contiki new trips

Contiki Launches New Europe Trips for 2024

Young traveler tour operator Contiki is offering new trips to Europe in 2024 for travelers ages 18 to 35 years of age. 

New trips include a ‘ Greek Explorer ’ trip for history lovers, a ‘ Best of Georgia ’ itinerary showcasing one of Europe’s emerging destinations and the ‘ Best of Baltics ’ tour visiting cultural gems from Split to Budapest. 

Contiki is also offering some age-specific trips for 18 to 22-year-olds and for 27 to 35-year-olds. Reunion trips, made for past Contiki travelers and friends between 35 and 45, are also available for select destinations. 

Travelers who are members of the LGBTQIA+ as well as their friends and family can enjoy a new selection of trips just for them: Contiki Pride trips. There are currently two itineraries in this category which both include a private Pride celebration. 

Food-conscious travelers can also explore Europe with foodie offerings just for them on a new Vegan Food Europe Explorer tour. Created with vegan and vegetarian travelers in mind, the small group tour can enjoy the best of Europe’s plant-based offerings. 

“Every traveler is different, and this latest product launch is all about recognizing that,” says Natasha Lawrence, Commercial & Product Director at Contiki. “We’re known around the world for our multi-country European adventures, but there are many more ways to explore Europe with us – and our newest trips demonstrate this perfectly. There’s Greece which is hugely popular, Georgia which is still a bit of an unknown and the Baltics which offer up thriving art, food and music scenes across cities like Tallinn and Riga.”

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Contiki Launches New Europe Product For 2024

September 13, 2023

Contiki is gearing up for Europe in 2024 with its latest product launch that includes new destinations, plus new Pride trips and limited edition age-restricted trips for those travellers who’d prefer to travel with more like-minded people.

New additions include ‘Greek Explorer’ which covers the historic hotspots and geographical wonders of Athens, Meteora, Corfu and more, ‘Best of Georgia’ which is a cultural deep dive into one of Europe’s most emerging destinations, and ‘Best of Baltics’ which visits the hidden gems of Eastern Europe including Split and Budapest.

Contiki has also crafted some bespoke versions of their existing trips, designed to give travellers more choice for who they travel with. Next year, popular European trips including Croatia Island Sail and Greek Island Hopping will run variations exclusive to both 18-22s and 27-35s.

Reunion trips, made exclusively for past Contiki travellers and friends aged between 35 and 45, will run across Morocco, Italy and Spain.

For members of the LGBTQIA+ community keen to travel with a group of fellow community members (and allies too), there are two brand-new Contiki Pride trips: Greek Island Hopping Pride and Croatia Island Sail Pride. Both are variations of existing Contiki trips and will each feature their own private Pride celebration during the trip.

Popular trips ‘London to Athens’ and ‘London to Athens & Greek Island Hopping’ are now available as part of the ‘Plus’ range, which gives travellers the same Contiki experience but with upgraded accommodation. They will stay in a minimum 3-star hotel in a twin-share instead of a multi-share hostel dorm.

Elsewhere in the new offering for 2024 is the Vegan Food Europe Explorer – perfect for vegetarian & vegan travellers (or those who just like plant-based cooking) who want to discover Europe with a like-minded group.

Natasha Lawrence, Commercial & Product Director at Contiki, explained: “Every traveller is different and this latest product launch is all about recognizing that.” Lawrence continued: “We’re known around the world for our multi-country European adventures, but there are many more ways to explore Europe with us – and our newest trips demonstrate this perfectly. There’s Greece which is hugely popular, Georgia which is still a bit of an unknown and the Baltics which offer up thriving art, food and music scenes across cities like Tallinn and Riga.”

Lawrence said: “We want choice to be at the heart of everything we do. Of course every 18 to 35-year-old is welcome on all of our trips (and will have a fantastic time!) but we also know there are 19-year-olds and 33-year-olds who might want to travel with people their own age; there are people from the LGBTQIA+ community who might prefer to travel with a group of fellow community members; there are travellers who want to travel as a big group – but don’t necessarily want to share a room with five other people. We hope that, now more so than ever, everyone will find just what they’re looking for with Contiki.”

Go to  https://www.contiki.com/en-ca for more.

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Contiki’s New European Experiences for 2022

Contiki is introducing new trips and experiences across Europe for 2022, with an additional   20 percent savings   on select trips.   

Designed for travelers between ages 18 to 35, Contiki’s 2022 tours to Europe venture into   two new destinations—Tuscany and Romania — and includes a   new series of themed itineraries   centered around   Active, Food, Vegan and Pride experiences.  

Contiki has also added   new European itineraries to their collection of Detour trips, which are mini adventures taking travelers off the tourist trail and onto immersive getaways with incredible local hosts.  

“Contiki’s trips to Europe in 2022 are about including more—more unique experiences, more local insights and unique accommodation,” said   Adam Armstrong, CEO of Contiki, in a press statement.“We want to help young travelers make up for lost time, and the value offered on our trips can’t be beaten. No matter their preference, Contiki’s trips allow guests to share unforgettable experiences with like-minded young travelers.”

Through their partnership with TreadRight, Contiki is committed to   sustainable travel   with new   MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences, chosen using an assessment criterion   endorsed by sustainable tourism experts exclusive to Contiki. These experiences spread awareness about the issues facing wildlife, the planet and the communities we visit while empowering young travelers to step up and make a difference.

All 2022 trips with Contiki will also be   carbon neutral, committing to its five-point Climate Action Plan that includes carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Travelers can explore several of Contiki’s exciting new European trips and experiences including:

The 7-day Tuscan Escape : Starting in Rome, travelers will explore Tuscany as they enjoy delicious cuisine, idyllic vineyards and a chance to try artisan crafts. They’ll re-live the Renaissance in Florence and Lucca, visit the Siena and Pisa.

The 4-day   Castles, Bikes and Hikes in Romania : This new Detour Trip takes guests from Bucharest to Transylvania, as they discover legends, landscapes and lively cities, plus explore the museums, monuments, myths, and mountains of Romania. Whether travelers are into food or folk tales, history, horror or hiking, there’s something for everyone on this trip, from Vlad the Impaler to modern city life, via Count Dracula and the “golden age”of communism. Relaxed tours, a mountain hike, plus a guided bike ride, will open-up stories, sights, scenery, and lively cities as travelers traverse the area.  

H erStory Walking Tour of Split , is a new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience.   On Contiki’s 2022   Croatia Island Sail   and   Croatia Island Sail Plus   trips, guests can participate in a special walking tour of the city, learning about how women helped to shape the history of Split. They’ll learn about places of resistance in Split, about women who inspired great stories in Croatian literature and women who were brave enough to make the first step in creating more equal society.   All the proceedings from this social impact experience will go to the Counseling Center for Women Victims of Violence and victims of domestic violence, and Domine—an organization for promoting women’s rights.   

The 8-day Active Alps itinerary was designed for adventurous and active travelers. Staying at   Contiki’s exclusive gasthof, nestled in the Austrian Tyrol, this trip allows travelers to take in some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery, as they hike, bike and picnic their way across the alps. The trip includes swim stops, home-cooked dinners and a tour of Salzburg— home to the sound of music.  

The 4-day Amsterdam Pride  journey explores Amsterdam, including dinner in the luxurious first Klass restaurant, a Q&A with a sex worker, and an opportunity to captain your own boat down the winding canals. The trip ends with the Pride parade—taking place upon the water—and includes entry into the after parties.  

To qualify for up to 20 percent savings on Europe trips, Contiki guests must make a full, no-risk $200 deposit for fully flexible bookings.

For more information, please visit   contiki.com .

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The Scoop: What to Know About Contiki

This tour company for 18- to 35-year-olds takes a slightly different approach than the typical guided tour provider..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Here at TourScoop, we use our real-world, real-person travel expertise—honed over decades of travel—to help travelers make great decisions about tours. Today we’re going deep on Contiki, a tour company focused on travelers ages 18 to 35. We’ve outlined everything we think you might need to know about Contiki.

Most tour companies focus on older travelers, but Contiki Tours stands out for its dedication to younger travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. It has been offering tours since 1962, and today has more than 200 trips on six continents.

Contiki does things differently than most tour companies. Not only is it geared to a totally different demographic of young people, it shines for its affordability, dedication to sustainability, and LGBTQIA focus, not just as a welcoming space for travelers but in the stories it tells about the places it goes.

Financially, it’s a tour company for people who haven’t spent a lifetime building savings. Initial deposits are low ($200), payment plans are flexible, and most tours are priced for budget travelers. Also of note, if parents or others are helping cover the cost, they can contribute funds once the tour is booked via the Manage My Booking online.

Contiki has a bit of a party reputation, especially on trips in Europe (in its description of itself, Contiki says it offers itineraries “so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined”. That said, past guests also report that the experience is truly what you make it, so it can be a good fit for lots of different traveler types, with experiences that range from meetings with locals, checking out hidden cultural gems, and taking cooking classes.

TourScoop Takeaways : Contiki

• Countries: 200 trips on six continents
• Tour Size Average: Trip sizes vary depending on the destination and the trip type, and range from 12 to 53 people. (More in the Tour Types section below)
• Tour Type: Primarily Coach

How to Book

To book, you can book directly through Contiki , online, over the phone, or via the chat.

Credibility Check

Contiki has a Feefo rating of 4.7/5 based on over 2,000 ratings in the last year. On TourRadar , Contiki has a rating of 4.7/5 based on over 5,000 reviews.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Tour Companies for Guided Tours

Tour Destinations

Contiki runs 200+ trips, with itineraries in Africa, Asia, Australia Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand, and North America.

Europe is Contiki’s most popular region, and within Europe, the most popular trips include Greek Island Hopping , European Discovery , and  Italian Escape .

Recently, demand for Asia tours has been on the rise, with particular interest in itineraries like  Thai Island Hopper West ,  Japan in a Week , and the new  South Korean Soul tour.

Contiki has more than two dozen tour types , and browsing by type in addition to by destination can be a great way to figure out what trip will be the best fit. The tour types are: Active, Adventure, African Safari, Beach, Christmas, City Breaks, Detour Mini Adventures, Festival Travel, Gap Year Travel, Hiking and Trekking, Island Hopping, New Year’s Eve, Plus+ Trips, Pride, Reunion, Sailing, Short Breaks, Ski & Snowboard, Small Group, Solo, Train, U.S. National Parks, Wildlife, Winter, and World. There are also specific trips for travelers between the ages of 27 and 35 (the elders of the Contiki universe).

That’s a huge list, so here are more details about a few of the trip types:

• Detour Mini Adventures : These three- to eight-day tours focus on unique experiences in special places, rather than tours of countries or regions. Think: hiking national parks in Croatia and learning to be a safari guide in Kruger National Park. These trips are smaller, with a maximum of 16 travelers.
• Short Trips & Festivals : These city-break style tours focus on big events like Hogmanay New Year’s celebrations in Edinburgh, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, and Oktoberfest in Germany.
• Contiki Plus+ : Contiki dubs its Plus+ tours as “same good vibes with a hint of fancy.” They cost a bit more, but come with slightly nicer hotels and rooms that max out at two people. If you are traveling with a friend or a significant other, you can room with them and won’t have to share.

Group sizes vary by trip. In popular destinations like Europe and New Zealand, groups range from 24 to 53 travelers. In regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, group size is usually between 12 and 30. Most small group trips max out at about 24, and Detour trips don’t exceed 16 travelers.

Tour Guides

Contiki calls its guides Trip Managers rather than tour guides. In Europe, the average age of Trip Managers is 26 years old, putting them squarely in the demographic they serve.

Contiki recruits Trip Managers who are calm and effective problem solvers and skilled communicators who love sharing adventures with other travelers. The company has an extensive training program that teaches both logistics and education about the destinations they lead groups to. Trip Managers in Europe take a 58-day immersive training trip across the continent that includes classroom training and on-the-road learning.

What’s Included on Contiki Tours

• Transportation: Contiki tours include all on-tour transportation, which can include air-conditioned motorcoaches (tour speak for nicer buses), minibus, or 4×4 vehicles. Depending on the itinerary, it might also include trains, cruises, ferries and any flights that happen during the tour.
• Accommodations: Tours also include accommodations, which really span the spectrum and include hotels, hostels, boats, camp sites, jungle lodges, and the company’s 16th century French Chateau. Tours also include all transportation (including internal flights) during the tour.
• Guides: Your Tour Manager guide will get you safely from place to place, tell you interesting things, and generally make sure everything is working for everyone. Some tours also have local guides or guides specific to an attraction.
• Some Experiences: Any activities marked “Included Experiences” on the itinerary are covered in the cost of the tour. Most tours have some free time, which gives you the chance to go out and experience a place independently and do what you want to do. (You can also pay Contiki to join free time tours if you want to stick with the guide.)
• Some Meals: The number of included meals varies wildly by specific tour, but it’s pretty standard for many or most breakfasts to be covered (usually at the hotel/hostel), along with a few pre-arranged group dinners. For the other meals, Trip Managers usually have good advice about where to go to fit into your specific budget.
• Wi-Fi: Most accommodations come with included Wi-Fi. Some buses have Wi-Fi (but it can be spotty, depending on where you are).
• Some Tips: Gratuities that are covered by the cost of the trip include those at restaurants and hotels (most of the time; check your trip documents to make sure). See below for the gratuities that aren’t covered in the cost of your tour.

