years ago I found myself alone in Europe for the very first time and boarded a Contiki bus. Two years later I went back to Contiki for another unforgettable adventure in Europe. The two Contiki tours that I went on were both incredible experiences, but also two very, very different tours.

My first Contiki tour was a beast of a trip, where I visited fifteen countries in fifteen days and probably got fifteen hours of sleep the entire time. My second tour was much more laid back, where I had ten days to explore only three different countries.

Deciding on what tour to book can be an overwhelming decision, especially for first travellers scrolling through the hundreds of different options that Contiki offers. My hope is that this post will help break down Contiki’s different tour styles and have you choose a tour that’s perfectly suited to you and your travel style to make sure you have the most incredible experience in whatever destination you choose to visit.

What is a Contiki?

Let’s start at the very beginning for those who aren’t yet familiar with Contiki tours. A Contiki is an organized group tour exclusive to young travellers between the ages of 18-35, from all around the world. Contiki brings in travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK, and South Africa. Group sizes range from 13-50 people and tours can span a couple of days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and even up to 45 days. As you can tell, Contiki offers a ton of different options – in fact, they have over 300 different trips to choose from!

Who Should go on a Contiki?

Contiki tours are perfect for anyone! Solo travellers , first-time travellers , adventure travellers, couple travellers , and experienced travellers who just don’t like the hassle and stress of planning their own trips.

Where do you want to go?

Contiki travels to six continents, so no matter where you want to go, there is a pretty good chance that Contiki can take you there. Choosing Contiki means that you’ll have a choice between visiting Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Asia.

Most travellers choose to do a Contiki tour across Europe so that they can maximize their trip by visiting so many countries in a short amount of time; that’s what makes Europe one of Contiki’s most popular destinations! Contiki’s Europe tours offer the most diverse accommodation options (discussed more later), like hotels, hostels, boats, and tents. Most Contiki tours through Europe are bus tours, so you’ll be travelling across the country via a comfy, air-conditioned road bus.

Contiki offers tours across every inch of Australia including Sydney, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Australia is another awesome country for road trips, so Contiki tours down under are also experienced on the Contiki bus.

North America

If road tripping across the United States or experiencing the natural wonders of Canada sounds like a bucket list dream to you then Contiki’s lineup of North American adventures are for you. Tours across Canada and the USA provide pretty comfortable accommodation options and the Contiki bus will provide your transportation in between cities and states.

New Zealand

New Zealand is another country you’ll get to experience via the Contiki bus. Tours across New Zealand also feature a wide variety of accommodation options including some of the most unique special stays.

Contiki’s tours across Asia will put travellers up in comfortable accommodation and take you to the most stunning cities from Japan to China, Thailand, and Cambodia. Travelling across Asia with Contiki means a combination of bus travel and flights between cities.

Latin America

Visiting beautiful countries like Brazil, Peru, and Belize on Contiki’s Latin America tours. You’ll stay in unique, comfortable accommodations, with flights in between cities to maximize your time.

Tour Styles

Choosing where you want to travel to is only the first difficult decision that you’ll have to make. Once you’ve decided on your destination, you’ll need to choose a tour style. Contiki knows that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to travel, so they offer 8 different ways to travel in order to suit your preferred style.

Discoverer – Go Everywhere

This tour style is perfect for people who want to make the most of their trip by visiting as many countries and destinations as possible. On these trips, no icon is left unseen, no city left undiscovered, no plate left thoroughly unlicked. You’ll go everywhere and experience everything, making this a true trip of a lifetime, regardless of how long your adventure lasts.

High Energy – Explore, Party, Sleep, Repeat

These high paced trips are crafted especially for the 24-hour traveller that’s looking to hit the major sights by day and keep the party rolling well into the night. High Energy tours are not for the faint of heart or those who enjoy sleep. 😉 However, high energy tours also feature some special stopovers and unique accommodations that aren’t featured on any other tours.

In-Depth Explorer – Live Local

The in-depth explorer is the most appealing tour style for those who are more culturally curious and interested in exploring the history of your destinations. Instead of visiting multiple destinations on these tours, you’ll focus on a specific region in detail and get to the core of a specific country’s culture.

Independent Insider – Designed for Freedom

This tour style is for those who like the idea of group travel but still want to stay in control of their own itinerary. The independent insider was designed with ultimate freedom in mind, so the tour is essentially a bunch of building blocks that you can mold to your liking. You can come, go, stay, and play exactly like you please to create your perfect dream trip.

Camping – Stretch Your Budget

This tour style is for you if you’re looking to make the most of your budget and stay abroad as long as possible. If you’re not someone who’s worried about the finer details of accommodation, this is definitely the most budget-friendly and adventurous tour style for you! These tour styles are only offered in Europe but will take you to some wicked campsites that are decked out with pools and bars making sure you’re still getting the authentic Contiki experience.

Sailing, Cruise, and Beach – Sun, Sea, and Sand

This tour style speaks for itself; crystal clear blue waters and white sand wait on these tropically inspired tours. On these tours you’ll spend your days snorkeling in secret coves and bays, exploring ancient port towns and whitewashed villages, eating delicious local food, all while handing out with your new Contiki pals.

Winter & Ski – Keep it Cozy

If you don’t mind the cold and are keen to explore the Christmas charm of some of your favourite destinations, then this tour style is for you. The winter season welcomes cheaper prices and fewer queues meaning you’ll save money and get to spend more time exploring your destination. Outdoor types can hit the slopes and experience skiing or snowboard atop some of the most stunning mountains in the world.

Short Trips and Festivals – For Life’s Moments

Oktoberfest in Germany, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, New Years in Paris, these are just a handful of the holiday’s just can celebrate abroad with Contiki. These short tours last only 3-4 days but will be jam-packed full of excitement whether you’re celebrating a traditional holiday, cultural event, or musical festival. This tour style is for you if you’ve only got a few days to work with and are set on having a particular experience on your trip. (PS because these trips are so short, you can also tack them on to another Contiki tour!)

Accommodation – Ways to Stay

Contiki has some really rad accommodations that you won’t get to experience with any other tour group. Depending on which region you’re travelling to, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in a traditional hotel or hostel, as well as some special stays that are property’s exclusive to Contiki travellers and will offer an unforgettable experience. Your chosen trip may be one style of accommodation or a combo of a few.

As a rule of thumb, the closer you are to downtown, the more basic your accommodation will be because you’ll be paying for location and not necessarily the highest amenities. However, as you get further outside of the downtown core, the quality of your accommodation will increase, but you’ll need transportation to get most places. On your Contiki tour, you’ll either be sharing a room with 1-3 people, with a maximum of 4 permitted in a single room. For the most part, you’re bunking with one other person. Unless you really must have a private room, I wouldn’t recommend paying the additional cost for the upgrade. Especially as a solo traveller, having a roommate is really fun and you’ll have an instant travel BFF before your tour even begins!

For any other trip planning process, I would normally say that budget is one of the first things to consider. At least for most people, budget will determine where you go, what type of accommodation you stay in, how long you go, and how many extra activities you do. But with Contiki offering over 300 different tour options, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find at least one trip that will fit whatever budget you’re working with.

Contiki’s short 3 and 4 day trips start at $400, while some of their two-week trips are around the $2200 mark, and their longest trips come in at around $5000. With that being said, it’s important to consider how your budget stacks up with your expectations. If you want to go on a two week trip of a lifetime across Europe in hotels, but all you can afford is Contiki’s 4-day Oktoberfest tour in hostels, you’ll have to decide whether you’re willing to compromise and see only one country, or if you’ll put off your trip for a little bit until you can increase your savings.

It’s also important to have a look to the “me-time optionals” offered with each tour. These excursions are not included in the price but are often tour highlights that you won’t want to miss. I recommend researching the ahead of time and determining which ones really are “can’t miss” experiences and including them in your budget, or if you’re more comfortable, you can forgo them and try to find a cheaper alternative on your own. I talk more about Contiki’s “me-time optionals” in my complete Contiki review HERE .

Finally, be sure to account for how many meals are included in your tour. In my experience, most breakfasts were covered in the cost of the tour, as well as a dinner or two. But for most lunches and dinners you’ll be on your own, so be sure to account for food in your budget.

Contiki also has a lot of different deals to keep an eye out for including last minute deals, where tours are crazy reduced for trips leaving within the next couple of weeks. If you can make a quick decision to travel within the next couple of weeks you may be able to save a few hundred dollars off of your tour.

And, if you go on a Contiki and absolutely love it, Contiki also offers discounts for returning travelers.

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12 Pros and Cons of Contiki Travel – Is Contiki A Good Fit For Your Next Vacation?

Looking to book a vacation with Contiki and you’re on the fence about it? Stress no more, I’ve got the inside scoop to the pros and cons of Contiki trips! The pros… the cons… you’ll find it all here!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book using one of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

First, a little bit about my experience with Contiki: I’ve personally been on (4) Contiki Trips – Northern Thai Highlights , Ecuador’s Lava Line , Moroccan Adventure, and Ultimate Vietnam Experience.

