worldwide Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America, Mexico & Europe
2010-12
GO contiki.com
2
“By the second day, you’re having such a good time that you forget you only met everyone the day before. ”
3
See the world. The French Riviera. Niagara Falls.The Sydney Opera House. And a market that only the locals know about (second right, in the square). Share the experience. Meet 18-35 year olds from all over the world. Make friends for a week, and know them forever. Love travelling. We’re a family-owned business and we’ve been travelling the world since 1962.We’ll never stop. It’s always different. It’s always fun. It’s always an adventure. That’s the Contiki spirit.
See more, explore more at contiki.com/contiki-experience
4
Meet
Contiki Here’s why people come from all over Europe to see the world with us.
Only for 18-35s. No younger, no older. Meet people your age. Make friends from all over the world, who love travelling and want to have a good time.
The best bits. Lots of holiday. And more of them. Less hassle. The best places to shop in the Big Apple? We’ll tell you. The perfect spot to watch the sun set over Halong Bay? We’ll show you. The best time of the day to see the Mona Lisa in Paris? We’ll take you there. Where to go. What to see. How to get there. Our crew don’t learn from a guidebook. They’re put through their paces on an intensive training trip, so they’ve studied hard, made the grade and they’re ready to help.
Lugging a heavy backpack in the rain? Getting lost? Hanging around, wasting time? Not with Contiki. We do the hard work for you. So you can get on with having a good time. If you’re travelling with us in Europe & starting your tour in London, you can use the Contiki Basement as your London HQ. Store your luggage there. Meet people. And get useful information about London like tips on the cheapest price for shows, tips on the Underground and the best place to exchange money.
More extras. For less. Your Contiki tour gets you lots of extras, for no extra cash. A champagne night tour of Paris. An elephant ride in the Laotian jungle. A trip up the Empire State Building in New York. Learn to throw a boomerang in Aussie. All included (plus more). You’ll know exactly what you get for your money, so you can plan your trip (and your budget) before you go. More on pages 8-9. Then there are the extras you can’t buy. Like charging your phone and gadgets as you travel. There’s more unique Contiki extras on page 6.
5
Still exploring. 48 years on. In 1962 New Zealander John Anderson went to London. He had an idea. He hired a minibus. He filled it with young people who wanted to travel. They toured Europe together. And Contiki was born. 48 years later, the Contiki spirit is stronger than ever. We travel to over 40 countries throughout the world, across 5 continents. We have more fun. We meet more people. And we’re trusted by travellers all over the world.
Free time. Your time.
What’s inside? 2–3 4–5 6 7 7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15
All our tours have free time, every day. So you’ll get plenty of time to do your own thing. Explore the backstreets, find a great place for a bite, or just sit back and chill. It’s your free time, and it’s completely flexible. There’s even more things you can do with our Explore More optional activities (pages 10-11). Whatever you’re into - art, adventure sports, music or food - we’ll sort it out and we’ve negotiated great prices for you.
Intro to Contiki Meet Contiki Uniquely Contiki Real Value. Cool Deals. Going green & contiki.com What’s included in your tour Explore More & optional activities On the road with the Contiki crew On the road accommodation
Where we go 16-35 Contiki in Europe
Know. Then go.
74 tours from 3-46 days
36-43 Contiki in Australia 20 tours from 3-28 days
44-47 Contiki in New Zealand 8 tours from 3-15 days
Check contiki.com for further information on all of our tours, and Definite Departure dates (our most popular tours that are guaranteed to go). There are different ways you can travel with us too – from camping to hotels and a whole lot in between. More on page 14.
48-53 Contiki in Asia 5 tours from 4-28 days
54-63 Contiki in America & Canada 21 tours from 4-25 days
64-65 Contiki in Mexico 3 tours from 6-13 days
66 67 68
Got a question? Booking conditions How to book
To find out more go to contiki.com/contiki-experience
6
Uniquely Contiki. Here’s what makes us different... 18–35 is all we do. No ‘18-30-somethings’. Special places to stay. A 16th century château in France. Cabins set right near the rim of the Grand Canyon. A country homestead in the Australian outback. A hotel metres from the beach in Nha Trang. We’ve got many more exclusive Contiki special stopovers around the world. Contiki’s London Basement. If you’re starting your European tour in London, meet other travellers before & after your tour. Store your bags. Book London tours & shows. All in one place. Lunch your way. We don’t include every meal, especially lunches. So you get plenty of free time to explore, discover & taste flavours from the places you visit. We’re local. More included local guides so you get insider knowledge & lots of included meals in local restaurants. We know more. Our crew spend lots of time on the road learning about the places we visit around the globe. Plus, in Europe, we have 90 extra resident staff to look after you.
Get extra value. With our ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions. Like our Paris illuminations night tour where we treat you to French champagne, cheese & escargot or an Asian elephant ride in the rainforest. There’s lots more on each tour page.
Contiki’s French Château
Charge on the go. Many of our coaches have power outlets on board, so you can charge your phone, mp3 or laptop as you travel. Lots of discounts. Combine our deals, to save even more. Many other companies won’t let you take more than one. We go all over the world. 42 countries across 5 continents. We travel to more places for 1835s than anyone else. And remember, if you book 2 trips at the same time, we’ll give you a discount to say thanks.
Asian elephant ride through the rainforest in Laos
Running for 48 years. We’ve seen what 18-35s like best & our trips include it! We also have the most departures, so it’s easy to find a trip to fit your schedule.
Check out our ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions on the tour pages and at contiki.com/onlywithcontiki
Paris illuminations night tour with Champagne, cheese & escargot
7
Even more savings Pay early. Save more Save up to g235 on your tour if you book & pay 12 months before you leave or save up to g119 on your tour if you book & pay 6 months before you leave. See the tour page to find out your pay early discount.
2 Tours. Save more Book 2 Contiki trips (of 10 days or longer) at the same time. Save g75 on your booking. AUSTRALIA + ASIA AUSTRALIA + NZ AUSTRALIA + AMERICA EUROPE + EUROPE EUROPE + AMERICA EUROPE + ASIA ASIA + NZ
save g75 save g75 save g75 save g75 save g75 save g75 save g75
Join in at contiki.com
Book together. Save more
Our guarantees
4 OR MORE Everyone saves 5%
DEFINITE DEPARTURES We are always updating tours online to a guaranteed to go, Definite Departure status. So you can confidently book ahead & take advantage of airlines early booking deals & Contiki’s early payment discounts. Check contiki.com tour pages for the most up to date info on Definite Departures.
7 OR MORE Everyone saves 7.5% 10 OR MORE Everyone saves 10% Or invite an 11th person for free. It’s up to you. SHARE WITH 3 save 5% on the twin share price when you book a triple room. Available only with European Time Out hotel tours. The facts: all these discounts apply to the land tour price (eg: not flights). You can combine group discounts, 2 tour discounts & early payment discounts on tours of 8 days or longer.
NO SNEAKY SURCHARGES. Contiki has guaranteed no fuel or currency surcharges on all of our coach tours (apart from the government taxes already included in the tour price & cruising). Once you’ve paid your deposit the price of your tour won’t change.
Contiki operate modern, fuel efficient coaches!
Small footprint. Big commitment.
Check out contiki.com/ responsible travel
A Proud Member of
Join Contiki’s community online & get advice from Contiki travellers & read their comments. See tour photos & meet people on your tour before you leave home. We’ve also got our very own wiki: Contikipedia. From the big questions (backpack or suitcase) to the little ones, you’ll find answers on there. You’ll also find detailed trip itineraries, competitions, videos & more.
Our coaches.
Our Foundation.
We want you to see the world. But we also want to look after it.
Contiki is a founding partner of the non-profit Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation. So far, the Foundation has committed over US$2 million to help under-privileged communities & support sustainable tourism around the world.
Compared to cars, planes & trains, coaches have the lowest carbon emissions. In Europe, coach is by far the most carbon efficient way to travel. Our modern, air-conditioned coaches are some of the best in Europe. We make sure our coaches are fuel efficient & exceed Europe’s strict fuel emission regulations. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint even more, you’ll find links on our website to offset. For the whole story see contiki.com/responsibletravel.
Since the Foundation commenced in 2008, it has; – Helped to protect over 3 million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Brazil – Supported indigenous sustainable tourism in The Kimberley, Australia – Supported the construction of 3 conservation wildlife research camps in Northern Botswana – Supported restoration of one of Venice’s finest art treasures, Monument to Canova – Helped develop sustainable tourism practices as a primary sponsor for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Learn more at tltc.com/foundation
8 E XP E RIEN CE IT A LL
MUST-SEE SIGHTS.
Hike the south rim of the Grand Canyon
On every Contiki tour, every day, you’ll get lots of Included Highlights. They’re all included in the price of your tour. Included Highlights are the things you can’t wait to see, like the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Wherever you are, we’ll line up trips to famous monuments, walking and cycling tours with a local guide, organised nights out and some entrance fees. Every day. No more to pay.
The Great Pyramid s in Egypt.
ur o y d Fin uded Incl lights High in Munich. Beerhalls
Cycle tour of Amsterdam.
Feel the spray at Niagara Falls.
Look for Included Highlights in the itinerary section on every tour page. They’re marked in a different colour, like this.
Contiki & UNESCO’s World Heritage sites Most Contiki tours visit one or more World Heritage site. A wonderful way to be culturally immersed in World history. Look for the World Heritage symbol on the tour pages or search for the sites we visit at contiki.com/worldheritagelist.
Partying on the ‘Strip’, Vegas.
Visiting the s. Acropolis in Athen
9
Wine tasting at Contiki’s winery.
Cruise stop on Tonle Sap Lake.
unrise Amazing s t Uluru. a
Peyto Lake, Canada.
See famous cliff divers in Aculpulco.
Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang.
Sampan ride in the Mekong Delta
Riding a trolley in San Francisco.
Cuddling a koala in Aussie.
t off the boa . ia t in Croa
Swimming
on t cruise und. o S Milford
Overnigh
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.
Why not share your experiences with other travellers. check out contiki.com/community
The awesome Southern Alps.
Souvenir shopping in London.
The vineyards of Beaujolais.
re Your experience he
10 E XP E RIEN CE IT A LL
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES As well as all the Included Highlights on our tours, you get plenty of free time to do your own thing – every day.
Harbour Bridge climb, Sydney
Spend more time at one of your new favourite sights, wander round the shops, or just relax. You can also make the most of your free time with our Explore More optional activities. They help turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. We’ve handpicked them because they’re the things our past Contiki travellers loved. Best of all, we’ve negotiated great prices and we can organise everything for you. Watersports in Corfu
To find Explore More choices, look for the orange arrow
NB - remember, some of our optional extras can be physically demanding and involve some risk. It’s important to check your insurance covers you for adventure activities.
To find out more go to contiki.com/exploremore
Hill Tribe visit, Chiang Rai
11
Whitewater rafting
Traditional Greek dinner & dancing
Snorkelling in Mexico
Champagne & sunset at Uluru
Jungle bike ride in Cancun Las Vegas cabaret show Hot air balloon ride over the desert Guided tour of ancient Rome
Parasailing & waterskiing in Corfu Tandem paragliding in the Tyrol Bungy jumping in Queenstown Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Canadian Rockies gondola ride
Bungy jumping, Queenstown
Tuscan feast & entertainment Montreal fastboat ride Belly-dancing dinner in Turkey Skydive over Cairns Calgary Stampede entry
Thai cooking class Gondola ride, Venice
Hot air balloon ride
Classical concert in Vienna Ixtapa quad bike adventure Waitomo Caves rafting adventure
on the bottom of every tour page
Great Barrier reef snorkelling & diving Speedboat cruise to Cham Island Croatian island cruise & swimming
Grand Canyon heli ride Heli ride, Rocky Mountains
Sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach
12 ON THE ROA D
YOUR CREW. WHO’S WHO? Your Contiki crew don’t just organise your trip, they’re part of it. They’re young, friendly and they’ve done their homework on where you’re going to help you find what you’re after. The result? You’ll have more time to enjoy each place.