What’s Not Included on Contiki Tours

• Getting There and Home: Flights before and after your tour. You can book flights through Contiki, but it’s not included in the base price of the tour.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance isn’t included in the cost of the tour, but it is required. You can purchase through Contiki or separately.
• Visas, etc.: Depeding on where you’re gong, you may need a visa to allow you entry into another country (only some countries require visas) will be provided by Contiki if you will need one for your destination, but it’s up to you to apply and pay for the visa.
• Add-On Activities: If you see Free Time Add-On activities, those are the ones not included in the price of the tour. You can book these at an additional cost.
• Some Tips: Tips for the Trip Manager, Motorcoach Driver, and Local Guides are standard (and based on what you can afford) and generally paid at the end of the tour. Gratuities are a big part of the way these folks make their living, so it’s good to budget some funds to thanking them.

Typical Travelers

Unlike most tour travelers, Contiki travelers skew young. The company creates and operates tours specifically for travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. That means there are a lot of college students, recent grads, and people in their 20s and early 30s.

The average age of a Contiki traveler is 28. In the U.S., nearly 70% of travelers are solo, and well over half are female. About a quarter of Contiki travelers from the U.S. are repeat guests.

Communication

Once you book, you can sign into My Contiki (on the Contiki homepage, look for the Traveler log in link at the top right) and see all your information. About three weeks before your departure date, Contiki will send you all your documentation via email.

Loyalty Program

If you’ve already traveled with Contiki, just check the “Past Passenger” box at checkout and you’ll receive 5% off.

Contiki also participates in the Global Tour Rewards program, which gives guests the chance to collect and spend rewards across all the TTC tour companies, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver, and Brendan Vacations.

Ways to Save on Contiki Tours

Because Contiki is geared toward younger budget travelers, it has a lot of options to make travel more affordable. The deposit to reserve a tour is $200, and travelers can wait until 60 days before departure to pay the balance. There are no booking or change fees, and its Part Pay Program gives travelers interest-free options for paying.

Contiki has a handful of ways to make tours even more affordable. They include:

• A multi-trip discount: When you book two tours that are seven days or longer each, you get a discount of 5% off the less expensive tour.
• Return customer loyalty discount: Select tours are offered at discounts of up to 5% to people who have already traveled with Contiki.
• Triple share discount: On some Europe tours, triple-share rooms are available at a 5% discount.
• Book-with-friends discount: If you book the same tour with four or more friends, you all get 5% off.
• Military discount: Members of the military (active and retired) get $100 off trips that are seven days or longer.

Sustainability Efforts

Contiki’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, selected 11 of the UN’s 17 global sustainability goals to power its five-year plan (known as  How We TreadRight ).

Contiki reports regularly on its progress toward sustainability goals like reaching net zero emissions by 2050, sourcing half of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025, halving food waste at hotels and on ships by 2025, boosting the amount of local and sustainable food products, reducing the amount of printed materials, reducing single-use plastics, and more.

Additionally, Contiki is a (very) active participant in its parent company’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program, which focuses on activities that are both educational and supports sustainability. These experiences, which Contiki is scaling up to be available on 50% of its itineraries by 2025, are aligned with those same UN Global Goals for sustainable development.

Health and Safety Practices

Contiki follows local health guidelines in each destination, and Trip Managers can help guests access medical care on trips. Contiki also takes personal safety seriously, and says it is “committed to providing a secure and safe environment for all our travelers regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity or religious beliefs.” It has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment directed at travelers or team members.

Family Companies

Contiki is a part of The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, which also includes Trafalgar , Insight Vacations , Uniworld , and about a dozen other tour and travel companies.

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Young Travelers

Solo travelers, friends or groups, destinations, contiki australia, contiki europe, contiki japan, contiki new zealand, contiki thailand, contiki usa & canada, contiki reviews, contiki vs. topdeck, final thoughts.

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Contiki provides travel tours for young adults. The tour company was incorporated in the mid-1960s after a group of friends posted a flyer on a noticeboard advertising space on their 12-seater minibus to travel around Europe. To this day, group travel is still immensely popular, as you not only get to explore a fantastic destination, but you get to make lots of friends in the process.

Contiki is one of the best European bus tour companies out there, but it also offers group tours all over the world. Many tours use coaches, and groups can be as large as 52 people. In some destinations such as Africa and Latin America, group sizes can be as small as 12 people up to a maximum of 30.

Each tour has a driver and a trip leader that will be with you for the entire journey, and local expert guides will also join you for specific activities. With your travel, accommodations, and itinerary arranged for you, all you need to worry about is having an incredible time.

Who Are Contiki Tours Good For?

Contiki tours are exclusively for travelers from 18 to 35 years old so that you can experience a new destination with like-minded young vacationers. The tours are incredibly social and many travelers meet lifelong friends. Including a combination of scheduled activities and free time, the tours let you tick-off bucket list experiences and landmarks before enjoying a beer with your new pals.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or are embarking on your first solo trip, Contiki tours are perfect for single travelers. You’ll experience the excitement of independent travel while having the logistics taken care of. Rather than having to approach a new friend in a hostel bar, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers in a less daunting environment.

Tour prices are based on twin sharing with a fellow traveler of the same gender, but you can also upgrade to a private room for a fee.

It’s not just solo travelers that choose Contiki tours. Groups of friends often join tours together as they love the idea of meeting more new people as well as getting to travel with their friends. You can all book your places and pay final balances independently, avoiding 1 person having to be responsible for everyone’s finances.

Contiki Tour Types and Destinations

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to travel. To help travelers choose which tours might suit their travel style, Contiki has tagged its tours under various categories.

Contiki’s Adventure tours include the usual transport and accommodation, but they also include unique travel experiences for adventurous types. You could be quad biking through the Cambodian countryside or soaring high above the Sonoran Desert in Arizona in a hot air balloon.

Hot Tip:  Be sure to check out our adventure travel essentials before your next trip.

African Safari

Africa’s incredible landscapes are teeming with wildlife, large and small, from majestic elephants bathing in watering holes to color-changing desert chameleons. African Safari tours include plenty of wildlife encounters and other bucket-list experiences such as Victoria Falls, the Sossusvlei salt pans, and Table Mountain.

Beach Trips

Contiki has picked some of the best beaches in the world to create tours with the perfect blend of sun, sea, adventure, and nightlife. Beach Trips tend to follow the coastline of a destination, so you can enjoy surf lessons to beach yoga and sunset cocktails to fresh seafood dining.

Hot Tip:  We take the pain out of packing for your beach vacation with this printable packing list .

Discoverer trips offer an excellent balance of culture, iconic sights, and adventure. You’ll tick off lots of bucket list experiences as well as authentic local encounters, which are often the most memorable moments. These tours are generally longer than 9 days, so you’ll get to immerse yourself in a destination.

Iconic Essentials

Iconic Essentials tours cover comprehensive itineraries around Europe and include some excursions and lots of free time. This means that you can tailor-make your trip to only see the sights that are important to you. If you’re used to traveling solo or are skeptical about touring, this tour type could be a good compromise — travel and accommodation are arranged but many of the excursions are optional.

Hot Tip:  Check out the best compact, mirrorless, and DSLR cameras for travel so that you can capture iconic sights on your tour. 

In-Depth Explorer

In-Depth Explorer tours enable travelers to experience a destination like a local, with lots of authentic experiences to immerse yourself in the local culture. Accommodations include well-situated, independent hotels, so you’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience while knowing you’re supporting local communities.

Island Hopping

Why stay on 1 island when you can experience them all? Island Hopping tours allow travelers the opportunity to experience the unique culture and quirks of island life while enjoying the journey in between. Relax on palm-fringed sandy beaches, sip a cocktail while watching an island sunset, or go in search of marine life with a snorkel or diving excursion.

Hot Tip:  Make sure you’re prepared for your beach tour with these recommendations for the best travel beach towels and blankets .

Sailing and Cruise

Sail between beautiful islands and buzzing port towns with a Sailing or Cruise tour. On some tours, your ship is your transport and your accommodation, so you’ll only need to unpack once for your whole trip. When it comes to sightseeing, you’ll get the best of both worlds, with regular stops for land-based exploration and plenty of incredible views of the coastline.

Short Trips and Festivals

Short Trips and Festival tours are great for those who want to explore a city for a couple of days or combine their holidays with a festival or celebration. These include music festivals, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or local public holidays, so you can celebrate in style while soaking up the local culture.

Hot Tip:  If you’re heading away on a short break, you might want to upgrade to one of these recommended carry-on bags , including wheeled cabin bags and backpacks.

Ski and Snowboard

Ski and Snowboard tours offer the perfect solution if you’re looking to explore a new destination while getting in some slope time. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, you’ll have the option to book lessons and chances are there will be someone on your tour of a similar standard. Enjoy the cool and crazy vibes of Tokyo before taking a train to one of the nearby ski resorts or hit the slopes in Lake Tahoe on a sightseeing trip through California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Small Group

Some of Contiki’s groups accommodate up to 50 people, which some travelers love, as it allows them to meet more people. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate travel experience, Contiki offers Small Group tours with tours averaging 12 to 24 people.

Volunteering

Contiki’s Volunteering tours allow travelers to give back to the countries and communities they’re exploring. Volunteer tours combine exploration with a service element, such as participating in sustainable development projects.

Other Tour Types

Contiki has a variety of other tour types:

• Backpacking
• Christmas Tours
• Group Travel
• Guided Tours
• Hiking and Trekking
• New Year’s Eve Tours
• Sightseeing
• Solo Travel
• Winter Holidays
• World Tours

Contiki provides over 350 tours to 75 destinations within these countries, continents, and regions:

• Latin America
• Middle East
• New Zealand
• U.S. and Canada

Contiki Top Tours

Contiki offers itineraries of up to 22 days to explore this vast country. Many cover the popular east coast from Sydney to Cairns, while others venture into the remote outback to watch the sunset at Uluru. Sail around the Whitsundays, learn to surf at Byron Bay, or see where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation.

• Includes transport, accommodation, breakfast, and some activities

Hot Tip:  As flights are not included in the tour price, you might be interested in the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles . 

Contiki is well-known for its European bus tours, but some destinations utilize transportation by train or boat for coastal areas. It’s usually unnecessary to fly between destinations as combination tours like European Discovery typically cover neighboring countries. Let’s take a look at a sample of what’s available.

Contiki Croatia

You can discover Croatia as a standalone tour or as part of a combination Balkans or European tour. With one of the longest coastlines in the Mediterranean, it’s the perfect sailing destination, stopping at the historic coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split and the beautiful islands of Korčula and Hvar.

• Includes transport, accommodation, some meals, and activities

Contiki Greece

You can island-hop your way around Greece or visit as part of a wider European tour. With most tours starting in Athens, you can explore the iconic Acropolis and Olympic Stadium before sailing between the likes of Mykonos, Santorini, and Ios.

Contiki Italy

Contiki runs a wide variety of trips to Italy, ranging from week-long tours visiting some of its most iconic cities and coastlines to 45-day European tours. From exploring Roman ruins and floating cities to sampling fresh pasta or delicious wine at a 16th-century Tuscan winery, you’ll most definitely be living la dolce vita .

Japan is an enchanting county of contrasts, from bustling cities to ornate temples and magnificent mountains to war memorials. With the high-speed bullet train, it’s pretty easy to get around to Kyoto and Hiroshima, and some tours include a trip into the mountains for skiing or snowboarding.

Hot Tip:  If you’re planning to visit Japan in Spring, take a look at our ultimate guide to the cherry blossom festivals .

Explore the North Island, South Island, or both with a Contiki New Zealand tour. Cruise across the Bay of Islands, go white water rafting down Kaituna River, or spend a night on the town in Wellington. Contiki tours range from 6 to 19 days.

• Includes transport, accommodation, some meal, and activities

Hot Tip:  If you’re flying from the U.S. to New Zealand, find out which U.S. airports Air New Zealand flies direct from .

Embark on the ultimate Thailand adventure and tour the northern jungles of Chang Mai and the exotic coastlines and islands of the south. If you’re looking to visit more than 1 country, some tours combine Thailand with neighboring Cambodia or Malaysia.