I found out about it in the craziest way – from my neighbors trash! When I saw a travel magazine that had been thrown out and figured I’d check it out because I loveeeee to travel. I had never heard of Contiki but was immediately intrigued when I saw that they were a tour company aimed towards 18-35 year olds. I flipped through the magazine and was in awe of the amazingly fun pictures, descriptions, and itineraries. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon researching online if this would be a good fit for me.

Within 2 weeks, my friends and I had signed up for a 7 day trip to Thailand with this tour company. We didn’t know what to expect but were excited to check out a new country and maybe make new friends. We anxiously awaited the 8 months and boarded our flights ready for an adventure….

….And an adventure it was!!

Contiki had a jammed packed itinerary for us with so many unique activities! We loved each and every one of them. Every day was better than the last and it was over in the blink of an eye. Even my two friends, who had never been out of the country, loved every second of their time with Contiki in Thailand – they made navigating a new country very easy, safe and stress free!

I’ve listed some of my favorite things about Contiki below, as well as some of my least favorite things!

Use this as a guide for the best pros and cons of Contiki to decide if it is a good fit for you!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Contiki’s motto is “ Travel with no regrets ” and they sure know how to make that come true! You’ll get to see and do everything that will make your Instagram explode with likes.
• There is a $200 deposit when booking the trip. If you find out later on that you can’t go, you can transfer your deposit to a different date or different trip completely! They don’t require the full payment until 45 days before the trip.
• Most all trips are based on double occupancy. If you want to travel alone, and have your own room there is an additional fee.
• They say 55% of travelers on their trips are female… however, I feel like it’s probably closer to 65-70%.
• Before you go, you’ll receive an “itinerary” and list of the hotels you are staying in. There is no formal schedule saying 7:30- Meet in Lobby; 8:00- Board Bus. It was very vague.

Pros – WHAT I LIKED ABOUT CONTIKI:

Read about my favorite parts of traveling with Contiki below:

They really know their audience. This tour is for 18-35 year olds and it was definitely geared towards activities that age group would find fun! It was every bit educational, adventurous, and fun as you’d want it to be! On our tour we biked, hiked, swam in waterfalls, played with elephants, went to local bars, and more!

Each tour has (1) Contiki Guide and (1) Local Guide. This was great because you got the best of both worlds. If you’re going to multiple cities, it is possible that the Local Guide will change throughout your trip – however, your Contiki guide will always be the same! This was great because we really had the best of both worlds. It was nice to have a constant guide with us every step of the way. It was also nice to know that we were getting a local guide so that could really tell us about their hometown.

Breakfast was provided each morning . Breakfast at the hotels always had a good variety of food options. In Thailand , there was always a mix of Western and Thai food. Ecuador breakfasts were simple but filling. Most tours include breakfast each morning and a few other meals which is a great way to experience a taste of local flavor.

There is a lot of driving in the motor coach. That might sound like a negative to most people, but Contiki did what they could to make the experience a positive. The motor coach itself was very nice and always air-conditioned. They made designated bathroom stops which was nice. Sometimes we would play games on the bus or watch movies.

There are like-minded people on the tour . It’s a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Every time I travel with Contiki, I meet people from Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA. It is fun seeing those cultures blend and experience a new one together.

Our tour guide was always able to recommend the safest and best bars for our nights on our own. Going out in a foreign country can be daunting because you never know what a dangerous place is. Our guide was always knowledgeable on the area and had great recommendations.

Experience the country as a local. Because you are on a tour, you are able to do things that you couldn’t if you were a solo traveler or here on your own! Contiki provides experiences to allow you to see what the local life is like by bringing you to locals houses and farms. You get to speak with locals and learn from them in their community. For instance, we played soccer with a local community in Ecuador and we talked to a local villager (our guide was a translator) about life in Thailand and about her newborn baby.

Cons – WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT CONTIKI:

Like any travel company, there are pros and cons of Contiki! Find out what I didn’t *love* about my Contiki Trip below:

My idea of “luxury” accommodations and their idea is completely different. Now, I’m not saying the hotels were BAD. But, they were far from luxurious. Some didn’t have a hairdryer or common amenities. Others were in iffy locations or slightly rundown. We weren’t in the hotel rooms very much, so it wasn’t bad, but I would have spent an extra couple hundred dollars for nicer hotels and a better experience at night.

They did not provide a packing list. I wish they had provided us with suggested items to bring along on the tour. I say this because I do not typically bring a towel with me as the hotels always have one. However, since we were moving hotels each night, we couldn’t bring the hotel towels with us. We did a lot of outdoor activities in water (river, lakes, waterfalls, etc) and really needed a towel each time to dry off.

Be prepared for some ‘add-on’ expenses if you want to see and do everything. For instance, they picked a hotel outside of a city, and then expected us to pay on our own to get to the city to experience the nightlife as a group. They asked $5 for the group picture. They took us to a cemetery but didn’t pay for the museum access. On my particular trip, these were small add-ons, but I know other trips have more expensive add-ons. It wasn’t a make or break, but just something I wish I had known prior.

You can’t go at your own leisure. Well, duh – you’re on a tour! However, this is most definitely still a negative for me. There are some places I would have loved to spend a few extra hours exploring and enjoying when we only had 30 minutes. There were also one or two places that I could have skipped altogether. Also, all the potty breaks that take 20 minutes when you only need 2-3 minutes is sometimes frustrating.

Contiki provided a genetic itinerary without much detail. Having a more detailed itinerary would have allowed us to better plan our free time. Unfortunately, the itinerary they gave us weeks before the trip was pretty generic. “Wake up here, go here, explore here, and have some free time before going here”. There wasn’t any detail to what we were doing, how we were getting there, how long we had at each place, and how much free time we had. This proved difficult when trying to book events in advance for our free time. They also provided a list of the hotels – see below for an example.

There you have it – an overview of the pros and cons of Contiki! To me, the Pros outweigh the Cons significantly, but only you can decide that for yourself! Overall, I loved my trips with Contiki. I went it in with average expectations and I was blown away by the fun adventure each and every day! Now, whenever I’m interested in visiting a new country, I look up the Contiki trip to see if it’s something I can do!

Save this post for later on Pinterest: Pros and Cons of Contiki Travel https://pin.it/6n62kkk

Related Contiki Posts:

• Review: My Experience with Contiki’s Lava Line Ecuador Trip
• Top 10 Things to Know Before Booking your Contiki Trip
• Book Your Contiki Trip Now  (affiliate link)

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A few of my Aussie friends and my ex who is a kiwi did contiki on a few tours through Europe. They said they had a good experience and met amazing people but if they knew about the tours beforehand and the limited time, add ins etc they would never have done that or chosen much shorter yours with them so they could go and extend in some Locations.

Makes sense! There are definitely pros and cons to each contiki trip and it’s not for everyone! So far, I’ve loved all of my experiences with Contiki! 🙂

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The Scoop: What to Know About Contiki

This tour company for 18- to 35-year-olds takes a slightly different approach than the typical guided tour provider..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Here at TourScoop, we use our real-world, real-person travel expertise—honed over decades of travel—to help travelers make great decisions about tours. Today we’re going deep on Contiki, a tour company focused on travelers ages 18 to 35. We’ve outlined everything we think you might need to know about Contiki.

Most tour companies focus on older travelers, but Contiki Tours stands out for its dedication to younger travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. It has been offering tours since 1962, and today has more than 200 trips on six continents.

Contiki does things differently than most tour companies. Not only is it geared to a totally different demographic of young people, it shines for its affordability, dedication to sustainability, and LGBTQIA focus, not just as a welcoming space for travelers but in the stories it tells about the places it goes.

Financially, it’s a tour company for people who haven’t spent a lifetime building savings. Initial deposits are low ($200), payment plans are flexible, and most tours are priced for budget travelers. Also of note, if parents or others are helping cover the cost, they can contribute funds once the tour is booked via the Manage My Booking online.

Contiki has a bit of a party reputation, especially on trips in Europe (in its description of itself, Contiki says it offers itineraries “so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined”. That said, past guests also report that the experience is truly what you make it, so it can be a good fit for lots of different traveler types, with experiences that range from meetings with locals, checking out hidden cultural gems, and taking cooking classes.

TourScoop Takeaways : Contiki

• Countries: 200 trips on six continents
• Tour Size Average: Trip sizes vary depending on the destination and the trip type, and range from 12 to 53 people. (More in the Tour Types section below)
• Tour Type: Primarily Coach

How to Book

To book, you can book directly through Contiki , online, over the phone, or via the chat.

Credibility Check

Contiki has a Feefo rating of 4.7/5 based on over 2,000 ratings in the last year. On TourRadar , Contiki has a rating of 4.7/5 based on over 5,000 reviews.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Tour Companies for Guided Tours

Tour Destinations

Contiki runs 200+ trips, with itineraries in Africa, Asia, Australia Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand, and North America.

Europe is Contiki’s most popular region, and within Europe, the most popular trips include Greek Island Hopping , European Discovery , and  Italian Escape .

Recently, demand for Asia tours has been on the rise, with particular interest in itineraries like  Thai Island Hopper West ,  Japan in a Week , and the new  South Korean Soul tour.

