Contiki Tours Review: Are They Really Worth It?

Over the years, I’ve traveled across the US and Europe on six Contiki tours. Even though I’m no longer in the typical Contiki age range, I still look back fondly on the adventures, the friends I made, and the memories that have lasted a lifetime. If you’ve wondered whether Contiki tours are just about partying or a real way to see the world, here’s my honest Contiki tours review, covering the highs, surprises, and everything in between.

What Contiki Was Like Back Then

I was 25 on my first Contiki trip, LA to the Bay, and 31 on my last, North by North East. Back then, I focused more on taking photos than partying, except for the Spanish Spree, which was partly about Ibiza. Contiki let me see a lot of places quickly, including cities I might never have visited on my own, like Las Vegas when I was living in the UK, and it gave me the chance to make friends I’m still in touch with decades later.

Contiki was fast-paced: moving from hotel to hotel, city to city, and country to country. It wasn’t about deep dives; it was about getting a taste of the world, discovering what you might want to explore later, and making memories along the way.

One of the best things about Contiki tours? Each tour has a theme song. For North by North East, it was Don’t Stop Believing. You’d hear it every morning on the bus, and sometimes it was played to pump us up before heading out for the evening. Even years later, whenever I hear that song, I can’t help but think about the tour and all the memories from that trip.

The “Party Tour” Myth

A lot of people assume Contiki is all about partying. Sometimes it is, but it doesn’t have to be. On every trip, there were subgroups. Some people partied all night. Others spent their time sightseeing, taking photos, or learning about the culture.

For example, the Spanish Spree included Ibiza and had a bigger party scene, but the proper party mode only elevated on the ferry to Ibiza. Everyone wanted to enjoy the other cities we went to and learn more about Spain before getting to Ibiza.

Other trips, like Eastern Road (Germany, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria) and North by North East (Canada & USA), were much more relaxed. People focused on history, architecture, and photography. The vibe was just as enjoyable without late nights.

Even on the party-heavy trips, the group stayed friendly and welcoming. Everyone got along. The only exception was the Greek Island cruise, where being on a ship made it harder to connect with other tour groups compared to the bus tours.

Must-Have Travel Essentials for Contiki Tours (Tested & Recommended)

These are my tried-and-true travel essentials for Contiki tours, chosen to help you stay healthy, organized, and comfortable, whether you’re hopping cities or exploring on foot all day. Also, don’t miss my curated gear shop for more travel shopping ideas!

Best Travel Insurance for Contiki Tours

Protecting your trip is a must. Contiki offers its own Travel Protection Plan, which covers trip cancellation, emergency sickness, baggage loss, travel delays, and provides 24/7 assistance. You can also cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure and get a Future Travel Certificate.

If you prefer, you can choose a third-party provider that meets or exceeds Contiki’s requirements:

• World Nomads: Flexible single-trip and annual travel insurance policies.
• Faye: Comprehensive single-trip travel insurance.
• InsureMyTrip: Compare quotes instantly with no email or phone number required.
• Auras: A flexible, digital-first option that covers travelers of any age and any nationality worldwide. It is officially recognized for visa and embassy applications and offers a 100% refund if your visa is refused.

Luggage & Footwear for Contiki Travel

Choosing the right backpack and shoes makes a huge difference on a fast-paced Contiki tour. I highly recommend a backpack over a rolling suitcase, especially in Europe, where tiny elevators and cobblestone streets are not your friends!

• Best Backpack for Contiki Tours: Osprey Eja 58: Lightweight, comfortable, and great for travelers who prefer a hiking-style pack. If you want easier access and organization, the Osprey Farpoint is a solid front-loading alternative.
• Best Walking Shoes for Travel: Altra Shoes: A top travel choice thanks to the wide toe box, which keeps your feet comfortable and pain-free even on long days of walking and sightseeing. (Read my Altra Lone Peak reviews here!)

The Contiki “Tour Survival” Kit

• LMNT Electrolytes: Essential for staying hydrated and fighting off the infamous “Contiki cough.”
• Emergen-C: A travel-friendly immune boost with 1,000 mg of vitamin C, plus electrolytes and B vitamins for energy support.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: A lifesaver on long bus rides when you need quiet time.
• Universal Travel Adapter: A compact worldwide adapter with USB-A and USB-C ports for fast-charging multiple devices.
• Microfiber Travel Towel: Lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to pack.
• Apple AirTag: Keep your luggage safe while flying or navigating busy airports. Simply toss one in your bag to track it and travel with peace of mind.