If you’re looking for a tour closer to home, Contiki offers trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. These range from 2-night city breaks exploring Los Angeles , Orlando, or New York, or trips up to 26 days covering most of the eastern and southern states.

Hot Tip:  If you decide that a group tour isn’t for you, check out the best road trips in the U.S.  that might inspire you for your next vacation.

My Contiki is a platform for you to manage your profile and bookings and view trip itineraries, including the details for your Trip Manager (the person responsible for running the trip day-to-day). If you want to chat beforehand with people that will be on your tour, you can do this in the Meet Up area and you can also access any social media groups that the Trip Manager or your fellow travelers might set up.

Contiki is a well-reviewed tour company with the following overall ratings:

• Feefo : 4.6 out of 5
• Contiki.com : 4.6 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.7 out of 5

These are some recent reviews from some of Contiki’s top tours. It’s clear to see that the Trip Managers contribute hugely to the enjoyment of the tours. The majority of the negative reviews for Contiki center around the lively nature of the tours and a focus on drinking culture. While this may suit some young travelers, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Australian Outback Adventure “The trip itself was incredible, we had so many activities, most of them you had to pay for but it was defiantly money well spent, it was worth it!! There was a lot of travelling involved but it was all an amazing adventure, and we got to get to know everyone much better.” — Emma Mccaw

Croatia Island Sail “Dani was incredible, made it such a fun experience. She was so knowledgeable with history and local tips. Gave us plenty of down time and got the party started at the right times. It was a great week and would definitely recommend to friends” — Harriet Gilmour

Japan Winter Wonder “The trip manager was absolutely brilliant. We visited amazing places and our accommodation was very good. We were well looked after and our trip manager always made sure we were enjoying ourselves. There was so much to do everywhere we went and there just weren’t enough hours in the day to do them all but we always saw the highlights in every city.” — Anonymous

New Zealand The Big Tiki “Honestly can say one of the best trips I have been on! Amazingly well organised and the included activities were very good. A big thanks to Dan and Pat for organising it all so well and going above and beyond to make sure we made it to our activities!! The accommodation was very very good and I thought the itinerary covered everything key.” — Anonymous

Spotlight on Greece “The trip manager was really cool and took us to amazing local spots! The activities went from nature to museums to wine and dining! It was all a blast and I highly recommend for anyone who has only a week to get away! The locals are all so friendly and the food is amazing! Beautiful hotels and easy transportation included! A must see!!” — Melanie Button

Thai Island Hopper East “Everything was great. Especially for the price of the trip. Trip manager was amazing and everything was set out for us. Best experiences with not a worry in the world.” — Alexander Brighton

United States Grand Southern “Trip is well thought out stopping at great spots around the U.S. The extra add ons were fantastic, a large variety of what you normally get on organised tours. The trip manager Hayley Jo was beyond amazing, she went above and beyond to make sure anything was possible on the trip! Would highly recommend the Hot air balloon and snowmobiles, was such a great day!” — Emma Walker

Topdeck is another popular tour company covering many of the same destinations as Contiki , with both companies extremely popular for European bus tours. Both appeal to the same target market, however, Contiki does have a firm age limit of 35, and Topdeck caters to “18-30 somethings.” The travel style is very similar across both operators with socializing at the core, and both offer small group tour alternatives for those looking for a less party vibe.

When it comes to cost, Topdeck comes in cheaper than Contiki on the overall tour price, but this is often because there are more entrance fees and excursions included with Contiki. Topdeck provides a lot more free time, so any activities would be additional.

Contiki is an extremely popular tour company for young people, but large group tours are not going to suit everyone’s travel styles. Contiki tours are known for their lively, party atmosphere, which many travelers love. It’s as much about meeting new people and socializing as it is about exploring a new destination for them.

Many travelers make lifelong friends within their tour group, and the company states that many people have even found love on a Contiki tour. Contiki recognizes that not everyone wants to travel in a large group and has created some tour categories that have a more in-depth focus on the destination or for traveling in smaller groups.

As with other group tour operators such as G Adventures and Intrepid Travel , Contiki is committed to sustainable travel by supporting local communities, ethical animal experiences, and planting 1 tree for every traveler that uses e-documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go on contiki if you are over 35.

Contiki has a maximum age limit of 35 for all of its tours, so if you are over 35 you would not be permitted, unfortunately.

Should I go on a Contiki tour alone?

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or are embarking on your first solo trip, Contiki tours are perfect for single travelers. You’ll experience the excitement of independent travel while having the logistical side of things taken care of. Rather than having to approach a new friend in a hostel bar, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers in a less daunting environment.

Tour prices are based on you sharing with a fellow traveler of the same gender, but you can also upgrade to a private room for a fee.

Are Contiki tours safe?

Contiki is committed to providing a safe environment for all travelers, and Trip Managers are there to support travelers with advice and recommendations on safety. Although most traveler’s experiences are problem-free, there is always a small element of risk when exploring an unknown destination.

Are Contiki tours good for couples?

If you’re a sociable couple happy to be around the company of others, you’ll likely enjoy a Contiki tour. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic trip with lots of alone time, it probably won’t suit you.

Do Contiki trips include flights?

Entry and exit flights from the meeting point are not included in the tour price. Any flights that form part of the itinerary are included in the price (unless otherwise stated) and these are often used in Asia and South America where it’s necessary to cover large distances in a short space of time.

Is Contiki a party tour?

Contiki tours do have a reputation for being party tours, featuring a reasonable amount of free time to explore the local nightlife. Although the atmosphere can be quite lively and social, it’s up to the individual whether they decide to partake.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Contiki Review: Are Contiki trips worth it?

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I just got back from a whirlwind adventure through Portugal and Spain (two new countries for me!) with 16 strangers, who became 16 new friends. 

Yepp, I was on a Contiki, a specially curated group trip for 18 – 35 year olds and I’m excited to share my full Contiki review including what to expect, the pros and cons, and everything in between.

What is Contiki?

Contiki is a group trip operator for 18 – 35 year olds with over 200+ trips in 6 continents. They have itineraries ranging from weekend getaways in the US to a 6 week long exploration of Europe hitting 16 countries! 

Not only that, but they have themed trips for different travel styles and interests like African safaris , Christmas markets , and Pride trips .

Contiki is most popular (for now) in Australia and New Zealand, so as an American (as most of my readers are), you might not have heard of Contiki. But they’ve been around since the 1960s curating incredible trips, fostering local connections, and supporting young travelers in checking off their travel goals. 

Who is Contiki for?

Aside from the obvious target age group (18 – 35 year olds), Contiki is best for a variety of travelers.

If you’re traveling solo for the first time , group trips are an especially wonderful way to go as they ease the mental load in planning your own trip and you won’t really be solo since you’ll have a group to travel with once you arrive.

Contiki is also great for travelers who want to cross off lots of destinations in one go. These trips are fast-paced with the goal of tackling that travel bucket list of yours.

I’m in my late 20s/early 30s. Is Contiki right for me?

Heyyy! 👋 As a 29 (almost 30) year old, I feel ya. I was a bit intimidated to be thrown into a younger crowd, especially as a non-drinker and avid 10 pm bedtime type-of gal.

But fear not! These trips are for 18 – 35 year olds for a reason. That age bracket goes up to 35 for a reason.

It’s not just 18 year olds, there are people your own age on these trips and I found that we naturally gravitated toward each other.

I never thought I’d walk away from a Contiki with new true, lifelong friends, but that’s what happened! And as a self-employed post-grad with no daily interactions like school or an office, it’s HARD to make friends. So for me, this was incredibly valuable, special, and treasured.

What’s included in a Contiki booking?

All Contiki trips include accommodation, ground transportation, breakfast, some dinners, and select itinerary activities.

You also get a trip manager, trip driver, and a whole group of friends waiting to be made!

What’s NOT included?

Flights to your starting destination and from your end destination are not included in order to give you the most flexibility in booking. Personally, I wouldn’t want a company to blindly pick a flight that ends up with a terrible layover or multiple stops if I had the freedom to decide.

This also allows you to extend your trip before or after your Contiki, which can be really nice if you’re traveling extra far and want to maximize your time!

You can book flights with Contiki as an add-on if you need help, so don’t fret if you don’t want to do it yourself!

Select lunches and dinners are also not included. Each itinerary has free time built in to allow you to explore on your own with your new friends. This is also great because you can try local recommendations or those by your trip manager, who always know the best spots! You’ll need to budget for these meals when you’re travel planning . 

Free Time Add-Ons

In order to customize your itinerary, Contiki has free time add-on (FTA) experiences, which are extra experiences for an extra cost. You can choose to add these on or not. 

In fact, you can choose to add them on during the trip. So, when you make friends and find out they’re doing a FTA experience or when you get to talking with your trip manager and they recommend a FTA, you can decide then and there to participate. 

You can pay via card or cash during the trip, so that gives you even more time to save up for those activities.

Like to plan ahead? Don’t worry, they’ll send you a full list of the add-ons and their cost with your travel documents a few weeks before your trip.

Make Travel Matter Experiences

Another unique aspect of Contiki are their Make Travel Matter (MTM) experiences, which are available on 80% of Contiki’s trips and are also add-on’s. These experiences foster connections with the local community and support local efforts of sustainability, tourism, and the arts. The goal is to travel responsibility and give back to local communities.

The impact of MTM experiences is incredible, not only for locals to have their stories amplified, but for travelers to truly have meaningful experiences.

On my Contiki, our Make Travel Matter experience was a tour of street art in the Torre neighborhood in Cascais, Portugal. It was significant because this neighborhood was once plagued with graffiti vandalism, so locals gathered to come up with a solution. They started the Infinito Festival, an 8-day celebration of art, where artists created massive murals on their neighborhood buildings. The goal was to give artists recognition in exchange for making the community better.

The Infinito Festival transformed the government’s opinion on the community, so now they are able to garner support for local programs like daycares, after-school programs, and more!

All this to say, had I planned my own trip to Portugal, I never would have even known about the Torre neighborhood, let alone been able to tour their beautiful street art and learn of their incredible efforts to transform their community. It was the most memorable activity on the whole trip!

Some other examples of Make Travel Matter experiences you might get on your Contiki include a visit to a local lemon farm in Italy, learning about Kiwi conservation in Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island , and discovering Indigenous plant medicine in Jasper, Canada .

How much does Contiki cost?

The average trip costs $2,000 – 3,000 and lasts for about 7 – 9 days. Of course, so many factors contribute to the cost of a trip. For example, shorter weekend trips can cost as little as $350 where the 45 day European explorer trip is almost $7,000.

You’ll also want to account for those extras like Free Time Add-Ons, excluded meals, souvenirs/snacks you want to purchase, and although optional, a tip for your trip manager and trip driver ($3 per day is recommended).

Cost Breakdown

As your resident trip planner bestie, let’s breakdown the costs to see if that price tag is really worth it and I’ll give you my two cents 😉

I’m using my trip as an example, which was 9 days including the two travel days – arrival and departure.

Accommodation

Other Expenses

Priceless Stuff

Total: $1710 compared to a $2200 Contiki

Is the cost worth it?

Just looking at numbers, you might save around $500 – 700 if you DIY the whole trip yourself, which I totally understand is nothing to sniff at. BUT, all those priceless things that you get by booking a group trip I personally think are valued at way more than $500.

Having a trip manager who shares their knowledge with you is seriously priceless. They know all the best local spots and if you have a question about the destination’s history or fun facts, they know it!

Not to mention, having a private coach with a driver is not only incredibly nice, but it saves you so much headache. I don’t know about you, but when I travel, transportation is my least favorite thing to figure out. I hate that no matter how comfortable I am in a city, I still am going to have to figure out my way back to my hotel at the end of the day no matter how tired I am.

So on a Contiki, this headache is permanently relieved. Phew!

Plus, you can travel from city to city and country to country without having to worry about navigating trains, buses, or a rental car (and don’t even get me started on driving on the opposite side of the road). And if you hired a private coach, you’d be paying top dollar out of pocket (much more than I estimated above).

I mentioned it before, but I’ll say it again, those Make Travel Matter experiences are also priceless. Those connections that Contiki has will make for the most memorable part of your trip.

And of course, group trips come with new friends! Sure, you could stay in a hostel and meet people as you travel, but as soon as you go to your next stop, you have to start over. Here, your friends travel with you the whole time! Score!

And finally, my favorite thing. Contiki’s trips are pre-planned. You don’t have to spend hours and hours of stress and tears planning your own trip. As a planner myself, I have total faith in you that you could do it. That’s kinda my whole jam. But, holy cow, handing over the reins is instant relief (if not a little nerve-wracking, I know).