Contiki has more than two dozen tour types , and browsing by type in addition to by destination can be a great way to figure out what trip will be the best fit. The tour types are: Active, Adventure, African Safari, Beach, Christmas, City Breaks, Detour Mini Adventures, Festival Travel, Gap Year Travel, Hiking and Trekking, Island Hopping, New Year’s Eve, Plus+ Trips, Pride, Reunion, Sailing, Short Breaks, Ski & Snowboard, Small Group, Solo, Train, U.S. National Parks, Wildlife, Winter, and World. There are also specific trips for travelers between the ages of 27 and 35 (the elders of the Contiki universe).

That’s a huge list, so here are more details about a few of the trip types:

• Detour Mini Adventures : These three- to eight-day tours focus on unique experiences in special places, rather than tours of countries or regions. Think: hiking national parks in Croatia and learning to be a safari guide in Kruger National Park. These trips are smaller, with a maximum of 16 travelers.
• Short Trips & Festivals : These city-break style tours focus on big events like Hogmanay New Year’s celebrations in Edinburgh, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, and Oktoberfest in Germany.
• Contiki Plus+ : Contiki dubs its Plus+ tours as “same good vibes with a hint of fancy.” They cost a bit more, but come with slightly nicer hotels and rooms that max out at two people. If you are traveling with a friend or a significant other, you can room with them and won’t have to share.

Group sizes vary by trip. In popular destinations like Europe and New Zealand, groups range from 24 to 53 travelers. In regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, group size is usually between 12 and 30. Most small group trips max out at about 24, and Detour trips don’t exceed 16 travelers.

Tour Guides

Contiki calls its guides Trip Managers rather than tour guides. In Europe, the average age of Trip Managers is 26 years old, putting them squarely in the demographic they serve.

Contiki recruits Trip Managers who are calm and effective problem solvers and skilled communicators who love sharing adventures with other travelers. The company has an extensive training program that teaches both logistics and education about the destinations they lead groups to. Trip Managers in Europe take a 58-day immersive training trip across the continent that includes classroom training and on-the-road learning.

What’s Included on Contiki Tours

• Transportation: Contiki tours include all on-tour transportation, which can include air-conditioned motorcoaches (tour speak for nicer buses), minibus, or 4×4 vehicles. Depending on the itinerary, it might also include trains, cruises, ferries and any flights that happen during the tour.
• Accommodations: Tours also include accommodations, which really span the spectrum and include hotels, hostels, boats, camp sites, jungle lodges, and the company’s 16th century French Chateau. Tours also include all transportation (including internal flights) during the tour.
• Guides: Your Tour Manager guide will get you safely from place to place, tell you interesting things, and generally make sure everything is working for everyone. Some tours also have local guides or guides specific to an attraction.
• Some Experiences: Any activities marked “Included Experiences” on the itinerary are covered in the cost of the tour. Most tours have some free time, which gives you the chance to go out and experience a place independently and do what you want to do. (You can also pay Contiki to join free time tours if you want to stick with the guide.)
• Some Meals: The number of included meals varies wildly by specific tour, but it’s pretty standard for many or most breakfasts to be covered (usually at the hotel/hostel), along with a few pre-arranged group dinners. For the other meals, Trip Managers usually have good advice about where to go to fit into your specific budget.
• Wi-Fi: Most accommodations come with included Wi-Fi. Some buses have Wi-Fi (but it can be spotty, depending on where you are).
• Some Tips: Gratuities that are covered by the cost of the trip include those at restaurants and hotels (most of the time; check your trip documents to make sure). See below for the gratuities that aren’t covered in the cost of your tour.

What’s Not Included on Contiki Tours

• Getting There and Home: Flights before and after your tour. You can book flights through Contiki, but it’s not included in the base price of the tour.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance isn’t included in the cost of the tour, but it is required. You can purchase through Contiki or separately.
• Visas, etc.: Depeding on where you’re gong, you may need a visa to allow you entry into another country (only some countries require visas) will be provided by Contiki if you will need one for your destination, but it’s up to you to apply and pay for the visa.
• Add-On Activities: If you see Free Time Add-On activities, those are the ones not included in the price of the tour. You can book these at an additional cost.
• Some Tips: Tips for the Trip Manager, Motorcoach Driver, and Local Guides are standard (and based on what you can afford) and generally paid at the end of the tour. Gratuities are a big part of the way these folks make their living, so it’s good to budget some funds to thanking them.

Typical Travelers

Unlike most tour travelers, Contiki travelers skew young. The company creates and operates tours specifically for travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. That means there are a lot of college students, recent grads, and people in their 20s and early 30s.

The average age of a Contiki traveler is 28. In the U.S., nearly 70% of travelers are solo, and well over half are female. About a quarter of Contiki travelers from the U.S. are repeat guests.

Communication

Once you book, you can sign into My Contiki (on the Contiki homepage, look for the Traveler log in link at the top right) and see all your information. About three weeks before your departure date, Contiki will send you all your documentation via email.

Loyalty Program

If you’ve already traveled with Contiki, just check the “Past Passenger” box at checkout and you’ll receive 5% off.

Contiki also participates in the Global Tour Rewards program, which gives guests the chance to collect and spend rewards across all the TTC tour companies, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver, and Brendan Vacations.

Ways to Save on Contiki Tours

Because Contiki is geared toward younger budget travelers, it has a lot of options to make travel more affordable. The deposit to reserve a tour is $200, and travelers can wait until 60 days before departure to pay the balance. There are no booking or change fees, and its Part Pay Program gives travelers interest-free options for paying.

Contiki has a handful of ways to make tours even more affordable. They include:

• A multi-trip discount: When you book two tours that are seven days or longer each, you get a discount of 5% off the less expensive tour.
• Return customer loyalty discount: Select tours are offered at discounts of up to 5% to people who have already traveled with Contiki.
• Triple share discount: On some Europe tours, triple-share rooms are available at a 5% discount.
• Book-with-friends discount: If you book the same tour with four or more friends, you all get 5% off.
• Military discount: Members of the military (active and retired) get $100 off trips that are seven days or longer.

Sustainability Efforts

Contiki’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, selected 11 of the UN’s 17 global sustainability goals to power its five-year plan (known as  How We TreadRight ).

Contiki reports regularly on its progress toward sustainability goals like reaching net zero emissions by 2050, sourcing half of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025, halving food waste at hotels and on ships by 2025, boosting the amount of local and sustainable food products, reducing the amount of printed materials, reducing single-use plastics, and more.

Additionally, Contiki is a (very) active participant in its parent company’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program, which focuses on activities that are both educational and supports sustainability. These experiences, which Contiki is scaling up to be available on 50% of its itineraries by 2025, are aligned with those same UN Global Goals for sustainable development.

Health and Safety Practices

Contiki follows local health guidelines in each destination, and Trip Managers can help guests access medical care on trips. Contiki also takes personal safety seriously, and says it is “committed to providing a secure and safe environment for all our travelers regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity or religious beliefs.” It has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment directed at travelers or team members.

Family Companies

Contiki is a part of The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, which also includes Trafalgar , Insight Vacations , Uniworld , and about a dozen other tour and travel companies.

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Unlocking Adventure: The Top 5 Best Contiki Tours for Every Traveler!

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Is this year the time to get ticking off your bucket list destinations? An adventure with Contiki Tours could be just what you are looking for!

If you are between 18 and 35, Contiki offers out-of-this-world group tours that are great value, fun-packed, and a great place to meet like-minded fellow travelers. Wherever your wanderlust is calling you, Contiki has you covered.  So what can you expect from the best Contiki Tours? 

With sixty years in business, the Contiki team has the business of traveling down. Their travel program spans worldwide and covers the hottest travel destinations.  Contiki’s vision is to provide accessible, affordable travel options for young people looking to get out there and explore the world.  

Joining a trip with Contiki is more than just a holiday.  Become part of the Contiki community, meet your travel goals, grow your confidence, forge lifelong friends, and have a meaningful, fun travel experience.  Contiki offers the perfect place to make global connections with both your travel mates and local communities you meet en route.

All Contiki trips come complete with an expert Trip Manager who is essential for creating world-class adventures for all Contiki guests. Using their in-depth knowledge of the destination. They will give you all the info you need to dive in and make the most of every place you visit. They set the vibe for a fun, exciting journey, help you orientate to new cities, and provide any assistance you need while on the road. 

Operating an inclusive policy, Contiki offers a fun experience regardless of your personality, previous travel experience, or individual differences.  There is something for everyone. Contiki values its diverse and vibrant community, and your trip manager is skilled at helping new groups bond and break the ice. 

Are you thinking of traveling solo? Contiki could be the perfect option.  Around sixty percent of travelers who join a Contiki tour do so solo.  Embrace the freedom of solo travel and combine it with the chance to meet a whole group of new friends.  Contiki offers the right mix of scheduled activities and space to get out and explore how you want.  

In addition to your trip manager, transport between destinations is included, and a professional, safe driver is responsible for getting the crew from A to B.  Take the stress out of the journey with all the logistics taken care of so you can concentrate on the good stuff.  

Significant expenses are all included in the trip price.  Transport, accommodation, and a range of activities are all-inclusive, making Contiki trips easier to budget, so you don’t need to stress about running out of money.

