contiki tours europe 1983

Fascinating Photos Reveal What A Contiki Tour Was Like In The 1970s & 80s

Travel back in time to the groovy 70s and tubular 80s, and experience the iconic Contiki Tours. Before the days of iPhones, Instagram, and Google Maps, the young’uns of yesteryear embarked on these epic adventures, armed with nothing but a sense of wanderlust and a paper map. So grab your bell-bottoms and leg warmers, and let’s dive headfirst into the wonderful world of Contiki Tours in the 1970s and 80s.

Ask your parents what travel was like in the 1970s and 80s. Actually, don’t do that. You might find out you were conceived in the back of a Contiki Kombi van. Yes, Contiki actually used Kombi Vans back then!

As you’d expect, the fashion of the 1970s and 80s was a sight to behold on a Contiki tour. Ladies donned their platform shoes, flared trousers, and bohemian dresses, while the gents rocked their denim jackets, mullets and moustaches. Everyone had their Polaroid cameras in tow, capturing the hilarity of their outfits and the questionable hairstyles of their fellow travellers. If you think today’s coach buses are a squeeze, you should have seen the Contiki buses of the 70s and 80s. Often more akin to a tin can on wheels, these colourful contraptions would transport groups of fun-loving, freedom-seeking youths across the continent. Air conditioning? Pah! Who needs it when you have the breeze from an open window to cool you down? And let’s not forget the cassette player belting out classics from ABBA, Queen and David Bowie, providing the perfect soundtrack for the journey.

Oh, the stories we could tell! Contiki in the 70s and 80s were renowned for their wild parties, impromptu singalongs and legendary pub crawls. With a group of young travellers thrown together from all corners of the globe, it was inevitable that sparks would fly and lifelong friendships (and occasionally romances) would be formed.

Feast your eyes & ears on this 1980s Contiki advert [sound on 🔈]

This retro Contiki advertisement from the 1980s exudes a sense of adventure and freedom, capturing the spirit of travel in a more relaxed era.

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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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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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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

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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.

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Contiki Tours to Europe

Looking for an amazing tour with Contiki to Europe ? You've come to the right place, as we've analyzed all of their popular package tour options to find the absolute best based on destinations, price, service, and many other factors. Contiki is a very popular tour company with young adults in their 20's. They are well known and well established with more than 270 tours around the world to choose from. The company is one of the first tour companies that was specifically designed for younger travelers, and they offer tours for those between the ages of 18 and 35 years old, with the average age being 26 years old. Contiki has years of experience offering fun and energetic tours that focus on the aspects of travel that may appeal to the young adult crowd. Travelers who choose Contiki include both solo travelers (about 55%) and travelers with companions (about 45%). Contiki tour managers put a lot of energy into making sure the experience is fun and lively. This is a great tour for anyone who wants to make some new friends while they're experiencing new places. Travelers come from around the world with more than 50 countries represented.

• Ireland in a Week (Summer 2024, 8 Days) 8 Days, $2379.00
• European Trail (Summer, Start London, 23 Days) 23 Days, $5115.00
• Scandinavia (Summer, 12 Days) 12 Days, $3358.00

What are Contiki's tours like in Europe?

Here are the important factors:

• 106 trip options analyzed
• $189 average price per day (USD)
• 4 to 45 days in length
• 4.7 of 5 average rating
• 48 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of Contiki tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 48 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 4 days, while the longest is 45 days. As for physical activity options, the tours are thoughtfully categorized as easy and serious, with the most being easy. For transportation , the tours are marked as coach / bus and ocean cruise, with a prevalent number on coach / bus tours. When it comes to travel styles , tour options are organized as romantic and honeymoon, with a majority being romantic tours. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 106 Contiki tours, you can rest assured that Europe has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Contiki Tours in Europe

Ireland in a week (summer 2024, 8 days).

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for Contiki tours.