Tour Manager Think of your Tour Manager as your walking, talking guidebook. They’re there to help you make the most of each day. That’s because they know their stuff – facts on where you’re going, the best things to see & ideas for your free time. “If you don’t want to go up to Jungfrau, the highest peak in the Swiss Alps, what can you do instead? That’s what I’m here for. Hire a bike, see the waterfalls... I’ll tell you, sort it all out & give you a map. It’s all about what you want to do – nothing’s set. There isn’t a typical day on a Contiki tour. Every day changes. Every day is different. And that’s the beauty of it.” Peter, Tour Manager, 26
Tour Driver Handling jam-packed city streets & fast-moving freeways, our drivers know their way around. Best of all, they’ll drop you at your door, so you won’t have to lug your bags around. Sit back until your next stop. “I work with the Tour Manager. We’re a complete team. We’re always discussing timings, how long it’s going to take to get into town, what time do we want to head back to the hotel & so on.We sort all that stuff out – so you don’t have to.We put so much energy into making sure you have a great holiday. And people are always amazed that I can get these coaches into a tiny street by their hotel. But I can.” Dan, Tour Driver, 30
Contiki Cooks, Reps & Local Guides In Europe, we’ve got 90 resident staff at our Concept tour stopovers & villages. And our mobile cooks travel with you on our European Camping tours. We also use the specialised skills of Local Guides in many destinations who team up with our Tour Managers to provide fantastic in-depth local knowledge meaning you’ll learn & experience even more about the places you visit. “I did a Contiki tour myself and I loved it. A year later, I applied to work here. The food is fresh & varied. If you’re vegetarian or can’t have gluten, we’ll make special stuff for you. We make it easy to eat on tour.” Lily, Head Cook. 22
To find out more go to contiki.com/crew
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“Hi I’m Mark, your Tour Manager” Not everyone’s cut out to join Contiki’s Crew. We need to make it through some pretty intensive training. We’re tested on the road, so we go where you go and see what you see – and know everything about it.”
“Always looking for ways to make your trip hassle-free.”
“I live, eat and breathe travel. It runs through my veins.”
“I look after every detail, so it all runs smoothly. You just enjoy your holiday.”
“Contiki’s training is the toughest in the industry.(If we don’t pass, we don’t travel)”
“I’m here to help you make the most of your trip. Want to know why the tower leans? Or how much the Metro costs? I’ve got the answers.”
Tour Manager
“Xin chào” I’ll give you a few words and phrases to try out with the locals.”
“I’m about the same age as you, so I’ve got a pretty good idea of what you’re after. And I want everyone to have a great trip.”
“Tour Managers come from all over the globe, so you’ll meet a cool mix of people from many cultures.”
Local Guide
“I’m just one part of a bigger Contiki crew, all working together to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.”
“Sure, we’ve got an itinerary, but I keep things flexible when I can. I’ll move stuff around to suit the group and the day.”
Tour Driver
14 ON THE ROA D
TOP ACCOMMODATION. Tent. Cabin. Guest house. Hostel. Hotel. Whatever tour you’re on, your accommodation has passed the Contiki test (we have high standards).
teau Contiki Châ om dining ro
Daydream Is Resort, W land hitsundays
Milford Sound overnight cruise
ssing Elephant Cro Vieng ng a V Hotel,
Stay in places like...
Trubsee Alpine Lodge, Mt. Titlis
el, Kyoto Grand Hot s ele ng A os L
Tunnel Mountain Chalets, Banff
A chalet overlooking the Rocky Mountains, a Great Barrier Reef island resort to a sailing boat on stunning Milford Sound. When travelling with Contiki there’s always something different! In Europe, depending on your tour style, you’ll stay in a comfy 2 person tent (designed for 3). There’s Special Stopovers like a 16th century French chateau, or even a hotel 1000m up in the Swiss Alps. And there’s plenty more. In Asia, we’ve also included some authentic stays in locally run guesthouses in the Mekong Delta & the hillsides of Sapa.
To find out more go to
contiki.com/accommodation
Pines Resort, Bass Lake
lub Cairns Colonial C
15
TRANSPORT— GETTING THERE. Modern coaches Chat, sit back with your iPod, or listen to your Tour Manager tell you about where you’re going, as your driver takes you there. Our air-con coaches are the best in around & we update our fleet regularly to make sure they’re environmentally friendly. Then there are the Contiki extras, like reclining seats & most of our coaches have power points for ‘charging on the go’. Just don’t forget your adaptor.
Modern and environmentally friendly coaches
In Asia, one of the best things about travelling with Contiki is the different modes of transport. From private coaches to internal flights, it’s designed to give you more time in the places that count. But it doesn’t stop there. Overnight trains, tuk-tuks, wooden boats, rickshaws & junk boats are just some of the other ways to travel. "Driving doesn't feel like a job to me, I love travelling & meeting great people at the same time". Patrice, Tour Driver, 23 Overnight train, Asia
FRESH FOOD. EVERYDAY. All our tours include breakfast every day and over half your evening meals. We don’t include every meal especially lunches, for a reason. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time, meet some locals and try all kinds of local delicacies.
Exciting new food With free time to explore you can meet some locals & try new delicacies like chicken parmigana in Rome, enchiladas & pibil in Mexico or larb gai in Thailand. On our European Concept & Camping tours, our Mobile Cooks & Site Reps buy fresh food from local markets every day so you’ll get proper, tasty meals, often typical of the countries you’re visiting.
Try something ne w everyday
Group nights out Experience more of a destination together on one of our Explore More optional nights out. There’s the Moulin Rouge in Paris, a dinner & cruise in Mississippi, or a meal at a restaurant that trains street kids in hospitality in Asia.
Hot dogs, L.A
16 74 amazing tours
Contiki in Europe Explore London’s buzzing streets, get up close to the Roman Colosseum or just relax on the beautiful beaches of Corfu – there’s so much to see & do in Europe. No one person is the same & our tours aren’t either. In Europe, there’s over 70 trips from 3-46 days & covering over 30 countries & 3 tour styles to suit every budget.
from
3 to 46 days
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Queens house Buckingham Palace!
tour styles to choose from Camping Original tours
1
See how far your budget can stretch when you get back to basics with Contiki’s camping tours. Spacious tents for 2 in well-equipped campsites. Camping
2
Concept Unique tours Cabins. Hostels. Hotels. And special stopovers like a 16th century Château or a Chalet in the Swiss Alps. Mix it up every night with our Concept Unique tours. Simple one night, an upgrade the next. Concept
Time Out Hotel tours
3
City hotels near the sights. Little extras, home comforts, & special places to stay like a château, Greek island beach resort and a Roman villa. Time Out Hotel tours give you more comfort for a great price. Plus with Time Out there’s 2 ways to travel: Multi-country or In-depth regional tour styles. See page 26 for more. Time Out
17
Try tasty local food in Rome
More ways to travel Contiki Our Explorer trips Set your own agenda & explore London or Corfu at your own pace. Take one on its own or book one before or after your tour. More info at contiki.com/explorer.
Cruising Get out on the water with one of our cruising tour options covering Croatia, Turkey, the Greek Islands, Israel & Egypt. More info at contiki.com/cruising. Croatian Island Cruising
New Year’s Eve tours Ring in the new year Contiki-style with our 4 day New Year’s Eve tours in stylish Paris or freewheeling Amsterdam. More info at contiki.com/new-year.
Special events & festivals Get ready for festival fun with trips to the Edinburgh Festival & Tattoo, Amsterdam for Easter or Oktoberfest. You could also plan your tour to co-ordinate with one of Europe’s many events. More info at contiki.com/festivals.
Ski Austria Try our 7 or 14 day ski & snowboard tours in Austria’s Tyrol Mountains. You’ll stay at our exclusive Contiki traditional Gasthof (guesthouse) with plenty of on & off the slope activities. More info at contiki.com/ski.
Ski Austria
Discover your ideal trip contiki.com/europe
18
Our top Europe tours feature on p.20-35 Other top tours are: gypt The Sphinx, E
Egypt & The Nile
Croatian Island Cruising
8 Days
8 Days
From g599
From g779
Tax incl. Port
Mediterranean Sea
Israel
CROATIA
2 CAIRO
Giza Sakkara
1
The Nile
z ue fS lf o 1 Gu
EGYPT
Bosnia
SPLIT 1 1 MAKARSKA
HVAR 1 1 LUXOR Red Sea
Adriatic Sea
1 EDFU ASWAN
1
TRSTENIK 1 2 DUBROVNIK
1 KORCULA
Esna
Kom Ombo Lake Nassar
Trevi fountain, Rome
Walk in the footsteps of ancient Pharoah kings & in the shadow of the Great Pyramids & Abu Simbel.
Explore the spectacular islands that dot the coast of Croatia - the only way to do it is by boat.
Departs weekly, year round.
Departs every 2 weeks, summer only.
contiki.com/egypt
contiki.com/croatian-cruising
Spanish Spree
Italian Espresso
14 Days
From g1485
8 Days
From g965 Slovenia VENICE
Atlantic Ocean
Croatian Island Cruising
BILBAO 1
Portugal
MADRID
3
France
San Sebastian Pyrenees Mountains
Segovia
2
1 PAMPLONA BARCELONA Zaragoza 2 Mediterranean SPAIN Sea
Toledo
3 FLORENCE Pisa
Chianti Region
Apennine Mountains
ITALY
2 IBIZA CORDOBA Denia 1 1 2 GRANADA SEVILLE Costa Blanca
Adriatic Sea
San Gimignano
2 ROME Vatican City
Gibraltar Costa del Sol
The Spanish must-sees, packed into one awesome tour. All the history, beaches, culture & parties you can handle. Ibiza
A whirlwind tour of Italy’s finest. Rome, Florence & Venice in 8 days - mamma mia! Departs weekly, year round.