Carefully curated accommodation is provided for every night of the trip.  Accommodation choices vary depending on the trip, but rest assured all accommodations will meet the Contiki standards from centrally located city hostels, glamping or camping experiences, hotels, and Contiki special stays.  Contiki only works with the best in the business. They know what makes a great stay, and their accommodation choices reflect this.  

Contiki endeavors to make every trip a memorable experience. With a massive range of tours available, you can choose a tour that suits your needs and budget. If you travel with friends, you can request to stay in the same room as your mates.  If you travel solo and want a little more privacy, you can upgrade to a private room.  Whatever the experience you are looking for, Contiki can make it happen.  

With years in the business, Contiki knows how to provide the ultimate travel experience, from the best places to visit, to uncovering hidden gems, unique experiences, the best parties, restaurants, cultural experiences, and active adventures. Whatever you are into, Contiki has you covered with mind-expanding experiences.  

As the world leader in youth travel, Contiki’s mission statement is Make Travel Matter.  Travel has a profound impact on the communities, the places, and the communities we visit.  By making sustainability and responsible travel the cornerstone of their vision, Contiki helps facilitate young travelers to leave a positive impact on the places they visit.  

Make Travel Matter Experiences visit innovative projects which support local people, the natural environment, and wildlife. You may visit local community projects, meet local people and artisans, learn more about indigenous cultures, or visit innovative projects which benefit the natural environment and wildlife.  These amazing experiences help educate travelers about global issues and allow a deeper connection to the destinations they visit.

Contiki has undertaken a sustainability pledge and a 4-point climate action pledge.  They have implemented a carbon calculator to determine how much carbon each trip produces and have invested in carbon offsetting to reduce the impact of their tours.  In addition, they are committed to lowering emissions on their trips wherever possible.  They have invested in their fleet of coaches, which are both modern and fuel efficient. Coach travel offers a more sustainable option than the traditional road trip. 

If you take a trip with Contiki, you can be assured they are doing everything possible to make the trip as sustainable as possible and travel responsibly.  

Contiki provides life-affirming travel for young adventurous people looking to discover what the wider world offers. So if you are ready to book an unforgettable adventure, stop dreaming and make those plans a reality. Pick your destination and get involved.  

Whatever your adventure style, vibes, or wherever you want to go, Contiki has it covered.  Read on to find out the best Contiki tours which we have sorted for you to provide the ultimate travel inspiration. 

Read on for some ultimate travel inspiration for your next Contiki adventure.  

Page Contents

Eternal India

Food and wine in a french chateau, the explorer with (inca trail trek), sun and steam ( new zealand ), beaches and reefs (australia), the powder rush.

Are you ready to sharpen your sense of adventure with an action-packed twelve-day tour of India?  

Contiki offers an epic tour that takes in the multi-sensory extravaganza that is the vast, frenetic, and inspiring country of India, traveling through the Golden Triangle onwards to Mumbai and the exotic shores of Goa.  

This trip is perfect for those wanting to get out and explore India safely, socially, and stress-free. With your expert trip manager, driver, and local guides, this trip will be a breeze.   

The group will embark from the capital of Dehli in all its chaotic glory. 

Under the wing of your local guide, explore the sights and sounds of the historic district of Old Dehli, with its abundance of everything from bicycles, people, and rickshaws to street vendors selling all manner of wares.  Marvel at the ornate architecture and rich, warm colors of the red sandstone buildings before immersing yourself in Dehli’s street food scene. 

Cross over the Yamuna River into the state of Uttar Pradesh towards the city of Agra to make some serious strides on your bucket list with visits to the formidable Red Fort of Agra and the iconic Taj Mahal with its glittering white marble and luscious courtyards, gardens, and spectacular water pool and fountains.

Hit up the expansive Ranthambore National Park with the opportunity to add on a sunrise safari to spot some of the park’s incredible wildlife.  The trip includes visiting the Dhonk craft center, which provides employment and education opportunities for local people and micro-financing services.  Connect with local people here and learn more about their lives with this included Contiki Travel Matters Experience. 

Let loose in Jaipur, where you have some free time to explore.  Your group leader is full of expert recommendations, so grab your new travel crew and head out to savor the visual delights of this city with its distinctive pink-hued buildings.  Make a pit stop at Udaipur for a guided city tour, taking in the stunningly beautiful City Palace complex on Lake Pichola’s banks and the ornate Jagdish temple.  

Next, head to the mega-city of Mumbai with its cacophony of noises.  Watch as skyscrapers rise from it’s sprawling bodies and flotillas of boats sail the busy shores of the Arabian Sea. A local guide will help you experience the rush of this metropolis. Then it’s on to the beaches of Goa to embrace the sounds of the waves.  Your trip ends here, and it is the perfect spot for a farewell party to Goa’s legendary nightlife.  

With transport and accommodation covered, Eternal India provides an accessible and worry-free way to experience India’s incredible history and culture .  Immerse yourself in the amazing sights and sounds, from ornate temples to the city metropolises, lush countryside to beachside shores.  India has it all, and Contiki can’t wait to take you there. 

• Hotel accommodation
• Comfortable travel on a private coach
• Services of an expert trip manager and friendly, knowledgeable guides
• 11 breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner
• Orientation and sightseeing tours with local guides in Dehli, Udaipur, and Mumbai
• Entry to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Red Fort
• Visit the Dhonk Craft Centre community project in Ranthambore
• Internal flight to Goa

Treat yourself to a gourmet French chateau experience.  

Tease your palette, and meet new friends with an epic four days living in a 16th-century chateau complete with a pool, in-house chef, and bar.  Your travel group will explore the delights of the Beaujolais wine region, which has an abundance of vineyards and a rich culinary tradition that highlights fresh, seasonal produce.  

A complimentary transfer will whisk you from the station of Villefranche sur Saone to your stunning accommodation.   Settle into your well-appointed rooms and explore the sprawling grounds of this 16th-century chateau, a fantastic example of the architecture of the French Renaissance. 

Savor a locally produced wine and cheese tasting before heading for a three-course welcome dinner in a picturesque local village.  Food on, drinks on!

The next day heads out for a day trip to the gastronomical capital of France , Lyons.  Take a tour of the city’s culinary highlights with a local expert.  Your guide ensures you will hit the best spots and taste this region’s best food and wine. 

Sip spectacular wines and stop by some of the Bouchons Lyonaise, traditional, rustic restaurants that specialize in serving regional dishes.  Uncover the city’s authentic culinary heritage before returning to a fun dinner at the Chateau, making the most of your beautiful accommodation.  

Hit up a winery tour in the Beaujolais Wine Region.  Visit three wineries and sample wines, meet local winemakers, and learn more about viticulture.  Enjoy an included winery lunch with paired wines as you live the good life in France. 

Relax at the chateau as the in-house chefs prepare a farewell dinner of traditional French fare for the group to round out your foodie adventure in style.  Expect plenty of laughs, delicious food, and flowing drinks. Your trip ends the next day, but there is still time for a tasty breakfast or dip in the pool.  

This lavish tasting experience will leave your buttons straining as you enjoy an introduction to this region’s exquisite food and wine.   With accommodation and gourmet tasting experiences included, this upmarket adventure is excellent value.   

• Three nights’ accommodation in Chateau De Cruix.  
• Complimentary transfer from the station of Villefranche sur Saone
• Local wine and cheese tasting
• Moveable Feast Walking Tour of Lyons
• Three Breakfasts in the Chateau
• Winery visits and included lunch in the Beaujolais Wine Region
• Three Luxurious French Dinners
• Small Group Size for an intimate experience
• A Few Extra Inches on the Waistline

Embark on a journey of exploration in Peru , Argentina , and Brazil .  This eighteen-day adventure lets you experience some of South America’s finest destinations, from the wonders of the Matcha Pichu to the dynamic capital of Buenos Aires and the flamboyant streets of Rio de Janeiro.   

Soak in the complex cultures of South America, the intricate stonework of the ancient Incan civilization, and the breathtaking beauty of the densely-forested, high-altitude hills of the longest continental mountain range in the world, the Andes.  

This trip is perfect for those wanting an in-depth exploration of this awe-inspiring region. 

Begin your adventure at 11,000 feet in the city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Incan empire, surrounded by the sacred Andean peaks of Ausangate, Salkantay, and Veronica and the formidable ruins of the mighty Incan Empire.

With a local guide, you will visit the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to start uncovering the legacy of the Incan people and their agricultural and engineering prowess.  Those who choose the one-day Inca trek can follow some of the original Inca trails, traversing mountain paths into the clouds and taking in views of the iconic peak of Huayna Picchu and the valleys below.  

Those who choose not to take the Inca trail trek will catch a train to Aguas Calientes, a gateway city to Machu Picchu; nestled between imposing mountains and lush rainforest, the town is only accessible via train or foot.  

This location offers an early start for one of the trips, highlighting a guided tour of Machu Picchu . Located high amongst the Vilcabamba mountain range, wonder at the shifting shapes of the mist and clouds as they shroud these ancient structures. This spectacular architectural complex was abandoned in the 16th century.  

