Decoding the Contiki Age Limit: Everything Young Travelers Need to Know

by Beau Ragland

assisted by Avo AI technology

Last Updated: 9/10/2023

Contiki is a well-known travel company within the backpacking and young adult travel sector, particularly recognized for their age-specific tours. Yet, the Contiki age limit, a significant aspect of its itineraries, raises questions among would-be travelers. This comprehensive breakdown aims to clarify everything you need to know about the age limit and how to make the most out of your trip as a youthful globetrotter.

Understanding Contiki's Age Limit

Contiki's trips are tailored to a specific age group: 18 to 35-year-olds. The reason for this selective age bracket is simple: they aim to create harmonious, like-minded travel communities where common interests and rhythms prevail. This age-specific approach streamlines their offerings and enables unique social experiences steeped in shared insights and collective exploration.

However, the age limit may seem restrictive to some; adventurous spirits outside the specified age group may feel excluded. For them, finding alternative options becomes paramount.

The Voyista Approach: While We Respect Contiki, We Do Things Differently

Here at Voyista, we share Contiki's appreciation for vibrant travel experiences. However, we believe that the love of exploration shouldn't be curtailed by age limits. Our mission is to create unforgettable travel experiences — unrestricted by age — while ensuring affordability, optimal transport, and exceptional accommodation.

Our innovative app, Avopass, serves as a travel companion in your pocket, providing seamless access to travel information, e-tickets, and more. What truly sets us apart is our focus on top-tier hostels, offering a fantastic social atmosphere and shared or private room options. Experience each new destination organically, surrounded by other seasoned globetrotters.

Final Thoughts

Age parameters can influence the travel experience significantly. The Contiki age limit works well in creating a certain kind of communal environment, but it might seem restrictive to many. On the contrary, Voyista aims to foster a diverse traveler's ecosystem where the joy of exploration knows no age. Grab your passport and kick-start your journey with us - at Voyista, the world is your oyster, regardless of your age.

OUR RECOMMENDATION:

Taylor's Tracks

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

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

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Is Contiki Worth It?

Only you can decide.

Contiki Tour Highlights

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

Contiki Tour Downsides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

contiki tours age group

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Rachel Off Duty: Everything You Need to Know and Pack for Your First Contiki Tour (Plus Trip Recommendations)

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

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

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

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

Lack of Awareness – What’s a Contiki? 

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

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

What is Contiki? 

Rachel Off Duty: Group of Women

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

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

Contiki Tour Structure 

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

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

1. contiki discoverer tours:.

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

Availability : All regions except Africa and the Middle East

My Discoverer Tour Picks (Click to View):

contiki tours age group

2. Contiki In-Depth Explorer Tours:

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

Availability : All 6 continents

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

contiki tours age group

3. Contiki Iconic Essentials Tours:

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

Availability : Europe only

My Iconic Essentials Picks (Click to View):

contiki tours age group

4. Contiki Sailing and Cruise Tours:

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

Availability : Australia and Europe only

My Sailing & Cruise Picks (Click to View):

contiki tours age group

5. Contiki Short Trip and Festival Tours:

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

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

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

contiki tours age group

6. Contiki Ski and Snowboard Tours:

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

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

My Ski and Snowboard Picks (Click to View):

contiki tours age group

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

Rachel Off Duty: Women Making Pasta

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

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

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

Rachel Off Duty: Group of Four

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

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

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

Transportation Style 

Rachel Off Duty: Contiki Tour Buses

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

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

Food & Drinks

Rachel Off Duty: Woman with Pizza

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

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

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

Accommodations

Rachel Off Duty: Woman in France

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

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

Conscious Travel

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

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

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

Rachel Off Duty: Friends in Europe

Overall Pros + Cons: 

Logistics figured out for you

Epic itineraries

Unique experiences

Like-minded travelers

Highly organized

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

Sustainability and conscious travel initiatives to participate in

Dedicated trip managers and drivers 

Price & financing options 

Cons: 

Packed schedule 

Shared lodging

Faster pace 

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

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

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

#OffDutyDestination #ContikiAmbassador

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Rachel Off Duty: Everything You Need to Know for Your First Contiki Tour (Plus Trip Recommendations)

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

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Contiki Review – Travel Tours, Group Vacations & Adventure Holidays

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Contiki Review – Travel Tours, Group Vacations & Adventure Holidays

Young Travelers

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

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

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

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

Who Are Contiki Tours Good For?

Contiki 18 35 Year Olds

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

Contiki Solo Travel

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

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

Contiki Groups of Friends

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

Contiki Tour Types and Destinations

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

Contiki Adventures

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

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

African Safari

Contiki African Safari

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

Beach Trips

Contiki Beach Vacations

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

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

contiki big indochina adventure

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

Iconic Essentials

contiki western rocker tour

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

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

In-Depth Explorer

Contiki In Depth Explorer Tours

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

Island Hopping

contiki greek island hopping

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

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

Sailing and Cruise

Contiki Sailing Tour

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

Short Trips and Festivals

Contiki Short Trips and Festivals

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

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

Ski and Snowboard

Contiki Ski and Snowboard Trips

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

Small Group

Contiki Small Group Tour

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

Volunteering

Contiki Volunteering Trip

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

Other Tour Types

Contiki has a variety of other tour types:

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

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

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

Contiki Top Tours

Contiki Australia Tours

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

  • Includes transport, accommodation, breakfast, and some activities

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

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

Contiki Croatia

Contiki Croatia Tour

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

  • Includes transport, accommodation, some meals, and activities

Contiki Greece

Contiki Greece Tour

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

Contiki Italy

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

Contiki Japan

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

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

Contiki New Zealand Tour

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

  • Includes transport, accommodation, some meal, and activities

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

Contiki Thailand Tour

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

Contiki America Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go on contiki if you are over 35.