This exceptional trip offering by Contiki has received a 4.4 out of 5 rating. On this 8-day trip, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland, you can unwind while also making new memories. Along the way, this journey encompasses 10 destinations, including Omagh, Londonderry, Giants Causeway, and Kilkenny. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Dublin. With a group size of 50 people, it's suitable for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $186 per day.

• Hiking & Trekking

European Trail (Summer, Start London, 23 Days)

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, visiting England, France, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. This itinerary covers 21 captivating destinations, with stops in Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, and Florence, among others. London will be both the start and end of your journey. Spanning across 23 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 45 participants, and it's great for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Contiki , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $178 per day - an unbeatable value.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• In-depth Cultural

Scandinavia (Summer, 12 Days)

This 12-day trip, visiting Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, is ideal for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. And priced at only $163 per day, it's a great value, too. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 8 destinations, featuring Sognefjord, Geiranger, Lillehammer, and Oslo. Beginning in beautiful Copenhagen, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Stockholm. It's offered by Contiki , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

Greek Island Hopping (Gap, 11 Days)

Priced at just $234 per day, this terrific 11-day journey is ideal for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Uncover the beauty of 5 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. Athens will be the beginning and end of your trip. Organized by the reputable Contiki , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Greek Island Hopping (Pride, 11 Days)

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 4.8 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 11 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 30 people, and is good for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Traverse through 5 enchanting destinations, with Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini among the must-see stops along the route. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Athens. This fantastic option, organized by Contiki , presents an unbeatable value at just $210 per day.

Greek Island Hopping (Standard, 11 Days)

Spanning over 11 days, this journey has a maximum size of 50 individuals. Welcoming travelers from 18 to 35 years old, it is organized by Contiki , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Sailing and sightseeing are just a few of the activities on this terrific journey. This trip visits 4 destinations, including Mykonos and Santorini along the way. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Athens. Available at an unbeatable price of only $186 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Great Britain and Ireland (Until March 2025, Summer 2024, 16 Days)

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey, visiting England, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, that has garnered a 4.8 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 16 days, this jouney will have 52 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Expertly organized by Contiki , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $179 per day.

Great Britain and Ireland (Until March 2025, Winter 2024 - 2025, 16 Days)

This memorable voyage, visiting England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, is offered by Contiki which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $170 per day. Explore 21 incredible locations on this trip, including York, Gretna Green, Hadrian's Wall, and Edinburgh. You'll start and end this amazing trip in London. The maximum group size is 52 people, welcoming travelers from 18 to 35 years old.

European Explorer (Mykonos, Start London, 35 Days)

Set off on an extraordinary journey, visiting England, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City (Holy See), Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Netherlands, that has been awarded a 4.7 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 35 days, this voyage offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 52 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Discover a journey that spans 31 destinations, with notable stops in Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Vienna. London will be both the start and end of your journey. Brought to you by Contiki , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $215 per day.

European Discovery (Summer, Start London, Classic, 12 Days)