Now when you put all that together, I truly think Contiki trips are worth the price tag for first time solo travelers, young travelers looking to make friends, and anyone who is intimidated by or tired of planning your own trips.

On the other hand, it might not be right for you if you really need to pinch pennies and DIY the trip yourself. It also might not be the right fit if you want complete control of your schedule and pacing.

Pros of Contiki

Pre-planned.

Having the whole she-bang pre-planned for you is truly a blessing. It’s so nice to just be able to have someone else take care of everything. It saves you time and headache.

I also think because of this, you’ll like do things you might not have considered or found yourself. Like in Toledo, we did a super fun zipline, that I don’t know that I would have known about otherwise!

Cost Effective

Contiki trips are cost effective for those looking for pre-planned trips. They often have sales, which make it an even better deal. In fact, there’s a Switch on Travel sale happening now, so the trips are up to 25% off!

Good for Challenging Destinations

One of the best parts of Contiki is that they’re fantastic for exploring destinations that might be challenging to visit on your own. Whether that’s somewhere with language barriers, transportation obstacles, or where you need a tour for access like a safari.

For example, if I were to visit Africa as a solo female traveler, I’d probably feel much more comfortable doing so on a group trip. In fact, I visited Japan on a group trip and it was so helpful for navigating the language barrier!

Encourages Social Travel

One of the best parts of traveling is meeting people – not just locals, but fellow travelers who can share in your excitement of discovering a new place. 

When you’re on a group trip, friends are built into the experience.

Trip Manager and Driver

I said it before and I’ll say it again, having a private trip manager and trip driver is priceless. They make everything easier and ensure that you have the best, most comfortable, and most fun time.

Support System

Not only do your new friends support you with some healthy peer pressure for doing things that might be beyond your comfort zone, but having a professional team behind your trip is an extra security blanket that’s incredibly valuable.

Lost luggage or passport? Caught a cold? Your trip manager will ensure these hiccups go smoothly and help you resolve them seamlessly.

Bucket List Checker

With Contiki, you really get to check off your bucket list because you’re visiting multiple destinations in one go. I especially love this because it makes the price tag even more valuable.

Cons of Contiki

Yepp, that’s a pro and a con. With pre-planned itineraries, you get what you get. That means if you really aren’t interested in something, you might not be able to skip it. And if you really want to do something, you might not get a chance to.

However, there is freedom built into the itinerary. After speaking with my trip driver, he said that they don’t monitor everyone’s whereabouts all the time – only when traveling from city to city. So, if you want to skip something, technically you can just not show up to the morning call time at the coach.

Plus, there is free time frequently where you can roam the cities by yourself or with your new friends. I usually stuck with my Trip Manager so she could give a little walking tour and I could learn about the destination.

Other times, I wandered off on my own, which was especially nice as an introvert to recharge. I  visited Livrario Lello, the most beautiful (and crowded) bookstore in Porto and the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid to see artworks that I learned about in Art History back in high school and college (I was almost an art preservation chemist way back when).

This is a word of warning for any group trip, not just Contiki. These things are fast paced. I mean meet at the coach at 8 am to drive to a guided visit of a local attraction, free time for lunch, walking tour after lunch, wine tasting, then food tour for dinner ending around 10pm or later each day. 

It’s a lot. And you get tired easily. You’ll learn to love the long coach rides between destinations so you can recoup, especially my late 20s/early 30s crowd.

If you’re looking for slow travel with deep local experiences, Contiki might not be right for you.

Dependent on Others

It can be aggravating to wait on others, no matter the context. So on group trips, that’s just something to expect. It’s not always a problem, but if you’re an “on time is late” type of person, it might annoy you to wait for others to start your day or continue a tour.

My Contiki Experience

Accommodation on Contiki trips can range from hostels to hotels, but most commonly you’ll find you’re staying in 2 to 3 star hotels.

Typically, you will have a roommate as rooms are booked based on double occupancy. If you travel with someone, you’ll be paired with them accordingly. You can also pay extra for your own room upon booking your trip.

While the hotels I stayed in were certainly a far cry from 5 star luxury properties , they did their job. The beds were comfortable and breakfasts at each hotel were typical continental breakfasts. Nothing to write home about, but a free breakfast is a free breakfast.

My biggest complaint really has to do with European hotels, not with Contiki and that’s that the climate control was often not available or set to AC because it was still too early in the year (it was March). The other thing was that these lower star hotels have pretty small rooms in Europe with two twin sized beds right up next to each other and little room for large suitcases.

Take that as you will and pack accordingly.

As a foodie who travels mouth first, I found the food options hit or miss. We had some incredible food like a bifana sandwich in Porto and egg tarts from the original shop in Lisbon.

But, we also had some food that wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t have chosen myself or I wouldn’t go back to in lieu of other things.

I think the magic really comes from your free time and picking the brain of your trip manager for their local recommendations. They really are your greatest resource!

As someone who has been on group trips before, the pacing of Contiki felt on par. It’s fast, but intentionally so. The goal is to check off that bucket list, baby!

While it’s not my usual travel style to travel that quickly, I wasn’t disappointed in the fast pacing of the itinerary. Expect to be busy and tired, yet fulfilled by the end of your trip!

And sleep on the coach!

Ahh the unspoken undertone of Contiki. Maybe for my US readers who aren’t as familiar with Contiki, you might not know that there’s a party atmosphere, especially after dinner each night.

In fact, in Australia, many recent high school and college grads take a gap year to go on Contiki trips and it’s their first time away from home. So, they’re looking to party.

For me, I found that the option was there if I wanted to partake, but it wasn’t overly in your face. I didn’t feel like I was missing out if I didn’t go out.

And when I did join in the fun, I could stay sober if I wanted and just hangout with everyone!

All this to say, it is what you make it.

Everyone on my trip was so incredibly friendly that it was impossible not to make friends. I’ve been on some questionable group trips before and definitely didn’t get along with everyone, which honestly I think is a reasonable experience. However, my Contiki had the best people!

My trip manager, Maddy, and trip driver, Bart, were also amazing! I had the best time getting to know everyone and make these travel memories together. It was seriously the most fun part!

Not to say my experience is a guarantee that you’ll click just as well with your group, but I would put more faith in it than you might be.

What I did right

The first thing is that I got social real quickly. As the trip goes on, you get more and more tired, so you want to push yourself to be social and make those friends ASAP. Future you will thank you.

@periodicadventures 1 week and 16 new friends later 🥰 Thanks to @Contiki | Travel Together for bringing us together #traveltogether ♬ original sound – Alanna | Travel Pro 🧳

I packed light and that was so helpful for those tiny European hotel rooms. Not to mention, we switched hotels every couple nights, so to unpack and repack then haul my suitcase to and from the coach was a lot. Having one carry-on with packing cubes and one backpack was all I needed and much appreciated.

On the topic of packing, I packed the essentials (most of them anyway). I was the go-to person for sunscreen, basic medication, tissues, hand sanitizer, portable chargers, and water. On these action packed itineraries, you’ll appreciate having the basics covered, so you don’t need to waste your free time running into a pharmacy…which I needed to do myself…so no one’s perfect.

I kept in touch with my friends and trip mates. It can be HARD to do this, but I’ve found as I’ve gotten older that this is so incredibly important. I’m excited to keep up with my Contiki friends’ lives and visit them around the world as I continue to travel.

What I did wrong

I didn’t pack enough cold medication. That’s always a tip I include for group trips and yet, I didn’t pack enough for myself. And guess who the first person was to get sick on the trip? ME. Rookie move.

Luckily, my trip manager came with me to a pharmacy and spoke to the pharmacist for me (in Spanish) so I could get what I needed. What would have been a stress-inducing interaction was seamless because I was on a group trip! Thank goodness!

I had trouble staying hydrated. I’m not sure if this was a destination thing, or a Contiki thing, or a me thing, but despite having a reusable water bottle, I couldn’t find places to fill it up and after walking 10,000+ steps each day, my body was feeling it. I recommend keeping an eye out and prioritizing your health, always!

I booked another trip right after my Contiki. That one was on me. I literally left the next day after I returned home to go to Universal Orlando and while I always have a great time running through the Wizarding World , my body wasn’t thrilled with my choices. My advice is to factor in some downtime once you return from your Contiki, so you can recoup and settle back in.

So, is Contiki worth it?

It depends on the person. I know…a very diplomatic answer, but I honestly think it depends on what you’re looking for in your trip.

If you have more time to spend abroad and prefer slow travel with a deep emphasis on local culture and cuisine and are truly trying to stretch your budget, I would keep doing your own research on what options are best for you.

But, if you want someone to plan your trip for you, sweep you away everyday, set you up for a fun time checking off your bucket list, and get you ready to make some amazing new friends and memories, Contiki is for you!

Browse Contiki’s trips here to get started.

*All photos asterisked are courtesy of My Media Sydney .

Thank you to Contiki for hosting me on this trip. As always, all opinions are my own.

Looking for more group travel guides? or student travel resources? I got you 👇

• Everything to know about solo group trips
• How to save for travel in college
• What to know before your Birthright group trip
• Tips for Birthright from past travelers
• How to survive a group trip as an introvert
• Ways you can travel in college
• Where to travel when you’re in college
• Top study abroad destinations around the world

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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10 Things To Know Before Booking Your First Contiki Trip

So you’re looking to book your first Contiki trip – Congrats!!! I’ve been on a few and love each one more than the last! But, that doesn’t mean Contiki is for everyone. Here, I’ll also discuss some things you should know before booking your trip!

What Is Contiki?

First off, let’s start with the basics – what is Contiki?

Contiki is a Travel Tour Company for 18-35 year olds. They offer over 350+ trips around the world and take care of planning everything for you! Travel Tour Groups are typically between 20-40 people from all over the world. Each trip has a Tour Manager to oversee transportation, room accommodations, and more. It takes all the stress out of planning a trip because everything is taken care of for you!

Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Contiki Trip

1. there are a handful of (optional) add ons.

Contiki’s tag line is “Travel with No Regrets” which you will quickly realize is so true. Contiki includes a lot in the tour package price (typically all breakfasts, some added meals, most activities, etc). However, there are a handful of additional activities called “Free Time Add Ons” available to purchase.

You’ll learn more about the Add Ons for your trip on the first day. Your guide will tell you all about them, the costs, and when it’s offered. Typically, they will require you to pay right then for any/all of the additional add on you want to do. From my experience, you always have to pay in cash. The number of add ons will depend on your trip. For instance, when I went to Thailand there were about 4 add ons but when I went to Ecuador there were over 10 add on experiences!

2. Contiki Has a Party Reputation (BUT..!)

There is no secret Contiki has a party reputation. It’s known for combining cultural travel experiences with copious partying and drinking, especially in Europe. That can be fun, if you’re into that.

But, if you’re not into the EXCESSIVE partying, don’t fret. There are ways to avoid it. First of all, don’t book over the summer months. This is typically when the younger crowd (18-22) travels over their summer break and parties. Also, Europe tends to have the biggest party trips, so maybe avoid the European tours if you’re looking for something more relaxed.

Personally, I love to drink and have a good time (hello, I go to Vegas every year), but prefer to avoid the party scene on Contiki trips. Don’t get me wrong – I still drink and have a good time, I just don’t wake up daily with a hangover.

3. You’ll Spend a Lot of Time On The Bus

Did you find an itinerary you love on Contiki’s website and say to yourself “ wow, I can see XX amount of cities in XX number of days?! ” – yeah, you can because Contiki packs your schedule in tight! This often means early mornings (5AM) and long hours on a bus to get to the next destination. Some trips are better than others, but definitely something to google before booking a trip (estimated distance between the two cities). While this isn’t a deal breaker for me, I prefer to know how much time I’ll have in the bus so I can prepare activities to do to keep me sane. The long hours on the bus definitely shocked me on my first Contiki trip and I wish I had been more prepared.

4. Bring Portable Chargers

You are bound to have jam packed schedules each and every day of your trip. Whether that’s driving on a bus for hours, touring a new destination, or participating in activities, you will find yourself away from the hotel for the majority of the day. If you’re like me, you use your phone for pictures, calls, texting, GPS, etc… so it dies quickly! Be sure to bring a portable charger so you’ll always have access to your phone!

5. Bring Extra Cash for Tips

Not only do you need extra cash to pay for your “Free Time Add Ons” (if you want to partake in those), you’ll also need cash to tip your tour guide and your bus driver! Contiki recommends $3 per day per person. Tipping is up to your discretion.

6. Some Hostels are Bare Bones

I found this out the hard way. I typically don’t stay in hostels when I travel so Contiki was a bit of a shock for me! Most of the accommodations are great – but they don’t always have all of the necessities. For instance, I have been in Contiki hotels that have no hair dryer, no shampoo, no AC, etc. I don’t typically travel with a hair dryer but now on Contiki’s I do. The trip is so fast paced that you don’t have time to sit around and let your hair dry.