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

Should I go on a Contiki tour alone?

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

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

Are Contiki tours safe?

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

Are Contiki tours good for couples?

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

Do Contiki trips include flights?

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

Is Contiki a party tour?

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

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About Amar Hussain

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

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LIVING THE DREAM

contiki tours age group

Contiki Tours Review – Why I Picked Them for My First Trip

contiki tours age group

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on August 25, 2022.

Disclaimers : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions for more information. Listed prices and attraction details may have changed since our visit and initial publication.

Ten years ago, several months before this blog even existed, I went on my first trip overseas. With absolutely zero stamps in my brand new passport and having never traveled solo before in my life, you could say that international travel was a new experience for me.

Looking back now, after having traveled for many years in 70+ countries, filling my passport a few times over in the process, I can say that I've grown a lot as a traveler.

But for that very first trip, I was clueless and a little bit terrified. With limited time and a modest budget, I decided to go for it all and book a guided tour. One that would end up changing the course of my life forever.

It was with Contiki tours. Europe was in my sights.

Why Go On Contiki Tours?

Contiki Tours Europe in Austria

This question could also be replaced with another similar question: “Why go on a guided tour?” that I've touched base on several times in the past.

Compared to every other guided tour out there, a Contiki tour needs a special distinction. Many travelers have heard of Contiki, and the tour company has developed a number of reputations for its services as a guided tour company.

To go a bit deeper into a Contiki tour itself requires a bit more insight as I chose this company for a few very important reasons.

18 to 35 Only with Contiki Tours

Contiki Reviews

In being new to travel, my biggest fear about group travel was that I would book a tour that ended up being a retiree tour without being the wiser. 

In advertising that they were 18-35 only, I knew in an instant that the group of travelers would be like me. Little did I know at the time of booking that at 22 I was probably on the average to older side of the crowd there- with many being 18-19 (and on a bit older than 30). 

With up to 52 people per tour, quite a large number by tour group standards, there had to be a few others that were on their first trip and just as clueless as I was at the time. 

Ten years on and I am still close friends with many of the people on my tour, something I cannot say for those I meet in passing in most of my solo travels.

Time on a Contiki Tours Europe Trip

Kontiki Tour Europe

That summer many years ago I had exactly four weeks from college graduation to starting my summer internship. When looking at doing Europe by myself for most of that time, I realized I wouldn't cover that much ground. 

A guided tour looked great because I could circle almost all of Western Europe without dealing with the logistics myself. 

I left the day after graduation, returned a couple of days before I needed to move, and maximized my time as much as possible. With the choice of quality time with a few destinations or minimal time at a large quantity, I chose the latter just to see what Europe had to offer as a taster.

Contiki Tours Itinerary

Contiki Tour Review

The itinerary goes hand-in-hand with time. As I was on the quantity route, I wanted to make sure I hit some of Europe's most amazing cities. Where did that 3 1/2 week trip go? Here's my European Whirl itinerary: 

London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Hopfgarten (Austria), Venice, Rome, Florence, Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland), Paris, and an equally impressive number of side stops including Dachau and Dresden. 

So you may be thinking that the itinerary is a lot to put in 3 1/2 weeks, and you would be right. The part worth mentioning is that my favorite spots out of that entire trip were Hopfgarten and Lauterbrunnen, two places I would not have gone to (or even heard of) if I went on my own. 

Now I seek out those small towns as much as possible. That is the true benefit of a guided tour.

Contiki excelled at this itinerary, as most of the other tour companies did not offer anything near as comprehensive as the one I went on. Couple that with the mandatory age range, and you have a killer combination for the first time traveler.

Contiki's Reputation

Paragliding in Austria with Contiki

As mentioned above, Contiki has a few well-known reputations as a guided tour company, many of which I was aware of (and overlooked) prior to booking the trip (but for you reading Contiki reviews should most certainly take note of).

They Do Have a Party Atmosphere

The tour group age range is almost synonymous with the party atmosphere. Put 52 like minded travelers aged 18-35 together and you do not need a very large spark for an instant party to come together.  

In fact, the tour company has a few “party nights” at their company owned accommodations purely for getting the groups interacting and talking to each other. 

While the goal of this is to get to know your fellow travelers, it is fairly common for a few on each group to take it to the extremes. 

I got lucky in that my group was pretty mild, but the stories you read can get pretty out there in ways I wouldn't want to repeat on this site.