This 12-day tour of Europe will take you through 11 destinations! You'll begin and end your tour in London and visit such famed cities as Belgium, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice, Rome, Florence, and Paris. You'll also have stops in Dover, Calais, the Rhine Valley, Innsbruck, and Lucerne. This whirlwind tour will give you a taste of a variety of countries and cultures throughout Europe, and leave you wanting to come back for more. This tour manages to fit a lot of stops into a relatively short amount of time. You'll catch a glimpse of many different areas, and experience just enough to leave you wanting more. If you're short on time and don't want to deal with the hassle and expense of planning your own transportation, then this tour is an efficient way to see a lot of Europe. You'll travel with a group of ready made friends as you see a wide diversity of locations. Come prepared to hit the ground running, because you'll move quick and won't slow down until your flight home.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Europe , The Best Wildlife Tours to Europe , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Europe , The Best Historical Tours in Europe , The Best 10-Day Tours in Europe , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Europe , The Best 3-Day Tours in Europe , The Best 2-Week Tours in Europe , The Best 3-Week Tours in Europe , The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Europe , The Best Extended Trip Tours in Europe, One Month or Longer , The Best River Cruises in Europe , The Best Bicycle Tours in Europe , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Europe , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Europe , The Best Christmas Market Tours in Europe , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Europe , The Best Adventure Tours to Europe , The Best Eco Tours in Europe , The Best Train & Rail Tours in Europe , The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Europe , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Europe , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Europe , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Europe , The Best Cultural Tours in Europe , The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Europe , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Europe , The Best Music Tours in Europe , The Tours for Animal Lovers in Europe , The Best Camping Tours in Europe , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Europe , The Best Self Drive Tours in Europe , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Europe , The Best Nightlife Tours in Europe , The Best Religious Tours in Europe , The Best Walking Tours in Europe , The Best Northern Lights Tours in Europe , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Europe , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Europe , The Best Luxury Tours to Europe , The Best Budget Tours to Europe , The Best Tours for Seniors to Europe , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Europe for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

How much do Contiki tours to Europe cost?

After analyzing 106 Contiki tours in Europe, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $189 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for Contiki tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Europe .

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6 Incredible Europe Contiki Tours to Go On in 2024

Last Updated on November 6, 2023

This site contains affiliate links for products and services we recommend. Read my disclaimer  for more information. If you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission (for which I am very grateful).

Fancy touring around Europe in style and not having the worry about the stress of planning and booking a trip? Then   Contiki might be a fabulous option for you. 

When I moved from New Zealand to the United Kingdom at age 19, I booked two Europe Contiki tours, and it was the best way to introduce me to this continent I just landed on. 

Travelling can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time, or maybe you just don’t want the hassle of booking accommodation, finding things to do and figuring out transportation between countries.

This is when tours are amazing. On Contiki holidays, everything is planned out for you, from your breakfasts, activities and travel to your Contiki accommodation options.

Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or in a group of friends or with your family, Contiki can provide the best tours of Europe for everyone.

🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. My #1 recommendation is SafetyWing !

Table of Contents

Contiki Review: What is a Contiki Tour Like?

Contiki is a trusted tour group known not just in Europe but all over the world. Contiki is known for its quality, fun-ness level and professionalism.

I have been on 3 different tour groups during my time in Europe and Contiki is the most popular. Everyone knows Contiki, and the Contiki tour reviews are glowing!

You will find a younger demographic; I found most people were under 25 in my tours but in saying that, it depends on the location and the tour.

If you are going on a New Years tour then you will find the people will be younger. But if you’re going on a tour that focuses on the history or the food, you might find the people are over 25.

With Contiki, I found that they do focus a lot of the parties and good times, whereas another tour group I went on focused more on the information and learning about the destination.

Conitki know how to have a good time!

As  Contiki is one of my favourite brands, I thought I would hunt down the top 6 tours for you and present some of my favourite Contiki reviews!

Here are the Top 6 Most Incredible Europe Contiki Tours!

1. Greek Island Hopping with Contiki

13 days – Greece – from €2399

Features of tour

• Locations: Visiting 4 places (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios)
• Food included : 12 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners 
• Transport: via Ferry
• Group size: average 41 people

We’ll start with possibly the best Contiki Europe tour if relaxation is your main goal. Because what could be more relaxing than spending 13 days sailing from one beautiful Greek island to the next?

The Greek Island-hopping tour is Contiki’s most popular European tour and for good reason! You start with 2 days in Athens exploring all the historic city has to offer. 

Then you will hop on the boat and head straight for Mykonos – one of the most Instagramable destinations in Europe for sure!

After spending 3 days marvelling at the white buildings and taking far too many pictures, you then travel to Santorini, which is famous for its architecture and sunsets.

Anyone looking for the best contiki tours for partying should consider embarking on this one, because next, you will visit the island of Ios.

