- 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.
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1. European Discovery with Contiki
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
- Length: 8 days
- 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
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.
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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.
- Length: 8 days
- 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 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
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
- How to book: Book online through Contiki or TourRadar; or through a travel agent such as AAA
7. Eternal India with Contiki
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.
- Length: 12 days
- Starting price: $2,332
- Average group size: 24 people
- How to book: Book online through Contiki, TourRadar, or TourHub; or through a travel agent such as AAA
8. Japan in a Week
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.
- Length: 8 days
- Starting price: $1,835
- Average group size: 25 people
- How to book: Book online through Contiki, TourRadar, or TourHub; or through a travel agent such as AAA
9. National Parks Road Trip with Contiki
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.
- Length: 12 days
- Starting price: $2,520
- Average group size: 30 people
- How to book: Book online through Contiki; or through a travel agent such as AAA
10. Southern Africa 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
- Average group size: Up to 30 people
- How to book: Book online through Contiki or through a travel agent such as AAA