Take a rest day in Cusco with some free time.  Explore with new friends, or choose one of the optional extra excursions available. Tomorrow your journey takes you airborne to the heart of the Amazon.  

Reaching Puerto Maldonado is an adventure in itself as your plane cuts through the mountains before descending into Peru’s Amazon basin.  Then you will voyage by boat to a spectacular jungle lodge deep in the pristine rainforest of the Amazon. 

From your comfortable lodge accommodation, smash your bucket list with a two-night stay in the jungle. Take a hike to a canopy tower to take in the incredible biodiversity of this verdant paradise, kick back and relax in your bungalow as the rich audioscape of gushing water, the howl of monkeys, calls of birds, and the patter of rain wash over you.  The next day enjoy an unforgettable guided canoe trip down the mighty waters of the Amazon.

Catch an internal flight to the city of Lima.  Spend a free evening with your new travel mates in Peru’s capital.  Experience the city come alive as night settles, meander through the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, stroll past the illuminated facade of the cathedral of Lima, follow the boardwalk along the cliffs for a spectacular view of the cities skyline, or visit the lively neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.  

On to Buenos Aires next for an epic four-night stay in this energetic Latin-American destination.  Launch straight into the good times with a hearty dinner out. Get ready to experience the fire of the Argentinian tango dancers in a wild night of romance and dancing. 

The city is yours to explore. With the help of an expert local guide, get under the skin of this diverse metropolis. Follow insider tips and craft your adventure on the tree-lined streets, party until dawn breaks or join the optional extra excursions.  

Suppose this incredible city destination wasn’t enough for you. In that case, it is onto Brazil to experience the natural wonders of the unbelievable Iguassa National Park, home to one of the world’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful collections of waterfalls.  Surrounded by tropical rainforest, this semi-circle-shaped waterfall contains multiple cascades creating a dazzling visual display.  

Finnish this adventure of a lifetime, with a multi-day stop in Rio De Janeiro with beachside accommodation.  Get ready for the time of your life.  

Check out the famous sunsets of Rio, its vibrant city beaches, and unbeatable nightlife. With an orientation tour to get your bearings, there is plenty of free time to soak in the carnival atmosphere.  

These last days pack a punch with a Contiki Make Travel Matter guided tour through the favelas and an epic boat cruise in Guanabara Bay, taking in the stunning waterside view of the city’s iconic landmarks.  Toast your mates, toast the experience, toast yourself! This is you living your best life.  

Contiki makes the journey easy with a stress-free, safe, in-depth travel itinerary.  With an expert trip manager and local guides, a driving team, accommodation, and amazing included activities, this truly is a life-changing travel experience.  

• Expert trip manager, driving team, and local guides
• 13 nights of hotel accommodation and 4 nights of hostel accommodation (including a 2-night stay in the Amazon)
• 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
• Exploration of the Sacred Valley (Urubamba), including the Pisac and Ollantaytambo Ruins
• Visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour and entry.
• Flight through mountain terrain and descending into the Amazon Basin to Puerto Maldonado
• Orientation tour of Puerto Maldonado, Buenos Aires and Rio De Janerio
• Amazon jungle canopy Hike and guided canoe ride
• Flight to Lima
• Flight to Buenos Aires and tango and dinner experience
• Flights to Iguassu, exploration of Iguassu National Park
• A Contiki Make Travel Matter Experience – Guided Favela Tour
• Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue
• Guanbara Bay Boat Cruise
• A full Instagram feed

Is New Zealand on your mind this year? Contiki offers an incredible North Island mini-break.  

Make life easy and join in on this sublime roadie that heads up to the sunny shores of Paihia in the upper Northland, then onto the geothermal delights of buzzing Rotorua.  

This social tour has a maximum group size of 45 and is the perfect place to meet new friends and travel companions.  A group tour is an excellent way to make the most of your time in New Zealand and shake up your social life while getting out there and trying new experiences.  

Travel in comfort on a spacious private coach. Your expert trip manager is a fellow New Zealand enthusiast with in-depth knowledge of the best activities and scenic spots.  In short, they have your back with on-the-road support! 

Meet your group in Auckland before heading toward Paihia. Take in the views as you cruise the open road. There is a scheduled pit stop in Whangarei. Stroll around the marina, with plenty of cafes and restaurants overlooking the waterfront. It is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch.  The city has a vibrant arts scene, and culture vultures will enjoy visiting the Huderwassert art center. 

On arrival in Paihia, the group will take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn more about the history and culture of New Zealand’s indigenous people.  After a busy day, tuck into New Zealand’s classic fish and chips overlooking the idyllic Bay of Islands.  A free day in Paihia lets you explore the spectacular coastal beauty of this small town.  There are plenty of optional extras to try if you want, or kick back and do your own thing.  

Overnight in Auckland before hitting up the bright lights of Rotorua.  Here you will meet New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi, in a Contiki Make Travel Matter visit to New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery.  The evening sees you experience a traditional hangi dinner and Maori cultural experience.  

You have a free day to explore Rotorua , visit some of the town’s geothermal features, or get involved in some adventure sports. Your trip leader can hook you up with a raft of optional activities. The tour heads back to Auckland for your departure point.    

With included transport, cultural activities, accommodation, and a whole heap of fun, this tour offers a stress-free way to experience some of the North Islands’ premium locations and activities with a shorter New Zealand break.  

• 4 nights of hotel accommodation and one night in a hostel
• Private coach travel and professional driver
• 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners
• Visit the Huderwassert arts center.
• Guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty grounds
• Fish and chip dinner in Pahia
• Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery
• Maori Cultural Experience and Traditional Hangi Dinner
• Visit Auckland, Whangarei, Pahia, Rotorua

This incredible tour offers your ultimate east coast Australian Adventure .  

Join your trip manager and travel crew for this epic adventure. With a maximum group size of 30, this trip offers the perfect blend of social and intimate.  Prepare to make some serious inroads on your Aussie bucket list as you blast along the Pacific coast from Sydney to Cairns.  

Your adventure takes in the best of the east coast and is jam-packed with visits to stunning tropical islands.  This one is all about sun, sea, sand, and fun.  

Send an incredible three nights in Australia’s cosmopolitan capital Sydney.  Kick off with a day trip to the spectacular blue mountains, with their dramatic sandstone cliffs and shrouds of blue-tinted mist. Next day enjoy an orientation tour of Sydney with your group leader, including the Opera House and Bondi Beach.  

Hop on a plane for the laid-back shores of Byron Bay.  Embrace surfer life with an included surf lesson.  Be warned. You might catch the surfing bug! With a two-night stay in Byron, you have plenty of time to get acquainted with the town’s bohemian vibes, luscious natural surroundings, and thriving art and music scene.  

Hightail it to your next amazing destination with a two-night stay in a stunning eco-camp in the unique Noosa Everglades.  Soak in the surroundings with its dense vegetation and lush wetland ecosystems.  Later experienced a Contiki Make Travel Matter experience with a visit to an 80-acre sustainable farm.  

A day trip to Fraser Island guarantees unforgettable memories.  Head out early with the team to experience paradise, from its pure white sand beaches to the coastal dune system, abundant wildlife, marine life, and verdant rainforest.  Blast down the longest sand highway in the world and dip in Lake Mackenzie’s crystal-clear waters.  There is incredible wildlife to see here.  Prepare to be blown away but its rugged, wild, and isolated beauty.  

Things get pretty tropical where you are going next, with a base in one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations, Airlie Beach.   Located in the heart of the Whitsundays, it is the perfect jumping-off spot for a day trip to the jaw-droppingly beautiful region, surrounded by the coral sea, home to the Great Barrier Reef.  This is the place for exploring this extensive coral ecosystem, its spectacular array of marine life, and crystal clear turquoise waters.

Next up is a two-night stay on Magnetic Island, home to many Australian wildlife, from koalas to wallabies and possums. Head over by ferry before enjoying a hike to watch the spectacular sunset, with unobstructed views across the coral sea; the sunsets here are literally to die for. Next morning experience a uniquely Aussie breakfast experience with a slap-up feed at Selina Koala Village set amongst native trees. A wildlife ranger will introduce you to some of the residences of the onsite wildlife sanctuary.  

The last destination on the itinerary is Cairns.  Get acquainted with traditional bush cuisine with an incredible dining experience hosted by a local chef who demonstrates the uses of native ingredients before enjoying a traditional dinner using the native game.  

Join an expert guide for a guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest and most diverse in the world.  As part of this Make Travel Matter experience meet with the local Kuku Yalanji people and learn more about the history and culture of the Aboriginal people.  Next, head over to the Janbal gallery to meet with an Aboriginal artist to explore the artistic expression of Dreamtime and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece.  Spend your last day in Cairns taking in the sights or join an optional extra Great Barrier Reef cruise.  

This incredible adventure takes in the breadth of Australia’s stunning East Coast for an epic journey of beaches, wildlife, and stunning tropical destinations.  