Departs weekly, year round (winter itinerary slightly different).
contiki.com/spain
contiki.com/espresso
19
Other tours not featured in this brochure Charles Bridge, Prague
Time Out Hotels
Multi-country Multi-country Multi-country In-depth Regional
EUROPEAN ESCAPADE Days 25 From e1735 contiki.com/escapade
EUROPEAN DISCOVERY Days 12 From e1079 contiki.com/discovery
25 DAYS CAMPING Days 25 From e1309 contiki.com/camping-25
EUROPEAN CONTRASTS Days 29 From e2065 contiki.com/contrasts
BEST OF EUROPE Days 10 / 13 From e1409 contiki.com/best-europe
Tour prices above exclude food fund
EUROPEAN ADVENTURER Days 37 From e2695 contiki.com/adventurer
EUROPEAN ENCOUNTER Days 16 From e1379 contiki.com/encounter
YR
LONDON to ATHENS Days 21 From e1619 contiki.com/london-athens
ROAD TO ATHENS Days 17 From e1795 contiki.com/road-athens
LONDON to ATHENS plus GREEK ISLAND HOPPING Days 33 From e2405 contiki.com/london-athens-greek
ROAD TO ATHENS plus CRUISE Days 21 From e2145 contiki.com/road-athens ROAD TO ROME Days 13 From e1310 contiki.com/road-rome
LONDON to ROME Days 16 From e1155 contiki.com/london-rome
YR
ULTIMATE EUROPEAN plus EGYPT Days 25 From e3619 contiki.com/ultimate-egypt
EUROPEAN INSPIRATION Days 19 From e1589 contiki.com/inspiration
YR
ULTIMATE EUROPEAN plus GREEK ISLAND HOPPING Days 45 From e3255 contiki.com/ultimate-greek
EUROPEAN IMPRESSIONS Days 18 From e1909 contiki.com/impressions
EUROPEAN VISTA Days 21 From e1749 contiki.com/vista
YR
22 DAYS CAMPING Days 22 From e1259 contiki.com/camping-22
IRELAND Days 8 From e789 contiki.com/ireland
YR
There’s more info at contiki.com/europe
BERLIN & PRAGUE Days 7 From e605 contiki.com/berlin-prague VIENNA & BUDAPEST Days 5 From e475 contiki.com/vienna-budapest SCANDINAVIA & RUSSIA Days 21 From e2729 contiki.com/scandi-russia
SCOTLAND & IRELAND Days 13 From e1299 contiki.com/scotland-ireland
SPOTLIGHT ON GREECE and CRUISING Days 4 / 8 / 12 From e535 contiki.com/greece
LONDON & PARIS Days 7/9 From e639 contiki.com/london-paris LONDON, PARIS & AMSTERDAM Days 9 From e945 contiki.com/paris-amsterdam LONDON, PARIS & ROME Days 10 From e1069 contiki.com/london-rome SIMPLY ITALY Days 12 From e1095 contiki.com/simply-italy MEDITERRANEAN TRAIL Days 10 From e1099 contiki.com/mediterranean-trail
MYKONOS & ISLAND CRUISING Days 8 From e889 contiki.com/mykonos-cruising LONDON EXPLORER Days 3 / 5 From e175 contiki.com/london-explorer CORFU EXPLORER Days 4 From e79 contiki.com/corfu-explorer AMSTERDAM NEW YEAR Days 4 From e300 contiki.com/amsterdam PARIS NEW YEAR Days 4 From e355 contiki.com/paris EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Days 4 From e295 contiki.com/edinburgh
EUROPEAN PANORAMA Days 28 From e3045 contiki.com/european-panorama
MEDITERRANEAN TRAIL plus GREEK ISLAND CRUISES Days 13 / 17 From e1315 contiki.com/mediterranean-trail
EASTER IN AMSTERDAM Days 4 From e235 contiki.com/amsterdam
EUROPEAN EXPLORER Days 33 From e3749 contiki.com/european-explorer
MEDITERRANEAN HIGHLIGHTS Days 13 From e1179 contiki.com/med-highlights
MUNICH OKTOBERFEST Days 5 / 7 From e285 contiki.com/oktoberfest
Tour prices above exclude port taxes & gratuities where applicable
TURKISH DELIGHT Days 8 From e669 contiki.com/turkey
WINTER TOUR Days 24 From e2075 contiki.com/winter-wanderer
BERLIN, PRAGUE & VIENNA Days 9 From e749 contiki.com/berlin-vienna
SKI AUSTRIA Days 7 / 14 contiki.com/ski
Tour prices above exclude port taxes & gratuities where applicable
Tour prices above exclude port taxes & gratuities where applicable
YR
Tour operates year round, including Winter
BERLIN TO BUDAPEST Days 11 From e889 contiki.com/berlin-budapest
SCOTLAND Days 6 From e589 contiki.com/scotland
GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND Days 16 From e1489 contiki.com/britain-ireland
Tour prices above exclude food fund
Key
ENGLAND & SCOTLAND Days 8/9 From e699 contiki.com/england-scotland
YR
AMSTERDAM to BARCELONA Days 11 From e1315 contiki.com/amsterdam-barcelona
YR
EUROPEAN SPIRIT Days 22 From e1579 contiki.com/spirit
YR
46 DAYS CAMPING Days 46 From e2369 contiki.com/camping46
YR
EUROPEAN MAGIC Days 9 From e845 contiki.com/magic
YR
EUROPEAN WHIRL Days 18 From e1275 contiki.com/whirl
YR
32 DAYS CAMPING Days 32 From e1719 contiki.com/camping-32
YR
Snorkelling, Corfu
YR
Concept Unique
YR
Camping Original
From e411
20 Camping Original 21 Days Europe Camping 10 countries 20 nights camping 20 breakfasts & 12 dinners
10 countries France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit)
21 Days
10
Only with Contiki
NETHERLANDS
champagne, cheese & escargot coach tour
• Private boat to the islands of Venice • 3 experienced crew & Contiki onsite Reps
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
The Swiss Alps
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
GERMANY
Ruhr Valley London Dover
*
Calais English Channel
Poland
Rhine Valley
BELGIUM
St Goar
Valley of the Somme
2 PRAGUE CZECH REP
1 HEIDELBERG
2 PARIS
Cesky Krumlov
MUNICH 1
Slovakia
2 VIENNA
Burgundy Region
SWITZ 2 SWISS ALPS
FRANCE
AUSTRIA
Mountains Bologna
Pisa Monaco
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
Hungary
Dolomite Mountains
Slovenia Croatia ITALY Apennine 2 VENICE
Atlantic Ocean
2 FRENCH RIVIERA
Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: London to Paris Meet up with your Contiki Crew. Ferry across the English Channel to France. Journey past World War I battlefields & into the glittering “City of Lights.” (D) See the White Cliffs of Dover See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Elysees & Notre Dame Cathedral Day 2: Paris Indulge in sophisticated Paris where you’ll find magic, romance & history amongst the city’s legendary icons. (B) Day 3: Paris to Swiss Alps Pass through the lush vineyards of Burgundy en-route to the heart of the Swiss Alps. (B,D) Scenic drive through the Alps Day 4: Swiss Alps Chill for a day in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Feel like you’re on top of the world when you opt in for a cog railway ride up the snow-covered Jungfrau Mountain. (B,D) Day 5: Swiss Alps to French Riviera Wind down out of the mountains & travel south to the glamorous French Riviera. (B,D) Scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur Day 6: French Riviera Do as the locals do - stroll through outdoor markets, shop the upscale boutiques & sun worship on the beach. Later rub shoulders with the rich & famous in Monaco & Monte Carlo! (B,D) Visit a French perfumery See the Royal Palace in Monaco Visit a Monte Carlo casino
Bosnia
2 FLORENCE
Adriatic Sea
Vatican City
Mediterranean Sea
• Paris illuminations night tour with French • Special access Rome sightseeing
Code: CCCM Summer 2010 You need to bring your own sleeping bag & towel on this tour. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:45am & ends approx. 6:30pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints & contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share tents. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
215 of g und f d foo plus
fro
2 AMSTERDAM
ENGLAND
What’s included
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/camping21 where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from.
ays * D 1 2 99 0 1 g m
North Sea Edam
Wales
All as per itinerary • 20 nights in twin-share tents (including air mattresses) (more on pages 16-17) • 20 breakfasts (B) & 12 dinners (D) included in your food fund • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager, Driver & Mobile Cook • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Ferry crossings • Sightseeing tours of all major cities WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
When to go and how much
Europe Camping Irish Sea
Serbia
2 ROME
Day 7: French Riviera to Florence Stop & check out Pisa’s famous architectural wonder before arriving in Renaissance Florence. (B,D) See the Leaning Tower of Pisa Day 8: Florence A local guide gives you the inside track on striking buildings & sacred art in one of Italy’s most atmospheric cities. Later on, enjoy exploring at your own pace. (B) See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria Florentine leather craft demonstration Day 9: Florence to Rome Pass through rural Umbria’s pretty rolling hills & terraced vineyards on the road to Rome. (B) See the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona Day 10: Rome Tap into ‘La Dolce Vita’ of the “Eternal City” & explore this living museum of history. Get a feeling for Imperial Rome’s glory on an optional tour of the Roman Forum & Colosseum. (B,D) See St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City Day 11: Rome to Venice Criss-cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna, an historic & elegant city & then on to enchanting Venice. (B,D) See Bologna’s famous porticos & two towers Day 12: Venice Meander through the ‘floating city’s’ tight alleyways & canals to find grand squares, art-filled palazzos, interesting little shops, bars & markets. (B,D) See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges’ Palace & St. Mark’s Square Murano glass-blowing demonstration
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Rome
Day 13: Venice to Vienna Ride through the Dolomite Mountains to Vienna then hit the rides at Prater park. (B) Visit Vienna’s Prater fun park Day 14: Vienna Viennese culture waltzes right up to you on a morning tour. Take the afternoon to wander this picture book city & encounter its wealth of music, cafés, parks, incredible architecture & of course, strudel! (B,D) See Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House Scenic drive along the historic Ring Road Day 15: Vienna to Prague Stop at the World Heritage town Ceský Krumlov as you travel through Bohemia to Prague, the golden “City of a Thousand Spires.” (B,D) Visit the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov Day 16: Prague Snake through this medieval city’s maze of cobbled streets & discover Gothic architecture, bargain-priced beer & bohemian crystal beads. (B) See Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Charles Bridge & Wenceslas Square Visit the old town square & see the astronomical clock Day 17: Prague to Munich Back to Germany & into Munich, the festive home of Oktoberfest. (B) See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz Day 18: Munich to Heidelberg Head north to Heidelberg, known for its baroque old town, pubs full of character, & lively student ambience. (B,D) See Heidelberg’s medieval castle Day 19: Heidelberg to Amsterdam Journey past castles & vineyards along the Rhine River to the free-wheeling, vibrant city of Amsterdam. (B) See Amsterdam’s canals & gable houses by night Day 20: Amsterdam Check out Amsterdam’s myriad of museums, trendy cafés & notoriously fun nightclubs. (B) Visit a cheese farm & clog makers house Day 21: Amsterdam to London Circle back to France via Belgium & ferry across the English Channel to England, where the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
contiki.com/camping21
PARIS: Parisian cabaret show & glass of champagne ROME: Locally guided tour of The Colosseum & Roman Forum VENICE: Gondola ride along the canals PRAGUE: Scenic river cruise with lunch MUNICH: Dinner at a Bavarian beerhalls AMSTERDAM: Bike ride through the countryside Go to contiki.com/camping21-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
21
North Sea
10 Days
NETHERLANDS 1 AMSTERDAM
ENGLAND
Ruhr Valley London Dover Calais
GERMANY
1 RHINE VALLEY
BELGIUM
St Goar
Czech Rep
Valley of the Somme
2 PARIS
European Horizon
Burgundy Region
FRANCE
MUNICH 1 1 TYROL AUSTRIA
SWITZ Lucerne
2 SWISS ALPS
Lake Como
Slovenia 1 VENICE
ITALY
7 countries Belgium (in transit), Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France
What’s included
ys a D 10 09* g7 from
5 g11
contiki.com/horizon Whitewater rafting, Austria
Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: London to Amsterdam Meet up with your Contiki Crew. Ferry across the English Channel & head to the free-wheeling, vibrant city of Amsterdam via Belgium. Hotel (D) See the White Cliffs of Dover See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night
Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges’ Palace & St. Mark’s Square
All as per itinerary • 9 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Swiss Chalet, 1 night in Contiki’s exclusive Austrian Gasthof, 3 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 2 nights in hotels & 1 night in a hostel (more on pages 16-17) • 9 breakfasts (B) & 6 dinners (D) included in your food fund • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Ferry crossings • Sightseeing tours of all major cities WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
3
Murano glass-blowing demonstration Day 6: Venice to Swiss Alps Catch a glimpse of magical Lake Como & stop for Swiss chocolate in lakeside Lucerne before reaching our incredible stopover in the Swiss Alps. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)
Only with Contiki • Private boat to the islands of Venice • Paris illuminations night tour
See the Wooden Chapel Bridge
