What Is Included In A Contiki Tour
Feb 12 2026
Booking a holiday can be exciting, but one of the biggest questions travellers have before making a reservation is "What exactly is included in the price?" Understanding what's covered helps you budget more accurately and ensures there are no surprises once your adventure begins.
Contiki is known for offering well-organised group tours for travellers aged 18-35, combining transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, and unforgettable experiences into one convenient package. While every itinerary is different, most Contiki tours include a wide range of services that make travelling easier, especially for first-time international travellers.
In this guide, we'll break down everything that's typically included in a Contiki tour, what's usually excluded, and what you should budget for before setting off on your next adventure.
Contiki Tour Inclusions At A Glance
Category | Usually Included | Notes |
Accommodation | Yes | Hotels, hostels, lodges, cabins, or unique local stays |
Transportation | Yes | Coaches, trains, ferries, and selected domestic flights |
Trip Manager | Yes | Dedicated guide throughout your journey |
Local Guides | Yes | Available in many destinations and attractions |
Breakfast | Yes | Included on most itineraries |
Lunch & Dinner | Partially | Selected meals depending on the trip |
Sightseeing | Yes | Major landmarks and guided tours |
Free Time | Yes | Explore destinations at your own pace |
Optional Activities | No | Available at an additional cost |
International Flights | No | Usually booked separately |
Travel Insurance | No | Strongly recommended and sometimes required |
Visas | No | Depends on your nationality and destination |
Personal Expenses | No | Shopping, snacks, souvenirs, laundry, etc. |
Accommodation
One of the biggest benefits of travelling with Contiki is that you don't have to worry about booking hotels for every destination. Your accommodation is arranged before your trip begins, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey.
Depending on your itinerary, you may stay in:
Comfortable hotels
Modern hostels
Boutique guesthouses
Mountain lodges
Cabins
Beach resorts
Unique local accommodations
Many properties are chosen because they're close to major attractions or city centres, helping you make the most of your free time.
What to Expect
Clean and comfortable rooms
Shared or private room options on selected tours
Convenient locations
Wi-Fi at many properties
Easy access to public transport and attractions
Transportation Between Destinations
Travelling between cities and countries is often one of the most stressful parts of planning a holiday. Contiki takes care of all the major transportation included in your itinerary.
Depending on the destination, transportation may include:
Private air-conditioned coaches
Scenic train journeys
Ferries
Boats
Selected domestic flights
Local transfers
Instead of navigating unfamiliar transport systems, you can relax while your Trip Manager handles the logistics.
An Experienced Trip Manager
Every Contiki tour is led by a professional Trip Manager, who becomes your main point of contact throughout the trip.
Their responsibilities include:
Managing the daily itinerary
Coordinating transport and accommodation
Providing local recommendations
Assisting with questions and emergencies
Organising optional experiences
Ensuring everything runs smoothly
Having an experienced Trip Manager allows you to spend more time enjoying your holiday and less time worrying about logistics.
Local Guides
In many destinations, Contiki also includes expert local guides who provide deeper insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the places you visit.
Whether you're touring the Colosseum in Rome, walking through Kyoto's temples, or exploring Marrakech's bustling markets, local guides add context that helps bring each destination to life.
Meals
Meals vary depending on the itinerary, but most Contiki tours include a combination of breakfasts and selected lunches or dinners.
Meals Commonly Included
Meal | Availability |
Breakfast | Included on most tours |
Lunch | Included on selected days |
Dinner | Included for certain experiences |
Welcome or Farewell Meals | Often included |
Having some meals included helps reduce your daily expenses while still giving you plenty of opportunities to try local restaurants during your free time.
Sightseeing And Guided Experiences
One of the highlights of travelling with Contiki is that many famous attractions are already included in your itinerary.
Depending on your destination, you may enjoy:
Guided city walking tours
Historic landmarks
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Scenic viewpoints
Cultural experiences
Local neighbourhood tours
Orientation walks
These experiences help you make the most of your time without spending hours planning each day.