Everyone Knows You're On a Contiki Europe Tour

Amsterdam with Contiki

Find a group of tourists in Europe between the ages of 18-35. If they do not look like locals and are more than 12 in quantity, odds are they are on a Contiki tour. Why can I get away with saying that? Well, the odds are with you that it is true. 

Contiki is one of the few tour companies that operate solely in that age range and has large numbers in each tour. A tour group of 20 may break up into smaller groups, but as the mini groups get larger and larger there is only one company that they can belong to. 

Not only can people tell from a mile away without the labeled tour bus, so can the vendors, and you'll be called out for it: “Hey Contiki!!! Eat Here!!”

I have fond memories of sitting in Spain with Angie several years later and pointing out a Contiki group to her. She didn't believe me that it was, but I could recognize the group of 15 or so young people unusually clustered together. 

A few minutes later I even recognized someone who was on my own Contiki trip four years earlier. Yes, the same person, on a new tour, later confirmed by Facebook. You can spot them a mile away, and we even saw them again a few cities later in the same large group wandering around while getting their bearings.

These two are the largest reputations that should be considered when booking a Contiki tour. 

To be honest, neither of these bothered me in the slightest. I was a bit apprehensive at the party aspect but relieved that my group was relatively toned down compared to others. As far as the idea that everyone knows you are on a Contiki tour, take it into consideration that everyone knows you're a tourist, so being recognized as on a tour group is not much of a stretch past that. 

Just be aware that it will happen.

Contiki Quite Literally Changed My Life

contiki tours age group

I don't mean to be overdramatic when I say that Contiki changed my life, but it is true.

To put it simply, my Contiki experience is what started my love of travel. By the end of my trip I was already planning more, and just a few months later resulted in me launching this website.

This website led to me traveling around the world on two monster itineraries, seeing over 70 countries, and, 10 years later, became my full-time job.

The teaser aspect of visiting all those European destinations in rapid succession was the spark that made me want to explore the world over and over and over again.

I can't say that I am an expert in any of the European cities because of the Contiki trip, but I found that to be my calling to go back and see everything I missed in the short time (which I later did in several spots, including my favorite place in Europe- Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland).

Suffice it to say, it is exactly what I needed.

Would I Do Contiki Tours Again?

When it comes down to it, I really enjoyed my Contiki trip. Yes, the groups are large. Yes, they have a bit of a reputation and are oriented to younger travelers. But I also had a great time all the same as noted above.

I probably would not do a Contiki again, if only for two very important reasons:

1) I now travel the world on my own and typically do not do group tours unless in extremely difficult-to-get-to locations. 2) I am getting close to being too old for Contiki's 18-35 requirement.

Neither are reflections of Contiki in the slightest.

That being said, if I was magically transported back into my 22-year-old body, with a fresh passport, a limited schedule before my summer internship started, and being in a place where I never traveled outside of the country solo, yes, I would do my Contiki trip again in a heartbeat.

With a stuffed passport, a better understanding of the world, and the capabilities to do it on my own, the guided tour with Contiki gave me a good start in a new love affair with the world.

One that quite literally changed my life.

Book a Contiki Trip Today!

Looking to book a trip with Contiki ? Check out some of the following options!

  • European Whirl – The trip that I did!
  • Ultimate Europe plus Egypt – One of the longest tours in Europe with an Egypt add-on!
  • Or, check out more tours in Europe , Asia , South America , and Africa !

For frequently asked questions about Contiki, check out the following!

What age range are Contiki tours for?

Contiki markets itself to the 18-35 demographic.

Who is best suited to take a Contiki tour?

Contiki is a great company for first-time travelers, those who want a fast-paced itinerary to many destinations, and, of course, those who want to travel within their age demographic.

What are the group sizes of Contiki tours?

This generally varies by destination and tour itself, but some can be as low as 12 to as big as 52. The latter is often the case in easy-to-travel destinations like North America and Europe where a standard coach is used.

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About Jeremy

Jeremy from Living the Dream

About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. He has been to 70+ countries on five continents and seeks out new food, adventure activities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences wherever he travels.

6 thoughts on “Contiki Tours Review – Why I Picked Them for My First Trip”

good article about the contiki. I in the past did a few contikis myself about 5 of them in total. first was in 2005 and last was 2010 was lots of fun and good way to that type of travel for that time, as i was a good social experience. i now just travel solo everywhere but my contiki times were the most memorable times for travel

I have never thought of joining a tour group before! After reading about your experience with Contiki I am now thinking it sounds like a great idea

My first trip abroad was a Contiki trip too. I think group tours can get a bad rep, but you bring up some great points on why they can be a good thing. When my friend was looking to travel to Europe I encouraged her to try Contiki – it’s a nice way to get a sample of different countries and cities. If you’re new to travel it’s also a great way to meet new people and make friends. I think next time I’d pick a tour that doesn’t try to do so many countries in such a short time, my tour was 11 days and went to 8 countries – so it really was a whirlwind. Still I can’t say I regret it. If I hadn’t taken my Contiki tour I probably wouldn’t be doing the traveling that I have.