Day 2: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley Check out Amsterdam’s myriad of museums, canals & cool cafés. Next, stop in the Rhine Valley with its charming wine villages & traditional German atmosphere. Hotel (B,D) Stunning drive along the Rhine River Day 3: Rhine Valley to Munich Head south to Munich, the festive home of Oktoberfest. Hostel (B) See the Lorelei Rock Learn how beersteins are crafted See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz Day 4: Munich to Austrian Tyrol Be ‘wowed’ by stunning alpine scenery en route to a quaint Tyrolean village. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) See this pretty mountain region famous for adventure sports Day 5: Austrian Tyrol to Venice Wind through the Bavarian Alps via the Brenner Pass to Italy. Meander through the ‘floating city’ & find grand squares, art-filled palazzos & interesting little shops. Contiki Village (B)
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
10 Days European Horizon 7 countries 9 nights accomm 9 breakfasts & 6 dinners
Brenner Pass
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
of und od f o f plus
Concept Unique
•
Scenic drive through the Alps Day 7: Swiss Alps Chill for a day in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Feel like you’re on top of the world when you opt in for a cog railway ride up the snow-covered Jungfrau Mountain. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D)
• • St. Marks Square, Venice
Day 8: Swiss Alps to Paris Pass through the lush vineyards of Burgundy to the glittering “City of Lights”. Contiki Village (B,D) See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées & Notre Dame Cathedral Day 9: Paris Indulge in sophisticated Paris where you’ll find magic, romance & history among the city’s legendary icons. Contiki Village (B) Visit a French Perfumery Day 10: Paris to London Catch the ferry from Calais back to England, where the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) See World War I battlefields in France
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
with French champagne, cheese & escargot Special stopovers: Austrian Gasthof & Swiss Chalet Theme party nights Contiki onsite Reps
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/horizon where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: CCEH Summer 2010 You need to bring your own sleeping bag & towel on this tour. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:45am & ends approx. 6:30pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share, with many free upgrades to twin-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
*
View to Montmartre, Paris
AMSTERDAM: Canal boat & drinks cruise past many famous sights TYROL: Whitewater rafting adventure RHINE VALLEY: Sample Rhine Valley wines at a tasting in an historic cellar MUNICH: Dinner at a traditional Bavarian beerhall VENICE: Gondola ride along the world-famous canals Go to contiki.com/horizon-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
14 Days European Highlights
s y a 14 D 99* 9 g m o fr 65 f g1 nd o u f food plus
8 countries France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria (in transit), Germany, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Paris illuminations night tour with French champagne, cheese & escargot • Special access Rome sightseeing coach tour • Private boat to the islands of Venice • See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam • Special stopover: Contiki’s Château & wine tasting • Contiki onsite Reps contiki.com/highlights
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Irish Sea
North Sea
NETHERLANDS 2 AMSTERDAM
Edam
ENGLAND Wales
GERMANY
Ruhr Valley London Dover Calais English Channel
BELGIUM
St Goar
Czech Rep
Valley of the Somme
Slovakia
Dachau
2 PARIS
MUNICH 1
Fontainebleau Burgundy Region
Tyrol
Beaujolais Region
AUSTRIA Hungary
Switz
1 CHATEAU DE CRUIX
Atlantic Ocean
Poland
1 RHINE VALLEY
Brenner Pass
FRANCE
ITALY
Slovenia Croatia 1 VENICE
Apennine Mountains Avignon
Spain
Pisa Monaco
2 FRENCH RIVIERA Mediterranean Sea
1 FLORENCE
Bosnia Serbia Adriatic Sea
Vatican City
2 ROME
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
PARIS: Parisian cabaret show & glass of champagne ROME: Locally guided tour of The Colosseum & Roman Forum
23 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: London to Paris Meet up with your Contiki Crew. Ferry across the English Channel to France. Journey past World War I battlefields & into the glittering “City of Lights.” Contiki Village (D) See the White Cliffs of Dover See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Elysees & Notre Dame Cathedral Day 2: Paris Indulge in sophisticated Paris where you’ll find magic, romance & history amongst the city’s legendary icons. Contiki Village (B) Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region Travel through Burgundy’s wine country & the Beaujolais vineyards to Contiki’s very own 16th century Château. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) See Château Fontainebleau See Chablis, Burgundy & Beaujolais vineyards Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera Stop in Provence’s graceful city, Avignon, before arriving in the glamorous French Riviera. Later rub shoulders with the rich & famous in Monaco & Monte Carlo! Contiki Village (B,D) See the Papal Palace in Avignon Scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur See the Royal Palace in Monaco Visit a Monte Carlo casino Day 5: French Riviera Do as the locals do - stroll through outdoor markets, shop the upscale boutiques & sun worship on the beach. Contiki Village (B,D) Day 6: French Riviera to Florence Stop & check out Pisa’s famous architectural wonder before arriving in Renaissance Florence. Contiki Village (B) Visit a French perfumery See the Leaning Tower of Pisa Day 7: Florence to Rome A local guide gives you the inside track on striking buildings & sacred art in one of Italy’s most atmospheric cities & then it’s on the road to Rome. Contiki Village (B)
See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria in Florence Florentine leather craft demonstration See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum in Rome Day 8: Rome Tap into ‘La Dolce Vita’ of the “Eternal City” & explore this living museum of history. Get a feeling for Imperial Rome’s glory on an optional tour of the Roman Forum & Colosseum. Contiki Village (B,D) See St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City Day 9: Rome to Venice Criss-cross the Apennine Mountains past the city of Bologna & on to enchanting Venice. Contiki Village (B) See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges’ Palace & St. Mark’s Square Murano glass-blowing demonstration Day 10: Venice to Munich Wind through the Austrian Alps via the Brenner Pass to lively Munich, home of the Oktoberfest. Hostel (B) Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz Day 11: Munich to Rhine Valley Stop at the sobering Dachau concentration camp memorial before following the river through the vineyards of the Rhine Valley. Hotel (B,D) Visit the Dachau concentration camp See the Lorelei Rock Learn how beersteins are crafted Day 12: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam Next it’s in to the Netherlands & on to the free-wheeling, vibrant city of Amsterdam. Hotel (B,D) Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house See the city's canals & gable houses by night Day 13: Amsterdam Check out Amsterdam’s myriad of museums, trendy cafés & notoriously fun nightclubs. Hotel (B) Day 14: Amsterdam to London Circle back to France via Belgium & ferry across the English Channel to England, where the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
Concept Unique 14 Days European Highlights 8 countries 13 nights accomm 13 breakfasts & 7 dinners Monaco
What’s included
Beer hall, Munich
All as per itinerary • 13 nights accommodation: 1 night in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 8 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 3 nights in hotels & 1 night in a hostel (more on pages 16-17) • 13 breakfasts (B) & 7 dinners (D) included in your food fund • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Ferry crossings • Sightseeing tours of all major cities WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
8
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/highlights where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: CCPE Summer 2010 You need to bring your own sleeping bag & towel on this tour. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:45am & ends approx. 6:30pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share, with many free upgrades to twin-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
* Guided bike tour, Amsterdam
Piazza Navona, Rome
VENICE: Gondola ride along the world-famous canals MUNICH: Dinner & entertainment at one of the oldest & most traditional Bavarian beerhalls RHINE VALLEY: Sample Rhine Valley wines at a tasting in an historic cellar AMSTERDAM: Paddle bike ride along the canals Go to contiki.com/highlights-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
20 Days European Experience
s y a 20 D 395* 1 g m o fr of fund d o fo plus
5 g25
10 countries France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium (in transit) Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Paris illuminations night tour with French champagne, cheese & escargot • Picnic in the French countryside • Private boat to the islands of Venice • See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam • Special stopovers: Contiki’s Château & wine tasting, Austrian Gasthof & Swiss Chalet • Contiki onsite Reps contiki.com/experience
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Irish Sea
North Sea
NETHERLANDS 2 AMSTERDAM GERMANY
Edam
ENGLAND Wales
Ruhr Valley London Dover Calais English Channel
Poland
1 RHINE VALLEY
BELGIUM
St Goar
Czech Rep
Valley of the Somme
Heidelberg Dachau
2 PARIS FRANCE
Fontainebleau Burgundy Region Beaujolais Region
Atlantic Ocean
CHATEAU DE CRUIX
2
1 MUNICH 2 TYROL
SWITZ 2 SWISS ALPS
Slovakia
Liechtenstein AUSTRIA Lucerne Brenner Pass Bologna
Hungary
Slovenia Croatia 2 VENICE
Apennine Mountains
2 Pisa Monaco FLORENCE
Spain
1 FRENCH RIVIERA Mediterranean Sea
Bosnia Adriatic Sea
Vatican City
2 ROME ITALY
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
PARIS: Parisian cabaret show & glass of champagne FLORENCE: Entrance to one of the largest nightclubs in Florence
25 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: London to Paris Meet up with your Contiki Crew. Ferry across the English Channel to France. Journey past World War I battlefields & into the glittering “City of Lights.” Contiki Village (D) See the White Cliffs of Dover See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Elysees & Notre Dame Cathedral Day 2: Paris Indulge in sophisticated Paris where you’ll find magic, romance & history amongst the city’s legendary icons. Contiki Village (B) Day 3: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region Travel through Burgundy’s wine country & the Beaujolais vineyards to Contiki’s very own 16th century Château. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) See Château Fontainebleau See Chablis, Burgundy & Beaujolais vineyards Day 4: Beaujolais Wine Region Relax at the Contiki Château & immerse yourself in the rural French countryside on a scenic walk & picnic. Contiki Special Stopover (B,PL,D) Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region to French Riviera Travel through France's charmingly rustic Provence region to the glamorous French Riviera. Tonight, rub shoulders with the rich & famous in Monaco & Monte Carlo! Contiki Village (B) Scenic Drive along the Cote d'Azur Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace Visit a Monte Carlo casino Day 6: French Riviera to Florence Stop & check out Pisa’s famous architectural wonder before arriving in Renaissance Florence. Contiki Village (B,D) Visit a French perfumery See the Leaning Tower of Pisa Day 7: Florence A local guide gives you the inside track on striking buildings & sacred art in one of Italy’s most atmospheric cities. Later on, enjoy exploring at your own pace. Contiki Village (B) See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria Florentine leather craft demonstration Day 8: Florence to Rome Pass through rural Umbria’s pretty rolling hills & terraced vineyards on the road to Rome. Contiki Village (B) See the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona Day 9: Rome Tap into ‘La Dolce Vita’ of the “Eternal City” & explore this living museum of history. Get a feeling for Imperial Rome’s glory on an optional tour of the Roman Forum & Colosseum. Contiki Village (B,D) See St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City Day 10: Rome to Venice Criss-cross the Appenine Mountains & stop at elegant Bologna before reaching enchanting Venice. Contiki Village (B,D) Visit the historic city of Bologna
