Recent Articles

These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.

1. Heathrow Airport (London)

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe The Royal National Hotel is used as the London base for most Contiki Tours starting and finishing in London, England. A great many clients choose to stay at either the Royal National Hotel or just down the road at the Imperial Hotel. The Royal National Hotel is also home to the Contiki Basement, the meeting point for tours starting in London and Contiki’s London travel base. Directions from Heathrow to the Royal Natio... read more >>

   11 comments | Saved 175 times

2. Optional Excursions - Europe

   Everyone is different, so you have a choice to enhance your itinerary with Optional Excursions during your tour. This choice of activities is based on what past travellers have asked for and are designed to help you get the most out of your tour. What are Optional Excursions How to pay Here’s a taste of what’s available Austria White Water Rafting Mountain Biking Mozart and Strauss Concert Croatia Dubrovni... read more >>

   3 comments | Saved 41 times

3. Weight Limits and Size - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contiki Tours in Europe have a luggage restriction of 1×20 kilogram (44lbs) bag and 1 x carry on (roughly 5 kilograms/12lb) bag. This weight restriction is for legal requirements within the European Union as well as for your comfort and safety. The size restriction of you main luggage is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) is also observed. Bags are not measured however you bags will be weighed o... read more >>

   37 comments | Saved 163 times

4. How much digital memory should I take?

   More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand When it comes to taking photos everyone is different, and there is no one answer but here are some thoughts from past travellers that may give you an idea. Past Traveller’s Advice “Went to Italy for 2 weeks and used almost 3×1gb cards” -Dominique Giordano, Contiki Forums, Posted 19 Jun 2007 “I’m away in Sept f... read more >>

   4 comments | Saved 38 times

5. Western European language basics

   There is no need to enroll in French, Italian, German and Spanish classes for your European Tour. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on how to say some of the basics (eg. hello, please, thank you) in the native tongue of each of the countries you visit. It is often not only useful, but also polite to know a few of the basics in the local language and it’s a good idea to try and remember and uses these basics. English is a widely spoken and understood ... read more >>

   3 comments | Saved 168 times

6. Amsterdam

   by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe Amsterdam, (or the ‘Dammage as many Contiki veterans like to call it) is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands. Surrounded by rings of man made canals, bridges and beautiful buildings it is a city abounding with almost surreal fantasy-like beauty. The liberal, laid back culture of the Dutch also adds a great deal to the appeal and vibe of this fun, friendly European capital. Bikes Buildings and Architecture Shopping ... read more >>

   29 comments | Saved 92 times

7. How much spending money should I bring? - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe How much spending money to budget for is a difficult question to answer as everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop till they drop spending perhaps 100 of Euros or Pounds every day, others will party spending more in bars while again others will spend more money on museum entries and souvenirs, while others yet again will get though on the bare... read more >>

   16 comments | Saved 283 times

8. Suggested packing list - Europe - Winter

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a Contiki winter tour to Europe. People are individuals though and often have personal preferences and opinions as to what to bring. The following then is not a definitive list, but should give you a good guide as to what you should pack for your European winter tour. Clothes 1 rainproof jacke... read more >>

   15 comments | Saved 212 times

9. Suggested packing list - Europe - Summer

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a Europe summer tour. People are individuals though and often have personal preferences and opinions as to what to bring. The following then is not a definitive list, but should give you a good guide as to what you should pack for your European tour. Clothes 1 rainproof jacket/small umbrella ... read more >>

   125 comments | Saved 762 times

10. Slovenia

    Capital: Ljubljana Currency: Euro Language: Slovenian, or Slovene, is the nation’s official language; English is widely understood because it is taught as a second language; Italian and Hungarian are also used in nationally mixed areas Visas: Travel Visa Information Basic Country Information Although only a small Central European country, Slovenia is blessed with beautiful and diverse lands filled with Alps, mountains, lakes, rivers, castles, small coast, forests, plains and hills.&#... read more >>

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11. Tips on Saving for a Trip

