-
-
Follow Contiki
- Follow @contiki_us
AllEverything, All the time, Everywhere.
10th May 2012
Ino this is a sh*ty topic lol, but does any pack in their tolitries Imodium tabs or anything similar? Is diarrohea common from different water, foods, clenlynes etc? It was on someones top 10 list (to take on contiki), so im wondering if i should buy some? Thanks
10th May 2012
Is there alot of them? And are they very physically demanding/difficult? Or there are other options if you’re not really the sporty/fit type?
10th May 2012
I am looking at doing the U.E however i do not drink…any advice as to if i would be wasting my money or not?
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m going on a 2 week budget european trip. And I noticed that my luggage size is a few cm larger than the restriction height and depth wise. It is also an expandable one, which i know is not allowed (but I won’t use that function).
Just wondering how strict contiki is with the luggage size. This is my only one (the other one is too small). I just want to know if I can get by with the one i have, or do I have to go out and buy one. I promise i’ll keep it light tho!
Thanks
10th May 2012
I am going on the Euro Experience in june/july and I recently heard that you can’t get into the Vatican or other churches if you have flip flops/sandals on. Do you have to wear shoes that cover your toes? Just curious if anyone has any info on this. Thanks!
10th May 2012
Hi everyone! I just booked my tour to go during the month of march. In this tour since we visit rainforests and farms I wanted to know if it is essential to take my hiking boots or just boots at all? Also! I’m from the US, do I need to get any vacinations?
Any advice will be more than welcome!!! Thanks mates!!!! 
10th May 2012
Hi All,
Me and my sister travelled on the “Spanish Spree” in March of 2007. I highly recommend this tour! I met a variety of people from all over the world including Japan, South Korea, Phillipines, Indonesia, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, UK, and of course Canada! Our group consisted of 25 people, so we all had the oppportunity to get to know one another. As well we all had two seats to our selves on the coach so we all enjoyed alot of sleep on the coach. We had a mix of newly married couples, single female/male travellers, and students. We had 6 males and 19 females! You will find that females outrank males on Contiki tours. Because our group was small, we were able to form close bonds with one another!
MADRID: The hotel was located 10 minutes from the “Marques de Vadillo” station on the light green line (casa de campo//canillejas). I paid 35 Euros from the Madrid Airport to the hotel. Many travellers (single female/male as well as couples) asked the tourist info. booth at the airport the cheapest & quickest way to the hotel, I found that many arrived at the hotel in 2 euros using the MADRID METRO system. It cost 1 Euro one way on the metro (and no, you do not have to pay more to change lines) – so in 1 Euro you may arrive in the centre of Madrid. The metro system map is really easy to use. It helps if you have a Spanish Phrase book in case you want a map, further directions etc. I recommend “Fodor’s Spanish Phrase Book”. I found it very helpful. You will have plenty of time to see Madrid after the tour of the Royal Palace (the tour guide is bit of a bore, but the place is beautiful and has tons of interesting history!). Watch out for the gypsies trying to give you rosemary as they almost pick-pocketed a female traveller on our group. So, j make sure you do not get to close to them or accept any gifts/offerings from them. Madrid is extremly safe at night, the people are friendly and helpful (especially if you try to use a bit of spanish with them
EXCURSION (Valley of Fallen): The local guide for the “Valley of the Fallen” was very informative, but a bit bore. The cathedral at the Valley of the Falllen is an architectural marvel (I won’t say why!!!) and definite worth seeing if you absolutely must see a modern-day Cathedral.
EXCURSION (Los Gaylos): I heard that the meal was huge and very filling. I did not participate in this excursion however.
TOLEDO: This was a fav. among those who love gothic architecture, little remote spots, and people who love Maza Pan (a Spanish dessert). Unfortunately we found out that El Greco’s house is closed for 2 years! This town is very cute and remote…The stay at Toledo is only a few hours, however still very enjoyable Make sure you have a big breakfast before heading off to Toledo as there is alot of pastries, bakery shops but no real good eateries.
CORDOBA: This was the definite fav. among our group. Cordoba is beautiful (especially the Jewish Quarter) and has a rich history. Everything is within walking distance as Cordoba is very small town. It is not very touristy at all this adds to its charm. Cordoba’s hotel is the best you will see on the Spanish Spree. On the other hand the breakfast is the smallest you will see on the trip!
SEVILLE: GORGEOUS CITY! When you think of Spain and Spanish culture it is ALL IN SEVILLE. Seville is Spain in a nutshell. 10 of us caught a wonderful, authentic 3 hour Flamenco dance for 23 EUROS including one drink at LOS GALLOS (about a 10 minute walk from the hotel). Why catch a Flamenco show in Barcelona when Seville is known for its Flamenco?! LOS GALLOS was recommended in three guides including Fodor’s, Lonely Planet & Eyewitness Guides. They seated us right in front of the stage!!! It was an incredible experience. I would recommend this to anyone.
EXCURSION (Seville Walking tour): You have to be up very early for the walking tour! The walking tour was absolutely fantastic. The tour guide had us laughing at every moment. She was entertaining, informative, hallirious, and so incredibly nice! She gave us little tid-bits on the Spanish culture that only a Spaniard could tell you. Make sure you bring extra money for drink with the free tapas!