Day 11: Venice Meander through the ‘floating city’s’ tight alleyways & canals to find grand squares, art-filled palazzos, interesting little shops, bars & markets. Contiki Village (B,D) See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges’ Palace & St. Mark’s Square Murano glass-blowing demonstration Day 12: Venice to Austrian Tyrol Wind through the Austrian Alps via the Brenner Pass to a quaint Tyrolean village. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles Day 13: Austrian Tyrol Choose your own adventure in the mountains of Tyrol - exhilarating outdoor activities include tandem paragliding, hiking & mountain biking! Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) See this pretty mountain region famous for adventure sports Day 14: Austrian Tyrol to Munich Stop at the sobering Dachau concentration camp before reaching lively Munich, home to Oktoberfest - celebrating 200 years in 2010. Hostel (B) Visit the Dachau concentration camp See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz Day 15: Munich to Swiss Alps Stop in tiny Liechtenstein & lakeside Lucerne for Swiss chocolate before reaching the incredible Contiki stopover in the Swiss Alps. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) Visit Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz See the Wooden Chapel Bridge Scenic drive through the Alps Day 16: Swiss Alps Chill for a day in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Feel like you’re on top of the world when you opt in for a cog railway ride up the snow-covered Jungfrau Mountain. Contiki Special Stopover (B,D) Day 17: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley Move on through Heidelberg, known for its great old town & lively student ambience, to the Rhine Valley with its charming wine villages & traditional German atmosphere. Hotel (B,D) See Heidelberg’s medieval castle Learn how beer steins are crafted See the Lorelei Rock Day 18: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam Next it’s in to the Netherlands & on to the free-wheeling, vibrant city of Amsterdam. Hotel (B,D) Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house See the city's canals & gable houses by night Day 19: Amsterdam Check out Amsterdam’s myriad of museums, trendy cafés & notoriously fun nightclubs. Hotel (B) Day 20: Amsterdam to London Circle back to France via Belgium & ferry across the English Channel to England, where the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
Concept Unique
Swiss Alps
20 Days European Experience 10 countries 19 nights accomm 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 13 dinners
What’s included Locally guided tour of the Roman Forum
Locally guided tour of the Roman Forum
All as per itinerary • 19 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Swiss Chalet, 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Austrian Gasthof, 9 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 3 nights in hotels & 1 night in a hostel (more on pages 16-17) • 19 breakfasts (B), 1 picnic lunch (PL) & 13 dinners (D) included in your food fund • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Ferry crossings • Sightseeing tours of all major cities WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
8
Wooden Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
When to go and how much
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/experience where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: CCMX Summer 2010 You need to bring your own sleeping bag & towel on this tour. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:45am & ends approx. 6:30pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share, with many free upgrades to twin-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
Amsterdam
ROME: Locally guided tour of The Colosseum & Roman Forum VENICE: Gondola ride along the canals - Guided walking tour TYROL: Whitewater rafting adventure MUNICH: Dinner & entertainment at one of the oldest & most traditional Bavarian beerhalls SWISS ALPS: Cog-railway ride to the top of Jungfrau Mountain RHINE VALLEY: Wine tasting in an historic cellar AMSTERDAM: Evening canal boat cruise Go to contiki.com/experience-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
26
TIME OUT HOTEL TOURS 2 WAYS TO GO
Multi-country tours
In-depth regional tours
• Visit many different destinations • Cover up to 20 countries • Tours start & end in London (Although most tours start & end in London, some start in Paris or Amsterdam & end in Rome, Athens or Barcelona) • Flexible tour lengths from 9-33 days to suit your timeline • Run year round, including winter
• Explore 1, 2 or 3 countries in-depth • Good when you’re short on time - most itineraries are 15 days or less • Slower pace, staying in some locations for up to 3 nights • Include fewer meals to give you more flexibility to do your own thing • Choose to Cruise – over 100 departure dates • Tours start & end in different cities • Many run year round, including winter
More ways to travel Time Out London Explorer packages, Paris or Amsterdam New Year’s Eve tours, Cruising, Ski Austria packages & accommodation options to stay longer before or after your tour. To find out more go to contiki.com/timeout
27
12 Days
BERLIN 2
2 WARSAW
POLAND GERMANY
Dresden
Czestochowa Auschwitz
2 KRAKOW
2 PRAGUE CZECH REP
SLOVAKIA
Eastern Road
Time Out Hotels
Banska Bystrica
VIENNA 1
12 Days Eastern Road 6 countries 11 nights hotels 11 breakfasts & 6 dinners
2 BUDAPEST
AUSTRIA
HUNGARY
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland
ays * D 2 1 99 1 1 g from
What’s included
contiki.com/eastern-road Charles bridge, Prague
Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Berlin Check-in to your hotel & then the afternoon is yours to explore. This evening meet your Tour Manager & fellow Contiki travellers for dinner. (D) Day 2: Berlin Savour the intoxicating mix of old & new in this ever-changing city. You’ll find historical significance in everything from the streets to the grand monuments. (B) See the Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and historic Reichstag building Take in commemorative artwork & the remains of the Berlin Wall See the site of 'Checkpoint Charlie' Day 3: Berlin to Prague Bite into some local fare, like bratwurst, in Dresden on your way south to Prague, an ever-modernizing hub of eastern European revival. (B,D) Visit the city destroyed in World War 2 & known as the 'Florence of the North' See the rebuilt baroque architecture of the Royal Residence, Zwinger Fortress, Opera House & Frauenkirche Day 4: Prague Snake through this medieval city’s maze of cobbled streets & discover Gothic architecture, bargain-priced beer & bohemian crystal beads. (B) See Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Charles Bridge & Wenceslas Square Visit the old town square & see the astronomical clock Day 5: Prague to Vienna Head south through the Czech countryside to Austria’s cultured capital, Vienna. (B) Scenic drive along the historic Ring Road See the Hapsburg Palaces, St. Stephen's Cathedral & the State Opera House
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
6 countries
Day 6: Vienna to Budapest Morning sightseeing in Vienna. Cross into Hungary & enjoy the café scene of the “Paris of the East.” (B) Sightseeing of Buda, Pest, the Royal Palace, the Church of St. Matthias, the Chain Bridge & Fisherman's Bastion Day 7: Budapest All your senses are surrounded by the history of this fascinating city split by the Danube River into hilltop Buda & the bustling Pest. (B,D) Day 8: Budapest to Krakow Go north through Slovakia & stop for lunch in picturesque Banska Bystrica before arriving in Krakow. (B,D) Visit the town square & see the black obelisk in Banska Bystrica Day 9: Krakow Wander through the lively market stalls & pavement cafés of this city’s unspoiled medieval Old Town. (B) Guided sightseeing of the Cathedral & Royal Castle on Wawel Hill Day 10: Krakow to Warsaw Take a sobering guided tour of Auschwitz & view the famous “Black Madonna” in Częstochowa en-route to Warsaw. (B,D) Entrance & guided tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp See the monastery at Jasna Gora Day 11: Warsaw Immerse yourself in the impressive cultural scene, thriving nightlife & intriguing attractions of Poland’s revitalized capital. (B,D) Guided sightseeing of the Old Town, St. John's Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Chopin's park & the Warsaw Ghetto Day 12: Depart Warsaw/Berlin The tour ends after breakfast in Warsaw & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. Or catch a free transfer back to Berlin where your tour ends upon arrival. (B) Please note: Day 1 & Day 12 (ending in Warsaw) have been designed to allow you to start & finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation.
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
All as per itinerary • 11 nights twin or triple-share hotel accommodation (more on pages 16-17) • 11 continental breakfasts (B) & 6 three-course dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED
6
Only with Contiki • Locally guided bike tour of Prague • Farewell dinner in Warsaw’s Old Town
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/eastern-road where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: BBRH Summer 2010 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (either twin or triple-share). Ask us about our single room supplement & triple-share reduction costs For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 8:00am or Berlin approx. 7.00pm For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
You choose! You can end your tour in either Warsaw or Berlin.
Getting to & from Berlin & Warsaw It’s easy. There are either direct international flights or budget airlines like easyjet.com that fly to/from London. skyscanner.net is the place to go for the best deals & airlines.
BERLIN: Locally guided historical walking tour PRAGUE: Traditional Czech evening meal & entertainment VIENNA: Classical music concert & dinner BUDAPEST: Evening river cruise & dinner KRAKOW: See the amazing sculptures of the salt mines on a Guided tour WARSAW: Chopin piano recital Go to contiki.com/eastern-road-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
12 Days Russia
s y a 12 D 565* g1 from 5 countries Finland, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany (ending Berlin)
FINLAND Gulf of Bothnia
HELSINKI 1 Petrodvorets
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Entry & tour of The Hermitage Museum • Entrance to Peterhof Gardens k • Local guides in St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Moscow & Minsk • Guided tour inside the Kremlin Walls • Tickets to the Moscow Circus
Estonia
3 ST PETERSBURG 1 NOVGOROD
Sweden RUSSIA Latvia Baltic Sea Klin
Lithuania
Borodino
BELARUS
3 MOSCOW
1 MINSK
POLAND Brest Berlin
GERMANY
2 WARSAW
Czech Rep
contiki.com/russia
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Ukraine
Places visited Slovakia 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ST. PETERSBURG: Evening at the Russian Ballet - Weave through canals of the Neva River on an evening cruise
29 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Helsinki Check-in to your hotel & meet your Tour Manager before spending the afternoon exploring Helsinki & meeting your fellow travellers over dinner. (D) Day 2: Helsinki to St. Petersburg Pass through Finland’s pine forests & wilderness, before crossing over the border into the canal & bridge lined St. Petersburg. (B,D) Days 3-4: St. Petersburg Two full days to explore this “Venice of the North” & discover the riches & palace-lined waterways of this impressive city. (B)(B) See the St. Peter & St. Paul Fortress See the church of the Spilt Blood & the Admiralty Day 5: St Petersburg to Novgorod Discover the ancient fort town of Novgorod, once the stronghold of the early Tsars. (B,D) Guided tour of Novgorod’s old town & the Millennium Bell Day 6: Novgorod to Moscow Stop into the township of Klin on the way to Russia’s spiritual, political & economic hub, Moscow. (B,D) See the famous composer Tchaikovsky’s house in Klin
Days 7-8: Moscow Moscow’s a richly layered city, with history & cultural at every turn. Witness the mix of ‘New’ & ‘Old’ Russia & there’s an unmissable optional locally guided tour of the famous Moscow Metro. (B)(B,D) Visit Red Square & see Lenin’s Mausoleum & St. Basil’s Cathedral Day 9: Moscow to Minsk Pass by the site of Napoleon’s great defeat in Borodino & then leave Russia for Belarus. (B,D) Locally guided city tour of Minsk Day 10: Minsk to Warsaw Cross the border into Poland & arrive in Warsaw. (B,D) Visit Brest Fortress Day 11: Warsaw Warsaw’s past is amazing. See parts of the city that were reconstructed after being ruined in the war as well its colourful palaces, churches & mansions. (B) Guided sightseeing of the Old Town, St. John’s Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Chopin’s park & the Warsaw Ghetto Day 12: Depart Warsaw/Berlin The tour ends after breakfast in Warsaw, or catch a free transfer to Berlin where your tour ends upon arrival. (B)
Time Out Hotels 12 Days Russia 5 countries 11 nights hotels 11 breakfasts & 7 dinners The Hermitage Museum
What’s included
Central Square, Minsk
Please note: Days 1 & 12 (ending Warsaw) have been designed to allow you to start & finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation.
All as per itinerary • 11 nights twin or triple-share hotel accommodation (more on pages 16-17) • 11 continental breakfasts (B) & 7 three-course dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Ferry crossing • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
3
The Russian ballet
When to go and how much
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
You choose! You can end your tour in either Warsaw or Berlin.