Great post – I’ve been considering a Contiki trip, though I think that I may have to pass this year with my other trips. I know a lot of people are anti-group travel like this but, personally, I love it. It’s completely different than solo travel but sometimes I just don’t feel comfortable going places by myself plus they’re great places to meet others!

Exactly what I think too! As long as you are out traveling rather than sitting at home not making it happen, then however you do it is good by me!

I think group tours are a great place for travelers to get their feet wet. Any travel is good travel in my book – if you’re out there exploring then you’re learning and that just can’t be bad for you!

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Tour Scoop

10 Best Contiki Tours to Take in 2024 

If you're a young adult between the ages of 18 and 35, these 2024 contiki tours were made for you..

Megan duBois

Review: EF Go Ahead’s Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany with America’s Test Kitchen

  • Contiki specializes in affordable group tours for young adults to destinations around the world; most trips average between $1,000 and $3,000 per person.
  • Contiki has been taking 18- to 35-year-olds on group tours since 1962 and offers a variety of trip styles. 
  • These are my picks for the best tours offered by Contiki in 2024.

One of the best things about group tours with Contiki is that you travel with people close to your age, so the group often bonds quickly. Another great thing is that most of the logistics are taken care of and you’re led by expert guides and trip managers who work hard to make each trip special. 

The Best Contiki Tours to Take for 2024

Group tours for young adults with Contiki have all of the essentials included in the overall price, including internal trip travel, accommodations, trip managers, and activities. Here are my recommendations for the best Contiki tours in 2024, including vacations in Western Europe, Thailand, Egypt, and other popular destinations around the world.

TOURS FOR YOUR TWENTIES: 8 Best Tour Companies for Young Adults in 2024

1. European Discovery with Contiki

Piazza Navona in Rome

If traveling around Europe has been on your bucket list, then the European Discovery tour is a great way to achieve that goal in 2024. Over 12 days, you and your travel companions will explore eight countries including England, Germany, Italy, and France. The trip starts in London, where you meet up with the group before hopping onto a ferry to Amsterdam where you’ll take a canal cruise and explore the winding streets. 

WORLD’S BEST:  15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours around the World in 2024

The tour continues into Germany for a guided walking tour through Munich before heading to Innsbruck and the Bavarian Alps. The latter part of the trip takes place in fairytale cities like Rome, where you’ll see the Trevi Fountain and take a tour of the best gelaterias in the city; and Paris, where the Moulin Rouge and the Eiffel Tower are waiting for you. 

  • Length: 12 days
  • Starting price: $2,071
  • Average group size: 38 people
  • How to book: Book only through Contiki or TourRadar ,; or through a travel agent such as AAA

2. Egypt and the Nile 

sunset view of the Pyramids of Giza

Dreaming of traveling through Egypt and along the Nile River? Then check out the Contiki’s 2024 Egypt tour , which is a fun way to be immersed in a different culture. The eight-day trip includes a three-night Nile River cruise, along with plenty of land-based adventures. The start of the journey takes you to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World: The Great Pyramid of Giza, and a chance to see the Sphinx.

SEE THE WORLD: 10 Best Tour Companies for Solo Travelers in 2024

The middle of the trip is where you’ll board a sailboat and take to the Nile River for three nights. The boat journey ends in Luxor, where you’ll be able to see the Avenue of the Sphinxes, along with the Valley of the Kings. The trip ends in Cairo, the perfect spot to wander ancient markets before saying goodbye to Egypt.  

  • Length: 8 days
  • Starting price: $1,772  
  • Average group size: 40 people maximum
  • How to book: Book online through Contiki or TourRadar ; or through a travel agent such as AAA

3. Northern Thai Highlights with Contiki

Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall. Nature landscape of Kanchanaburi district in natural area. it is located in Thailand for travel trip on holiday and vacation background, tourist attraction.

Many people head to Thailand for its stunning waters and beautiful temples, but there’s so more to the country than that. On the Northern Thai Highlights tour, you can experience a side of the country that most people never see. The tour starts in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, where you can wander the exciting street markets and enjoy the city’s bustling nightlife before heading off to Kanchanaburi, known for the River Kwai. Here, you’ll sleep overnight on a jungle raft and see Erawan Falls. 

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The second half of the trip takes the group to Pat, a mountain town known for its nightlife. Here, you’ll also get to try your hand at the local martial arts, Muay Thai. Then on the way to Chiang Mai, you’ll stop at an elephant sanctuary to get up close to one of the resident pachyderms. The final highlight of the trip is a traditional Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai. 

  • Starting price: $1,143  
  • Average group size: 24 people
  • How to book: Book online through Contiki , TourRadar , TravelStride ; or through a travel agent such as AAA

4. Austria Ski Vacation

view of paraglider over Austrian Alps in Hopfgarten on Contiki tour

Skiing the Austrian Alps is a dream for many snow bunnies, and on Contiki’s 2024 Austria Ski tour, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing. This group tour takes place in the heart of the Austrian Alps, in Hopfgarten im Brixental. When you’re not hitting the slopes, you can take a day trip to Salzburg to explore the charming city or even paraglide through the mountains. 