7. People Travel Solo, with Friends, and with Significant Others

You’ll see many different types of people on your Contiki trip from all around the world. Some opt to travel solo while others come with a few friends or their significant other. Either way, you will all have something in common – excitement to see the world with new friends.

8. Tours are Fast Paced

I’ve mentioned it in some of the other bullet points, but almost all Contiki tours are go-go-go. You’ll find yourself in a new city in the blink of an eye. It’s great for making the most of your time off, but it’s important to take care of yourself. People can easily become exhausted half way through the trip from lack of sleep, lack of hydration, or just general fatigue. Combat that with copious amounts of water, sleeping/napping when you can, and not going too hard every night.

9. Contiki Cough Is Real

Unfortunately, you’re likely to get a small cold when traveling with Contiki . This is bound to happen with any group tour as people are all close together throughout the day. Plan accordingly and bring your favorite cold medicine from home so you can try to fight it off early.

10. You’ll Make Life Long Friends

Believe me when I say, there is nothing that bonds people together better than travel and experiencing new things. I have made some amazing friends on my Contiki trips that I keep in touch with years later! We still have a group chat and touch base with everyone from time to time!

So, what do you think?! Are you ready to book your first Contiki trip?! Save this post for later on Pinterest: https://pin.it/2s0KVW1

Related Posts:

• Review: Traveling With Contiki (Pros & Cons)
• Review: Traveling With Contiki to Ecuador
• Book Your Contiki Trip Now (affiliate link)

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Unlocking Adventure: The Top 5 Best Contiki Tours for Every Traveler!

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Is this year the time to get ticking off your bucket list destinations? An adventure with Contiki Tours could be just what you are looking for!

If you are between 18 and 35, Contiki offers out-of-this-world group tours that are great value, fun-packed, and a great place to meet like-minded fellow travelers. Wherever your wanderlust is calling you, Contiki has you covered.  So what can you expect from the best Contiki Tours? 

With sixty years in business, the Contiki team has the business of traveling down. Their travel program spans worldwide and covers the hottest travel destinations.  Contiki’s vision is to provide accessible, affordable travel options for young people looking to get out there and explore the world.  

Joining a trip with Contiki is more than just a holiday.  Become part of the Contiki community, meet your travel goals, grow your confidence, forge lifelong friends, and have a meaningful, fun travel experience.  Contiki offers the perfect place to make global connections with both your travel mates and local communities you meet en route.

All Contiki trips come complete with an expert Trip Manager who is essential for creating world-class adventures for all Contiki guests. Using their in-depth knowledge of the destination. They will give you all the info you need to dive in and make the most of every place you visit. They set the vibe for a fun, exciting journey, help you orientate to new cities, and provide any assistance you need while on the road. 

Operating an inclusive policy, Contiki offers a fun experience regardless of your personality, previous travel experience, or individual differences.  There is something for everyone. Contiki values its diverse and vibrant community, and your trip manager is skilled at helping new groups bond and break the ice. 

Are you thinking of traveling solo? Contiki could be the perfect option.  Around sixty percent of travelers who join a Contiki tour do so solo.  Embrace the freedom of solo travel and combine it with the chance to meet a whole group of new friends.  Contiki offers the right mix of scheduled activities and space to get out and explore how you want.  

In addition to your trip manager, transport between destinations is included, and a professional, safe driver is responsible for getting the crew from A to B.  Take the stress out of the journey with all the logistics taken care of so you can concentrate on the good stuff.  

Significant expenses are all included in the trip price.  Transport, accommodation, and a range of activities are all-inclusive, making Contiki trips easier to budget, so you don’t need to stress about running out of money.

Carefully curated accommodation is provided for every night of the trip.  Accommodation choices vary depending on the trip, but rest assured all accommodations will meet the Contiki standards from centrally located city hostels, glamping or camping experiences, hotels, and Contiki special stays.  Contiki only works with the best in the business. They know what makes a great stay, and their accommodation choices reflect this.  

Contiki endeavors to make every trip a memorable experience. With a massive range of tours available, you can choose a tour that suits your needs and budget. If you travel with friends, you can request to stay in the same room as your mates.  If you travel solo and want a little more privacy, you can upgrade to a private room.  Whatever the experience you are looking for, Contiki can make it happen.  

With years in the business, Contiki knows how to provide the ultimate travel experience, from the best places to visit, to uncovering hidden gems, unique experiences, the best parties, restaurants, cultural experiences, and active adventures. Whatever you are into, Contiki has you covered with mind-expanding experiences.  

As the world leader in youth travel, Contiki’s mission statement is Make Travel Matter.  Travel has a profound impact on the communities, the places, and the communities we visit.  By making sustainability and responsible travel the cornerstone of their vision, Contiki helps facilitate young travelers to leave a positive impact on the places they visit.  

Make Travel Matter Experiences visit innovative projects which support local people, the natural environment, and wildlife. You may visit local community projects, meet local people and artisans, learn more about indigenous cultures, or visit innovative projects which benefit the natural environment and wildlife.  These amazing experiences help educate travelers about global issues and allow a deeper connection to the destinations they visit.

Contiki has undertaken a sustainability pledge and a 4-point climate action pledge.  They have implemented a carbon calculator to determine how much carbon each trip produces and have invested in carbon offsetting to reduce the impact of their tours.  In addition, they are committed to lowering emissions on their trips wherever possible.  They have invested in their fleet of coaches, which are both modern and fuel efficient. Coach travel offers a more sustainable option than the traditional road trip. 

If you take a trip with Contiki, you can be assured they are doing everything possible to make the trip as sustainable as possible and travel responsibly.  

Contiki provides life-affirming travel for young adventurous people looking to discover what the wider world offers. So if you are ready to book an unforgettable adventure, stop dreaming and make those plans a reality. Pick your destination and get involved.  

Whatever your adventure style, vibes, or wherever you want to go, Contiki has it covered.  Read on to find out the best Contiki tours which we have sorted for you to provide the ultimate travel inspiration. 

Read on for some ultimate travel inspiration for your next Contiki adventure.  

Page Contents

Eternal India

Food and wine in a french chateau, the explorer with (inca trail trek), sun and steam ( new zealand ), beaches and reefs (australia), the powder rush.

Are you ready to sharpen your sense of adventure with an action-packed twelve-day tour of India?  

Contiki offers an epic tour that takes in the multi-sensory extravaganza that is the vast, frenetic, and inspiring country of India, traveling through the Golden Triangle onwards to Mumbai and the exotic shores of Goa.  

This trip is perfect for those wanting to get out and explore India safely, socially, and stress-free. With your expert trip manager, driver, and local guides, this trip will be a breeze.   

The group will embark from the capital of Dehli in all its chaotic glory. 

Under the wing of your local guide, explore the sights and sounds of the historic district of Old Dehli, with its abundance of everything from bicycles, people, and rickshaws to street vendors selling all manner of wares.  Marvel at the ornate architecture and rich, warm colors of the red sandstone buildings before immersing yourself in Dehli’s street food scene. 

Cross over the Yamuna River into the state of Uttar Pradesh towards the city of Agra to make some serious strides on your bucket list with visits to the formidable Red Fort of Agra and the iconic Taj Mahal with its glittering white marble and luscious courtyards, gardens, and spectacular water pool and fountains.

Hit up the expansive Ranthambore National Park with the opportunity to add on a sunrise safari to spot some of the park’s incredible wildlife.  The trip includes visiting the Dhonk craft center, which provides employment and education opportunities for local people and micro-financing services.  Connect with local people here and learn more about their lives with this included Contiki Travel Matters Experience. 

Let loose in Jaipur, where you have some free time to explore.  Your group leader is full of expert recommendations, so grab your new travel crew and head out to savor the visual delights of this city with its distinctive pink-hued buildings.  Make a pit stop at Udaipur for a guided city tour, taking in the stunningly beautiful City Palace complex on Lake Pichola’s banks and the ornate Jagdish temple.  

Next, head to the mega-city of Mumbai with its cacophony of noises.  Watch as skyscrapers rise from it’s sprawling bodies and flotillas of boats sail the busy shores of the Arabian Sea. A local guide will help you experience the rush of this metropolis. Then it’s on to the beaches of Goa to embrace the sounds of the waves.  Your trip ends here, and it is the perfect spot for a farewell party to Goa’s legendary nightlife.  

With transport and accommodation covered, Eternal India provides an accessible and worry-free way to experience India’s incredible history and culture .  Immerse yourself in the amazing sights and sounds, from ornate temples to the city metropolises, lush countryside to beachside shores.  India has it all, and Contiki can’t wait to take you there. 

• Hotel accommodation
• Comfortable travel on a private coach
• Services of an expert trip manager and friendly, knowledgeable guides
• 11 breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner
• Orientation and sightseeing tours with local guides in Dehli, Udaipur, and Mumbai
• Entry to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Red Fort
• Visit the Dhonk Craft Centre community project in Ranthambore
• Internal flight to Goa

Treat yourself to a gourmet French chateau experience.  

Tease your palette, and meet new friends with an epic four days living in a 16th-century chateau complete with a pool, in-house chef, and bar.  Your travel group will explore the delights of the Beaujolais wine region, which has an abundance of vineyards and a rich culinary tradition that highlights fresh, seasonal produce.  

A complimentary transfer will whisk you from the station of Villefranche sur Saone to your stunning accommodation.   Settle into your well-appointed rooms and explore the sprawling grounds of this 16th-century chateau, a fantastic example of the architecture of the French Renaissance. 

Savor a locally produced wine and cheese tasting before heading for a three-course welcome dinner in a picturesque local village.  Food on, drinks on!

The next day heads out for a day trip to the gastronomical capital of France , Lyons.  Take a tour of the city’s culinary highlights with a local expert.  Your guide ensures you will hit the best spots and taste this region’s best food and wine. 

Sip spectacular wines and stop by some of the Bouchons Lyonaise, traditional, rustic restaurants that specialize in serving regional dishes.  Uncover the city’s authentic culinary heritage before returning to a fun dinner at the Chateau, making the most of your beautiful accommodation.  

Hit up a winery tour in the Beaujolais Wine Region.  Visit three wineries and sample wines, meet local winemakers, and learn more about viticulture.  Enjoy an included winery lunch with paired wines as you live the good life in France. 

Relax at the chateau as the in-house chefs prepare a farewell dinner of traditional French fare for the group to round out your foodie adventure in style.  Expect plenty of laughs, delicious food, and flowing drinks. Your trip ends the next day, but there is still time for a tasty breakfast or dip in the pool.  

This lavish tasting experience will leave your buttons straining as you enjoy an introduction to this region’s exquisite food and wine.   With accommodation and gourmet tasting experiences included, this upmarket adventure is excellent value.   

• Three nights’ accommodation in Chateau De Cruix.  
• Complimentary transfer from the station of Villefranche sur Saone
• Local wine and cheese tasting
• Moveable Feast Walking Tour of Lyons
• Three Breakfasts in the Chateau
• Winery visits and included lunch in the Beaujolais Wine Region
• Three Luxurious French Dinners
• Small Group Size for an intimate experience
• A Few Extra Inches on the Waistline

Embark on a journey of exploration in Peru , Argentina , and Brazil .  This eighteen-day adventure lets you experience some of South America’s finest destinations, from the wonders of the Matcha Pichu to the dynamic capital of Buenos Aires and the flamboyant streets of Rio de Janeiro.   

Soak in the complex cultures of South America, the intricate stonework of the ancient Incan civilization, and the breathtaking beauty of the densely-forested, high-altitude hills of the longest continental mountain range in the world, the Andes.  

This trip is perfect for those wanting an in-depth exploration of this awe-inspiring region. 

Begin your adventure at 11,000 feet in the city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Incan empire, surrounded by the sacred Andean peaks of Ausangate, Salkantay, and Veronica and the formidable ruins of the mighty Incan Empire.

With a local guide, you will visit the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to start uncovering the legacy of the Incan people and their agricultural and engineering prowess.  Those who choose the one-day Inca trek can follow some of the original Inca trails, traversing mountain paths into the clouds and taking in views of the iconic peak of Huayna Picchu and the valleys below.  

Those who choose not to take the Inca trail trek will catch a train to Aguas Calientes, a gateway city to Machu Picchu; nestled between imposing mountains and lush rainforest, the town is only accessible via train or foot.  

This location offers an early start for one of the trips, highlighting a guided tour of Machu Picchu . Located high amongst the Vilcabamba mountain range, wonder at the shifting shapes of the mist and clouds as they shroud these ancient structures. This spectacular architectural complex was abandoned in the 16th century.  