• 13 nights in hostels, 2 nights in an eco-camp
• 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Expert trip manager, driver and local guides
• Day trip to the Blue Mountains
• Guided tour of Sydney, including Bondi Beach and the Opera House. 
• Flight to Byron Bay and a surf lesson 
• Fraser Island Day Trip
• Flight Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Day trip to the Whitsundays
• Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.  
• Ferry to Magnetic Island 
• Magnetic Island Sunset Hike and champagne 
• Breakfast with koalas on Magnetic Island
• Train to Cairns
• Make Travel Matter bush tucker dinner experience
• Guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest
• Immersive Make Travel Matter Aboriginal Art Class

Are you craving fresh powder? Dreaming of hitting the Canadian slopes for some world-class skiing and snowboarding?

Contiki’s Powder Rush Tour offers the ultimate Canadian Ski adventure on this 9-day tour for snow lovers.  Join a maximum group of 52 other powder hounds for your best winter holiday yet.  

This trip is perfect for meeting new slope buddies, sharing snow stories, and experiencing Canada’s stunning natural beauty. Your expert trip manager will set the vibes and get the excitement going, and your expert driver will handle the logistics.

Begin this epic adventure in the pumping city of Vancouver, where snow-capped mountains meet the shores of the Pacific.  

Jump aboard the comfortable Contiki coach to trace the coastline on the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway.  Keep your eyes open because the scenery is out of this world, with epic coastal views, rugged snowcapped mountains, the winding Squamish River, and lush forested hillsides.  

With anticipation kicking in, arrive at the legendary Whistler, home to the mighty Coast Mountain range, bucket loads of snow, and an electric apres-scene.  Spend a three-night stay in North America’s largest ski resort.  With varied skiing terrain and some of the best backcountry in Canada, Whistler has something for everyone.  Contiki has local connections and can hook you up with great deals on lessons.  

You might be sad to leave Whistler’s stunning slopes but fear not; your travel crew is headed to the magnificent Banff National Park.  Jump on board a flight to Calgary before a short drive takes you to Banff.  

This place is outdoor magic in all its glory, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains.  With its timeless natural beauty, the park is one of the biggest in Canada and home to next-level skiing and snowboard terrain.  

With three ski resorts in the park, you are spoilt for choice.  Banff Mount Norquay is located minutes from Banff town. It has approximately 60 runs, a terrain park, and also offers night skiing.  Lake Louise is Bannff’s most extensive area and has several terrain parks, good access to incredible back-country skiing, and amazing views of the Rocky Mountains and Lake Louise. 

Sunshine Village spreads across three mountains, has expansive views and access to the continental divide, and is located at an incredibly high altitude, benefiting from excellent snow conditions.  The choice is yours!

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is a wide range of activities in the national park, from hiking to dog sledding, glacier hiking, and canyoning.  Your trip manager will help you out with any advice you need.  Exhausted from all the activity? Check out the natural hot springs or get out and enjoy the town’s lively apres-ski scene.   

When packing up your gear and waving goodbye to new friends, transport is provided to Calgary for your departure point.  

This tour offers an incredible way to visit two of Canada’s premium winter destinations, meet new friends, ski and snowboard to your heart’s content, and experience jaw-dropping mountain scenery.  

• Expert trip manager and driver
• Eight breakfasts
• Three-night accommodation and stay at Whistler Ski Resort
• Flight to Calgary
• Four Nights Accommodation and stay at Banff National Park
• Departure Point in Calgary

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Contiki is great for a particular audience, the 18 to 35 year old traveler. but are they any good.

Contiki #NoRegrets

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Contiki is great for a particular travel audience. Generally, it’s aimed at younger budget-minded travelers 18 to 35 year olds. Contiki has hundreds of tours operating all around the globe and their whole thing is ‘social travel’. This is for those that want to soak in the cultural side of the destination and dive deep into the local nightlife as well. It makes sense any 18 – 35 year old looking to travel on a budget and party at the same time. Let us take a deeper dive this Contiki Review and see if it’s the right fit for you.

What is Contiki?

Founded in 1962 Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company catering to the 18 to 35 year old market. The idea came from the founder looking to travel on a tight budget yet still have fun and see Europe. Currently, they operate over 300 tours around the world so it’s easy for anyone to find a cool trip anywhere on the globe. I need to mention they won’t allow travelers over the age of 35 to join their tours.

Let me say right now that the average age for a Contiki traveler is 18 to 27.

Accommodations: BUDGET! You’ll be staying in either in a hotel or a hostel so understand these aren’t 4 or 5-star hotels or hostels. However, Contiki does its best to find the best 3-star type hotel or hostel. Depending on the continent that 3-star Euro accommodation will be a 5-star somewhere else. The negative is if you’re sharing a room, you’re hoping your roommate won’t snore and will be courteous with the shared space.

That being said, I never felt unsafe in the locations I stayed in. For the most part, you’ll be out all day and partying most of the night, that bed is there for you to crash.

Hot Tip: If you want you can book your own room, that’s supplemental when you book the tour through Contiki directly.

Group Size: As with any Contiki tour you can expect a minimum of 20 or more travelers with you on the bus. I remember when I did a short 8 day trip I was with 25 or so other travelers. Many travelers will book multiple tours with Contiki so it’s common that during a trip a few will drop off while others will join the group.

Contiki Guides: They round up the whole group in the lobby of the hotel / hostel and they take you on the tour. Yes, they’re like the chaperones we had during a school trip. With one difference, they’re all young and they too want to party. They will take you around the city and do a pub crawl, hit up a club or some really cool local spot.

Food: Breakfast is provided on all the tours however from what I remember lunch and dinner was all on you. To save money you can catch some street food that is delicious and cheap.

Cost: Totally depends on where you plan to go and for how many days. A tour can range from $800 to $3500. Traveling to Europe will obviously cost more than Asia. Also, you’ll need some spending money for whatever comes up, I remember all I brought was $500 for the week.

Drinking and Partying: As you probably already know Contiki definitely has a partying atmosphere however I strongly suggest those 18 to 20 years old travelers to perhaps hold off on going to the US. The legal drinking age in the US is 21 and it’s strictly enforced. I’ve had many of my Australian travel mates say that when they visited the US the younger travelers couldn’t visit any bars or clubs.

Contiki Review:

My very first solo tour was with Contiki, I landed in Germany and ended in Prague. I can’t tell you how much fun I had. I have to be 100% honest, I was partying like an animal with everyone else so much of my day was spent being hungover. I pretty much drank Red Bulls to pull it together and finished the tour like a champ. The tour started in Berlin where I met with the tour guide and he was extremely helpful in getting me situated to my room, the rules of the tour, and explaining what optional add-ons were available.

The guide we had was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area and took his time in explaining everything. He was very outgoing so that made the tour better.

Having a good guide is everything!

The breakfast buffet I do remember was absolutely incredible! After a full night of drinking the first thing I wanted to do is chow down on food to soak up the alcohol….we all were doing it.

The negative part was the bus transportation from Berlin to Prague, it was a 5 hour drive so we lose most of the morning.

Prague was the city I fell in love with. I was really awestruck by how beautiful that city is and how much more fun I had in Prague rather than Berlin. The food and beer in Prague I felt was better and there was more to do and see. When the tour ended, I really wanted to stay but alas I had to return to my life in California. That trip forever changed how I viewed traveling alone.

Final Thoughts On Contiki:

Should you go on a Contiki tour? 100% absolutely YES, if you…

• Like to party
• Want the whole trip planned for you
• Want to meet new people
• Are on a budget
• Really like to party!

Optional Add-Ons: These are excursions that Contiki sets up that do cost extra. Depending on the country you’re in they can be just about anything but always check what the add-ons are and see which you want to do. Remember these are totally optional.

Bus / Coach: This is the only real negative about Contiki, when traveling from one city to the next you’ll be on the bus or coach for a while….in some cases a few hours. That can be a real drag because you lose precious time just sitting on a bus.

Beware of Australians! Seems that all Australians go on a Contiki tour at one point in their lives. Just kidding after doing so many of these tours some of the most fun people I’ve met are from Australia and frankly, they do make the coolest travel buddies.

Most Popular Contiki Tours:

Here are just some of the more popular tours that Contiki runs catering to so many tastes. The best part is they’re constantly running specials with deals left and right. Here’s a glimpse of their more popular tours:

Let’s also take a look at a few more of their more popular trips!

Contiki Trip Ideas!

Contiki is constantly offering specials on their tours so don’t forget to check out their last-minute deals .

South America is a great destination for any budget traveler, check out some of the deals with these destinations Contiki is offering. – BOOK NOW!

Perhaps you’re looking for something more of an exotic destination, Contiki has you covered with a Bali Island Hopper Tour. – BOOK NOW!

Cambodia is another destination that is VERY budget-friendly and fun. Explore the magic Cambodia has to offer and BOOK NOW!

Here are some more of Contiki’s Top European trips, take a look and book your bucket list trip today!

Contiki Review

Contiki offers fun filled tours for the 18 to 35 year old traveler. The tours are fully organized so you don't have to plan anything. Here's a breakdown as to whom would benefit the most from traveling with Contiki.