FAR AND WIDE:   10 Best G Adventures Tours to Take in 2024

Other included activities are a Ski Safari, where a local guide takes you around the mountain to learn about the area; and a beer party at Bar Schöneck to warm up after a day out on the snow. 

  • Starting price: $468  
  • Average group size: Up to 53 people 
  • How to book: Book online through Contiki ; or through a travel agent such as AAA

5. Ultimate Inca Trail with Contiki

Machu Picchu and valley below on a cloudy day

Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and with the Ultimate Inca Trail tour, you’ll be able to see that and so much more. The six-day group tour starts in the beautiful town of Cusco, where you can wander on your own or take a walking tour of the town. On Day 2, the trek begins in the Lares Valley, where a guide will be on hand to help everyone and to educate the group about the people that live in the area. 

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Day Three is a seven-hour hike that includes seeing wildlife and incredible views. Day Four has the group making it to the Lares Hot Springs before arriving at the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. Day Five is the big day: The group takes a train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, where a local guide will give the group a tour of the site before you head back to Cusco.

  • Length: 6 days
  • Starting price: $1,313  
  • Average group size: 10 people
  • How to book: Book online through Contiki , TourRadar , or TourHub ; or through a travel agent such as AAA

6. Viva Costa Rica

Red Ginger Near Volcan Arena in Costa Rica

For a trip to Central America that won’t break the bank, consider the 2024 Viva Costa Rica tour. The nine-day trip starts in San Jose and then heads to the Arenal volcano region. The rainforest area around the volcano is ideal for taking a hike to a waterfall, hopping into hot springs, or rappelling through canyons. The trip continues to Tamarindo, known for its surf and party culture. Here, you can choose to take a catamaran cruise, learn to surf, or just bask in the sun. 

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The trip then takes travelers to Monteverde, where you’ll biplane through the forest and walk along hanging bridges. The final stop of the journey is Jaco, which is a gateway to many of Costa Rica’s national parks. Take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park to see coral reefs, beaches, and ancient rainforests. 

  • Length: 9 days
  • Starting price: $1,898  
  • Average group size: Up to 30 people

7. Eternal India with Contiki

Contiki tour guests in front of the Taj Mahal in India

India is a country that’s filled with color, life, and plenty of historic places. And that’s exactly what travelers will find on the Eternal India tour. This 12-day trip starts in Delhi, where you can travel by rickshaw, visit the local street markets, and see some beautiful temples. The big day of the trip is actually Day Two, where you’ll visit the Taj Mahal all at your own pace. 

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Other highlights of the trip include a tiger sunrise safari in Ranthambore, Amer Fort in Jaipur, the Hanging Gardens in Mumbai, and the beachside town of Goa. There are optional tours and activities as well, including taking a Bollywood dance class, a foodie tour of Mumbai street food, and cooking and dining with a local family in Jaipur.

  • Starting price: $2,332  

8. Japan in a Week 

crowd entering temple in Tokyo

Contiki’s 2024 Japan in a Week tour allows travelers to see all of the highlights of Japan in short order. The eight-day tour visits three of the major hubs in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In Tokyo, travelers can see an ancient Buddhist temple, explore the shopping district of Nakamise Street, and even cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Then it’s off to Kyoto. (Bonus: You’ll spot Mount Fuji on the way.)

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In Kyoto, you can take a half-day trip to Nara to visit the Todaiji Temple and see miniature deer; and see the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is known for its winding paths of orange torii gates. The last stop on the trip is Osaka, where you can choose to visit Universal Studios or learn how to be a Samurai. 

  • Starting price: $1,835  
  • Average group size: 25 people 

9. National Parks Road Trip with Contiki

Arches National Park arch with snowy mountains in background

Travelers looking for an amazing and outdoorsy trip where they won’t need a passport will enjoy the National Parks Road Trip . The 12-day trip takes you through five United States National Parks in under two weeks. The trip starts in Dallas before moving to Amarillo, Texas on Day One, where you’ll see a fun exhibit showcasing Cadillac cars. The tour then continues to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a hot air balloon ride before hitting Moab for Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

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Other National Parks included on this itinerary are Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. The trip ends with an evening in Las Vegas, where you can hit the strip or the buffet, before officially ending in Los Angeles. 

  • Starting price: $2,520
  • Average group size: 30 people

10. Southern Africa Safari 

Elephant crossing road on Contiki African safari

An African safari is a trip of a lifetime for many travelers. Contiki’s Southern Africa Safari tour covers four countries in 21 days. The three-week trip takes guests through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Over the course of the trip, you’ll see the highlights of Cape Town and attempt to see the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) in Kruger National Park. On Day Seven, the trip takes a detour to see the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls. 

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Other highlights of the trip include seeing a meerkat colony at the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, exploring the desert in Namib-Naukluft National Park, and kayaking at Pelican Point. Each destination offers a unique take on African wildlife, so be sure to listen to your guide because you never know what you may spot. 

  • Length: 21 days
  • Starting price: $5,140
  • How to book: Book online through Contiki or through a travel agent such as AAA

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Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

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The Scoop: What to Know About Contiki

This tour company focuses on adventures for younger people.

What Is The Age Limit For Contiki Tours?