GIBRALTAR: Is not part of Spanish terrority, but is owned by United Kingdom. The history, the view from Gibraltar is beautiful. Make sure you bring some pounds (although they do accept Euros) for shopping. The stay in Gibraltar is very short (literally 4 hours) – this is perfect as there is not much to see or do after you see the rock of Gibraltar. Check if your Visa allows you to come into the UK, as they do have a security check. The citizens from the Phillipines and Indonesia were not able to join us as they needed a separate visa to enter UK terrority.
TORMELLINOS: This a ‘pit-stop’ city. You must go into the city in order to enjoy your self, as this place is really really sleepy. We were in Tormellinos on St. Patrick’s day – so we all managed to have a great time once we went out for drinks. Be prepared to drag your luggage uphill! As always, everyone was very nice here
GRANADA: The evening tour of the Alahambra is gorgeous. The tour guide was great. The Alahambra is not very crowded as they control the number of visitors they take per day. Hotel is a quick 15 minute walk into the city.
VALENCIA: We stop in Valenica in the late afternoon – it is a VERY VERY FAST visit in Valenica. Literally a total of 4 hours and then we head off to the Holiday Inn. The hotel is located far from the city, so you won’t get an opportunity to go back after you check-in into the hotel. I wish there was more time in Valenica. You must try the Churros and chocolate..it is really good!!
BARCELONA: The hotel was located so far from the city!!!!! This was the complaint from everyone the trip! As well, the hotel was literally in the middle of a maze! Once you get into the city things begin to liven up!
The leather/porcelain stop was a waste of time (just another sales gimmic). So surpass this one if you have to.
If you are planning to spend a few extra days in Barcelona considering purchasing the 10 trips for 6.95 euros. This is a good way to go if you plan to make trips into the city.
EXCURSION (Tabalo de Carmen): I did not go to this excursion as I attended Flamenco dancing in Seville. I heard it was very good from other people.
I hope this helps everyone with there trip planning. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gandhi
10th May 2012
Hi
Hoping this isnt a silly qustion but with these superclubs what are the entry requirements?
Obiously there is a dress code, however is there other requirements, ie attraction, company your with, guest lists.
Thanks
10th May 2012
Has anyone ever done a ski contiki trip in Europe?? If so, which one and what was it like? Any feed back would be appreciated!
10th May 2012
Since everyone seems to be searching for Egypt tourmates in the Exotics Advice section, I should probably post this message here.
Hi everyone,
My friend and I are
thinking about going on the Egypt & the Nile trip in September or
October. Is anyone else thinking about going at that time? (We’ll
probably book the Sept 22-Oct 1 trip.)
Has anyone been to Egypt in the fall? Is that a good time to go?
I’d love to hear from anyone with any input.
Kamala
10th May 2012
Hey guys just wondering, this is my first trip to nz and my travel agent has advised i use a cash passport atm card as the charges are only A$3.75 per withdrarwal but i have read that you can only use this card at visa atm’s. are all atm’s in NZ visa atms??? help hehe cheers!!
Megan 
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m getting into London at 5.50am the day before my tour starts and want to try and see as much of London as I can but not sure quite how to go about it considering a lot of attractions probably won’t open til later in the morning (including the contiki basement).
Anyone been there done that – have any suggestions?
Thanks
10th May 2012
ello everybody,
I have a question about the grand southern, did anybody already done this trip?
I want to do this trip, but I had never heard about contiki and don’t know what to expect. Last year i went to Mexico with the Belgium organisation kriskras. Can I compare it with that?
And which type of people are going on that trip?
I heard that you have to look for you own flight tickets, what are the possibilities?
I am form Belgium, have there already been some belgium people that took a trip with contiki
thx for your help..
grtz
10th May 2012
Hey everyone-
I was wondering what type of pillow most people bring on the bus. I have gathered that alot of sleeping takes place on the bus, but I don’t know if a small travel pillow is enough for me to sleep comfortably. One the other hand, I dont want to be the obnoxious one with the huge pillow, or have to lug it around…
Any advice??
10th May 2012
I’m heading over to do a european tour in January, I kow it;s going to be cold, and I bough a coat to bring, its a knee length woolen winter coat, owever, I was wondering do most people wear parka type jackets? or Will I be out of place wearing a knee lengh coat as opposed to a parka.
Any oppinions welcomed ASAP
thanks in advance
10th May 2012
Hey I noticed that a lot of travellers are American and mostly Ausralian- not that I’m complaining mind. I would just like to know if there are any South Africans like me who have or are travelling with Contiki this year(2007)??
Thanx guys!
10th May 2012
My sister and I are doing the London + Paris/Extended trip on June 10th, and we’re going to have a few free days in Paris. I’m looking for suggestions of sights to see, places to eat, whatever you can recommend.
We both love shopping, and designer shopping (we’re girls; it’s a given). I’m a graphic designer so I love art and architecture. And we want to make sure to check out some cafes or good shops to eat. Does anyone have any recommendations of where to go aside from the Louvre?
10th May 2012
Hello!
I was wondering if anyone knew what Europe is like in the fall. I am from Massachusetts and have been to Europe a few times in the past summers. I am planning to go to Europe (one of the European Adventure tours) in September of 2010 when I graduate from grad school! Any information would be great!
Thanks
-Krista