Take a rest day in Cusco with some free time.  Explore with new friends, or choose one of the optional extra excursions available. Tomorrow your journey takes you airborne to the heart of the Amazon.  

Reaching Puerto Maldonado is an adventure in itself as your plane cuts through the mountains before descending into Peru’s Amazon basin.  Then you will voyage by boat to a spectacular jungle lodge deep in the pristine rainforest of the Amazon. 

From your comfortable lodge accommodation, smash your bucket list with a two-night stay in the jungle. Take a hike to a canopy tower to take in the incredible biodiversity of this verdant paradise, kick back and relax in your bungalow as the rich audioscape of gushing water, the howl of monkeys, calls of birds, and the patter of rain wash over you.  The next day enjoy an unforgettable guided canoe trip down the mighty waters of the Amazon.

Catch an internal flight to the city of Lima.  Spend a free evening with your new travel mates in Peru’s capital.  Experience the city come alive as night settles, meander through the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, stroll past the illuminated facade of the cathedral of Lima, follow the boardwalk along the cliffs for a spectacular view of the cities skyline, or visit the lively neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.  

On to Buenos Aires next for an epic four-night stay in this energetic Latin-American destination.  Launch straight into the good times with a hearty dinner out. Get ready to experience the fire of the Argentinian tango dancers in a wild night of romance and dancing. 

The city is yours to explore. With the help of an expert local guide, get under the skin of this diverse metropolis. Follow insider tips and craft your adventure on the tree-lined streets, party until dawn breaks or join the optional extra excursions.  

Suppose this incredible city destination wasn’t enough for you. In that case, it is onto Brazil to experience the natural wonders of the unbelievable Iguassa National Park, home to one of the world’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful collections of waterfalls.  Surrounded by tropical rainforest, this semi-circle-shaped waterfall contains multiple cascades creating a dazzling visual display.  

Finnish this adventure of a lifetime, with a multi-day stop in Rio De Janeiro with beachside accommodation.  Get ready for the time of your life.  

Check out the famous sunsets of Rio, its vibrant city beaches, and unbeatable nightlife. With an orientation tour to get your bearings, there is plenty of free time to soak in the carnival atmosphere.  

These last days pack a punch with a Contiki Make Travel Matter guided tour through the favelas and an epic boat cruise in Guanabara Bay, taking in the stunning waterside view of the city’s iconic landmarks.  Toast your mates, toast the experience, toast yourself! This is you living your best life.  

Contiki makes the journey easy with a stress-free, safe, in-depth travel itinerary.  With an expert trip manager and local guides, a driving team, accommodation, and amazing included activities, this truly is a life-changing travel experience.  

• Expert trip manager, driving team, and local guides
• 13 nights of hotel accommodation and 4 nights of hostel accommodation (including a 2-night stay in the Amazon)
• 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
• Exploration of the Sacred Valley (Urubamba), including the Pisac and Ollantaytambo Ruins
• Visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour and entry.
• Flight through mountain terrain and descending into the Amazon Basin to Puerto Maldonado
• Orientation tour of Puerto Maldonado, Buenos Aires and Rio De Janerio
• Amazon jungle canopy Hike and guided canoe ride
• Flight to Lima
• Flight to Buenos Aires and tango and dinner experience
• Flights to Iguassu, exploration of Iguassu National Park
• A Contiki Make Travel Matter Experience – Guided Favela Tour
• Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue
• Guanbara Bay Boat Cruise
• A full Instagram feed

Is New Zealand on your mind this year? Contiki offers an incredible North Island mini-break.  

Make life easy and join in on this sublime roadie that heads up to the sunny shores of Paihia in the upper Northland, then onto the geothermal delights of buzzing Rotorua.  

This social tour has a maximum group size of 45 and is the perfect place to meet new friends and travel companions.  A group tour is an excellent way to make the most of your time in New Zealand and shake up your social life while getting out there and trying new experiences.  

Travel in comfort on a spacious private coach. Your expert trip manager is a fellow New Zealand enthusiast with in-depth knowledge of the best activities and scenic spots.  In short, they have your back with on-the-road support! 

Meet your group in Auckland before heading toward Paihia. Take in the views as you cruise the open road. There is a scheduled pit stop in Whangarei. Stroll around the marina, with plenty of cafes and restaurants overlooking the waterfront. It is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch.  The city has a vibrant arts scene, and culture vultures will enjoy visiting the Huderwassert art center. 

On arrival in Paihia, the group will take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn more about the history and culture of New Zealand’s indigenous people.  After a busy day, tuck into New Zealand’s classic fish and chips overlooking the idyllic Bay of Islands.  A free day in Paihia lets you explore the spectacular coastal beauty of this small town.  There are plenty of optional extras to try if you want, or kick back and do your own thing.  

Overnight in Auckland before hitting up the bright lights of Rotorua.  Here you will meet New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi, in a Contiki Make Travel Matter visit to New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery.  The evening sees you experience a traditional hangi dinner and Maori cultural experience.  

You have a free day to explore Rotorua , visit some of the town’s geothermal features, or get involved in some adventure sports. Your trip leader can hook you up with a raft of optional activities. The tour heads back to Auckland for your departure point.    

With included transport, cultural activities, accommodation, and a whole heap of fun, this tour offers a stress-free way to experience some of the North Islands’ premium locations and activities with a shorter New Zealand break.  

• 4 nights of hotel accommodation and one night in a hostel
• Private coach travel and professional driver
• 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners
• Visit the Huderwassert arts center.
• Guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty grounds
• Fish and chip dinner in Pahia
• Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery
• Maori Cultural Experience and Traditional Hangi Dinner
• Visit Auckland, Whangarei, Pahia, Rotorua

This incredible tour offers your ultimate east coast Australian Adventure .  

Join your trip manager and travel crew for this epic adventure. With a maximum group size of 30, this trip offers the perfect blend of social and intimate.  Prepare to make some serious inroads on your Aussie bucket list as you blast along the Pacific coast from Sydney to Cairns.  

Your adventure takes in the best of the east coast and is jam-packed with visits to stunning tropical islands.  This one is all about sun, sea, sand, and fun.  

Send an incredible three nights in Australia’s cosmopolitan capital Sydney.  Kick off with a day trip to the spectacular blue mountains, with their dramatic sandstone cliffs and shrouds of blue-tinted mist. Next day enjoy an orientation tour of Sydney with your group leader, including the Opera House and Bondi Beach.  

Hop on a plane for the laid-back shores of Byron Bay.  Embrace surfer life with an included surf lesson.  Be warned. You might catch the surfing bug! With a two-night stay in Byron, you have plenty of time to get acquainted with the town’s bohemian vibes, luscious natural surroundings, and thriving art and music scene.  

Hightail it to your next amazing destination with a two-night stay in a stunning eco-camp in the unique Noosa Everglades.  Soak in the surroundings with its dense vegetation and lush wetland ecosystems.  Later experienced a Contiki Make Travel Matter experience with a visit to an 80-acre sustainable farm.  

A day trip to Fraser Island guarantees unforgettable memories.  Head out early with the team to experience paradise, from its pure white sand beaches to the coastal dune system, abundant wildlife, marine life, and verdant rainforest.  Blast down the longest sand highway in the world and dip in Lake Mackenzie’s crystal-clear waters.  There is incredible wildlife to see here.  Prepare to be blown away but its rugged, wild, and isolated beauty.  

Things get pretty tropical where you are going next, with a base in one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations, Airlie Beach.   Located in the heart of the Whitsundays, it is the perfect jumping-off spot for a day trip to the jaw-droppingly beautiful region, surrounded by the coral sea, home to the Great Barrier Reef.  This is the place for exploring this extensive coral ecosystem, its spectacular array of marine life, and crystal clear turquoise waters.

Next up is a two-night stay on Magnetic Island, home to many Australian wildlife, from koalas to wallabies and possums. Head over by ferry before enjoying a hike to watch the spectacular sunset, with unobstructed views across the coral sea; the sunsets here are literally to die for. Next morning experience a uniquely Aussie breakfast experience with a slap-up feed at Selina Koala Village set amongst native trees. A wildlife ranger will introduce you to some of the residences of the onsite wildlife sanctuary.  

The last destination on the itinerary is Cairns.  Get acquainted with traditional bush cuisine with an incredible dining experience hosted by a local chef who demonstrates the uses of native ingredients before enjoying a traditional dinner using the native game.  

Join an expert guide for a guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest and most diverse in the world.  As part of this Make Travel Matter experience meet with the local Kuku Yalanji people and learn more about the history and culture of the Aboriginal people.  Next, head over to the Janbal gallery to meet with an Aboriginal artist to explore the artistic expression of Dreamtime and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece.  Spend your last day in Cairns taking in the sights or join an optional extra Great Barrier Reef cruise.  

This incredible adventure takes in the breadth of Australia’s stunning East Coast for an epic journey of beaches, wildlife, and stunning tropical destinations.  

• 13 nights in hostels, 2 nights in an eco-camp
• 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Expert trip manager, driver and local guides
• Day trip to the Blue Mountains
• Guided tour of Sydney, including Bondi Beach and the Opera House. 
• Flight to Byron Bay and a surf lesson 
• Fraser Island Day Trip
• Flight Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Day trip to the Whitsundays
• Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.  
• Ferry to Magnetic Island 
• Magnetic Island Sunset Hike and champagne 
• Breakfast with koalas on Magnetic Island
• Train to Cairns
• Make Travel Matter bush tucker dinner experience
• Guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest
• Immersive Make Travel Matter Aboriginal Art Class

Are you craving fresh powder? Dreaming of hitting the Canadian slopes for some world-class skiing and snowboarding?

Contiki’s Powder Rush Tour offers the ultimate Canadian Ski adventure on this 9-day tour for snow lovers.  Join a maximum group of 52 other powder hounds for your best winter holiday yet.  

This trip is perfect for meeting new slope buddies, sharing snow stories, and experiencing Canada’s stunning natural beauty. Your expert trip manager will set the vibes and get the excitement going, and your expert driver will handle the logistics.

Begin this epic adventure in the pumping city of Vancouver, where snow-capped mountains meet the shores of the Pacific.  

Jump aboard the comfortable Contiki coach to trace the coastline on the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway.  Keep your eyes open because the scenery is out of this world, with epic coastal views, rugged snowcapped mountains, the winding Squamish River, and lush forested hillsides.  

With anticipation kicking in, arrive at the legendary Whistler, home to the mighty Coast Mountain range, bucket loads of snow, and an electric apres-scene.  Spend a three-night stay in North America’s largest ski resort.  With varied skiing terrain and some of the best backcountry in Canada, Whistler has something for everyone.  Contiki has local connections and can hook you up with great deals on lessons.  

You might be sad to leave Whistler’s stunning slopes but fear not; your travel crew is headed to the magnificent Banff National Park.  Jump on board a flight to Calgary before a short drive takes you to Banff.  

This place is outdoor magic in all its glory, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains.  With its timeless natural beauty, the park is one of the biggest in Canada and home to next-level skiing and snowboard terrain.  

With three ski resorts in the park, you are spoilt for choice.  Banff Mount Norquay is located minutes from Banff town. It has approximately 60 runs, a terrain park, and also offers night skiing.  Lake Louise is Bannff’s most extensive area and has several terrain parks, good access to incredible back-country skiing, and amazing views of the Rocky Mountains and Lake Louise. 

Sunshine Village spreads across three mountains, has expansive views and access to the continental divide, and is located at an incredibly high altitude, benefiting from excellent snow conditions.  The choice is yours!

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is a wide range of activities in the national park, from hiking to dog sledding, glacier hiking, and canyoning.  Your trip manager will help you out with any advice you need.  Exhausted from all the activity? Check out the natural hot springs or get out and enjoy the town’s lively apres-ski scene.   

When packing up your gear and waving goodbye to new friends, transport is provided to Calgary for your departure point.  

This tour offers an incredible way to visit two of Canada’s premium winter destinations, meet new friends, ski and snowboard to your heart’s content, and experience jaw-dropping mountain scenery.  

• Expert trip manager and driver
• Eight breakfasts
• Three-night accommodation and stay at Whistler Ski Resort
• Flight to Calgary
• Four Nights Accommodation and stay at Banff National Park
• Departure Point in Calgary

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Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Russia Tours

• Accommodation
• Travel Guide
• Best Time To Visit

IMPORTANT:  TOURS TO RUSSIA ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

Our Russia Trips

Trip Style: Classic, Overland

Highlights of Russia

120 reviews

Trip Style: Discovery, Overland

Golden Ring of Russia

Trip Style: In-Depth Explorer, Overland

Best of Russia

Russia accommodation.