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/russia where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: BBRR Summer 2010 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (either twin or triple-share). Ask us about our single room supplement & triple-share reduction costs Copy of passport required at time of booking. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 2:00pm & ends approx. 8:00am (end Warsaw) or 6:00pm (end Berlin). For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
St. Isaac’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg
Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg
MOSCOW: Guided tour of the Military & Missile Museum - Guided tour of the famous Moscow Metro, Stalin's "Palaces for the Workers" Go to contiki.com/russia-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
11 Days Scandinavia
s y a 11 D 445* 1 g m o fr 4 countries Denmark Sweden Norway Finland
1 GEIRANGER Lom Skei
FINLAND
Lillehammer
Sognefjord
1 GJOVIK
2 VOSS
Gulf of Bothnia
Hardangervidda
NORWAY
HELSINKI 1
1 OSLO 1
1 STOCKHOLM
Estonia
SWEDEN
Russia
GOTHENBURG 1 Latvia North Sea
DENMARK
Baltic Sea
1
contiki.com/scandi
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
COPENHAGEN
Lithuania
Belarus
VOSS: Whitewater rafting adventure on the Raundal & Stranda rivers GEIRANGER: Cruise the picturesque Geiranger Fjord (seasonal)
31 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Copenhagen Check-in to your hotel & meet your Tour Manager for some city sightseeing before dinner in a little, local restaurant. (D) See the Little Mermaid, the Resistance Museum & the Royal Palace Day 2: Copenhagen to Gothenburg Wander through Denmark’s cosmopolitan capital this morning before heading to the cool, student vibe city of Gothenburg. (B) Day 3: Gothenburg to Oslo We journey through Norway to Oslo. Walk along the boardwalk by the port to get a feel for the relaxed capital’s lifestyle. (B) Visit Frogner Park to see the Vigeland sculptures See the City Hall & Parliament Day 4: Oslo to Voss See beautiful rugged landscapes as we journey toward the adventure hub of Norway, Voss. (B,D) Scenic drive through the Telemark ski region Visit Europe’s largest mountain plateau Day 5: Voss Chill & explore the region or try some adrenalin sports like white water rafting. Or use your free day & take a short train ride to picturesque Bergen. (B) Explore the area famous for its extreme sports & amazing natural surroundings Day 6: Voss to Geiranger See amazing mountains, fjords & glaciers as we head toward Geiranger. (B,D) See the incredible Boyabreen glacier in Skei See Sognefjord, the longest & most spectacular fjord in Norway Drive through the Laerdal Tunnel – the world’s longest road tunnel See the stunning Geiranger Fjord Day 7: Geiranger to Gjøvik Today it’s on to Lom, followed by a lunch stop in the Olympic lakeside town of Lillehammer. (B,D)
See one of the few remaining original medieval stave churches in Norway Visit the home of the 1994 Winter Olympics Day 8: Gjøvik to Stockholm Today we head into Sweden via a stop at it’s largest lake, Lake Vanern. (B) Scenic drive through unspoilt forests & lakes, known for bears, moose & wolves Day 9: Stockholm to Helsinki We’ll do a city sightseeing tour & then time is yours to hang out in this uber-cool city, before boarding the luxury boat for our overnight cruise to Helsinki. (B) Visit Gamla Stan (the old town) & see the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace Day 10: Helsinki Helsinki is the quirky Finnish capital – so spend the day exploring the sights, museums or shopping in this vibrant coastal city. (B,D) See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium & Senate Square Visit the ‘Church in the Rock’ Day 11: Depart Helsinki The tour ends after breakfast so it’s time to swap addresses & say farewell to your new friends. (B)
Sibelius Monument, Finland
What’s included
Whitewater rafting, Voss
All as per itinerary • 10 nights twin or triple-share accomm: 9 nights in hotels & 1 night cruise (more on pages 16-17) • 10 continental breakfasts (B) & 5 three-course dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Overnight cruise (end Helsinki) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
1
A Norwegian fjord
When to go and how much Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/scandi or contiki.com/scandistockholm where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from.
ys 9 Da 229* g1 from
Finish in Stockholm Days 1-8: Copenhagen to Stockholm Refer to Scandinavia map, itinerary & included sightseeing described opposite & above. Day 9: Stockholm Tap into this lively maritime city with a sightseeing tour then swap addresses & say farewell to your new friends as your tour ends at Central Station at approximately 11:30am. (B)
11 Days Scandinavia 4 countries 10 nights hotels 10 breakfasts & 5 dinners
Please note: Days 1 & 11 have been designed to allow you to start & finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation.
9 Days Stuck for time? Take a shorter version of the 11 day Scandinavia tour & finish in Sweden.
Time Out Hotels
Code: BBSH (11 days) & BBSS (9 days) Summer 2010 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (either twin or triple-share). Ask us about our single room supplement & triple-share reduction costs For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 5:00pm & ends approx. 8:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
More options While you’re in this part of the world, you can also experience Russia with Contiki. Take a 21 day Scandinavia & Russia tour & combine the best of both regions.
*
>> explore more >> You’ll have plenty of free time to explore & do your own thing, or choose from the optional activities below.
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
contiki.com/scandi-stockholm
Getting there There are low cost airlines who fly from/to London like ryanair.com www.ryanair.com (for Stockholm & Copenhagen) & easyjet.com (for Copenhagen & Helsinki) or flysas.com. Book early & get yourself a cheap deal. Or even easier, schedule your international flights to Copenhagen & out of Helsinki or Stockholm.
LILLEHAMMER: Bobsled ride along the Olympic bobsled track STOCKHOLM: Take a guided tour of the city’s Town Hall, featuring the famous Nobel Prize Banquet Room Go to contiki.com/scandi-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
13 Days Greek Island Hopping
s y a 13 D 339* 1 g m o fr Albania
3 islands: Mykonos Santorini Ios
GREECE Aegean Sea Corinth Canal Piraeus
Ionian Sea
contiki.com/island-hopping
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Turkey 3 ATHENS MYKONOS 3 IOS 3 SANTORINI 3
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ATHENS: Traditional taverna meal in the Plaka area - Guided tour of the famous Acropolis
33 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Athens Check-in to your hotel & spend the afternoon getting a sneak peek at Athens. This evening meet up with your Tour Manager & fellow Contiki travellers. (D) Day 2: Athens Sightsee the ancient wonders & feel the gritty urban soul of this bustling city. Twist & turn through the Plaka’s maze of narrow medieval streets & find ancient sites, cafés & shops full of history & character. (B) Visit the famous Plaka area Day 3: Athens to Mykonos Hop aboard a ferry in the morning & journey to the popular Aegean paradise of Mykonos. (B,D) Days 4-5: Mykonos Hang out on this island famous for its azure seas, golden beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere & young, vibrant party culture. Wander through the tiny streets & whitewashed cube houses the picturesque Cycladic capital is renowned for. (B)(B) Visit Mykonos town Day 6: Mykonos to Santorini Sail to the quintessential Greek island,
Santorini, world-famous for simple blue & white buildings, spectacular island sunsets & breathtaking natural scenery. (B,D) Days 7-8: Santorini Climb twisting stone steps, ride a donkey or take a cable car up to the cliff-top town of Fira. From here, catch a staggering panoramic view of the island’s submerged volcano & sip on cocktails as the sun goes down. There’s also a chance for a boat ride out to the active volcanic island, Nea Kameni. (B)(B) Visit the main town of Fira Day 9: Santorini to Ios Cruise to another Greek Island gem, the beautiful Island of Ios. (B,D) Days 10-11: Ios Chill out poolside or on soft, sandy beaches for the day. Then get caught up in the nightlife of this ultimate party island. (B)(B) Visit Ios town Day 12: Ios to Athens Set sail back to mainland Greece & the mythological city of Athens. (B) Day 13: Depart Athens The tour ends after breakfast & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
Time Out Hotels 13 Days Greek Island Hopping 3 islands 12 nights hotels 12 breakfasts & 4 dinners Theatre of Dionysos, Athens
What’s included All as per itinerary • 12 nights twin or triple-share hotel accommodation (more on pages 16-17) • 12 continental breakfasts (B) & 4 three-course dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager • Ferry crossings (tourist class on all journeys) & coach transfers • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
Please note: Days 1 & 13 have been designed to allow you to start & finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation.
Santorini
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Mix+Match Plaka, Athens
When to go and how much
Combine this trip with another tour and double your fun! You'll also save with our multi tour discount. See page 7. Fly to Italy and connect with the Simply Italy refer to contiki.com. (selected departures).
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/island-hopping where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: BBGI Summer 2010 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (either twin or triple-share). Ask us about our single room supplement & triple-share reduction costs For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 7:00pm & ends approx. 8:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
* Ios, Greece
Island Cruise, Ios
SANTORINI: Visit Oia at sunset - Boat trip to the Volcano’s core IOS: Island cruise on a traditional sailing boat Go to contiki.com/island-hopping-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
34
Louis Hellenic Cruises
Time Out Hotels 6 Days Aegean Classic 2 countries, 4 nights cruise & 1 night hotel 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners & 4 suppers
2 countries Greece, Turkey
What’s included All as per itinerary • 5 nights accommodation: 4 nights onboard a cruise ship (your choice of quad or twin-share) & 1 night in a hotel (more on pages 16-17) • 5 buffet breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 4 three-course dinners (D) & 4 suppers (S) • On-board representative • Fun-filled entertainment on every night of every cruise WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
Aegean Classic
2
About our cruises
6 days incl 4 days cruising
Louis Hellenic Cruises are our trusted cruise operating partner, running Contiki trips on classic cruise ships through the sun-kissed Greek Isles. Onboard, there is a daily program of changing activities to choose from, the opportunity to mix with a wide range of people (these cruises are not exclusive to Contiki travellers), & get the low-down from our onboard dedicated Contiki Cruise Rep. Our Rep is a great guide to the best things to do & see both onboard & onshore. Each vessel has excellent facilities like a pool, bar, nightclub, live evening entertainment, casino & a spa. Freshly prepared meals are a highlight & choose from either a casual buffet or more special full-service restaurant. Comfortable rooms all have private facilities, with a choice of either a Standard Outside Cabin with porthole or a Standard Inside Cabin without porthole. Single accommodation in either of these cabin types is available on request. Check the ‘When to go & how much’ panel for more or contiki.com/cruising. The order of ports of call may be reversed on some days & the itinerary is subject to change.
CE Aegean Sea
TURKEY
ys a D 6 9* 4 4 g from & xes rt ta 35 o p Plus ities g1 u grat
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/agean where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from.
Itinerary and included sightseeing
Code: 6CGS Summer 2010 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (either twin or quad-share). Ask us about our single room supplement & quad-share reduction costs For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 7:00pm & ends approx. 10:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. If you require a Schengen visa for this tour, it must be a multi-entry visa. Price quoted is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices. Compulsory port taxes and gratuities of g135 per person applies.
