I could sit here and tell you what Contiki does best, from exploring people and places across the world and making friends along the way, to the more admin-related stuff, like planning the itinerary and getting you from A to B (and to sea, if your trip includes island hopping).
One of the lesser-spoken benefits of booking Contiki, though, is the Free Time Add-Ons: optional experiences that can make your trip feel even more local, immersive or just plain fun. Think cooking with a genuine local and taking those recipes home with you, or, for the more thrill-seeking among you, hurtling off a canyon in Grindelwald (don’t worry, you’re safely strapped in).
Free Time Add-Ons are exactly that: optional. It’s up to you whether you fancy getting involved or would rather take the time back to explore on your own. But they’re a pretty incredible way to add another layer to what is already a smashing experience.
Allow me a moment for the hard sell: we’re currently offering you up to €500 to spend on Free Time Add-Ons when you book a European trip for 2027. In other words, we’ll credit you with the funds to spend on the fun stuff. You’ve got until 1 October, so no dilly-dallying.
Right, back to the editorial bit.
There are plenty of Free Time Add-Ons to choose from, so to give you some inspiration, I’ve asked the people who know them best: Contiki staff and past travellers. Here’s their pick of the experiences they’ve done, loved, or have firmly placed on their to-do list.
Experience: Paros Sailing Adventure
Trip: London to Santorini
“A full day cruising the pristine waters of Paros? Add in swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on deck, and it’s a pretty easy yes from me.”
– Bianca Neal-Shaw, Social Media Lead
Experience: Sarajevo Dine with Locals
Trip: Dubrovnik to Budapest
“I love Balkan food and the ability to go into someone’s home and try homecooked, family recipes sounds unique and delicious.”
– Dean Vowles, Brand Partnership & Product Manager
Experience: Austrian Paragliding
Trip: European Whirl
We’ll just let Contiki traveller Ammaleah’s video do the talking here.
Image source: Contiki
Experience: Sangria & Traditional Flamenco
Trip: Best of Spain and Portugal
“Honestly, any Free Time Add-On that combines food and an activity is a winner. One of my favourites was watching traditional flamenco dancers in Barcelona… with sangria, obviously.”
– Emily Hurwood, Partnership Coordinator
Experience: Coastal Lemon Tour
Trip: Simply Italy
“Can you really do Italy without some form of citrus experience? I think not. This lemon tree farm is a cut above. And the limoncello? I’ll let you taste that for yourselves.”
– Abigail Bettridge, Social Specialist
Experience: Jungfrau Mountain and Canyon Swing
Trip: European Whirl
Ammaleah’s back, and once again, we’re gonna let the video do the talking here. Enjoy!
Experience: Make Your Own Signature Perfume
Trip: Ultimate European
“You could go for the usual touristy tat, or you could make your own trip keepsake. What better souvenir than discovering your signature scent while you’re in Europe discovering yourself?”
– Kevin Long, Content & Editorial Lead
Look, I could continue to bend your ear about how fantastic these Free Time Add-Ons are, not to mention how much tastier the entire experience is when you’ve got free cash to spend on them. But, like all things in life, they’re best experienced in person.