Contiki tours are designed specifically for young travellers aged 18 to 35 years old . This age limit is in place to create a fun and vibrant atmosphere, where like-minded adventurers can connect, share experiences, and make lasting memories together.

So, if you’re within this age range and looking for an unforgettable travel experience with fellow young explorers, Contiki tours might just be the perfect fit for you!

Why is there an age limit for Contiki?

The age restriction play a significant role in making sure everyone has the best time possible while exploring the world together. Contiki, as a tour operator, focuses on creating fun and unforgettable experiences for young adults, and having age limits helps them achieve that goal. One of the main reasons for having an age limit is to create a sense of camaraderie and shared interests among passengers. Contiki crafts itineraries that resonate with the lifestyles, energy levels, and preferences of a specific age group. This way, we can all have a blast with people who are in a similar stage of life, making it easier to connect and form long-lasting friendships. Moreover, age limits help create a more comfortable and relatable atmosphere for everyone. When you’re with a group of people close to your age, it’s easier to feel at ease and share experiences without the worry of a generational gap. It’s all about ensuring that everyone feels included and can fully enjoy the adventure. Lastly, age limits allow Contiki to design experiences that cater to the unique interests and preferences of the younger crowd. Whether it’s thrilling adventures, immersive cultural experiences, or energetic nightlife, Contiki knows what young travellers are looking for and curates the perfect tour to match those expectations.

What’s it like on a Contiki tour if you’re over 30?

While Contiki is known for its youthful vibe and energetic itineraries, travellers over 30 can still enjoy and benefit from these tours, especially if they embrace a youthful mindset and are open to connecting with younger fellow passengers. When embarking on a Contiki tour as a 30+ traveller, it’s essential to choose a destination that caters to a more diverse age range, such as Europe or North America. These regions provide itineraries with an average age range of 22-35 years, allowing for a more inclusive and comfortable atmosphere for older travellers.

On a Contiki tour, you can expect a well-organised, immersive experience that balances sightseeing, cultural exploration, and social opportunities. The tour will typically include a knowledgeable guide who provides valuable insights into the local history and culture, ensuring that travellers of all ages leave with a deeper understanding of the destination. As a traveller over 30, you will find that Contiki tours provide ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse age groups. The social aspect of the tour fosters camaraderie, and you may find yourself forming lasting friendships with people who share your passion for travel and exploration. Furthermore, Contiki tours offer a range of accommodation options and activity levels, catering to various preferences and physical abilities. As an older traveller, you can choose a tour that suits your comfort level and desired pace, ensuring that you have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Typical ages for Contiki destinations

The average ages on a Contiki tour are largely influenced by the choice of travel destination, as the itineraries are tailored to suit the interests and preferences of different age groups. Contiki crafts unique experiences that appeal to various demographics, resulting in differing average age ranges for each region. In Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Contiki tours tend to attract a younger demographic, with an average age range of 12-22 years. The itineraries in these regions often focus on adventure, cultural immersion, and youthful experiences, which resonate with this age group. Conversely, Europe and North America Contiki tours cater to an older and more diverse demographic, with an average age range of 22-35 years. These tours emphasise deeper exploration of history, culture, and gastronomy, thus appealing to travellers seeking a more comprehensive and immersive experience.

Alternatives to Contiki Tours

Are you looking for an unforgettable travel experience but unsure if Contiki is the right choice for you? Worry not, as there are plenty of alternatives to Contiki tour s that cater to different age groups, interests, and budgets. One Life Adventures and Under30Experiences solely cater for 18-35s, where tour operators Topdeck , Travel Talk , G Adventures , TruTravels and Busabout all welcome travellers aged over 35. Take a look at our list of the top alternatives to Contiki that are all suitable for people aged 35 and older.

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All Greece Tours from Contiki

12 contiki trips through greece.

Spotlight on Greece and Greek Island Hopping Plus (14 Days) Tour

  • Island Hopping

Spotlight on Greece and Greek Island Hopping Plus (14 Days)

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

Greek Island Hopping (Pride, 11 Days) Tour

Greek Island Hopping (Pride, 11 Days)

Spotlight on Greece (4 Days) Tour

Spotlight on Greece (4 Days)

Spotlight on Greece and Athens to Santorini Plus (11 Days) Tour

Spotlight on Greece and Athens to Santorini Plus (11 Days)

Athens to Santorini (Plus, 8 Days) Tour

Athens to Santorini (Plus, 8 Days)

The tour was a nice pace, 2 days on each island. The optional extras were not anything too exciting, I only did 2, sailing in paros and winery in Santorini which is really enjoyed both and recommended. Found the hotels to be all good except Santorini, the hotel in Santorini was far from the main attractions and did not allow for easy access to the main cities and not worth it for the price of the tour. This tour allowed for a lot of free time to do what you wanted which was nice.

Greek Island Hopping (Standard, 11 Days) Tour

Greek Island Hopping (Standard, 11 Days)

My experience with the Greek Island Hopping Tour was amazing! I liked having the freedom to do excursions (which were all amazing), or have the day to myself. Ellen was an amazing guide and ensured everything went smoothly. Would definitely do another Contiki in the future!

