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6 Incredible Europe Contiki Tours to Go On in 2024

Last Updated on November 6, 2023

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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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What to pack for a Contiki European Summer Tour!

EXPERIENCE  EUROPE  IN SUMMER!

Going for a  Contiki European tour  in the summer?

Not sure what to take with you?

Well worry no more as below there is an extensive list of the ideal items to take!

Summer packing:

  Keep in mind this is not a definitive list – everyone has individual fashion tastes, preferences, opinions, and styles in terms of what they want to wear and bring along! This is meant to be a good guide to help you in packing for your  European vacation.

• 1 rainproof jacket/small umbrella 

• 2 or 3 shorts/skirts 

• 1 thick sweater 

• 1 or 2 Swimwear and beach towel 

• 1 or 2 pairs of jeans 

• 2 or 3 T-shirts 

• Underwear 

• 2 or 3 casual shirts 

• Trousers 

• 1 set of nice clothes (eg going out dress, tie, blazer, jacket or suit for evenings out on tour) 

• Comfortable walking shoes 

• Thongs/flipflops/sandals 

• ‘Going out’ shoes 

• Toiletry bag and contents 

• Aspirins/medications 

• Suntan lotion 

• Handkerchiefs/tissues 

• Insect repellent

Miscellaneous

• Travel Clock 

• Sunglasses 

• Plastic bags 

• Washing powder 

• Sewing kit 

• Pens and writing materials 

• Rechargeable phone card 

• Power adapters 

• Overnight bag

• ( An overnight bag is simply a small backpack-sized bag that you bring yourself and you pack with clothes, toiletries and anything you think you may need for the next day )
• Label your suitcase inside and out with your name and your home address and perhaps attach a sticker, ribbon, patch or other unique identifier to your luggage to make it easier to spot.  Carry a copy of your  passport, visas, travel and other important documents as well as your travellers cheque numbers  (if you use them) with you in your luggage. You should also leave a copy of all this information at home with someone trusted and contactable while you are away.
• Don’t pack your travel documents and passport in your luggage, rather take it with you in your carry luggage.  Remember to bring more than enough of any medication you might need along with you and carry prescriptions for any medications that you carry with you.

Camping and Concept/Budget Tours

If you are traveling on a  Camping or Concept/Budget  Tour you should also pack:

• Towel – perhaps a quick dry towel if you like to shower on the departure mornings so you won’t have to pack a wet towel in your luggage • Sleeping bag • Toilet tissue • Flashlight Laundry Facilities Information regarding Laundry Facilities as you travel through Europe.

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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 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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• 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.

• Greek Island Hopping (Standard, 11 Days) 11 Days, $2645.00
• Ireland in a Week (Summer 2024, 8 Days) 8 Days, $2379.00
• Barcelona to Rome Quest (Summer, 9 Days) 9 Days, $2585.00

What are Contiki's tours like in Europe?

Here are the important factors:

• 117 trip options analyzed
• $188 average price per day (USD)
• 4 to 45 days in length
• 4.69 of 5 average rating
• 47 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 4.69 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 47 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, moderate, 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. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 117 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

Greek island hopping (standard, 11 days).

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This exceptional trip offering by Contiki has received a 4.8 out of 5 rating. On this 11-day trip you can unwind while also making new memories. Along the way, this journey encompasses 5 destinations, including Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Athens. With a group size of 35 people, it's suitable for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $192 per day.

• Island Hopping

Ireland in a Week (Summer 2024, 8 Days)

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

Check out this voyage that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.4 out of 5 rating, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland. This itinerary covers 10 captivating destinations, with stops in Londonderry, Giants Causeway, Kilkenny, and Cork, among others. Dublin will be both the start and end of your journey. Spanning across 8 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 50 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 $186 per day - an unbeatable value.

