7 of the best chill-out Contiki trips you need to try

Sometimes a fast-paced journey through buzzing cities is exactly what you want from a holiday. Other times, you’d rather relax with a slowed-down itinerary and immerse yourself in some natural beauty. If you’re looking to find your Zen, you can’t go past these laid-back and chill Contiki trips.

1. Surf and Yoga Retreat in Morocco

One of Contiki’s boutique new Detour trips, the Surf and Yoga Retreat in Morocco is the perfect mini-adventure for travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. This four-day trip takes you from the vibrant bustle of Marrakech to the chill vibes of the Surf and Soul Hostel in Oualidia. Morning yoga, daily surf lessons and relaxing evenings on the golden-sand beaches – sounds like heaven!

2. New Zealand Off-Grid

It doesn’t get more laid-back than New Zealand. Head to the land of the Kiwis for an unforgettable, chilled-out adventure like the New Zealand Off-Grid trip. Learn to surf in the coastal town of Raglan, enjoy a horseride through the pine-tree forests and mountains near Blue Duck Station and relax on the golden sands of the Marlborough Sounds. After 15 days of swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, hiking and immersing yourself in the natural sights of NZ, you’ll feel like a whole new person.

3. Croatia Sail with Cycling & Yoga

Combine the majestic beauty of sailing the Adriatic Sea with morning yoga and cycling through charming towns, and you’ve got yourself one chillaxing Contiki trip. On this new trip, you’ll spend seven days exploring the towns of Croatia’s coastline, before kicking back to watch the sunset each evening onboard your very own sailing boat.

4. Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka

Another Detour trip, this mini-wellness escape in Sri Lanka is the perfect way to wrap up a busy few weeks of exploring this adventurous country. Say “Ayubowan” to the tropical coastal town of Ahungalla, where you’ll spend three nights in a rejuvenating wellness retreat based on the ancient Sri Lankan Ayurvedic techniques. Morning yoga by the cobalt blue waters, Ayurvedic treatments, a Sri Lankan cooking class and a visit to the incredible visit Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Centre are all on the relaxing agenda.

5. Italian Espresso Foodie

Can’t imagine anything better than 10 days of sampling the best cuisine Italy has to offer? Well, pull up a chair, grab a glass of vino and chill out on the Italian Espresso Foodie trip. From sampling pizza in Rome to eating risotto in the Tuscan Hills to learning to make fresh pesto in Cinque Terre, this culinary trip is a delight for the senses. It will leave you feeling uber-chill as you experience the magic of Italy.

6. Patagonia Trail

If your idea of ‘chilling out’ means getting back to nature, then the new Patagonia Trail trip is just the one for you. Contiki takes you through the stunning scenery of the Chilean and Argentine sides of the Patagonia region, seeing the sparkling blue lagoons, admiring stunning glaciers and hiking to the iconic Torres Del Paine. After an active adventure to the most beautiful places on the planet, you’re bound to feel relaxed.

7. Portugal City & Surf

Embrace wellness and joy in electrifying cities and idyllic towns on the Portugal City & Surf trip. From the famous food markets of Lisbon to eating a traditional feast with a local family in Porto to surfing and daily yoga at the Surf House in Santa Cruz, this dreamy holiday is one for the bucket list.