• Meeting new people
• You see a lot in a short time
• Great value for the money
• 360+ tours to choose from
• Not fun for non-partygoers
• A lot of time spent on Bus / Coach
• A little fast paced

Strapped Traveler

Like you, I love to travel and have learned over the years I can travel to nearly anywhere in the world on a budget. My blog aims to guide you into traveling abroad on a budget and still have a great time. Visit us regularly for the latest in travel gear and trip ideas that won't break the bank.

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The Good, Bad and a Brutally Honest Contiki Review (Are Contiki Tours for You?)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 04/29/2022

To kick off my solo travel career I opted to try a group tour so I wasn’t 100% alone. It was through a friend that I heard of Contiki tours and soon after I found myself on not only one, but three different tours back to back.

But what’s the truth, the brutally honest truth of Contiki travel? Below I cover exactly what to expect as one of few completely honest Contiki reviews.

Keep in mind that this is based on my experiences and that others may have had significantly different experiences, though the majority agree that Contiki tours are awesome and a wildly good time.

Table of Contents

What is Contiki?

Contiki is a tour company created for 18-35’s who want to travel the world and live by the Contiki slogan #NOREGRETS. They do a pretty good job of following up with their slogan on trips that are pretty much dream itineraries for travellers who want to see as much as possible with limited time.

Contiki offers tours for destinations around the world including Europe, Asia, USA and Canada, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand and their latest tours are now in Africa too.

With tours as short as a weekend to as long as 45 days, there is something for everyone. They offer budget to luxury, priding themselves in offering eight different travel styles. And with 53 years of tours under their belt, they know a thing or two about doing it right.

They’re also known for having 50% of their travelers as solo travelers, making it easy to meet others.

Contiki Europe Reviews

I personally only went on Contiki tours in Europe and I did the following two:

• London to Athens Plus Mykonos and Santorini Island Escape
• Oktoberfest

My short take Contiki tour reviews? All of these tours are awesome and I would recommend them to anyone travelling solo or who wants to see as much as possible in a short amount of time.

Expect for Oktoberfest, that was a completely different type of trip and it was too, totally awesome with excursions and transfers and Oktoberfest tables organized for you.

Should you go on a Contiki tour?

This is the short answer.

Yes, if…

• You like to party
• You want everything organized for you
• You’re a solo traveler wanting to meet people
• Your budget is not small

No, if…

• You have a tight budget
• You don’t care about meeting people
• You want to explore more in places
• You like luxury or relaxation

And for the long answer…read through these highlights and not-so-great things about Contiki tours to help you make a more informed decision.

READ MORE: 15 Benefits of Travelling Alone

Kind of People on Contiki Tours

If you’re Australian and are debating going on a Contiki tour to get away from your country or to meet people from around the world…you’ll probably end up meeting more Australians than anything. Little did I know before leaving for the trip that Contiki tours are insanely popular in Australia and widely known across the country.

When I mentioned Contiki tours to people back home in Canada, not many knew what I was talking about.

Contiki Culture

Contiki tours are targeted to a younger market, with most traveler’s being between the age of 19-23. That age is a party age. So if you’re not a big partier then you may want to reconsider.

I’m not saying that it isn’t fun without the partying because it is, you still do and see awesome things, but there is usually a lot of drinking involved. Like drinking almost every night. It’s always a good time.

Contiki Tours for Solo Travellers

There’s something about traveling with people that really affects how quickly you become close. In no time you will find some people who you mesh well with, and by the end of the trip, you’ll be crying because you have to go on your separate journeys.

These tours bring people together in a way that’s different than your friends at home which make them ideal for solo travellers. Since my tours I’ve met up with multiple people and travelled with a few from these trips. Travel friendship bonds you in a way like no other.

What are Contiki guides like?

The guides are so much more than a guide. They’re not just the ones telling you what time you have to be on the bus by, they’re also the ones partying with you until the last one calls a quit.

They’re not just giving you phenomenal tours of a city, they’re also there to chat with you at breakfast. They’re not just your tour guide, they’re also a part of your family, your Contiki family which you’ll love dearly in the end.

What are the groups like?

Put a bunch of boys and girls together, mix in a lot of drinking and spontaneous decisions because well why not, you’re on vacation! And you’ll find some drama, usually amongst the girls, and usually over a boy. You’re with the same people on a bus day in and day out, cliques can form and people get mad when boys sleep with more than one girl. Shit happens, people get jealous, this is nothing new, but something that can be expected.

Luckily this never happened on my trip! Though my big tour was 30 girls and 4 boys, two of which were gay, one found out his girlfriend at home was pregnant while on the trip and the last ended up marrying one of the girls he met on the trip!

Contiki Cough

Don’t be surprised to hear from past Contiki tour goers about the Contiki cough. You’re on a Contiki bus with the same people and sharing rooms, someone is bound to get sick. And then it spreads. With the lack of sleep and busy schedule you know one person will get sick and share their gems amongst everyone. Most common is the Contiki cough, or a cold, or both.

What do you see on a Contiki trip? What is the pace like?

Tours in general are known for being quite quick and the Contiki tours are no different. I took a slower pace tour and found myself jumping from city to city in the blink of an eye. You can spend anywhere from 1-3 nights in each city, which some people think is too little.

I like to think of it as a small taste of each place. It’s just enough to know if you like the vibe of a place before you move on. Then you’ll know exactly where you’ll want to come back to in the future.

The good news is that different kinds of tours are offered for different paces, budget and accommodation style.

READ MORE: Groups Tours: Are They A Good Idea for You?

Is there any freedom?

Yes! What’s great about Contiki tours is that it’s not back-to-back events with every minute of your day planned. There are nightly events which you can attend (at an extra cost) or you can do your own thing. As long as you’re on the bus when you need to be, that’s the only time the tour guide ever does a headcount.

You’ll always have the day to yourself. This is when your tour guide and bus driver will take a break and you and your new-found BFFL can see all the sites your heart desires.

Food & Accommodation

If you want local experiences, to try amazing food, and stay in good accommodations then don’t take a Contiki budget tour. I can’t vouch for their luxury trips but the budget ones bring you to restaurants that every tour goes to, and accommodation  can  have bed bugs (guess who slept in a hotel lobby in Greece because we discovered bed bugs in our room at 2AM?).

Accommodations are often outside the city centre because they are cheaper. You have time to discover your own tasty food during the day and opt to go out for your own dinners if food is important to you.

Best Contiki Tours

Ready for a Contiki trip? These are a few of the most popular Contiki holidays that look pretty epic. As you’ll soon realize, Contiki Europe is the most popular.

Greek Island Hopping

Countries Visited:  Greece (Paros, Santorini, Mykonos and Ios) Tour Length: 11 days Best for: More relaxed, chilled travellers

European Discovery

Countries Visited:  England, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland Tour Length:  12 days Best for: Travellers with limited time who want to see the most

Simply Italy

Countries Visited:  Italy, Vatican City Tour Length:  15 days Best for:  Italy in-depth

Countries Visited:  Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland Tour Length:  8 days Best for:  Ireland in-depth

European Horizon

Countries Visited:  England, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland Tour Length: 11 days Best for: Europe highlights with minimal time

Is Contiki Worth It?

Only you can decide.

Contiki Tour Highlights

• Maximize what you get to see in limited time
• Make great friends
• My Contiki seamlessly makes handling documents and meeting people a breeze
• You never have to worry about booking a thing or transportation
• Expert guides who go above and beyond
• Ideal for solo and group travellers

Contiki Tour Downsides

• Expensive (as are all tours)
• Always large groups (which could be a good or bad thing)
• Heavy focus on partying (only a downside if you’re not into that)
• Fast-paced aka little time for relaxation on the majority of the tours but not all

The truth about Contiki tours is that they’re made for young travelers, people looking to have a great time, see some sights, drink some French wine, and meet people. The experience is as much of a party,and about meeting people as it is about travel.

People will sleep together, you will see some amazing sights, you’ll make good friends, you’ll get little sleep, you’ll party lots, you’ll try unique experiences for each area, and most of all, you’ll come out of it with no regrets (as they promise), which is pretty good. Just don’t be one of those people who gets #NOREGRETS tattooed on them and I’m sure you’ll leave with none.

The simplest truth is that you’ll spend a decent amount of money, you’ll have a great time and you’ll scratch the surface of travel, seeing only the best of the best things to see in each place.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

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Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

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The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

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Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

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Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

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Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Pop Culture

Here’s which Taylor song you should boogie to at every European destination

By Charlie Fabre

Writer and editor for Contiki, Charlie is French-American, obsessed with travel, art, food, and reading in the New Hampshire forests.

Published on Oct 16, 2023

Guys, it’s finally happening, the Eras Tour is hitting Europe in less than a month and we couldn’t be more excited! Picture this: you’re on your merry way to your concert city, you’re travelling through Europe, perhaps for the first time , and it feels like you’re in wonderland. Paris under the Eiffel Tower (munching on a croissant), Berlin’s best underground clubs, or London walking Camden Market in the afternoon. 

And though you’re there for the concert, you need some tunes to hold you over – a tune to mark the occasion and complete this beautiful travel moment. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. So grab a pen and an old napkin and let’s find out which terrific Taylor track best matches the Eras Tour cities!  

Feeling inspired?

QUIZ! Which Era are you?

1. fall head over heels for paris with love story.

