There’s a lot I like about Contiki guided group tours, from its focus on tours that take you to unique destinations around the world to the way it helps guests meet locals who often bring new-to-me locales to life. Tours are also led by expert guides and trip managers who make sure all of the logistics of the trip are taken care of so all you need to worry about is having fun.
But for me, the best thing about Contiki, and what sets it apart is that all of the tours are for younger people. That’s right, no caravans of white-haired retirees here. Contiki tours are all for those ages 18 to 35. Because of this, the group often bonds quickly, and friendships form in a few hours versus a few days.
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In 2025, Contiki tours will travel all over the world, and even better is that some new tours are launching that I can’t wait to go on. Keep reading to learn about the best Contiki guided group tours for 2025.
The best Contiki tours to take this year
Group tours for young adults with Contiki have all of the essentials included in the overall price. The biggest inclusions are internal trip travel, accommodations, trip managers, and activities. Here are my recommendations for the best Contiki tours, including trips to Western Europe, Thailand, Egypt, and other popular destinations around the world.
1. Borneo Adventure
One of Contiki’s newest tours for 2025 is the nine-day Borneo Adventure. Wildlife lovers will want to book this tour because there’s a lot of time spent looking for orangutans and other creatures that call the lush jungles of Borneo home. The tour starts in Kuching, which is your home base to get to Bako National Park and Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre before jetting off to Kota Kinabalu.
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In Kota Kinabalu, you’ll have a day to yourself to explore, so you can hit the beach and relax or take a bike ride in the picturesque countryside. The tour continues in Selingan Island, where you’ll get to see sea turtles on the beach coming ashore to nest. Your adventure ends in Kinabatangan River, where you’ll take a river cruise to search for elephants and other native species.
- Length: 9 days
- Starting price: $2,714
- Average group size: 18 people
2. Eternal India Express
Get ready to spice it up in India with Contiki’s new Eternal India Express tour. The nine-day tour takes the group to some of the most iconic spots in Nothern India, including the Taj Mahal. The trip starts in Dehli, where your local guide will take you through the winding streets to see the Gurdwara Sikh Temple, eat street food, and travel by rickshaw. Day three is the big day to explore the Taj Mahal, which you’ll be able to do at your own pace since it’s not a guided group tour of the site.
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The halfway point of the trip is Ranthambore, which is one of the largest National Parks in Northern India. Here, you’ll get the chance to search for tigers on a sunrise safari before heading to Jaipur. In the Pink City, you’ll have dinner with a local family and see the Amer Fort. The tour concludes in Udaipur, where you can explore the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.
- Length: 9 days
- Starting price: $1,447
- Average group size: 24 people
3. 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 2025. 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.
The tour continues into Germany for wine tasting in the Rhine Valley and a guided walking tour through Munich. The latter part of the trip takes place in fairytale cities like Rome, where you’ll see the Colossium 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: $1,803
- Average group size: 42 people
4. Egypt and the Nile
Dreaming of traveling through Egypt and along the Nile River? Then check out Contiki’s 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. This is your moment to get a picture with the pyramids “resting” in your hands.
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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 river cruise 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: $1,713
- Average group size: 40 people maximum
5. Northern Thai Highlights with Contiki
Many people head to Thailand for its stunning waters and beautiful temples, but there’s so much 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 enjoy local delicacies for dinner, sleep overnight on a jungle raft, and see Erawan Falls.
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The second half of the trip takes the group to Pai, a mountain town known for its nightlife. Here, you’ll also get to try your hand at the local martial arts, Muay Thai, and see pachyderms up close at Elephant Nature Park. The final highlight of the trip is a traditional Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai.
- Length: 8 days
- Starting price: $1,096
- Average group size: 24 people
6. Austria Ski Vacation
Skiing the Austrian Alps is a dream for many snow bunnies, and on Contiki’s 2025 Ski Austria: 1 Week Trip, 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. Even if you’re not a skier, don’t worry. This trip is great for beginners.
- Length: 9 days
- Starting price: $612
- Average group size: Up to 53 people
7. 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 in Peru. 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 on the hike. They will also 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, including a glacier. Then you’ll arrive at Lares Hot Springs before arriving at the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. Day five is the big day when the group takes a train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, where a local guide will give the group a tour of the site before returning to Cusco.
- Length: 6 days
- Starting price: $1,444
- Average group size: 10 people
8. Viva Costa Rica
For a trip to Central America that won’t break the bank, consider the 2025 Viva Costa Rica tour. The nine-day trip starts in San Jose, then heads to the Arenal volcano region. The rainforest area around the volcano is ideal for hiking 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. Chocolate lovers can even learn how the sweet elixir is made.
The trip then takes travelers to Monteverde, where you’ll plant trees with a local conservation group 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: $1,874
- Average group size: Up to 30 people
9. Japan in a Week
Contiki’s 2025 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. You’ll also have a full day on your own to explore Tokyo. Then it’s off to Kyoto via bullet train. (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: $1,599
- Average group size: 30 people
10. 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 venture takes you through five United States National Parks in under two weeks. The trip starts in Dallas before moving to Amarillo, Texas, where you’ll see a fun exhibit showcasing Cadillac cars. The tour 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: $2,116
- Average group size: 30 people
11. 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 safari, you’ll see the highlights of Cape Town and attempt to see the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) in Kruger National Park. On Day Seven, the trip takes a detour to see the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls.
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 and always have your camera because you never know what you may spot.
- Length: 21 days
- Starting price: $5,484
- Average group size: Up to 26 people
