Recent Articles

These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.

1. Chicago

   Chi-Town, the ‘Windy City’ is built on the shores of the massive Lake Michigan. The third largest city in the US is home to Sears Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world and although it dominates the cityscape, it is just one of the towering skyscrapers that make up the center of this massive northern metropolis. Art and Culture The Chicago Field Museum offers an incredible collection of wonders from the natural world while the Art Institute of Chicago (official site) is easily one of th... read more >>

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2. Venice

   The most romantic of all the Italian cities, today it is one of the most visited regions of Italy, and for good reason. For centuries the very nature of Venice Has inspired poets, writers and artists, has been the staging ground for explorers, and more recently, has featured in almost too many movies to count (The Italian Job, Casanova, Casino Royale, to name but a few) The fame, aura, mystique and simply unique status and reputation the city enjoys has also inspired a multi-billion dollar casino in Las Vegas ... read more >>

   4 comments | Saved 33 times

3. Florence

   Florence (Italian: Firenze) is only a small city on the banks of the Arno River in Italy. The capital of Tuscany, it is easily most famous for being the focal point and home of the Renaissance period of history (late 15th through 17th centuries). During this time the city was home to the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci, Machiavelli,Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, Lippi and many, many more. History, art, and culture all combine in almost everything you can see and touch but these days the city is also well ... read more >>

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4. Rome

   by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe Rome (Italian: Roma) is the capital of Italy and by far the country’s biggest, busiest and most happening city. The ‘Eternal City’ is a treasure trove of ancient art, history, culture, buildings, architecture, sites, food, and people that you would need almost an eternity to see and do everything the city has to offer. The most famous of Romes seemingly endless sights include the Colosseum, the Ancient Roman Forum, the Pantheon and all the wonders of St Pet... read more >>

   24 comments | Saved 42 times

5. Paris

   Simply the mention of ‘Paris’ creates heady images of style, culture, food, fashion, glitz, beauty, grandeur, and pomp and the Eiffel Tower. The Capital of France and one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and iconic cities in the world is a bustling city whose metropolitan area is home to over 11 million Parisians. All this together with the buildings, monuments, museums, people, cityscapes, attitude, creates a magical feel to the city that leaves a lasting impression on first time visitors. Art an... read more >>

   53 comments | Saved 34 times

6. Tyrol

   The Tyrol is a region of western Austria and northern Italy most famous for its towering Alps, fantastic skiing and laid back, casual yet active lifestyle and fresh, clean environment. Home to towns like Hopfgarten, Innsbruck and Itter in Austria and Bozen on the Italian side of the border. The region also incorporates the Brenner Pass on the Austrian/Italian border. The people of the Tyrol share many cultural similarities with the Bavarians of southern Germany however they possess a fierce cultural independence... read more >>

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7. Parthenon

   by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe The Parthenon (Not to be confused with the Pantheon of Rome or Paris fame) in the heart of Athens, Greece is one of the most famous symbols not only of Greece, but the entire classical period of history and democracy itself. Crowning the Acropolis in the centre of the town and visible from almost everywhere in the city, the classical stylings of this now ruined building have been inspirations for countless buildings throughout history from Roman times to the ... read more >>

   8 comments | Saved 5 times

8. 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, sui... read more >>

   280 comments | Saved 694 times

9. Dress code - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contrary to some literature, you do not need to dress up with dress pants and dresses to get into clubs and bars in Europe. Most of the time jeans and a t-shirt is more than enough with some bars and venues even allowing entry with shorts and flip flops. General For most occasions, comfortable, casual clothes are recommended for your European travel adevntures. Going Out and Evening Wear Although you don’t have to wear slacks and tie everywhere, yo... read more >>

   182 comments | Saved 1050 times

10. 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 traveler or taking your first big trip overseas, deciding on what to pack is an important decision. Suggested Summer Packing List | Suggested Winter Packing ListLaptops | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear | Clothing Co... read more >>

    162 comments | Saved 503 times

11. Tour and Travel Advice - New Zealand

    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 New Zealand can see four seasons in one day and choosing what to pack is an important decision. Suggested Packing List | Laptops | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear Luggage Suitcases? Backpacks? Weight restrictions? More of what you need to... read more >>

    227 comments | Saved 21 times

12. Chianti

    In a country famous for its vino (wine), Chianti is easily one of the most famous wines produced in Italy. This red wine gets it’s distinct flavour and taste from the sangiovese grapes that are grown on the hill sides of Tuscany. The Chianti wine takes it’s name for the region of Italy where it is produced – the Chianti region – just outside of the Tuscan Capital of Florence. Sienna, Pisa and San Gimignano are also near by. The region became the worlds first legally recognized wine producing regi... read more >>

    3 comments | Saved 6 times

13. Warsaw

    Warsaw is fast becoming one of Europe’s top destinations with its food, history and of course, the prices! The main attraction is the Old Town that was destroyed during World War II, but its restoration is testament to the resilience and determination of the Polish people. The Old Town The Old Town (Stare Miasto) was decimated and reduced to rubble during World War II but has today been rebuilt using the original materials and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are plenty of spots to grab a perogi... read more >>

    1 comment | Saved 1 times

14. Waitomo

    Waitomo is a farming region of New Zealand’s North Island and is mostly rolling farmlands spotted with limestone quarries. The region has a strong Maori tradition but is most famous for the Waitomo Caves and the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto. Water dripping through the Limestone has created stalactite and stalagmites in the caves while a visit to the ‘Glow Worm Grotto’ takes you into a cave where the roof is covered with New Zealand’s own unique species of glowing insect.

    1 comment | Saved 3 times

15. How much spending money should I bring? - North America

    More Tour and Travel Advice for the USA and Canada 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’s of dollars every day, other will party spending more in bars while again others will spend more money on museum entries and souvenirs, while others yet again will get ... read more >>

    52 comments | Saved 64 times

16. Tour and Travel Advice - Australia

    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 Packing List | Visiting the Northern Territory | Laptops | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear Luggage Su... read more >>

    163 comments | Saved 26 times

17. Amsterdam Airport

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Generally tour starting in Amsterdam stay at one of the two following hotels. You should however check and confirm this against your tour documents when you receive them. Most Dutch are very helpful and speak English perfectly. Ibis Schiphol Hotel There is a complementary shuttle bus that runs from the Schiphol Airport directly to the front door of the Ibis Schiphol (official site). Follow the signs for hotel shuttles once you clear immigration and t... read more >>

    7 comments | Saved 5 times

18. Amsterdam to Barcelona (Tour)

    Style of Tour Time Out/Superior/Hotel Tour Featuring Netherlands, Belgium (in transit), France, Switzerland, Italy (in transit), Monaco, Spain Staying in Amsterdam, Paris, Lucerne, Chamonix, French Riviera, Barcelona Starting in Amsterdam Finishing in Barcelona Trip Forum Meeting Place Meet others who are going at the Amsterdam to Barcelona Meeting Place More information, dates, rates, and bookings Full itinerary, optional excursions, maps, booking, departure dates and more at the Amsterdam to Barcelona page Travelogs Create your own with My Trip Journals

    10 comments | Saved 4 times

19. 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. Keep in mind this is not a definitive list – everyone has individual fashion tastes, preferences, opinions, and styles in terms of what they want to wear and bring along! This is meant to be a good guide to help you in packing for your European vacation. Clothes 1 rainproof jacket/small um... read more >>

    388 comments | Saved 2118 times

20. 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 as ... read more >>

    350 comments | Saved 586 times