This vibrant location has been named the number one party island in Greece, and it’s here that you’ll be able to dance the night away before travelling back to Athens to finish the tour.

This is one of Contiki’s best Europe tours and in fact, it’s one of the most popular Contiki tours too!  To find out more about the tour then click here…

🚲 Check availability on this amazing tour!

2. European Horizon

10 days – England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France – From €1239

• Locations: 8 Countries
• Food included :9 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners
• Transport: via Coach
• Group size: average 47 people

I did a very similar tour about 5 years ago when I first moved to Europe. It was a great taster of what Europe had to offer and it really gave me a bite of the travel bug.

👡 PACKING TIP: Looking for the best shoes for travelling? I highly recommend getting a pair of Chaco’s – They are my favourite!

This is one of the most fast-paced Contiki tours in Europe.

You visit a lot of places in a short amount of time so prepare to see and do a lot in the 10 days, making it a great choice for those looking for Europe tours for young adults.

Starting with England where you will depart, you head for Amsterdam via a stopover in Belgium, making this one of the best Europe party tours!

After a crazy night experiencing the local Dutch culture you then travel to Germany (1 day in Rhine Valley and 1 day in Munich), Austrian Tyrol (1 day), Venice (1 day), Swiss Alps (2 days) and Paris (2 days), before finishing back in London.

Doesn’t this sound like of the best Europe Contiki tours?!  To find out more about the tour then click here…

🚲 Check availability for this exciting tour!

3. Winter Wanderer

24 days – United Kingdom, France, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium – From 2995

• Locations: 12  Countries
• Food included : 23 Breakfasts and 6 Dinners
• Group size: average 28 people

If you are looking for a wintery tour then this one is perfect!

When I moved to the United Kingdom I did a Contiki trip similar to this (although it was slightly different as they have added more amazing places to visit!).

Taking this European Contiki tour was one of the best things I did. It was a great introduction to Europe, even though a lot of the destinations were covered in snow.

It actually made it even more magical!

With this tour, you get to visit some of the hotspots in Europe!  To find out more about the tour then click here…

🚲 Check availability on this fantastic tour!

📦 PACKING TIP: Don’t leave home without a solar powered battery pack so you can keep your devices connected at all times.

4. London to Berlin

9 days – England, France, Netherlands, Germany – From €2115

• Locations: 4  Countries
• Food included : 8 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners
• Transport: via train
• Group size: Max 24 people

London – one of the most visited cities in the world, and your starting point in one of the best European Contiki travel experiences!

After spending 2 days exploring London in-depth you will then travel to France where you will spend 2 days venturing around Paris, the romantic capital.

The next stop is Amsterdam where you will also spend 2 days and lastly Berlin (2 days).

By spending 2 days in each city it means you can travel deeper and dive into the culture of what these cities represent and have to offer.

It’s one of the best European trips for young adults, and one of the best Contiki tours for singles! To find out more about the tour then click here…

🚲 Check availability for this amazing tour!

5. Best of Balkans – One of the Best Unique Europe Contiki Tours

15 days – Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia – From €2585

• Locations: 6  Countries
• Food included : 14 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners
• Transport: via coach
• Group size: Average 38 people

This tour has to be one of the most attractive to me; it boasts some incredible locations in the Balkans .

Starting in Hungary and travelling through Bosnia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, a stop in Serbia, this is a one-of-a-kind tour that visits some of the hottest upcoming destinations.

The Balkans are steeped in history, which you will love learning about on one of the best Contiki trips through these interesting and dynamic countries.

In my book, this is one of the best Europe Contiki tours to go on because it visits my favourite places in the world – The Balkans!  To find out more about the tour then click here…

6. Simply Italy with Contiki

15 days – Italy, Vatican City – From €2155

• Locations: 14 places and 2 Countries
• Food included : 14 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners

If you love Italy and Italian culture, then this is one of the best European tours Contiki has to offer you.