Greek Island Hopping (Plus, 11 Days) Tour

Greek Island Hopping (Plus, 11 Days)

Phenomenal time with a great group. It was a real party! And with a large group, you are sure to find your people.

Athens to Santorini (Gap, 8 Days) Tour

Athens to Santorini (Gap, 8 Days)

Greek Island Hopping (Gap, 11 Days) Tour

Greek Island Hopping (Gap, 11 Days)

Athens to Santorini (Standard, 8 Days) Tour

Athens to Santorini (Standard, 8 Days)

Athens to Santorini (Pride, 8 Days) Tour

Athens to Santorini (Pride, 8 Days)

Greek Explorer (11 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Greek Explorer (11 Days)

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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Griechenland Rundreisen von Contiki
  • Français: Circuits Grèce proposés par Contiki
  • Español: Circuitos a Grecia de Contiki
  • Nederlands: Griekenland Rondreizen van Contiki

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

  • 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
  • Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

  • Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
  • Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
  • Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
  • Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
  • Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
  • Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
  • Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
  • If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
  • Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
  • Have fun time with a very friendly local;
  • + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

  • Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
  • + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

  • Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
  • Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
  • The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

  • + A friend in Moscow.
  • + Private & customized Moscow tour.
  • + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
  • + An authentic experience of local life.
  • + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
  • + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
  • + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
  • + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
  • + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

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5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

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Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Screen Shot 2015-04-01 at 5.17.53 PM

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

contiki tours age group

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

IMG_5826

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya metro station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

IMG_5893

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

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January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

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December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Real Life Stories

Travelling with Contiki at 29 made me realise that there is no age limit on creating memories

By Deion Collins

Published on Dec 22, 2017

Love the idea of traveling with a complete group of strangers from all parts of the world from ages 18-35? But if you’re closer to 35 does it set that you will be the “old” person? Yes, of course it does. 

When I finally went on my Contiki European Experience , I was 29. The disclaimer is for ages up to 35, but reading about the fast pace and all the parties that there were, I figured it would be a younger crowd. I could keep up in that aspect – after all, I had made my way through college and the Army, so moving fast, partying and drinking were no issue, and something I was looking forward to. The real issue for me, is would I look like “the guy who was a little too old to be here?”.

When I was flying over London, I was in awe that I’d finally made my way to Europe. I walked into the basement and saw so many people waiting for this journey to begin. We had over 40 people on our tour. If we take that number, along with the 18-year age range and do some sort of mathematical equation, I am sure we get a number that averages out the age of everyone; but that would not show the amazing personalities that were on this trip, regardless of age.

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I met fellow Americans, cool Canadians and some of the craziest Aussies, Kiwis and Tazzys. Contiki welcomes anyone from ages 18 – 35 and we had everyone that covered all ages: youngest to oldest.

It is worth mentioning that I was the oldest male on the trip. It ended up being of no significance as we all had an amazing time traveling throughout a beautiful continent. I made many friends and have already visited a few, as well as having plans to see more.

RELATED: EVER WONDERED WHY THE CONTIKI AGE IS EXCLUSIVELY 18-35?  

When it comes down to it, anybody that has a dream to travel the world should go on a trip.  Do not let your age or similar thoughts keep you from missing out. When you are on top of Europe at the Swiss Alps, watching the Eiffel Tower glitter at night or enjoying a pork knuckle with a glass of beer in Munich, you will be making memories with your Contiki family.

Have you recently been on a Contiki Trip of a lifetime, or had an experienced that has made you feel like you were limitless?  Share your stories with us  here  and you could see your work published on six-two…

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  2. Contiki Tours: Guided Vacation Tours For 18-35 Year-Olds

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  3. Contiki Vacations: Group Tours for Adults Age 18-35

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  5. Contiki Review

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COMMENTS

  1. Group Travel & Adventure Vacations

    Explore 350+ trips led by group travel experts. Share unforgettable travel experiences with new friends from around the world. Exclusively for 18-35 year olds. Explore 350+ trips led by group travel experts. Share unforgettable travel experiences with new friends from around the world. ... ABOUT CONTIKI. GET INSPIRED. 1 (866) 266 8454

  2. Ever Wondered Why the Contiki age Is Exclusively 18-35? This Is Why

    Contiki is the perfect option for first time travellers for a number of reasons, including safety, the social side and what you get to see. Most first time travellers will be between 18-35, and this way they can all experience it for the first time together! RELATED: WHAT IS IT ABOUT EUROPE THAT MAKES IT SO PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS.

  3. Decoding the Contiki Age Limit: Everything Young Travelers Need to Know

    Contiki's trips are tailored to a specific age group: 18 to 35-year-olds. The reason for this selective age bracket is simple: they aim to create harmonious, like-minded travel communities where common interests and rhythms prevail. This age-specific approach streamlines their offerings and enables unique social experiences steeped in shared ...

  4. What to Know About Contiki Before You Book (2024)

    The company creates and operates tours specifically for travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. That means there are a lot of college students, recent grads, and people in their 20s and early 30s. The average age of a Contiki traveler is 28. In the U.S., nearly 70% of travelers are solo, and well over half are female.