Please find below the 4 & 3 Star hotels and sleeper cabin train used on our Russia trips. All accommodation is carefully hand-selected to satisfy our standards in terms of quality, authenticity and location for you to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable holiday.

OKTIABRSKAYA HOTEL

St.petersburg.

Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, a 2-minute walk from the Nevsky Prospekt and Vostania Metro Station. The hotel offers rooms with stylish interiors

IZMAILOVO DELTA HOTEL

This hotel is located near Moscow Izmailovsky Park, The Partizanskaya Metro Station is only 150 m away. Moscow city centre is a 15 min metro ride

PERESLAVL HOTEL

Pereslavl zalesskiy.

Pereslavl hotel is in center of the town, very close to Krasnaya Square, this hotel has sauna where you can enjoy after a long day, relaxing.

ECO HOTEL SUZDAL INN

This hotel is centrally located hotel, it offers spa to it’s guests, it’s in walking distance to The Suzdal Museum of Wooden Architecture

SLEEPER CABIN TRAIN

St.petersburg to moscow.

Sleeper cabin is for 4 travelers with 2 upper and 2 lowers beds. Each compartment has a table, a mirror, lockable doors and panoramic window.

Russia Sights Map

Explore the fascinating history of the Red Square, visit the spectacular Kremlin and let the architecture of the St. Basil’s Cathedral leave you speechless.

Kremlin Palace

Also one of the largest museums in the world, this breath-taking complex from the 14th century includes 5 palaces, 4 cathedrals, the Kremlin Wall and Towers.

The Red Square

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow, home to Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb and the number one witness of Russia’s history.

St Petersburg

Get surrounded by the glorious monuments of the cultural capital of Russia; discover the Nevsky Prospect, Church of the Spilled Blood, Hermitage, and many more.

The spectacular palace built in the 18th century by Catherine the Great became one of the world’s largest museum complexes with more than three million art pieces.

Church of Spilled Blood

An architectural masterpiece with the combination of baroque, classical and modernist styles. This church was built where Tsar II Alexander was assassinated.

Russia Travel Guide

• Original passport, valid for more than 6 months with at least 2 blank pages for visa
• Application form
• One passport-style photograph
• Other documents including proof of address
• Tourist visa support documents (will be provided by Travel Talk upon full payment)
• Applicable fee
• Visa requirements for Australian Residents please visit: http://www.sydneyrussianconsulate.com/
• Visa requirements for New Zealand Residents please visit: http://www.newzealand.mid.ru/tourist-visas.htm
• Visa requirements for UK Residents please visit: http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/
• Visa requirements for American Residents please visit: http://www.russianembassy.org/
• Visa requirements for Canadian Residents please visit: http://www.rusembassy.ca

Russia Tours - FAQ

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a tourist visa to travel to Russia. The visa cannot be obtained at the Russian border. Therefore, you should apply for your tourist visa prior to travelling. A Russian tourist visa can only be provided to passengers who have booked and confirmed their travel arrangements. Processing times and fees vary per application location, nationality and travelling dates. Visas are typically issued for a maximum of 30 days. To apply for a Russian Tourist Visa you will need several documents including:

This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with short notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all required travel documents are ready when travelling.

All foreign nationals are required to have a visa to travel to Russia. You cannot apply for a Russian visa at the border, you need to apply and obtain it in advance from the Russian Embassy. Processing time and fees vary according to nationality and country of residence.

To apply for a Russian Tourist Visa, you will need several documents including:

• Tourist visa support documents (will be provided by Travel Talk upon full payment & receipt of your passport information)

Yes, we provide you with the ‘Tourist visa support documents’ required for your visa application. Once the full payment for your booking is completed, we will email you a list of the information needed to prepare your visa support document together with your tour voucher.

Yes, all passengers travelling with Travel Talk must have travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip.

It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance in place. You may read more about this here .

The best time to visit Russia is between seasons, such as spring and early autumn. Summer in Russia is a special season and the most popular time to visit due to the warm pleasant weather. Visiting Russia in the winter can also be rewarding as you may witness this remarkable country under a blanket of snow, although the temperatures drop significantly.

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants across Russia. Many internet cafes can be found in the cities as well. Alternatively, purchasing a Russian SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective option. Your tour leader will be happy to advise on this. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G.

Mobile coverage is generally quite good in Russia, however may be unavailable in remote areas. Make sure to enable global roaming before leaving home to be able to use your mobile. International roaming may be costly, we recommend to speak to your mobile provider. Alternatively, purchasing a Russian SIM card can be a cost-effective option, your guide will be happy to advise on this.

Russian Ruble is the currency used in Russia. Please see some approximate prices to give you and idea; Street food in Moscow

• Street food in Moscow, grilled chicken: 3.50 USD ~ 250 RUB
• Baked potatoes with cheese: 2.70 USD ~ 190 RUB
• Sandwich: 0.70 USD ~ 50 RUB
• A restaurant meal: 15 – 25 USD ~ 1100 – 1900 RUB
• Cappuccino take out on the street: 1.50 USD ~ 110 RUB
• A pint of beer 2 – 3 USD ~ 150 – 220 RUB

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Russia unless it is clearly stated to be safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and available throughout the country. However please consider using a reusable water bottle, especially if you’re on a longer trip, and reduce your use of plastic. Alternatively, you may carry water purification tablets with you.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants in Russia, however some museums, train stations and small shops only accept cash. We would recommend to carry some cash with you for small purchases.

ATMs are easily found all around Russian cities, however are not as common in remote areas or smaller towns. Although they usually offer good exchange rates, some networks may charge heavy transaction fees. Let your credit/debit card provider know where you’re going to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud .

Russia tours include arrival airport transfer if your flight lands on the first day of your tour between 5am and 11:30pm. You must inform our call centre or [email protected] of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travelers) at least 15 days prior to your departure date.

If you do not receive confirmation that your pick-up is arranged, please contact us. You will be welcomed by our representative holding a Travel Talk sign at the airport. Departure transfer is not available in Russia.

The welcome meeting will be with the group and your guide at 6pm in the hotel lobby. You can view your arrival information from the link below. If there is any change in your arrival hotel, we will send you an e-mail to inform you before the trip. https://www.traveltalktours.com/russia-arrival-hotels/

Depending on the dates and hotel availability, we may be able to arrange pre/post-tour accommodation.

Pre/Post-Accommodation in Russia includes only breakfasts, airport transfers won’t be available.

Solo travellers often join our tours to meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, forming longstanding friendships. We also strive to provide a relaxed and sociable tour experience to allow the group to weld throughout the journey.

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement.

There are always solo travelers on our tours. If you don’t mind being roomed with another single traveler of the same gender, you do not need to pay the supplement. Single supplement is for travelers who would like to stay in a single room for the duration of their tour.

Please note that the single supplement may be required for sailing tours as gullets have double cabins.

Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly. [email protected] 0208 099 9596

Our tours do not include airfare to/from the destination, and we do not advise on, ticket or sell flights. It is your responsibility to make it to the starting point of your tour on time.

If you provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking, we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements where available. You can leave a comment under the “Notes” section when making an online booking or simply contact us. Please note that gluten-free & vegan options may be limited in the country.

The Russian Ruble (RUB) is the local currency. You can get Ruble from ATM’s using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit card is less favourable.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. Your tour leader will be pleased to help if you need any assistance.

Good news, there isn’t any luggage restriction on our tours as long as you’re able to carry your own luggage – usually just for a very short distance.

Tipping good service is common in Russia – typically around 10-15% for a restaurant meal.

Your tour guide and crew would be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

You can join a tour late or miss the Welcome Meeting on Day 1 if you inform us prior to the departure date. Please note that it will be your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to catch up with the group.

Please contact us at [email protected] or +44 208 099 9596.

For all emergencies, you can contact +44 208 099 7536 .

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Travel advice, eating and drinking, festivals and events, do i need a visa to travel to russia, do i need to get my visa beforehand or can i get it on arrival at the airport, do you provide tourist visa suppport documents, do i need to purchase travel insurance before travelling to russia, when is the best time to visit russia, what is the internet access like in russia, can i use my mobile while in russia, how much does it cost for a…, can i drink tap water in russia, are credit cards widely accepted in russia, what is atm access like in russia, are airport transfers included and how do i arrange them, where is the welcome meeting on day 1 of my tour, can i book a pre or post tour accommodation, do you have solo travellers on your tours, i’m a solo passenger, do i need to pay single supplement, can i be roomed with my friends, do you arrange flights, will my dietary requirements be catered for, what currency should i bring, is there any luggage restriction, do i need to tip, what if i join the tour late.

• A restaurant meal: 15 - 25 USD ~ 1100 - 1900 RUB
• A pint of beer 2 - 3 USD ~ 150 - 220 RUB

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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How florida and arizona supreme court rulings change the abortion access map.

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Hilary Fung

In a few weeks, Florida and Arizona are set to join most states in the southern U.S. in banning abortion. It's a significant shake up to the abortion legal landscape, and data shared exclusively with NPR maps and quantifies what the changes will mean for millions of Americans.

On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court cleared the way for an 1864 law to be enforced. That law completely bans abortion except when someone's life is in danger. Last week, the Florida Supreme Court made its decision to allow a ban on abortions after six weeks gestation to take effect on May 1.

Caitlin Myers , an economics professor at Middlebury College in Vermont, has been tracking abortion facilities and travel distances since 2009. She analyzed how these latest rulings will affect the access map.

"Because of these bans, it's about 6 million women of reproductive age who are experiencing an increase in distance of more than 200 miles," she says.

She points out that Floridians who are seeking abortions after six weeks will have to travel nearly 600 miles to North Carolina, which has a 72-hour waiting period. "So we're talking about a day's drive to a state that requires you to engage in this multi-day process," Myers says. "A lot of people might end up going several hundred miles further to Virginia."

For people in Arizona, after the 1864 law takes effect, "their nearest destinations are pretty long drives. They're going to be facing hundreds of miles to reach southern California, New Mexico, Colorado," Myers says. "I think Arizona spillover is likely to affect California in a way that California hasn't yet been affected by bans."

Myers helms the Myers Abortion Facility Database . She has gathered data about facilities – including clinics, doctors, and hospitals that publicly indicated that they provide abortions – going back more than a decade, using data licensure databases, directories, and Wayback Machine captures of websites from years past. She uses a team of undergraduate research assistants to periodically call facilities and make sure the information is up to date.

Numbers of abortions rise in Florida, decline in Arizona

Although Florida and Arizona have historically both been politically purple states and both have had 15-week abortion bans since 2022, the states have been on different trajectories when it comes to abortion and play very different roles in their regions.

There were about 12,000 abortions in Arizona in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute , a research organization that supports abortion rights. Out-of-state travel accounted for 3% of abortions in the state, and the overall number of abortions has been declining there in recent years, Guttmacher finds.

By contrast, there were nearly 85,000 abortions in Florida in 2023, according to state data , just a few thousand fewer than Illinois, which has positioned itself as a haven for people seeking abortions in the post- Roe era. And the number of abortions happening in the state has been on the rise. "The majority of the increase has been driven by out-of-state travel into Florida because of bans in surrounding states," explains Isaac Maddow-Zimet , a Guttmacher data scientist. "That really speaks to the role that Florida has played in the region where there really aren't many other options."

The Alliance Defending Freedom, which brought the case in Arizona, frames those affected by the new laws in a different way. "We celebrate the Arizona Supreme Court's decision that allows the state's pro-life law to again protect the lives of countless, innocent unborn children," the organization wrote in a statement this week .

Even with new bans in place, there are a few ways residents of Florida and Arizona will be able to access abortion without driving hundreds of miles. People with means will be able to fly to states where abortion access is protected. Others will be able to use telehealth to connect with providers in those states and receive abortion medication in the mail – a practice that has been growing in popularity in recent months. Telehealth medication abortions, though, could be curtailed by a pending case before the U.S. Supreme Court. (A decision in that case is expected this summer.)

In Florida, some will be able to get abortions before the six-week gestational limit, which is about two weeks after a missed period. "Folks have a really narrow window in order to meet that gestational duration limit if they even know about their pregnancy in time," Maddow-Zimet of Guttmacher explains. "And that's something that's particularly difficult in Florida because Florida requires an in-person counseling visit 24 hours before the abortion."

'A substantial barrier'

Many thousands of people in Florida and Arizona will be unable to navigate those options and will carry their pregnancies instead, Myers says.

"It's easy to think – if an abortion is so important to somebody, they will find a way, they will figure it out," she says, but research on people seeking abortions illustrates why that's not always possible. "[Many] are low income. They're in very difficult life circumstances. They're experiencing disruptive life events like the loss of a job or breaking up with a partner or threatened eviction. Many of them are parenting and have difficulty obtaining child care." One large study showed about 80% of people seeking abortions had subprime credit scores.