This tour is perfect if you have ever dreamed of exploring one of the most romantic, ancient and culinary brilliant countries in Europe. With Contiki, Italy will be at your fingertips!

You start the tour in Rome, one of the oldest cities in the world; there is so much to discover in this thriving metropolis.

Then you will visit Vatican City – the smallest country in the world – before spending 2 nights in Sorrento.

📸 PRO TIP: My go-to camera for all my travels is the Sony A7iii – I highly recommend it!

After spending a couple of days exploring this picturesque coastal city you will travel onward to Capri, Pompeii, Florence, Verona (the setting of Romeo and Juliet), Venice, Lake Garda, Milan, the Riveria, Pisa, Chianti Region and lastly, ending the tour where you started!

If you want to explore Italy in depth then this might be the tour for you.  To find out more about the tour then click here…

Frequently Asked Questions

There are over 2,500 Europe Contiki tours taking place throughout the year, tailored to all different kinds of people.

Unfortunately not. The Europe Contiki tours have an age range of 18-35 years old, as they are aimed at a younger demographic.

Yes you can! There are a wide range of Europe Contiki tours to be enjoyed by solo travellers, couples, groups and families.L

In my opinion, Contiki European tours are some of the most rewarding and exciting experiences you could hope to enjoy.

Tell me below which one of these Contiki tours you would love to go on! I love the sound of the total European foodie experience.

And that’s your round-up of the best Europe Contiki tours!

Other articles you will love:

• The Prettiest Piazzas in Rome + Map to Find Them!
• Must-Try Traditional European Nonalcoholic Drinks
• The Most Underrated and Off The Beaten Path Places To Visit In 2023
• The Most Interesting Places to Include on Your Europe Bucket List

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The Comments

Kanika bakshi.

Hey, Thanks for sharing such an outstanding list loved it. Especially Greek Island.

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All Italy Tours from Contiki

14 contiki trips through italy.

• Coach / Bus

Real Sicily (Classic, 8 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Italian Espresso (Summer, Classic, 10 Days)

• Food & Culinary

Ultimate Italy (Standard, 22 Days)

Trent’s charismatic, dynamic and Encyclopedic presentation really enhanced the travel and sights.

• In-depth Cultural

Italian Escape and Sicily (Classic, 13 Days)

The Sicily portion was the best part of the tour. All of our hotels in the cities visited were centrally located.

Barcelona to Rome Quest (Summer, 9 Days)

• Sightseeing

Italian Escape (Summer, Classic, 6 Days)

I really enjoyed the trip to Italy. The hotels were good, only in Naples the accommodation could have been cleaner.

Simply Italy (Summer, Classic, 15 Days)

Tuscan Escape Reunion 35 to 45 (Only Available To Contiki Past Travellers, Reunion, 7 Days)

• Wine tasting

Tuscan Escape (Summer, 7 Days)

• Christmas & New Year

Italian Espresso (Winter, Classic, 10 Days)

Made a few good friends and everyone was a pleasure to travel with.

Simply Italy (Winter, Classic, 15 Days)

It was an active, fun-filled trip. I would recommend Contiki for group tours!

Italian Escape (Winter, Classic, 6 Days)

Tuscan Escape (Winter, 7 Days)

Barcelona to Rome Quest (Winter, 9 Days)

• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
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• Atacama to Paine + Easter Island Extension
• Jordan Experience 5D/4N
• Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Doha

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The one that brings you Venetian Charm, Swiss Vistas and a Parisian Fling in 7 whirlwind days

7 days, 6 countries

Accommodation

6 nights in Hotels

6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Average 28 people

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

7 fun-filled days, 6 beautiful countries, and endless memories to be made. All it needs is you, and voila! It’s the perfect compact trip to make all your European fantasies come to life. Starting in Croatia, journeying through Venice, the Swiss Alps, Paris and ending in London, you’ll be surprised how much you can get up to in a week

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General faqs.

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What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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