How could the city of love not be graced with Taylor’s iconic Love Story ? Spend a romantic day visiting the underrated yet stunning Musée de L’Orangerie for somewhere you can be alone. Then grab a pain au chocolat to snack on while you walk down the Seine and up at the Champs de Mars. Don’t forget to check out one of Paris ’s iconic street-side bistros for an early dinner. Then close your eyes and let those beautiful flashbacks start…

Paris dates: 9-12th of May

Image source: Contiki

2. Don’t Blame Me if I end up moving to Stockholm

Colourful buildings, amazing pastries you’ll be craving, art museums, and idyllic docks; Stockholm is a perfect destination and it might just make you crazy. It’s got just the right amount of cool that matches Don’t Blame Me ’s vibe to a T, so bopping down the street to this is only right.

Stockholm dates: 17-19th of May

Stockholm for the weekend: how to spend the perfect 48 hours

3. it’s a cruel summer in lisbon.

Oh did we say cruel? We meant totally cool. As far as Eras Tour cities go, Lisbon is bright and sunny and the life of the party! Head to the beach for a swim, hit the highstreet for some shopping, and bask in that warm ever-present light. Plus, admire some of Lisbon’s most colourful architecture along the way. It’s a vibe, it’s high energy, so what better song to accompany your Lisbon escapade than the fun and flirty Cruel Summer !

Lisbon dates: 24-25th of May

4. Edinburgh deserves a cosy tune like Betty

Book lovers, history buffs, and fans of charming cities gather: Edinburgh is absolutely the perfect place for you – especially if you decided to visit in the crisp but magical autumn or winter season. Listen to Betty , a tune off one of Taylor’s most Scotland-coded albums, and read in the window of the Waterstones on Prince Street which offers the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle. 

Edinburgh dates: 7-9th of June

Scotland and Ireland

5. london boy for, you guessed it, london.

I mean, Taylor did all the work for us here by providing a detailed list of all the must-see areas in London! So make sure you’re bopping around to this tune while you visit the West End and Mayfair, and sing it out loud with your new British pub mates as you watch rugby with their school friends. London is one of the most vibrant Eras Tour cities, so much so that she’s performing here twice!

London dates: 21-23rd of June and 15-20th of August 

6. Escape to Dublin to live out your Wildest Dreams

The Irish countryside is handsome as hell and you’d be doing yourself a massive favour by booking a little weekend escape there! Stroll along the coasts and the cliffs, feel the wind in your hair, and then settle back into vibrant Dublin for one of the best live music scenes in Europe. The cobblestone streets, the green and orange bunting, the Guinness! Wildest Dreams is the tune that should define your best Irish life while you visit this Eras Tour city.

Dublin dates: 28-30th of June

What to do with 2 days in Dublin

7. loving amsterdam was red.

No, this choice has nothing to do with the Red Light District (though what a great coincidence). Instead, it has everything to do with the fact that Red is a party-country tune, the best of both-worlds, and if you know Amsterdam, you know it’s just that. Amsterdam puts on a cosy and charming front with its canal, endless cyclists with adorable wicker baskets, and of course the tulips. But it’s also home to a wicked nightlife. Once you’ve been, forgetting Amsterdam is like trying to remember a destination you’ve never been to before!

Amsterdam dates: 4-6th of July

8. Become a Suburban Legend in Zürich

Light and dreamy, this song perfectly captures the vibe of Zürich. This Swiss city is beautiful and idyllic – you’ll feel like you’re floating on air as you discover the colourful Scandi-inspired architecture of the pre-medieval Old Town. Tick-tock, time’s running out for you to explore this national treasure before other avid travellers take over, so enjoy the mountain air by the docks of Lake Zürich in peace while you can.

Zürich dates: 9-10th of July

9. Hit up Milan in Style

One of Europe’s (and the world’s) biggest fashion capitals, how can you NOT listen to Taylor’s iconic tune Style when you’re there? Don your boldest red lip as you traipse through the pretty streets of Milan, window-shopping and imagining yourself in the most stunning of outfits, indulging in the finest of things. You can also zoom over to famous Lake Como for a weekend of luxury with a James Dean-type travel companion. Lush!

Milan dates: 13-14th of July

Image source: Cristina Gottardi / unsplash

10. I Know Places in Munich 

Munich is looked to in the fall for Oktoberfest, but it seems relatively forgotten about the rest of the year. And what a mistake that is! Of all the German Eras Tour cities, Munich is one of country’s best hidden gems, and that’s why Taylor’s I Know Places is the perfect anthem to represent it. Get lost staring up at the timeless Bavarian architecture (all colourful walls and exposed beams), and enjoy an apple strudel as a light snack before a hearty German meal.

Munich dates: 27-28th of July

3 nature spots to visit on a day trip from Munich

11. follow your invisible string to the immortal vienna.

Sweet and classic, infused with a majestic cultural scene complete with prestigious ballet and dressage schools as well as impressive art museums, Vienna is the city for lovers of all things pretty. Play Invisible String, a gentle ballad, as you check out the museum quarter or even pop into a stunning opera. These two go hand in hand, trust us.

Vienna dates: 8-10th of August

Image source: Dan V / unsplash

Other European cities fans will love

1. party in prague to 22.

You may not know much about Prague but we’ll bet you want to. A trip to the Czech Republic’s capital spells only one thing: a few nights you won’t be sleeping. It’s young, it’s a little bit hipster, and it’s cool; it’s one of the best cities to visit if you’re a fan of history and culture by day and party and celebration by night. It’s a shame Prague isn’t one of the Eras Tour cities because it’s less miserable and more magical, and you’d be partying the night away! 

10 Best Things to do in Prague at Night

2. live carefree with i knew you were trouble in berlin.

Stockholm’s older sister, Berlin is just as cool as the Swedish capital, but it’s also got a fun edge to it. The place where all cultures and styles collide, you’re guaranteed to have an exhilarating time here, and maybe make a few questionable choices along the way… But it’s all for the plot and this is why I Knew You Were Trouble is the perfect anthem for Berlin!

Image source: Michael Heise / unsplash

3. Make Rome your ultimate End Game

I mean, all roads lead to Rome, right? So it’s the perfect End Game to your European odyssey (and this would have been a PERFECT Eras Tour city to end the tour). Rome’s got a big reputation for being one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, and it certainly lives up to the expectation. A perfect mash up of past and present influence, there’s a little bit for everyone in timeless Rome.

Simply Italy

4. become one of the new romantics in florence.

Classic and flirty, Florence is Italy’s answer to Paris, with its storied cobblestones and sunkissed buildings. New Romantics’ lively beat is paired perfectly while skipping down the streets of Florence in a true ‘main character’ moment. It’s the home of some of Italy’s most famous and enchanting contributions to art and architecture, and many of Florence’s most pristine art galleries and attractions are free, such as the Uffuzi Gallery, the Basilica de Santa Maria Novella, and the famed Duomo. After all, the best places in life are free…

5. Become Fearless on your trip to Dubrovnik

We really don’t know how it gets better than this: azure water, pinky-white beaches, a historic city, beautiful hikes to enjoy the sights. Dubrovnik has gained in popularity lately, but it’s still kind of on the quiet side of tourism even though it deserves all the love! This is definitely a dark horse amongst all the non-Eras Tour cities. So, we challenge you to go out to prove how Fearless you can be and listen to this iconic tune as you go out and explore this soon to be iconic destination.

Croatia Island Sail

6. shine and glitter in the bejeweled budapest .

Budapest, one of the crowning jewels of eastern Europe, is a city of many gems. From heated public baths which steam right into the open air, to ruin bars which give your nightlife a new quirky spin; it’s a unique and dazzling city. It only makes sense for you to blast Taylor’s feel good bop Bejeweled as you catch the golden reflection of the houses of parliament making the whole Danube shimmer. 

Image source: Keszthelyi Timi / unsplash

Other Eras Tour cities

Taylor is also hitting up these fantastic European locations :

• Madrid, Spain – 29-30th of May
• Lyon, France – 2-3rd of June
• Liverpool, England – 13-15th of June
• Cardiff, Wales – 18th of June
• Gelsenkirchen, Germany – 17-19th of July
• Hamburg, Germany – 23-24th of July
• Warsaw, Poland – 1-3rd of August

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THE 10 BEST Moscow City Tours

City tours in moscow.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moscow Private Tours

2. Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer

3. Moscow Free Tour

4. Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours

5. Bridge to Moscow

6. Go Russia Travel Company

7. Privilege Tour

8. Moscow Navigator

9. Put-in Tours

10. Walks With Folks

11. Moskovskiye Gulyaki

12. Moscow Bike Tours

13. Happy Moscow Tours

14. Tour of Moscow - Day Tours

15. Kremlin Tour

16. IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow

17. Tsar Visit

18. Excursions in Russia

19. VikiTours

20. Moscow Greeter

21. MoscowMe

22. Gulyayem po Moskve

23. Tour Gratis Moscu

24. Tour-Moscow

25. Gorodskoi Voyazh

26. Rusiatourmoscu

27. Moscow 360

28. Express to Russia

29. Russia With Love

30. Angel Taxi - Day Tour

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