What should I bring on my Contiki Tour?
Luggage is restricted to one reasonably sized suitcase (maximum 29"x20" or 73cm x 50cm.) (No metal frame backpacks.) We do reserve the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. A checklist is a very useful tool to use as a last check before you are on your way. Some items that you should have on your list: necessary medication, airline tickets, passport, traveler's cheques, insurance policy, credit cards, visas, cash, Contiki's 'Ticket to Ride', driver's license, vaccination certificate, camera, and film.
Luggage size restrictions are strictly enforced on all tours. Maximum size on most tours is 29" x 20" x 10" (73cm x 50cm x 23 cm) and maximum weight is 20 kgs (non expanding). Maximum size for Scandinavian and Camping tours is 28" x 18" x 9" (70cm x 45cm x 23cm) and maximum weight of 20 kgs. Metal framed backpacks will not be allowed. It is best to ensure that your suitcase/backpack is the correct size before departure. If not, you could incur the extra cost of buying a new suitcase and storing your excess luggage.

How much should I pack to go on tour?
Decide how many clothes you want to take--cut that amount in half, and that's how much you'll need. Remember that depending on the seasons in the country to which you are travelling, you may need warmer clothes at least for evenings.

Do I need any vaccinations?
Please consult your travel agent or doctor to find out which vaccinations are required. If you suffer from any form of illness, be sure to have an adequate supply of medicines before departing on tour. You must advise us through your travel agent of any important medical condition you may have, before departure.

Do I need a passport and travel visas?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included in your tour. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. Consult your travel agent well in advance to determine which visas you will require and how to obtain them. Important: visas can take up to six weeks to obtain and a fee is normally charged. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your tour and will result in considerable expense and inconvenience. It is better to apply for ALL visas through your travel agent before you leave home.

How much money should I bring?
That will depend on what tour you take. A good guesstimate would be between $50-$100 dollars for each day you are on tour.

What are the cancellation fees?
PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEES
Over 45 days Deposit is forfeited
45-22 days 25% of tour cost forfeited
21-8 days 30% of tour cost forfeited
7-1 days 50% of tour cost forfeited
Day of Departure 100% of tour cost forfeited
Do you offer group tours or discounts?
Yes we do! For groups of 4 (four) or 7 (seven) and 10 (ten) or more on a standard Contiki itinerary please see the discounts offered to each group as listed in the “Specials” section of this site. For groups of 20 or more, please see the Groups FAQs for more information.

Are prices based on double occupancy?
Most prices are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. For example, Australia and New Zealand tour prices are based on quadrouple share with twin room bookings on a request basis incurring a surcharge. Some tours offer single occupancy for an additional cost, or triple- or quad-share for a reduced price.

Does it cost me anything to change my air itinerary?
It depends on the terms of the air reservation. If you purchased your air through Contiki you should ask your travel agent to contact Contiki for specific charges relating to your airfare.

Can I use my credit card to pay for my tour?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover!

Can I have an extension on my payment?
Unfortunately our system is pre-configured to auto-cancel any booking with an outstanding balance 45 days prior to departure.

What’s included in the price of Contiki tours? What’s not?
Coach, train, most air transfers and ferry transport as specified are included. Accommodation and meals as per each individual tour itinerary are included as well and sightseeing and admission fees as shown under “All this included” on each tour itinerary.

What’s not included?
Personal expense money, visas, personal insurance, medical fees, sightseeing and entrance fees other than those that are specified in your trip itineraries, optional excursions, lunches and some dinners and all meals on ferry crossings, and airport transfers unless specified.

How much is an extra night?/Can I extend my stay?
You can definitely extend your stay at most Contiki hotels that are used before or after your tour. Prices and availability do vary for each hotel.

If I have a medical condition, do I need to advise before I book the trip or go on tour?
Yes. It is imperative that you advise your Travel Agent or Contiki Reservation Agent if you have a medical condition at time of booking. A waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger and received by Contiki. Your waiver must be assessed and approved before payment can be made on any reservation.

What does “all inclusive” mean for a Contiki Resort?
Brunch, dinner, land transfers and free activities while at the resorts are a part of your all inclusive package. Drinks are not included.

What if I am not a US citizen?
If you are not a US citizen you are more than welcome to travel with Contiki. However, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate travel documentation for the countries you will visit on your tour.

If I meet up with the tour later, will it be cheaper?
Contiki gives you flexibility to join and leave a tour as you wish. However, Contiki does not discount for late arrivals or early departures on tours.

What’s the difference between a Camping, Budget and Superior tour?
Contiki offers three ways to travel: Camping, Concept/Budget, and TimeOut/Superior. The basic difference is in the type of accommodation.

Are the Getaway tours escorted or not? What is a Getaway?
Getaways are designed to give you flexibility and freedom but still all the advantages of group travel. The London & Paris Getaway is fully escorted with the option to independently extend your stay in Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam. The Rome and Amsterdam extensions feature an unescorted train connection where a local Contiki representative will greet you and the station in your “add-on” city. You will be transferred to the hotel and provided with local information on the day of arrival. This setup is the same for the Berlin & Prague Getaway that offer extensions to Vienna and Budapest

Are couples recommended to join a Concept tour?
For Concept tours, the room share is based on not more than 4 persons per room. And is usually matched with same gender so that many more could join the world’s most unique way to see and travel Europe, exclusively with Contiki.

And if you do not wish to let slip such wonderful and unique way to holidays on our Concept tours, we can accept your booking and during the tour, whenever possible; our Tour Manager would allocate 2-person rooms/cabins for just the two of you. And this is often subject to cabin/room’s availability during your tour; and the gender mix for your group.

What are optional excursions?
We have included a great deal of excursions in all our trips, but we cannot and would not want to include everything. Personal choice is important and our clients like the option of being included/or not on certain “Optionals,” i.e., Paris Nightclub show, Gondola ride in Venice, Rafting in Austria. From experience, we know which optionals have proven most popular with our clients and only these will be offered to you. These optionals do cost extra and a full list relating to your trip can be found with your final documents (or under the optionals heading of your tour online) to assist with trip budgeting. These optionals can be purchased through your tour manager when you’re on the trip. Payment for these is cash only; no credit cards will be accepted for payment on optionals (NB Credit cards are accepted on Australia and New Zealand tours).

Where can we find details on optionals?
Optionals are listed on our web site within each tour’s information.

What is the cruise ship like on the Louis Hellenic Cruises?
The ships used are smaller than your average US cruise line but offer a re relaxed and casual cruising experience. You still have the same great amenities such as casinos, clothing and novelty stores, pools, and nightly entertainment. Contiki offers standard inside cabins with the opportunity to upgrade while on board with cruise personnel. Please note: Your cruise ship will not be exclusive to Contiki and therefore you will have the opportunity to mix with a wide range of people. There are optional formal nights on board as well.

Are the tour departures guaranteed?
We guarantee that we will not reschedule any European tours within 50 days of departure through peak season (May 1st to October 15th) unless circumstances occur that are beyond our control. (Note: the departure guarantee does not apply to America, Australia or New Zealand tours which are normally guaranteed with minimum of 6 weeks).

In Europe we have designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for the Guaranteed Departure symbol (Guaranteed Departure) against individual departure dates on the itinerary of your choice.

What happens to my deposits or money when my tour is advised non-operative?
In most instances, if not all, Contiki will provide a minimum of 6 weeks notice to give you ample time to consider our alternative offer in tour departure date, or tours that are fairly similar in duration or itinerary. In the event, alternative offers are not acceptable, Contiki will refund all the deposits or money paid in advance for your tour.