• Hiking & Trekking

Barcelona to Rome Quest (Summer, 9 Days)

This 9-day trip, visiting Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, and Vatican City (Holy See), is ideal for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. And priced at only $215 per day, it's a great value, too. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 11 destinations, featuring Capri, Pompeii, Rome, and Nice. Beginning in beautiful Barcelona, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Rome. It's offered by Contiki , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Coach / Bus

Scandinavia (Summer, 12 Days)

Priced at just $174 per day, this terrific 12-day voyage, visiting Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, is ideal for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Uncover the beauty of 8 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Geiranger, Lillehammer, Oslo, and Hardangervidda National Park. Copenhagen will mark the start of your journey, while Stockholm will serve as its final destination. Organized by the reputable Contiki , this is one of the best tours on this list.

• Sightseeing

European Trail (Summer, Start London, 23 Days)

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting England, France, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. With a duration of 23 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 45 people, and is good for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Traverse through 21 enchanting destinations, with Florence, Pisa, Dover, and Calais among the must-see stops along the route. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of London. This fantastic option, organized by Contiki , presents an unbeatable value at just $167 per day.

• In-depth Cultural

Turkish Delight (11 Days)

Spanning over 11 days, this voyage has a maximum size of 26 individuals. Welcoming travelers from 18 to 35 years old, it is organized by Contiki , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip visits 9 destinations, including Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, and Çanakkale along the way. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Istanbul. And since the priority is on local culture, museums, and temples, this tour is a great choice. Available at an unbeatable price of only $153 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Greek Island Hopping (Gap, 11 Days)

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey that has garnered a 4.8 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 11 days, this jouney will have 35 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 $265 per day.

Greek Island Hopping (Pride, 11 Days)

This memorable voyage 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 $216 per day. Explore 5 incredible locations on this trip, including Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Athens. The maximum group size is 30 people, welcoming travelers from 18 to 35 years old.

Great Britain and Ireland (Until March 2025, Summer 2024, 16 Days) (22 destinations)

Set off on an extraordinary journey, visiting England, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, that has been awarded a 4.8 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 16 days, this trip 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 20 destinations, with notable stops in Gretna Green, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, and St Andrews. 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 $179 per day.

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

With this option you can experience an unparalleled journey for 16 unforgettable days, visiting England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. It ensures an intimate group setting with 52 participants at most. This trip takes you on an adventure to 21 destinations, including Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, St Andrews, and Loch Ness. Your adventure starts and ends in London. Contiki , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers from 18 to 35 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $156 per day.

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 Photography Tours 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 117 Contiki tours in Europe, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $188 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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European Inspiration (Start Amsterdam, Classic, 19 Days)

• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 London to Amsterdam
• Day 2 Amsterdam
• Day 3 Amsterdam to Berlin
• Day 4 Berlin
• Day 5 Berlin to Prague
• Day 6 Prague
• Day 7 Prague to Munich
• Day 8 Munich
• Day 9 Munich to Venice
• Day 10 Venice
• Day 11 Venice to Rome
• Day 12 Rome
• Day 13 Rome to Florence
• Day 14 Florence
• Day 15 Florence to Lucerne
• Day 16 Lucerne
• Day 17 Lucerne to Paris
• Day 18 Paris
• Day 19 Paris to London