Tips for First-Time Contiki Travelers (From Someone Who’s Actually Been on Six)

• Read the itinerary and choose what suits your style.
  Contiki trips vary widely: some lean more toward social experiences, while others focus on culture and sightseeing. Pick based on pace and type of experience, not just the name.
• You don’t have to party to fit in.
  On every tour I took, people formed their own subgroups. Some stayed out late, others chose museums, food markets, or early mornings. There’s space for all styles.
• Embrace the pace.
  Contiki is great for a big picture view of a region. Expect to move quickly and see a lot; it’s more of a sampler platter than a deep dive. That’s part of the fun.
• It’s a confidence builder for future travel.
  Spending a short time in each place gave me the confidence to go back on my own later. Once I had a sense of the area and how things worked, the fear of the unknown was gone, and exploring solo felt much more manageable.
• Some of the best moments aren’t planned.
  Shared bus rides, inside jokes, and the songs you end up associating with a trip become part of the memories. Don’t rush to check every site; soak up the experience too.
• Bring gear that keeps you comfortable on the go.
  A good backpack, comfortable shoes, electrolytes, a universal adapter, and some immune-support essentials make a huge difference when you’re hopping cities and countries.

6 Contiki Tours I Took and What I Loved About Them

LA to the Bay Contiki Tour

LA to the Bay was my first Contiki trip. Back then, I lived in London and had always dreamed of visiting Vegas, but I was nervous to go alone. Someone mentioned Contiki tours. I did a bit of research, and I was sold. This trip became my first “American dream trip.” Little did I know that when I stopped in San Diego for just one day, I’d end up living there ten years later!

The trip had everything: cities, nature, and adventure. We explored Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Vegas, San Francisco, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Back then, we stayed at Bass Lake (now Contiki goes to Oakhurst). I had a blast and am still in touch with some people from that tour.

And the highlight? Somehow, I got married in Vegas… without even knowing it. The tour guide had secretly picked two people from the group for a quick Elvis-style wedding. Before I knew it, I was walking down the aisle thinking, “Mom is gonna kill me!” (Of course, now I know you need a license to get married, but at the time, I didn’t.) It was totally fake; they gave us a wedding certificate that read “are you kidding me?”, but it’s one of those unforgettable, hilarious moments I still laugh about decades later.

Amsterdam for Easter Contiki Tour

Amsterdam for Easter was unforgettable, and I made lifelong friends along the way. We visited Keukenhof, the largest flower garden in the world, packed with millions of blooms. We also met local Dutch farmers to see how clogs and Edam cheese are made. Then we cycled through the town of Edam, exploring windmills, canals, and dikes. The bikes didn’t have brakes, which led to some hilarious moments!

We walked through the Red Light District, visited Anne Frank’s House, and soaked up the city’s vibe in a way only a Contiki tour can offer. It was the perfect mix of culture, history, adventure, and just plain fun.

Spanish Spree Contiki Tour

This trip was a mix of culture, history, and Ibiza nightlife. The tour started in Barcelona and took us to Córdoba, Gibraltar (where the monkeys stole the show!), Granada, Madrid, Seville, Toledo, and Zaragoza.

In Ibiza, I got to see some of the biggest DJs at the time: Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Markus Schulz, Seb Fontaine, and ATB. It was incredible and highly recommended!

The Spanish Spree tour no longer exists. But if you want a similar experience today, I recommend the Classic Summer Best of Spain Tour or the 27–35 Best of Spain Tour. Both include Ibiza and the perfect mix of culture, cities, and nightlife.

Greek Island Hopping Contiki Tour

Greek Island Hopping was a bit different from my other Contiki trips. We were on a cruise ship instead of a bus, so it didn’t have the same group-bonding experience.

That said, it was incredible for exploring the Greek islands. On my trip, we visited Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and even the Ephesus Archaeological Site in Turkey (though Contiki no longer includes Turkey on this route).

If you’re looking for friendship and camaraderie that comes from hours on the road with a bus group, this might not be your tour. But it’s perfect for anyone who wants a Greek Island adventure full of amazing scenery, history, and culture.

Eastern Road Contiki Tour

This was a quieter, history-focused tour through Germany, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. We had emotional moments, like visiting Auschwitz. There were also fun stops, like exploring Vienna.

This trip is perfect for anyone who loves sightseeing, history, and culture. It’s slower and more reflective than the party-focused Contiki trips.

North by North East Contiki Tour

North by North East was my last Contiki tour, and I did it in my 30s. I definitely felt older than most of the group, but a few other 30-somethings were there too, and we bonded right away.

The itinerary was packed. We started in New York City, went to Boston, then up into Canada with stops in Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, and Niagara Falls. On the way back, we stopped in Cleveland and finished in Chicago.

It was fast-paced and city-heavy, perfect if you want a highlights-style trip through the US and Canada. One of my favorite outcomes from this tour? One of my best friends ended up marrying a guy I met on the trip after I introduced them. Proof that these trips can create lifelong connections.

This specific tour no longer exists, but if you want a similar experience, check out Contiki’s top Canada tours. They’re still very popular with 18–35-year-old travelers.

Who Is Contiki For (and Not For)

Contiki works best for anyone who wants to see a lot of places quickly, make friends along the way, and experience the world in “highlights” rather than deep dives. If you like moving fast, staying in different hotels almost every night, and meeting people from all over, Contiki is perfect.

