Why should we travel with Contiki?
We asked Contiki why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
Contiki are the world leaders in travel experiences for 18-35’s. We exist to connect young travellers to the time of their lives. We believe in real experiences and we care about making sure these experiences contribute positively to the people and places we visit. We are focused on discovery, once-in-a-lifetime moments, human connections, and making every second of being young count.
For over 55 years we’ve been perfecting the secret formula to the perfect trip - we know you’re after unique experiences, local insight and accommodation that’s read more more than a place to sleep. We run over 350 trips across 6 continents, each one designed to get to the beating heart of a destination, understanding the local way of life, unearthing unforgettable experiences and creating lifelong memories. Real experiences, unique accommodation, local food, the best team and awesome people all deliver Contiki’s no regrets experience.
What types of trips do Contiki offer?
Coach Tours
18-to-30's
Sailing Trips
Festivals & Events
Short Breaks
Contiki snapshot

Total No. Tours
233

Departures
4,514

Average tour length
13 days

Average price per day
$297
Our thoughts...
The low down on Contiki from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Over 35? Then Contiki is not for you. With tours and adventures designed for the 18-35's through Asia, Africa, North and South America and Europe, you'll need lots of energy for the good times ahead. Traditionally Contiki trips have been known for their late nights, lots of sleeping on the coach, and some sightseeing on the side. Contiki's philosophy of #NOREGRETS is about changing your perspective on the world, walking in others shoes, witnessing different cultures, religions, and ways of living. But most of all, it’s about living life out loud, unashamedly and completely, loving every single second of being young!
Who travels with Contiki?
Primarily social travellers aged 18-35 from around the world, including a high proportion of solo travellers.
What's the age range on a Contiki tour?
18-35 years only.
How many people will we be travelling with?
In Europe and most of North America and New Zealand, groups generally range from 24 to 53 travellers. In Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, groups are typically smaller at around 12 to 30.
I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?
Yes. Around 70% of Contiki travellers join their trip solo, making it particularly well suited to travellers wanting to meet people of a similar age.
What percentage of people travel solo with you?
70%
Do you offer single rooms?
Yes. A single supplement applies and single-room pricing and availability is shown for each departure.
Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?
Yes. Twin or multi-share same-sex accommodation is standard on many trips, with up to six guests sharing in some properties and up to eight at festivals.
How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?
Accommodation varies by destination and trip style and can include hotels, hostels, lodges, resorts, boats, glamping, safari camps and distinctive Special Stays.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the tour price shown?
Meals not specified, optional Free Time Add-Ons, extra sightseeing, alcoholic drinks, shopping and evening entertainment.
Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?
Yes. Trips are managed by an expert Contiki Trip Manager, who generally stays with the group throughout the journey, supported by a Driver where applicable.
Do you use local guides?
Yes. Local guides are used for selected city tours, sightseeing and destination experiences.
How much free time will we have on a Contiki trip?
Significant free time is built into itineraries, allowing travellers to explore independently, relax or choose optional Free Time Add-Ons.
How fit do we need to be?
-
Recent Contiki reviews
Tick the box itinerary but socially difficult 0