    Based on the Contiki Forums Topic Personal Loan or Hard Saving..? Save on Tour Costs and Flights Shop around for the best deals for airfares etc You would be amazed at how much prices can vary. Get quotes and do your sums and book early for the most inexpencive tickets, also departing/arriving between Tues-Thursday will cut the ticket cost. Try and not go in peak season (from June till the end of August & December/school holidays) Check for deals f... read more >>

    29 comments | Saved 91 times

12. Travelling alone

    Everyone has different attitudes and opinions and philosophies when it comes to travelling alone. Even amongst those who choose to go it alone there is a mix of feelings with some being a little frightened and nervous while others cannot wait to get out on their own. In a poll conducted on the Contiki forums, almost 70% of people polled as travelling on tour alone. So even though you start the tour alone, you’re not the only one travelling alone. The tours are very social so you wi... read more >>

    37 comments | Saved 90 times

13. Visas - Travelling to Europe

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Depending on the nationality of the passport you are traveling on you may require visas to enter countries included on your tour. Every country in Europe has different entry requirements. You are responsible for obtaining all the necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. You can consult your travel agent but the only truly reliable source of visa and entry requirements are the consulates of the countries themselves... read more >>

    11 comments | Saved 86 times

14. ATM's and cash machines - Europe

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe ATM’s and cash machines are widely available throughout Europe. Cash machines across Europe dispense cash in the local currency of the country that you are making the withdrawal in. Make sure to let your bank know you are travelling so they don’t put a hold your account thinking it was hacked into or stolen. ATM’s are widely available throughout... read more >>

    9 comments | Saved 62 times

15. Barcelona

    by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe Barcelona is the capital of the Catalan region of north-eastern Spain and next to Madrid, is the second largest city in the country. ‘Barca’ however is easily the wealthiest of all Spanish cities and is primarily a port city perched on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is also within easy reach of the nearby islands or Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca. People travel to Barcelona for the promise and allure of hot, wild summer nights... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 12 times

16. Suitcase Vs Backpack

    More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand “I would advise travellers to take a suitcase with an extendable handle and wheels for any overseas trip. Firstly, suitcases can be packed in a very organized manner so that anything is easily accessible once you hit your hotel room. Wheels and a handle allow for easy transport, whether into a hotel, a coach in the morning, or out onto a sidewalk to catch a cab to the airport. Additionally, ... read more >>

    36 comments | Saved 252 times

17. What to Pack

    Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, or taking your first big trip overseas, deciding on what to pack is an important decision. Suggested packing lists for tours to: Australia – Swimmers? Sunscreen? Jeans or Shorts? New Zealand – A jacket in the middle of Summer? You better believe it. USA and Canada – What to bring to look good and stay comfortable; from California beaches to Vegas nightclubs to the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Mexico E... read more >>

    3 comments | Saved 14 times

18. European Contrasts (Tour)

    Style of Tour Concept/Budget Featuring France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) Staying in Paris, Beaujolais Wine Region, French Riviera, Florence, Rome, Corfu, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Lauterbrunnen, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam Starting in London or Paris Finishing in London or Amsterdam Trip Forum Meeting Place Meet others who are going... read more >>

    11 comments | Saved 6 times

19. Tour and Travel Advice - Europe

    More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Planning a Trip Away Choosing a tour | Tips on Saving for a Trip What to Pack Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or taking your first big trip overseas, deciding on what to pack is an important decision. Suggested Summer Packing List | Suggested Winter Packing List | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear | C... read more >>

    1 comment | Saved 148 times

20. Where you stay - Time Out/Superior/Hotel Tours

    Contiki has chosen a wide range of accommodation in order for you to best appreciate what Europe has to offer. From a magnificent 4-star resort in Vienna, Austria, to Europe’s highest hotel on Mt Pilatus in Switzerland – you’ll travel Europe in style. All are Superior Tourist Class Hotels and have excellent facilities while our special resort hotels have been chosen for their particular character, charm, locat... read more >>

    1 comment | Saved 71 times