It’s less ideal for someone who prefers a slower pace or doesn’t enjoy constant movement, but that’s true of most guided group tours.

Think You’ve Aged Out of Contiki? (35-45-Year-Old Travelers)

If you think Contiki is only for younger travelers, that’s no longer the case. Contiki now offers a dedicated range of trips exclusively for travelers aged 35-45, created specifically for people who still want to explore the world with a group, just at a different stage of life.

These trips are specifically created for the 35-45 age group and run in destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Current itineraries include places like Italy, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Kenya, Japan, Namibia, and South Korea, giving travelers a wide range of options depending on the style of trip they’re looking for.

What appealed to me about seeing these tours launched is that they acknowledge something real: plenty of people still want to travel with a group, meet new people, and have shared experiences, even if they no longer fit the traditional 18-35 Contiki bracket.

If you’ve ever thought, “I love the idea of Contiki, but I’m not sure it’s for me anymore,” the 35-45 tours are worth a look.

Contiki Tours Comparisons & Perspective

G Adventures

A few years after my Contiki trips, I went on a G Adventures tour in Japan because Contiki didn’t run there at the time. It was a much smaller group, mostly traveling by bullet train, very cultural, and completely different from the bus tours I’d done with Contiki. That experience reminded me that different trips suit different destinations and travel styles, but it also made me appreciate what Contiki does best: connecting you with a mix of people and showing you a lot in a short time. Today, Contiki actually offers tours to Japan and Southeast Asia too, so travelers can get similar experiences within the Contiki framework.

Imaginative Traveler

I also traveled from Bangkok to Singapore with Imaginative Traveler. The destinations were incredible, but the group’s age range was all over the place. Together with another traveler in our 30s, we felt like the kids on vacation with our parents and their friends, which made the dynamic… interesting. Again, Contiki now runs a Bangkok to Singapore Adventure as well, meaning the group is usually age-targeted and easier to connect with.

Perspective

Looking back 20 years later, I’m so glad I traveled as much as I did when I was younger. Life can throw curveballs. I became disabled last year (still slowly recovering!), and these adventures are memories I’ll always treasure. My biggest advice: save for travel, prioritize it, and go see the world while you can. Contiki gave me a solid foundation for exploring early, meeting friends for life, and discovering which trips fit my style best.

Contiki Tours FAQs

What is Contiki and who is it for?
Contiki is a guided group travel company for 18–35-year-olds, with specific trips for 35–45-year-olds. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see multiple destinations quickly, meet new people, and experience a mix of sightseeing, culture, and adventure.

Is Contiki just a party tour?
Not at all. Some tours include nightlife, like Spanish Spree or Ibiza trips, but most have a variety of activities. You can focus on sightseeing, cultural experiences, photography, or nightlife, depending on your preferences.

Do I need travel insurance for a Contiki trip?
Yes! Contiki recommends travel insurance. Their Travel Protection Plan covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and travel delays. You can also choose a third-party policy that meets or exceeds Contiki’s requirements.

What should I pack for a Contiki tour?
Bring a lightweight backpack, comfortable walking shoes (Altra is a great option), and travel essentials like electrolytes, Emergen-C, noise-canceling headphones, a universal travel adapter, a microfiber towel, and an AirTag for luggage tracking.

How fast-paced are Contiki trips?
Contiki tours move quickly, visiting multiple cities or countries in a single trip. They’re great for travelers who want a “highlights” style experience rather than long stays in each location.

Are Contiki tours only for solo travelers?
No. Contiki welcomes solo travelers, couples, and friends. Many solo travelers make lifelong friends along the way.

Can older travelers still do Contiki?
Yes! Contiki now offers trips for 35-45-year-olds, designed for those who want group experiences at a slightly slower pace than the standard 18-35 trips.

What destinations does Contiki cover?
Contiki has tours across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Popular trips include Spain, Italy, Greece, the US & Canada, and Southeast Asia.

Are Contiki tours safe?
Yes. Tours include vetted accommodations, organized itineraries, and 24/7 support. Standard travel precautions apply, and travel insurance is strongly recommended.

How do I choose the right Contiki trip?
Think about your interests, travel style, pace preference, and age. Party-focused trips are great for nightlife and socializing, while history and culture-focused tours are slower-paced with sightseeing and educational stops.

Final Thoughts on My Contiki Tours

Looking back on six Contiki trips, from LA to the Bay to North by North East, I can honestly say these experiences shaped the way I travel, and the friends I made along the way are still part of my life today. Contiki isn’t just about parties or ticking off destinations; it’s about discovering what you love, meeting people from all over, and creating stories you’ll remember forever.

Even if you’ve aged out of the “typical” Contiki age bracket, don’t let that stop you. The company now offers trips for 35-45-year-old travelers, and the sense of adventure, camaraderie, and exploration is just as strong. The key takeaway? Travel while you can, embrace the unexpected moments, and don’t be afraid to dive into experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll come home with memories (and friends) that last a lifetime.