*
Day 1: Arrive Athens Check-in to your hotel & spend the afternoon getting a sneak peek at Athens. This evening meet your Cruise Representative & fellow Contiki travellers. Visit the famous Plaka area Day 2: Athens to Mykonos Board your ship & cruise to the Aegean paradise of Mykonos. Tonight, hang out on this island, famous for its golden beaches & young, vibrant party culture. (B,L,D,S) Day 3: Cruising to Patmos via Kusadasi Stop by the resort town of Kusadasi & shop in the town’s colourful bazaar. Later on, relax on the beach or in a local taverna on the friendly, unspoilt island of Patmos. (B,L,D,S) Visit Kusadasi’s local bazaar See Monastery of St. John on Patmos
1 ATHENS Kusadasi Mykonos
Patmos
Santorini Rhodes
Crete
Mediterranean Sea Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
Day 4: Cruising to Rhodes Arrive at the sunniest island in the Aegean & spend the day exploring pristine beaches, medieval towns & cool little shops. (B,L,D,S) See the fortified town of Rhodes Day 5: Cruising to Santorini via Crete Drop by Crete en-route to the quintessential Greek island, Santorini, world-famous for its famous blue & white buildings, spectacular island sunsets & breathtaking natural scenery. (B,L,D,S) Visit Heraklion town on Crete See the spectacular volcanic islands surrounding Santorini Visit the main town of Fira Day 6: Arrival into Athens Returnto Athens & enjoy breakfast then transfer into central Athens where the tour ends. Or take the opportunity for a guided tour of the Acropolis & Parthenon. (B) Please note: Days 1 & 6 have been designed to allow you to start & finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation.
contiki.com/aegean
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
KUSADASI: Guided tour of the classical Greek archaeological site of Ephesus ATHENS: Guided tour of the famous Acropolis RHODES: Tour of the traditional fishing village of Lindos & the medieval city of Rhodes PATMOS: Guided tour of the Monastery of St. John ATHENS: Traditional taverna meal in the Plaka Go to contiki.com/aegean-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
35 Time Out Hotels
9 Days Eastern Mediterranean Cruising
9 Days Eastern Mediterranean Cruising 4 countries 1 night hotel & 7 nights cruise 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners & 7 suppers
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Black Sea
Bulgaria
4 countries
Istanbul
Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt GREECE ATHENS 1
What’s included
TURKEY Mykonos
ys a D 9 * 9 4 8 g from
Cyprus
Crete
Mediterranean Sea
& xes rt ta 69 o p Plus ities g2 u grat
Ashdod Jerusalem
Alexandria Port Said Giza
ISRAEL
Cairo
Places visited EGYPT 1 1 or more nightstops
Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Athens Check-in to your hotel & spend the afternoon exploring some of Athens, Europe’s oldest city. This evening meet your Cruise Representative & fellow Contiki travellers & opt for a dinner in the rustic Plaka district. Day 2: Cruise to Istanbul Board the ship & enjoy the facilities as we cruise to Turkey’s vibrant capital. (B,L,D,S) Day 3: Istanbul Istanbul is the world’s only city to span 2 continents. Get a feel for the exotic & see how the locals live their daily lives in this cultural melting pot. Try tasty, local food specialities & the beautiful sightseeing spots before cruising back to the Greek Islands. (B,L,D,S) Day 4: Cruise to Mykonos Hang out on one of Greece’s best islands, famous for golden beaches & it’s fun party scene. Wander through tiny streets & whitewashed houses in this picture-postcard paradise. (B,L,D,S) Visit Mykonos town & see the traditional Cycladic-style houses See the famous windmills Day 5: Cruising to Israel Position yourself poolside & make the most of the sea views from the deck or enjoy one of the ships many activities as we cruise all day. (B,L,D,S)
Day 6: Arrive Ashdod for Jerusalem Learn about the history of Jerusalem this morning, with its unique mix of cultures & beliefs. Experience the local lifestyle with lunch at a kibbutz, then hit the bustling markets & tight alleyways that give this city a distinct & enjoyable atmosphere. (B,L,D,S) Visit the Old City & the New City See the Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre & the Wailing Wall Lunch at a Kibbutz Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Day 7: Arrive Port Said for Cairo Cairo has so much to do & see! From King Tut’s treasures to the bustling city - leap from one age to another in this intense jumble of the ancient & the new. (B,L,D,S) Visit the Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Guided tour of the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx Day 8: Cruise to Crete Capture the sun on Greece’s largest island, Crete, where there’s the option to visit the 4000 year old Palace of Knossos. (B,L,D,S) Visit Heraklion town on Crete Day 9: Arrival into Athens After breakfast, you’ll transfer into central Athens where the tour ends. Or you could join an optional locally guided tour of the Acropolis & Parthenon. (B)
2
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/eastern-med-cruising where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: 9TCC Summer 2010 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (either twin or quad-share). Note: Standard outside cabins are with a porthole & standard inside cabins are without a porthole. Ask us about our single room supplement & quad-share reduction costs For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 7:00pm & ends approx. 10:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. If you require a Schengen visa for this tour, it must be a multi-entry visa. Price quoted is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices. Compulsory port taxes and gratuities of g269 per person applies.
Save Money! If you pay 6 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
*
Please note: Days 1 & 9 have been designed to allow you to start & finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation.
The Sphinx, Egypt
contiki.com/eastern-med-cruising
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
All as per itinerary • 8 nights accommodation: 7 nights onboard a cruise ship (your choice of quad or twin-share) & 1 night in a hotel (more on pages 16-17) • 8 buffet breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 7 three-course dinners (D) & 7 suppers (S) • Onboard representative • Fun-filled entertainment on every night of the cruise • Local guides in Cairo & Jerusalem WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ISTANBUL: Entry to nightclub with belly dancers, musicians & performers Boat cruise along the spectacular Bosphorus CRETE: Taste of Crete guided sightseeing tour with traditional Greek raki & meze
Go to contiki.com/eastern-med-cruising-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
36
This is Australia
20 amazing tours from
3 to 28 days
One island & loads of adventure, it’s different down here. From the endless space of the outback, red centre & national parks of the Top End. To the East Coast with its chilled coastal towns, beaches, reef, rainforests & Sydney’s big city bustle. Whatever kind of holiday you’re after, Australia’s got it & we’re here to show you the best.
s The Whitsunday Sydney Harbo ur Bridge Climb
Amazing places to stay An eco-lodge in the Daintree rainforest, or on a yacht in the Whitsundays In the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta or Kakadu National Parks Beachfront at our Surf Camp or Great Barrier Reef Island resort
Cool stuff to do Sip champagne watching the sun set at Uluru For more info visit contiki.com/australia
‘Learn the ropes’ sailing beautiful islands off the Whitsundays Get a taste of working life on an outback cattle station Hang ten as you ride the waves of the East Coast
Our top Australia tours feature on p.38-43 Other top tours are: 16 Days
Other tours not featured in this brochure
See all the East Coast has to offer - surfing, sailing, cities & more. Departs every 2 weeks year round & operates in either direction.
BRIDGE TO REEF Days 10 From e949 contiki.com/bridge-to-reef
Reefs & Rainforests
From g1260
COAST & WHITSUNDAYS Days 11 From e965 contiki.com/coast
contiki.com/reefs
Ocean to Outback
MAGICAL TROPICS Days 7 From e645 contiki.com/magical
From g1675
RAINFOREST ADVENTURE Days 3 From e305 contiki.com/rainforest
15 Days
CITY TO SURF Days 5 contiki.com/surf
From the big city to the red rock centre, visiting an island paradise & the Great Barrier Reef in between. Departs monthly year round.
SYDNEY EXPLORER Days 4 From e165 contiki.com/sydney-explorer
contiki.com/ocean-to-outback
Cairns Sunshine Trail
SYDNEY NEW YEAR Days 4 From e399 contiki.com/sydney
From g990
MELBOURNE EXPLORER Days 4 From e219 contiki.com/melbourne
12 Days
DIVE TO ADVENTURE Days 3 From e355 contiki.com/dive
The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, islands & reef…all the sun, sand & sea you can handle. Departs every 2 weeks year round and operates in either direction.
WHITSUNDAYS SAILING Days 3 From e195 contiki.com/sailingwhitsundays
contiki.com/sunshine
ALICE & KAKADU Days 6 From e579 contiki.com/kakadu
From g860
Island & Rainforest
From e429
ALICE & ULURU Days 6 From e539 contiki.com/uluru
9 Days From a relaxing island nirvana to dense, lush rainforests, let Contiki whisk you away to tropical paradise in Australia. Departs weekly year round and operates in either direction. contiki.com/island
2 CAPE TRIBULATION Mossman Gorge Kuranda
Port Douglas
Coral Sea
3 CAIRNS Tully
Great Barrier Reef
Townsville
NORTHERN TERRITORY
3 WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island)
Shute Harbour Airlie Beach
Mackay
afting, White Water R r ive R Tully
KINGS CANYON 1 Kata
Simpsons Gap
Tjuta
2 ULURU
QUEENSLAND Capricorn Coast
2 ALICE SPRINGS
1 COUNTRY HOMESTEAD 2 FRASER ISLAND Noosa Brisbane
2 SURFERS PARADISE
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Currumbin Byron Bay
Tjapukai Cultural Park, Cairns
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops Reefs & Rainforests* Ocean to Outback Cairns Sunshine Trail* Island & Rainforest* * Tour operates in either direction
1 COFFS HARBOUR NEW SOUTH WALES 1 PORT STEPHENS 3
Sydney Tasman Sea
37
25 Days AussieExplorer combining the East Coast & Northern Territory
s y a 25 D 295* 2 g m o fr Flights are included! Domestic flights (as marked on the map) are included in the tour price.
1 DARWIN 2 KAKADU N.P 1 KATHERINE
Litchfield N.P
Mataranka
Gulf of Carpentaria
Daly Waters Coral Sea
NORTHERN TERRITORY
3 CAIRNS
1 TENNANT CREEK
Your choice You can start this tour in Darwin and travel it in reverse – if you do, you save up to g92 and this tour will be 24 days long.