Free Time To Explore
Although Contiki provides a structured itinerary, you'll also have free time in many destinations.
This gives you the flexibility to:
Visit museums
Shop for souvenirs
Explore local cafés
Relax on beaches
Discover hidden neighbourhoods
Enjoy nightlife
Try local food
This balance between organised activities and personal exploration is one of Contiki's biggest advantages.
Optional Experiences
Most Contiki tours offer optional activities that you can add during your trip.
Some popular options include:
Gondola rides in Venice
Cooking classes
Food tours
Adventure sports
Boat cruises
Cultural performances
Wine tastings
Wildlife experiences
These activities aren't included in the standard tour price, so it's worth setting aside a little extra in your budget if you'd like to take part.
What's NOT Included?
While Contiki covers many travel essentials, there are some costs you'll usually need to pay yourself.
Not Included | Why You'll Need It |
International Flights | Most tours begin at the destination |
Travel Insurance | Protection against unexpected events |
Visa Fees | Required for certain countries |
Airport Transfers | Included only on selected itineraries |
Optional Excursions | Personal choice experiences |
Some Meals | Free time allows independent dining |
Shopping & Souvenirs | Personal spending |
Laundry | Personal expense |
Tips & Gratuities | May be customary in some destinations |
Being aware of these extra costs helps you avoid unexpected expenses during your trip.
Sample Daily Schedule
Here's what a typical day on a Contiki tour might look like:
Time | Activity |
7:30 AM | Breakfast at the hotel |
8:30 AM | Depart for the next destination |
10:30 AM | Guided sightseeing tour |
1:00 PM | Free time for lunch |
3:00 PM | Optional excursion or local experience |
6:30 PM | Group dinner or evening activity |
9:00 PM | Explore nightlife or relax |
Every itinerary is different, but this gives you a good idea of the balance between planned activities and personal time.
Why Travellers Love What's Included
Many travellers choose Contiki because it simplifies the entire travel experience.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
Less time spent planning
Better value compared to booking everything separately
Access to experienced guides
Stress-free transportation
Opportunities to meet other travellers
A balance of guided experiences and independent exploration
Carefully selected accommodation in convenient locations
For first-time travellers, these inclusions provide extra confidence and peace of mind throughout the journey.
Tips Before You Book
To make the most of your Contiki experience:
Read the itinerary carefully to understand exactly what's included.
Budget for optional activities and personal spending.
Book international flights early for better prices.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure.
Pack light, especially if your tour includes multiple destinations.
Keep copies of your travel documents and itinerary.
Final Thoughts
A Contiki tour includes much more than just transport and accommodation, it offers a complete travel experience designed to make exploring the world easy, enjoyable, and social. With carefully planned itineraries, experienced Trip Managers, included sightseeing, comfortable accommodation, and built-in free time, Contiki allows you to focus on creating unforgettable memories instead of worrying about logistics.
Before booking, always review the specific itinerary for your chosen tour, as inclusions can vary. Knowing what's covered, and what isn't, will help you plan your budget more effectively and ensure you're fully prepared for an incredible adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all meals included in a Contiki tour?
No. Most tours include daily breakfast and selected lunches or dinners, while other meals are left free so you can explore local restaurants and cuisine.
Does Contiki include accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation is included throughout your tour and may consist of hotels, hostels, lodges, resorts, or unique local stays depending on the itinerary.
Is transportation included between destinations?
Yes. Transportation between destinations is generally included and may involve private coaches, trains, ferries, or selected domestic flights.
Are sightseeing activities included?
Yes. Most itineraries include guided sightseeing, orientation walks, and visits to popular attractions, although optional excursions are available at an additional cost.
Do I need extra spending money?
Yes. It's a good idea to budget for meals that aren't included, optional activities, shopping, souvenirs, travel insurance, visas, and other personal expenses.