Ellen, NSW, Australia, Jul 2025
Managed to see everything. Was a thrilling experience that managed to avoid early exhaustion by stopping in each location for a bit longer. Definitely good if you want to see different tourist cities in Italy quickly though certainly doesn't encapsulate everything. My main difficulty was with the group dynamic and as a solo traveller I found it challenging read more to fit in especially as I wasn't so much as the party instagram type and was more focused on the historical background of the sites.
Great Tour 1
Millie, NSW, Australia, Jun 2024
Great tour starting in Barcelona and ending in London. It was also good how you get to spend two nights in certain cities. The local dinner in Italy was a highlight and recommended!
Gorgeous Greece 1
Millie, NSW, Australia, Jun 2024
I you love swimming, blue water and heat, you will love this tour. Greece was gorgeous and the places visited amazing.
Breathtaking tour along the Mediterranean Coast 3
Ed, QLD, Australia, May 2024
This was my second trip with Contiki. I joined the London to Vienna Trail two weeks earlier and then joined this trip in June with a gap in between. It was an unforgettable experience, from our very first stop in Nice I knew I was in for a great time. All the included and optional experiences were loads of fun and really brought the group closer together, read more I made great friends and amazing memories all while traveling along the Mediterranean in Summer! All the accommodation was comfortable and clean and my Contiki tour guide and coach driver were always friendly and made traveling from place to place stress free.
Our tour guide was super helpful by doing some of our thinking for us by letting us know of the best places to eat or to get a drink wherever we were. Booking with Global Journeys made traveling to Europe a whole lot easier. My advisor Sam was always really friendly and informative, always letting me know what I needed to do in preparation of my trip and making sure I didn't miss any deadlines for anything which made my life a lot easier.
Amazing tour through Europe 1
Ed, QLD, Australia, May 2024
Every part of this tour was so much fun! From the canal cruise in Amsterdam to the classical music night in Vienna - I enjoyed every moment of it. My Contiki tour guide and coach driver made traveling stress free, it was so nice not having to worry about how I was going to get from place to place so i could just enjoy each location we went to. The group read more I was traveling with was great, people from all walks of life, all like minded, and all really easy to get along with, I would definitely recommend this trip to any future travellers.
Booking through Global Journeys made my life so much easier. My agent Sam was incredibly helpful, he pretty much sorted everything out for me and made sure I didn't miss any of my deadlines which made the entire process a lot less stressful.
Contiki's most popular trips this month...
Why should we travel with Topdeck?
We asked Topdeck why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
Topdeck's origin story was small group touring. It was 14 absolute adventurers who were fun and spirited and ready to go out there and see everything. At the end of the 90's and into the 2000's, Topdeck moved to large coaches and now we're returning to or roots. Our travellers don’t see bigger groups as ‘more social’ -they want to connect quickly, with like-minded people, in a way that feels less overwhelming and less intrusive.
Small group touring unlocks up so many opportunities. We can now get into local tavernas or hole-in-the-wall restaurants, read more sit family-style, and build that cultural connection. We can run small optional expereinces and secure entry to highlights like the Alhambra much more easily than with a large coach. It makes each experience more immersive and flexible.
What’s changed is the trip itself: better choice of centrally located accommodation, richer in-destination experiences, and more inclusivity.
Topdeck snapshot

