Contiki Tours

[adpiucf]

Has anyone here done a Europe tour with Contiki? Any advice? I've never been and am planning to do one of them this summer-- probably for a month. I want to see as much as possible of Western Europe (incl. Greece) and I'll probably tack on a few days in London at the beginning.

I know many of you will advise to go it alone b/c I'll have more fun, but I know me and I know I want a tour guide. I'm also traveling solo, so I prefer to go with a tour group.

Has anyone done Contiki?

[OtterXO]

I have a lot of friends who have done them. From what I've heard the plus side is it's already planned and booked so you just go and don't worry about the planning. The minus is that if you want to spend extra time in a place you fall in love with....you can't. Also, I've heard that some stops are a bit rushed. Overall they really liked it though....a good way to see a lot in one trip.

[deadbear80]

I did a Contiki tour of Western Europe after I studied in Spain for a summer as an undergrad. That was 7 years ago (and I was 19 then)--but I had a good time. Yes, it's nice to know where you're going ahead of time and know that you don't have to book rooms in advance or anything. I also enjoyed the bus ride--I got to see a lot of Europe I wouldn't have seen otherwise. Most of the cities you do enough where you can get a good feel for where you were--even with the short time. However, some cities in Italy, and Paris are short stays where you'll never see everything you want to (and you'll have to pick and choose wisely). I had already been to Paris prior to my trip, so I wasn't too upset about that; I know I would've been if it were my first time there.

Are you going alone? I went with a girl I knew from college who did the same summer program in Spain I was doing. It was nice to share a room with someone and know someone ahead of time. She, however, became sort of annoying and I spent a lot of time with other people on my trip. There were a few solos but more people who came in 2s or 3s so if you're alone you should be fine--but don't be surprised if everyone on your tour came with a buddy.

I also went before the Euro was in existence--so things were cheaper then.
If you have more specifics, feel free to PM me; I'm happy to share.
Have fun on your trip!