  5. The Good, Bad and a Brutally Honest Contiki Review (Are Contiki Tours

    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. ... 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)

  6. Travel As Groups

    Contiki's scheduled departures are solely for young travellers between the ages of 18-35 (on the first day of travel). If you have a group of 20+ travellers under the age of 18 (but over the age of 13), a custom group trip can be arranged and there is no upper age limit.

  7. Everything You Need to Know for Your First Contiki Tour (Plus 17 Trip

    Contiki is a social (group) travel company for ages 18-35. The company has been around since 1962 when it got its start in London as a minibus operation taking backpackers and holiday seekers from London to Europe on months-long expeditions. ... While the Contiki brand markets itself as a travel company for 18-35 year olds, the average age of a ...

  8. Contiki Review

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

  9. The Ultimate Contiki Review: Do Contiki Tours Live Up to the Hype?

    Contiki is great for traveling with a similar age group While intergenerational travel can be amazing, sometimes you want to see the world with a group of people around your age and life experience. Chances are you'll have more in common with folks in your age group than say a family of 5 on holiday or a set of retirees.

  10. Contiki Tours Review

    The tour group age range is almost synonymous with the party atmosphere. Put 52 like minded travelers aged 18-35 together and you do not need a very large spark for an instant party to come together. ... My first trip abroad was a Contiki trip too. I think group tours can get a bad rep, but you bring up some great points on why they can be a ...

  11. 10 Best Contiki Tours to Take in 2024

    Contiki has been taking 18- to 35-year-olds on group tours since 1962 and offers a variety of trip styles. These are my picks for the best tours offered by Contiki in 2024. One of the best things about group tours with Contiki is that you travel with people close to your age, so the group often bonds quickly.

  12. What Is The Age Limit For Contiki Tours?

    If you're looking to travel the world with a group of like-minded young travellers, Contiki is a fantastic option. However, the age limit for Contiki is 18-35 years old. Contiki's age limit of 18-35 years caters to young travellers, creating a lively atmosphere for shared adventures and experiences. Contiki tours are designed specifically for ...

  13. Contiki Tour

    The age range in your group could depend on a number of things and since contiki takes 18 to 35 year-olds if I remember correctly, you just never know. I'm guessing they still have a reputation for being a bit of a party vibe but idk if that's changed or which trip you're doing. I did a European trip many years ago and most of the group was 18 ...

  14. Contiki Tours

    Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, ... gathered a group of people to travel with, and spent 12 weeks exploring Europe with his group. At the end of the trip, he unsuccessfully tried to sell the minibus. As a result, he ...

  15. Custom Group Tours For 18-35s

    With Contiki, you can bring your lectures to life in places like Rome, Egypt, Greece & more. Book your next custom group trip with us and we'll take care of all the nitty-gritty details. Travel around the world with your Fraternity brothers & Sorority sisters and come back with everlasting memories guaranteed to keep you smiling for years to ...

  16. Contiki and other tour groups as a 32 y/o solo Asian

    I did a Contiki tour when I was 26. It was a seven day Aegean Cruise and it was amazing. I would say that was the average age of our group. We probably had a few more women then men, but it was a good mix of American, Canadian, Australian, and one South African - tho she was of Indian descent. This was over 10 years ago but we had a really good ...

  17. Contiki Greece Tours

    Greece tours operated by Contiki with 13 reviews (13 tours in total). Book and save with TourRadar.com - Best Price Guarantee. ... Age Range up to 35 year olds Regions Greek Islands, ... And with a large group, you are sure to find your people. Destinations Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Ios +3 more Age Range 18 to 35 year olds

  18. Contiki launches first ever trip to the Philippines

    Contiki, the leading social travel brand for 18-35s, has announced its first ever trip to the Philippines. Named "Philippines Island Hopping," it gives travelers the chance to explore the ...

  19. Moscow Metro Tour with Friendly Local Guides

    Moscow Metro private tours. 2-hour tour $87: 10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off; 3-hour tour $137: 20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. Metro pass is included in the price of both tours. Highlight of Metro Tour

  20. Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

    The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. ... Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations. Arrow showing the ...

  21. Travelling with Contiki at 29

    If you're doing a Contiki, and you're close to 35, your age might be a concern in your head. The reality is creating memories has no age limit. ... Travel Contiki. My Contiki Story; Only on Contiki; Trip Spotlight; Explore the world with contiki.com . ... Love the idea of traveling with a complete group of strangers from all parts of the world ...

  22. Private Moscow Metro Tour 2023

    The Moscow Metro system is full of art, but there are hundreds of stations. Eliminate the risk of getting lost in the vast network, or missing the most important stations. On this handy private tour you'll be taken to the most interesting and impressive art and architectural examples, and learn all about their history and cultural significance from your local guide.

  23. Moscow Metro Tour

    View the most beautiful of Moscow's Soviet-era metro stations on this walking tour. With an expert guide, visit five of the Russian capital's celebrated stations built during the Soviet period as you learn how the lavish, subway Moscow architecture was designed to express a bright, bold new Soviet future. Admire the extravagant décor, chandeliers and sculptures at the stations, including ...