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Contiki

Contiki has been running tours for over 50 years, all exclusively for travellers aged 18-35 years...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.9
• Accommodation Excellent 4.4
• Food Excellent 4.3
• Tour Operator Contiki 4.7
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First
• W William · 3rd June 2024 Rianna was our trip manager for our tour of Europe last Summer - I couldn't have asked for a better tour guide for my first solo trip overseas. Rianna went above & beyond to ensure we all got the most out of every experience, and her organisation was... Show more Trip date: June 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• -5% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 30 Jun, 2024 Thursday 18 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,536 €4,309 Confirm Dates
• -20% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 14 Jul, 2024 Thursday 1 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,536 €3,629 Confirm Dates
• -5% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 28 Jul, 2024 Thursday 15 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,536 €4,309 Confirm Dates
• -16% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 1 Sep, 2024 Thursday 19 Sep, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,246 €3,580 Only Pay €100 Deposit Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -11% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 Thursday 26 Sep, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,246 €3,779 Only Pay €100 Deposit Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -20% Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 17 Sep, 2024 Saturday 5 Oct, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,246 €3,381 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €100 Deposit Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Monday 14 Oct, 2024 Friday 1 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Triple €3,961 Only Pay €100 Deposit See Similar Tours For These Dates
• -25% Get Instant Confirmation Monday 21 Oct, 2024 Friday 8 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €3,961 €2,969 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €100 Deposit Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Monday 4 Nov, 2024 Friday 22 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Triple €3,415 Only Pay €100 Deposit See Similar Tours For These Dates
• -25% Get Instant Confirmation Monday 11 Nov, 2024 Friday 29 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €3,415 €2,559 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €100 Deposit Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro France, Germany, Italy, Vatican City (Holy See) and Netherlands £ Pound Sterling England Fr. Swiss Franc Switzerland Kč Czech Koruna Czech Republic

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L, J, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L, J.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Czech Republic. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Czech Republic. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 15th August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 15th August 2024, a minimum payment of €100 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Contiki" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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• Top Moscow Tours
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Moscow in 10 days.

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

Flights & transport:, itinerary focus:.

• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace
• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)
• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous government buildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Ring in the New Year in Moscow, Russia's hedonistic capital

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg
• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

Imperial Waterways of Russia (2021)

Discover Russia - 9 days

• Experience the delights of rural Russia in the picturesque riverside town of Suzdal. See the ancient Kremlin and UNESCO Listed monasteries, visit the fascinating Museum of Wooden Architecture and sample a traditional Russian banya (sauna)
• Visit the quaint riverside city of Yaroslavl with its impressive skyline of onion shaped domes. Explore the city on a coach tour and enjoy a wood painting class
• Uncover the Golden Ring town of Kostroma, with its ancient churches and monasteries, and visit the Snow Maiden's house with its Ice Room and Ice Bar

Royalty, Revolution and Rebirth in Moscow and St. Petersburg

• Experience the refined culture of St
• Petersburg at the Hermitage, the czars’ Winter Palace, Catherine’s Palace, the Fabergé Museum and at a ballet performance
• Immerse yourself in the intellectual and political history of Moscow at some of the nation’s most important institutions, museums and monuments
• Learn about Russia’s pivotal events through the people who lived them: a former Russian cosmonaut, a survivor of the 900-day siege of Leningrad and others

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Moscow, St Petersburg & the Golden Ring

• I like to spend much of the day exploring
• Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
• Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Northern Lights

• A fully tailor-made program according to your interest;
• Your professional local guides and drivers;
• Touch history in the red-walled Kremlin of Moscow and cobblestone Red Square with your experienced guide in the capital of Russia;
• Take part in a cooking class of the authentic Russian borsch, traditional pelmeni (dumplings) and thin blini pancakes;
• Feel as a true Russian on a troyka ride around the scenic winter park, followed by a vodka tasting in the Vodka museum;
• Witness the untouched beauty of the Karelia at the Ruskeala Mountain Park and the Marble Canyon;
• Experience the unforgettable trip on the hovercraft over the frozen lake on your way to Kizhi Island;
• High likelihood of seeing the Aurora borealis dancing over your head in the Nothern lights seeking tour.

Member Savings

Russia’s Royal Riverways

Moscow to St Petersburg

• Visit the Kremlin and Kremlin Armoury
• Tour of Moscow
• Highlights of Uglich
• Tour of Yaroslavl
• Visit the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery
• Open-air museum on the island of Kizhi
• Tour of Mandrogi
• Sightseeing tour of St Petersburg
• Visit The Hermitage Museum

A New Russian Route

• City tour in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan
• Excursion: Visit to Peterhof Palace in S. Petersburg
• Visit Hermitage Museum, a fantastic art museum
• Explore Moscow
• Visit the majestic Cathedral of the Assumption that forms part of UNESCO’s World Heritage
• Explore Kazan, the Tartar capital and a city with just over a million inhabitants