Total No. Tours
30

Departures
439

Average tour length
13 days

Average price per day
$306
Our thoughts...
The low down on Topdeck from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Topdeck has undergone a complete brand refresh and their big bus tours are out. An all-new portfolio of small group tours for travellers aged 18 to 32 have been released. There's a maximum of 18 travellers on each trip along with a more targeted age range that has narrowed from 18-39 to 18-32. With a renewed focus on connection, Topdeck's small group trips prioritise authentic, genuine interactions with fellow travellers. Smaller groups allow for a more connected and personal exploration of each destination and a more inclusive and communal atmosphere.
While Europe makes up the backbone of Topdeck's range, they also run a series of tours through read more Asia, Egypt, Morocco and New Zealand. Topdeck's new trips take advantage of public transport where they can - like the use trains over coaches to allow more time in key cities and less time spent travelling.
Who travels with Topdeck?
Young travellers aged 18 to 32, with a highly social and international guest mix. Around 70% book solo, alongside couples and groups of friends.
What's the age range on a Topdeck tour?
Exclusively designed for travellers aged 18 to 32.
How many people will we be travelling with?
A maximum of 18 travellers on Topdeck's small-group trips.
I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?
Around 70% of Topdeck bookings are made by solo travellers, and being small-groups, it makes it easier to meet other travellers while still providing time to explore independently.
What percentage of people travel solo with you?
70%
Do you offer single rooms?
Yes. Single rooms are available on most trips for an additional charge, with twin and double upgrades also available on many itineraries.
Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers can choose multi-share accommodation with other Topdeck travellers. Room configurations vary by trip, with multi-share rooms typically accommodating around six people in total.
How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?
A mix of centrally located hotels and hostels, with distinctive stays on selected itineraries such as floating bungalows, treehouses, campsites, sailing boats and overnight trains.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the tour price shown?
Arrival and departure transfers, meals not listed as included, optional 'Your Options' activities, entrance fees and excursions not specifically included in the itinerary. Tips are generally included, with some destination and sailing exceptions.
Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?
Yes. A Topdeck Trip Leader accompanies the group, manages the logistics and provides destination recommendations and local insights throughout the journey.
Do you use local guides?
Specialist or local guides may be used for selected experiences, while the main sightseeing and day-to-day journey is led by the Topdeck Trip Leader.
How much free time will we have on a Topdeck trip?
Topdeck aims to provide at least 48 hours in each key city, combining included activities with substantial free time and optional 'Your Options' experiences.
How fit do we need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary and activity. Trips can include extensive sightseeing on foot and optional active experiences, so travellers should check the individual itinerary for any more demanding activities.
Recent Topdeck reviews
Experience of a lifetime 0
RS, ON, Canada, Sep 2025
I have traveled a lot for school and work but this Euro trip was by far the best experience. I got to experience new cultures, try new foods, meet incredible people and have memories for a lifetime with new bonds I created. This is a VERY fast paced trip. It gives you teasers of each city. Be prepared to pack, tour and explore in a short period of time. read more It gave me a broad perspective of the cities I would like to visit again. Thank you for a great tour and a lifetime of memories Topdeck!
Central Europe Highlights 1
Oliver, New Zealand, Jan 2023
Fantastic trip, accommodation and travel were great and the team leader was amazing. Found it a great way to get an overview of Europe, though I think in retrospect more time in fewer places would have been better as at times it felt quite rushed. Ultimately though I was able to see and do what I wanted to do, though each day was fairly jam packed to read more do it all. Really enjoyed myself.
A great getaway, so much to see and do. 3
Jordan, SA, Australia, Aug 2019
Amazing tour and a great group to travel with. Would definitely recommend to others and do again at some stage.
Simple and easy way to see picture-perfect Norway and Mother Russia 4
Denika, QLD, Australia, Jul 2019
The Red Star Special is a long trip (37 days), but you will never want those 37 days to end. It is very fast paced and exhausting tour but really worth it. And you visit all of the places I only used to dream of visiting, ticking off many bucket list items.
This trip takes you up to the top of Europe, stopping at many small towns in Norway. Accommodation read more through Norway is very basic, but they all come with some amazing views (just make sure you bring a sleeping bag). There is a lot of driving, but the group had quite a strong camaraderie which makes the bus days still a lot of fun. To keep the cost down through Norway, a Topdeck Chef travels with you and cooks breakfast, lunch and dinner for you. They are generally basic bulk meals (i.e. lots of pasta, salads, toast/cereal), but still taste good.
There are a large number of people on this trip that only do the Scandinavian section of the trip (leaving before Russia) and a number of people joining for the Russia section. This makes the trip feel like a whole new tour and helps to combat any fatigue you many be feeling from the last 21 days. Russia is equally as amazing as Scandinavia. Don't let the issue of having to get a Russian visa put you off going to Russia. Topdeck use a local Russian guide to take you through St Peters, Novgorod and Moscow. The Russia days have a lot more jam-packed than most of the other days on the trip, with a lot less free time to wander and explore the place yourself. But Topdeck take you to a lot of the places that you would want to see on your own anyway.
If you are looking to see as much as you can in as little time as possible I would recommend this. Our trip leader was highly knowledgeable and always happy to help if you had a question about where to go or what to do. The other people on the trip were mostly from Aus/NZ and were mostly age 25+.
Booking through Global Journeys was easy and I would use them again. Overall this is an amazing trip and I couldn't recommend it enough!
Amazing highlights trip of Europe 3
Brooke, SA, Australia, Jul 2018
My partner and I completed a 34 day discover Europe trip with Top Deck and had the most amazing time. Our tour leader was so professional and incredibly knowledgeable and our driver was amazing. We made life long friends and saw some of the best parts of Europe. Would definitely travel with Top Deck again.
We booked the tour with Jemma through Global read more Journeys. She was brilliant, easy to contact and very efficient. Everything was hassle free, and I would definitely book with Global Journeys again. Overall, brilliant service from all involved and an unforgettable holiday.
Topdeck's most popular trips this month...