"If you think about all that, it is perhaps not so surprising that the results of my research and other people's research shows very strongly and unequivocally that distance is a substantial barrier to people who are seeking abortions," Myers says.

Mary Ziegler , a law professor and historian of reproductive rights at the University of California - Davis, says it's worth noting how these states both came to have new bans. "The common denominator is conservative state supreme courts reaching decisions contrary to what voters would want, interestingly, in an election year when those judges are facing retention elections," she says.

Voters in Florida will have a chance to weigh in on abortion access in November, when an amendment to their state constitution will be on the ballot. An effort to put an abortion amendment on the ballot in Arizona is also underway. Abortions rights opponents in both states have pledged to fight the measures.

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Sydney knife attacker shot dead after killing 5 in Bondi, police say

An attacker who fatally knifed five people in a Sydney mall was shot dead by police in Sydney's beachside suburb of Bondi on Saturday, police said, as hundreds fled the scene.

A Russia-installed official in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region said on Saturday that shelling by Ukraine's military had killed eight people, including two children, in the town of Tokmak.

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April 12, 2024 - The latest on the 2024 campaign

By Aditi Sangal , CNN

Trump says he would testify in his New York criminal hush money trial

From CNN's Kate Sullivan

Former President Donald Trump said Friday he would testify at his New York criminal hush money trial that is set to begin next week.

“Yeah, I would testify,” Trump said at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago as he continued railing against the charges against him.

“I’m testifying. I tell the truth. I mean, all I can do is tell the truth. And the truth is that there’s no case, they have no case,” he added.

Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records over the reimbursement of hush money payments made before the 2016 election. The former president has pleaded not guilty. 

"A second Trump term would be even worse," Harris says as she blames him for recent Arizona abortion ruling

From CNN's Donald Judd

Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Donald Trump for his role in rolling back abortion protections across the country and issued a stark warning of what a second Trump term would look like if the former president is reelected in November.

“As much harm as he has already caused, a second Trump term would be even worse,” she told supporters in Tucson, Arizona, on Friday.

“Donald Trump's friends in the United States Congress are trying to pass a national ban,” she warned. “And understand, a national ban would outlaw abortion in every state, even states like New York and California. And now, Trump wants us to believe he will not sign a national ban ? Enough with the gaslighting. Enough with the gaslighting.” 

The vice president touched on an Arizona Supreme Court ruling earlier this week that reverted the state to an 1864 abortion ban with no exceptions save for the life of the mother, telling the crowd the law now means “the women here live under one of the most extreme abortion bans in our nation.”

“What has happened here in Arizona is a new inflection point — it has demonstrated once and for all that overturning Roe was just the opening act, just the opening act of a larger strategy to take women's rights and freedoms,” she continued. “Part of a full-on attack, state by state on reproductive freedom — and we all must understand who is to blame. Former President Donald Trump did this.”

All that, she said, stands in contrast to the Biden administration, which she pledged would sign a law codifying abortion protections into law if passed by Congress.

Judge rejects Trump's latest attempt to delay hush money trial over pretrial publicity 

From CNN’s Jeremy Herb

Judge Juan Merchan has rejected yet another attempt by Donald Trump to delay his criminal  hush money trial  set to begin in New York on Monday.

Merchan issued an order Friday denying a motion from the former president's attorneys to delay the trial due to excessive pretrial publicity. 

The ruling is hardly a surprise, and the latest in a series of decisions by the court this week rejecting Trump's 11th-hour attempts to stop his first criminal trial. 

Trump's attorneys had made the request to file the motion at a pretrial hearing last month. Merchan has already denied a similar attempt, but allowed them to file the motion anyway.

"The remedy that Defendant seeks is an indefinite adjournment. This is not tenable," Merchan wrote Friday.

"The situation Defendant finds himself in now is not new to him and at least in part, of his own doing," the judge also wrote.

Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records over the reimbursement of hush money payments made before the 2016 election to an adult film star alleging an affair a decade earlier. Trump had pleaded not guilty and denied the affair. 

Jury selection in the trial begins Monday. 

Trump endorses primary challenger to GOP House member who voted to impeach him

From CNN's Melanie Zanona and Kate Sullivan

Former President Donald Trump endorsed a Republican opponent to GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington, one of the only remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the January 6 insurrection.

Trump’s endorsement of Jerrod Sessler came moments before Trump took the stage at Mar-a-Lago with Speaker Mike Johnson, who has previously lobbied the former president to support Republican incumbents facing MAGA-fueled primary challenges.

Of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, only Newhouse and Rep. David Valadao of California are still in Congress.

In a social media post , Trump called Newhouse a “weak and pathetic RINO” and said he has “to go.”

Trump asks judge to amend jury questions ahead of Manhattan hush money trial

From CNN’s Kara Scannell

Lawyers for Donald Trump asked the judge overseeing the criminal  hush money case  to alter his plans for handling jury selection days before the historic trial is set to get underway next week.

On Monday, Judge Juan Merchan outlined how he would handle jury selection, advising that he would ask the pool of jurors whether anyone felt they couldn’t be fair or impartial or otherwise serve in the case and then excuse those who raised their hands without inquiring further. Trump’s lawyers initially asked the judge for the ability to question each of the jurors, but the judge said that is “unnecessary, time-consuming, and of no benefit.”

In a letter Friday afternoon, Trump’s attorneys said that approach is “inadequate because the plan would not create a sufficient record for the purpose of any necessary appellate review, or a venue-change motion.”

Instead, they are asking the judge to distinguish between jurors who said they can’t be fair and those who are otherwise unable to serve. “That clarity is necessary so that President Trump can present arguments to the First Department, if and when necessary, regarding the number of potential jurors who believed they harbored a disqualifying bias before questioning, as well as the number of additional potential jurors who reveal a disqualifying bias during questioning.” 

The filing comes as Trump is continuing to attempt to build a case for his appeals.  Earlier this week  Trump’s lawyers tried to stop the trial arguing the former president can’t get a fair trial in Manhattan and have appealed seeking a venue change. Briefs are due later this month.

On Friday Trump’s lawyers also argued the jury questionnaire lacks a question to “identify potential jurors who align with rival political parties that are not necessarily ‘anti-Trump’ but could still support a disqualifying bias that is worth of follow-up inquiry by the defense.”

If the judge doesn’t amend the questions, Trump’s lawyers ask that they be allowed to ask questions to explore any affiliations. 

Trump on the motion to vacate procedural tool in the House: "It's unfortunate that people bring it up"

Former President Donald Trump on Friday said he thought it was “unfortunate that people bring it up” when asked about the procedural tool in the House of Representatives known as the motion to vacate that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is trying to use to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson.

“Well, it’s unfortunate that people bring it up because right now we have much bigger problems. The country is a, we’re a nation in decline,” Trump said standing alongside Johnson at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

What to know: The motion to vacate the speaker’s chair can trigger a House floor vote to oust the speaker.

As Rep. Kevin McCarthy was trying to secure the speaker’s gavel last year, he and his allies made a series of concessions to conservatives. One major concession was to restore the ability of any one member to offer a motion to vacate. Greene filed a motion to oust Johnson from the speakership last month amid anger about the government funding bill from the House Republican Conference’s right flank. 

Fact Check: Trump says 15 million migrants have entered the US under Biden 

From CNN’s Danya Gainor

While raising concerns about the security of the border under President Joe Biden's administration, former President Donald Trump said "millions and millions of people are pouring in" to the US, and that "we probably have 15 million" migrants.

He made the comments during his joint news conference with House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday.

Facts First:   Trump’s figure about how many migrants have crossed the border under the Biden administration is inflated. 

As of March, US Customs and Border Protection has  recorded  nearly 9.4 million border encounters nationwide since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. 

While millions of people are not “pouring” into the US at one time, the nation continues to  grapple  with a migrant surge at the southern border.

Trump says he no longer backs federal abortion ban because "we don’t need it any longer"

Former President Donald Trump on Friday said the reason he reversed his position from when he was in office and would no longer sign a federal abortion ban was because in the wake of the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, “we don’t need it any longer.” 

“And the states are working very brilliantly, in some cases conservative and some cases not conservative, but they’re working and it’s working the way it’s supposed to,” Trump said. 

As a 2016 presidential candidate, Trump sent a letter to anti-abortion leaders committing to signing legislation that would have criminalized abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for instances in which the life of the mother is at risk or cases involving rape or incest. Trump reiterated his support for the bill in 2018 when he was president.

Trump said Wednesday he would not sign a national abortion ban if elected to the White House again after saying he thought states and voters should decide how and when to restrict abortion. 

Judge appears skeptical as Trump co-defendants seek to get some charges dismissed in classified documents case

By CNN's Hannah Rabinowitz, Tierney Sneed and Holmes Lybrand

A federal judge appeared dubious of efforts by former President Donald Trump’s two co-defendants in  the classified documents case  to get the charges against them thrown out and to get more information from prosecutors about the charges.

The hearing in Fort Pierce, Florida, in front of US District Judge Aileen Cannon was the first major test of the obstruction case that  special counsel Jack Smith  has brought against two Trump employees, his valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira.

Even though Cannon wasn’t considering any of Trump’s requests for the case’s dismissal Friday, how she responds to his co-defendants’ arguments about the obstruction charges will likely shape how the presumptive Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election moves forward with his defense.

During the hearing, Cannon grilled attorneys for Nauta and De Oliveira about their arguments that the charges against their clients lacked adequate clarity. The Trump employees are accused of conspiring to help Trump hide documents at the Florida estate after he left the White House and lying to the FBI in interviews about their alleged involvement in moving the documents.  They have pleaded not guilty.

Read more here about today's hearing in Florida.

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Pope will travel to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in longest trip of papacy

FILE -Pope Francis waves as he leaves after his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced Friday, April 12 ,2024, confirming the longest trip of Francis’ papacy that is sure to test his health, stamina and mobility. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced Friday, confirming the longest trip of Francis’ papacy that is sure to test his health, stamina and mobility.

The Vatican confirmed the Sept. 2-13 visit, saying the 87-year-old pope would visit Jakarta, Indonesia; Port Moresby and Vanimo, Papua New Guinea; Dili, East Timor; and Singapore. Further details will be announced later.

Francis’ health has become a source of increasing concern and speculation, even though the pontiff is able to carry on with a rigorous schedule of meetings at the Vatican and even excursions to local parishes.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, had to cancel a planned visit to Dubai late last year after he came down with a bad case of bronchitis. He suffered from respiratory problems all winter and had to curtail his participation in Holy Week events to save his energy for Easter.

Francis has also been using a wheelchair for nearly two years because of bad knee ligaments, and has said that traveling has become increasingly more difficult.

And yet at 11 days, the trip would be the longest of Francis’ papacy, outpacing by a few days some of his long trips to the Americas early on in his 11-year papacy. It will bring the Argentine Jesuit to the world’s most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia, as well as the former Portuguese colony of East Timor, where the Catholic Church wields enormous influence.

There is also a chance of another leg to the trip being added later: This week, the Vatican foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, was in Vietnam and discussed a papal visit, Vatican News reported, without providing details.

In a statement announcing the visit, the Indonesian foreign ministry welcomed the visit and recalled that it had originally been scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia holds significant importance to the Indonesian people, not only for Catholics but also for all religious communities. The visit is also expected to strengthen the message of tolerance, unity and world peace,” the statement said.

Indonesia is home to roughly 242 million Muslims and 29 million Christians — 8.5 million of whom are Catholics — according to a 2022 report by the Religious Affairs Ministry.

East Timor, which today has a population of about 1.2 million people, is Southeast Asia’s only predominantly Christian nation with the exception of the Philippines. According to the 2015 census, 97.6% of East Timor’s population is Catholic.

The visit to East Timor will likely reignite attention over a clergy sex abuse scandal involving its revered independence hero and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Vatican confirmed in 2022 that it had sanctioned Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo following allegations that he sexually abused boys there during the 1990s. Belo is believed to now be living in Portugal.

Francis will be the first pope to visit Papua New Guinea since St. John Paul II went there in 1984. The country, in a strategically important part of the South Pacific, has struggled with tribal violence and civil unrest.

John Paul also visited Singapore, in 1986. The country today is home to 395,000 Catholics and Francis in 2022 made its archbishop Singapore’s first cardinal.

In a statement welcoming the visit, Cardinal William Goh, said it “will bring renewed fervor to all Catholics in Singapore, uniting them in faith and mission, especially in these most challenging of times.”

The Vatican has planned only one other papal trip this year — to Belgium to celebrate the anniversary of the country’s Catholic university. Francis has also said he wants to return to his native Argentina , but no plans or dates have been announced.

Karmini contributed from Jakarta, Indonesia.