Classical Russia

• Visit St. Petersburg. Catherine Palace
• Visit Hermitage Museum, a fantastic art museum located in the building that was the Tsars’ Winter Palace
• Explore Novgorod, an exciting city that was one of Russia’s most important political and cultural centres
• Sightseeing of Suzdal

The Soul of Russia

• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site - the brilliant architectural complex of the Kremlin
• Visit Moscow
• Explore the architectural complex of the Cathedral of St. Dimitriy
• Views at Sparrow Hills

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Food travel

These are officially the top-rated European foods and drinks you HAVE to try

By Amy Bonifas

Published on Feb 10, 2020 | 3 min

From oozy Swiss fondue to hot Belgian waffles – the best way to get to know Europe is to eat your way around it. So, we asked 15 Contiki Trip Managers and six-two staff to rank their favourite European* dishes, desserts and drinks and wouldn’t you like to know which came out on top?!

Yep, our travel experts scored each of the top bites in order from 10 (being their fave) to 1 (their least fave) and the results are IN. These are the best top-rated European foods and drinks according to the travel experts…

*Yes, we know that Morocco is not in Europe, but it IS included in many of our European Contiki trips , so we’re including it here, k?

Main dishes

In 1st place… Austrian schnitzel 

Score: 91/150

The verdict: It’s no surprise that this national Austrian favourite (AKA Weiner Schnitzel) made the top spot as the best European food. Vegetarians look away! We’re talking succulent pork (or turkey), pan-fried with a crispy coating of bread crumbs. It’s a dish that’s so versatile and goes perfectly with an ice-cold Austrian beer. Trip to Austria , anyone?

Image source: Lisa Gageler / Unsplash

Highly commended:

• Italian carbonara 90/150
• Swiss fondue 87/150

The best of the rest:

• Hungarian goulash
• British pie and mash
• Moroccan tagine
• German Bratwurst
• Spanish paella
• Turkish kofta
• Swedish meatballs
• Greek moussaka
• French coq au vin

Amy, Contiki Trip Manager , says: “Special shout out to spinach and cheese Croatian burek. it’s delicious AND affordable!” 

Image source: Contiki

Ski Austria: 1 Week

Sweet dishes

In 1st place… Portuguese pastel de nata

Score: 109/150

The verdict: These golden, custardy, flaky pastries are our official dessert winner. You’ll find them in every decent cafe across Portugal and since they were first created by monks in the 19th century, they’re basically part of ever Portuguese locals’ DNA (especially in Lisbon )! They’re the perfect sightseeing pitstop snack, especially for breakfast to start the day. Just add a strong Portuguese coffee.

Image source: Samantha Gollnick / Unsplash

• Italian gelato 95/150
• Belgian waffles 88/150
• British apple crumble
• Danish cinnamon buns
• French crème brûlée
• Spanish churros
• Austrian apple strudel
• French croissants
• Turkish delight
• Greek baklava
• German stollen cake

Zach, Contiki Trip Manager , says: “Let’s not forget how many of these dishes can be eaten for breakfast instead of dessert! When is it too early to eat cake?!”

Portugal City and Surf

In 1st place… Italian Aperol Spritz

Score: 116/150

The verdict: Name a more iconic drink! Whether you’re sunbathing on the Isle of Capri or chilling out in a Tuscan villa, this gorgeous orange spritz is the perfect aperitivo – an Italian art in itself. How do you make it? Two parts Prosecco, one part Aperol, a splash of soda water and a wedge of Italian orange, of course.

• German Pilsner 106/150
• Spanish sangria 105/150
• French rosé
• Belgian hot chocolate 
• Turkish coffee
• Irish Guinness
• Moroccan mint tea
• Scottish whisky
• British cup of tea
• Portuguese port

Gabriella, Producer at Contiki , says: “Good to know that whisky beats a cup of tea. But am I the only one who thinks an English G&T is the best drink of all?!”

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