Tully
Great Barrier Reef Townsville
Devils Marbles Wycliffe Well
Shute Harbour
3 WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island)
Airlie Beach Mackay Simpsons Gap
KINGS CANYON 1 The Olgas
2
QUEENSLAND
3 ALICE SPRINGS
COUNTRY 1 HOMESTEAD
ULURU
Capricorn Coast
1 FRASER ISLAND 1 NOOSA
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) For a full list of what’s exclusive to Contiki that we’ve included in this tour check out contiki.com/onlywithcontiki.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Brisbane
SURFERS PARADISE 2
Currumbin Byron Bay
1 COFFS HARBOUR Great Australian Bight
NEW SOUTH WALES 1 PORT STEPHENS Sydney Tasman Sea
contiki.com/aussie-explorer
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
VICTORIA
PORT STEPHENS: Dolphin watching cruise & swimming FRASER ISLAND: Locally guided 4WD trip across the island & lunch
39 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens) Meet up with your Contiki crew, check out Sydney’s icons, & head north to Port Stephens & pristine Shoal Bay where you can cruise with the dolphins or try sandboarding. Resort (D) Sydney city tour See the Opera House & Harbour Bridge Visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour Day 2: Shoal Bay to Coffs Harbour Continue up Australia’s famous ‘holiday coast’ to the beautiful beaches of Coffs Harbour where our Surf Camp & School has cabins located right on the beach. We’ll show you the best waves to surf if you already know how, or teach you if you don’t. Surf Village (B,D) See the iconic ‘Big Banana’ Day 3: Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise Wander through the relaxed coastal town of Byron Bay with its New Age-organic lifestyle & artsy shops. Later, encounter native Aussie animals at Currumbin Sanctuary. Resort (B) Visit Cape Byron Visit a wildlife sanctuary - cuddle a koala & see kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils & more! Visit Jupiter's Casino Day 4: Surfers Paradise Surfers Paradise is a travellers paradise & the place to party in the ‘sunshine state’. Combine sun, surf, adventure activities & more bars & nightclubs than you could ‘poke a stick at’! Resort Day 5: Surfers Paradise to Noosa First up is Brisbane, a cosmopolitan city that has a laid-back, small town attitude. After lunch its on to Noosa, a beach resort town blending the chic with surf culture. Resort (B,D) Brisbane city tour Watch a demonstration on Australia’s national gem stone, the Opal See picturesque Noosa & its beach Day 6: Noosa to Fraser Island You could experience the amazing Rainbow Beach before we reach Fraser Island, a gigantic 800,000 year old sandbar. Bushwalk & 4WD through its rainforests, sandunes & freshwater lakes. Eco Lodge Enjoy the eco-resort’s facilities Day 7: Fraser Island to Country Homestead Arrive at our homestead in the heart of Australia’s cattle country. Get a slice of the real Aussie country life & genuine local hospitality over a hearty meal. Country Homestead (B,D) Farm tour - see farm animals & kangaroos! Evening bonfire with music & a bar Day 8: Country Homestead to Whitsundays Pass through Mackay & its sugar cane fields en route to Airlie Beach. A quick ferry ride & you’ll find yourself in a slice of heaven on tropical Daydream Island. Resort (B,D) Cross the Tropic of Capricorn Rockhampton city tour Visit Airlie Beach, right on the water with a pumping bar & cafe scene Transfer boat to Daydream Island
Days 8-10: Sailing Whitsundays option Want to get out on the water for the next couple of days? Choose our Whitsunday sailing option! See contiki.com/sailingwhitsundays for more info & pricing There’s no twin or single share available onboard the boat. (B,D) (B,L,D) (B,L). Codes: ex Sydney:EXSX / ex Darwin:EXDX
Days 9-10: The Whitsundays Time to slow it down, chill out, & catch some rays on the amazing white sandy beaches. Or get your blood pumping with a ton of activities to choose from like waterskiing, parasailing, tennis, beach volleyball or snorkelling. Resort (B) (B) Enjoy great resort facilities See native birdlife & wallabies Day 11: Whitsundays to Cairns Further north, it’s Townsville next, a happening city that straddles the coast & the outback. Continue road-tripping along the spectacular Great Green Way via Tully to the ever-popular travellers’ hub of Cairns. Resort (B) Townsville city tour See Magnetic Island, an unspolit national park, from Townsville Cross the Tully River, home to Australia's best white water rafting Days 12-13: Cairns With a lush tropical setting, Cairns offers great restaurants, bars, markets, shopping, & of course, nightlife! It’s also the jumping off point for lots of activities like the Outer Barrier Reef cruise or whitewater rafting. Resort (B) Cairns city tour Day 14: Cairns to Alice Springs Chill in Cairns, then hop on a flight to Alice Springs & your ‘Territory’ adventure. Hotel Flight from Cairns to Alice Springs Day 15: Alice Springs Explore the Outback’s unofficial capital, ’The Alice’, famous for its remote location, populated by Aussie characters & is the national hub for Aboriginal art. Hotel (B,D) Alice Springs city tour Visit ANZAC Hill memorial Learn about plants & animals of the Australian desert at The Desert Park Visit the important Aboriginal cultural site of Simpson’s Gap, home to the blackfooted wallaby Visit West MacDonnell National Park Day 16: Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station Strike out West to rugged Kings Creek Station, a working camel station, & tonight do as the real Aussie ‘bushies’ do & sleep under the stars in a comfy swag. Outback bush camp (B,D) Cross the Finke - the world’s oldest river Enjoy a unique experience at an overnight bush camp on a cattle & camel station See the desert night sky & stars Day 17: Kings Creek Station to Uluru Walk through one of the most spectacular sights in central Australia – Kings Canyon. Then hit the road for the Yulara Resort & watch the sun set over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Lodge (B) Visit Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park Hike to the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole & the 'Lost City' See Mt. Connor, over 700 million years old Day 18: Uluru Watch shadows & changing colours at play as the sun rises over Australia’s pin up icon, Uluru. Take a chance to walk around ’The Rock’. Then visit Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s) where each rock represents a person, an animal or food from the Aboriginal Dreaming. Lodge (B) Entry to Uluru National Park (fee included) See Uluru up close at sunset & sunrise Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre Hike through Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Day 19: Uluru to Alice Springs Pit stop at a fascinating institution in outback travel, the traditional Australian Roadhouse, on the return trip to Alice Springs. Hotel (B) Visit a traditional outback roadhouse
Day 20: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek Opt in to see the sunrise over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon. Tonight’s stay is in Tennant Creek surrounded by million-acre cattle stations & Aboriginal communities. Hotel (D) Visit the small art gallery in Ti Tree to see Aboriginal art & didgeridoos Maybe sight a UFO in Wycliffe Well Visit the Devil’s Marbles rock formation Stay in the ‘true blue’ Aussie outback town of Tennant Creek Day 21: Tennant Creek to Katherine Stop & ‘tip one back’ at the oldest pub in the Territory before dipping into the refreshing Mataranka Thermal Pools. Continue on to the surprisingly lush river town of Katherine. Hotel (B) Visit Daly Waters - the famous outback pub Swim in the Mataranka thermal pools Visit Elsey - the historic ’We of the Never Never’ homestead Day 22: Katherine to Kakadu National Park Hike, walk, or take an optional boat trip for an up close experience with dramatic Katherine Gorge. Then it’s on to Kakadu National Park via Edith or Gunlom Falls. Hotel (B,D) Visit mighty Katherine Gorge & see the sheer rock walls & wildlife Entry to Kakadu National Park (fee included) Day 23: Kakadu National Park Be stunned by the ecological ‘jewel’ of Kakadu & its variety of superb landscapes & wildlife, & arguably Australia's best Aboriginal rock art found at places like Nourlangie Rock. Hotel (B) Walk & see the Aboriginal rock art Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre Wildlife cruise - see crocodiles Day 24: Kakadu National Park to Darwin Wind your way to Darwin, an exotic, diverse place that combines East & West & attracts people from all over the country. Tonight maybe try your luck at the casino or go dancing & party the night away. Hotel (B) See the Cyclone Tracy museum display Day 25: Darwin to Litchfield National Park Delve into the Northern Territory’s best kept secret, Litchfield National Park & plunge into the cool pool of water below Florence Falls. Then it’s back to Darwin where the tour ends & its time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) See the unique, huge termite mounds Litchfield’s rainforests & rock formations Enjoy a swim at Florence Falls
East Coast & Northern Territory 25 Days Aussie Explorer 24 nights accomm 19 breakfasts, 2 lunches (sailing option) 9 dinners (island option) 10 dinners (sailing option)
What’s included All as per itinerary • 24 nights multi-share accommodation (23 nights for reverse itinerary): 18 nights in hotels & resorts, 2 nights in a lodge, 1 night in an eco-lodge, 1 night in a surf school village, 1 night in a country homestead & 1 night on an outback bush camp in a comfy Aussie ‘swag’. Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht (see Days 8-10 Sailing Whitsundays option below). Basis: mainly quad, some triple. Twin/single share also available at additional cost. Outback bush camp & yacht multi-share only More info at contiki.com/ ausaccommodation • 19 breakfasts (B) & 9 dinners (D) Sailing option: 19 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 10 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, airconditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Flight from Cairns to Alice Springs (reverse for EXDS) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/aussie-explorer where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: EXSD/EXDS 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. EXSD: Start Sydney 7.00am and end Darwin 6.00pm. EXDS: Start Darwin 7.30am and end Sydney 6.00pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Alternatively ask us about our single room and twin-share supplements. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
*
Swimming, Lake MacKenzie
THE WHITSUNDAYS: Day sailing trip to famous Whitehaven Beach & lunch (weather dependent) CAIRNS: Snorkel or dive on an outer Great Barrier Reef cruise & lunch…or stay dry with coral viewing by semi-submers ible ULURU: Take a ‘wild’ ride on a Harley Davidson around Uluru ALICE SPRINGS: Dawn hot air balloon flight over the desert KAKADU NATIONAL PARK: Scenic flight over this World Heritage Listed area Go to contiki.com/aussie-explorer-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
14 Days Beaches & Reefs
s y a 14 D 120* 1 g m o r f Your choice: You can start this tour in Cairns and travel it in reverse – if you do, you save up to g80.
Coral Sea
3 CAIRNS Tully
Great Barrier Reef Townsville
3 Shute Harbour Airlie Beach
WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island) Mackay
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) For a full list of what’s exclusive to Contiki that we’ve included in this tour check out contiki.com/onlywithcontiki.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY 1 HOMESTEAD
Capricorn Coast
1 FRASER ISLAND 1 NOOSA SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Brisbane
SURFERS PARADISE 2
Currumbin Byron Bay
1 COFFS HARBOUR Great Australian Bight
NEW SOUTH WALES 1 PORT STEPHENS Sydney
contiki.com/beaches
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Tasman Sea
VICTORIA
PORT STEPHENS: Sandboard & ‘surf’ down the sandunes SYDNEY: Climb Sydney’s most famous icon, The Harbour Bridge (tours finishing Sydney) SURFERS PARADISE: Locally guided National Park rainforest tour & lunch
41 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens) Meet up with your Contiki crew & check out Sydney’s icons. Then head up north to the ‘blue water paradise’ of Port Stephens & pristine Shoal Bay where you can cruise with the dolphins or try sandboarding. Resort (D) Sydney city tour See the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge Visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour Day 2: Shoal Bay to Coffs Harbour Continue up Australia’s famous ‘holiday coast’ to the beautiful beaches of Coffs Harbour where our Surf Camp & School has cabins located right on the beach. We’ll show you the best waves to surf if you already know how, or teach you if you don’t. Surf Village (B,D) See the iconic ‘Big Banana’ Day 3: Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise Wander through the relaxed, small coastal town of Byron Bay with its New Ageorganic lifestyle, artsy shops & fantastic eateries. Later, encounter native Aussie animals at Currumbin Sanctuary. Hotel (B) Visit Cape Byron - Australia's most easterly point Visit a wildlife sanctuary - cuddle a koala & see kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils & more! Visit stunning Gold Coast beaches Visit Jupiter's Casino Day 4: Surfers Paradise Surfers Paradise is the place to party in the ‘sunshine state’. Combine sun, surf, adventure, water activities & more bars & nightclubs than you could ‘poke a stick at’, & you have a travellers paradise! Resort Day 5: Surfers Paradise to Noosa First up is Brisbane, a cosmopolitan city that has a laid-back, small town attitude. After lunch its on to Noosa, a beach resort town blending the chic with surf culture. Resort (B,D) Brisbane city tour Watch a demonstration on Australia’s national gem stone, the Opal See picturesque Noosa & its beach Day 6: Noosa to Fraser Island You could experience the amazing Rainbow Beach before we reach Fraser Island, a gigantic 800,000 year old sandbar. Bushwalk & 4WD through its rainforests, sandunes & freshwater lakes. Eco Lodge Enjoy the eco-resort’s facilities Day 7: Fraser Island to Country Homestead A bit further north & find yourself at our homestead in the heart of Australia’s cattle country. Get a slice of the real Aussie country life & genuine Aussie hospitality over a hearty meal. Country Homestead (B,D) Farm tour to see the farm animals & even kangaroos! Enjoy this evening’s activities with music, a bar & a bonfire
Day 8: Country Homestead to the Whitsundays Pass through Mackay & its sugar cane fields en route to Airlie Beach - gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. A quick ferry ride & you’ll find yourself in a slice of heaven on tropical Daydream Island. Resort (B,D) Cross the Tropic of Capricorn Rockhampton city tour Visit Airlie Beach, right on the water with a pumping bar & cafe scene Transfer boat to Daydream Island Days 9-10: The Whitsundays Time to slow it down, chill out, & catch some rays on the amazing white sandy beaches. Or get your blood pumping with a ton of activities to choose from like waterskiing, parasailing, tennis, beach volleyball or snorkelling. Resort (B)(B) Enjoy great resort facilities See native birdlife & wallabies
East coast
Tandem skydiving
What’s included
Days 8-10: Sailing Whitsundays option Want to get out on the water for the next couple of days? Choose our Whitsunday sailing option! See contiki.com/sailingwhitsundays for more info & pricing. There’s no twin or single share available onboard the boat. (B,D) (B,L,D) (B,L). Codes: ex Sydney:BRSW / ex Cairns:BRCW
Day 11: The Whitsundays to Cairns Go north to the happening city of Townsville that straddles the coast & the outback. Continue road-tripping along the spectacular Great Green Way via Tully to the everpopular travellers’ hub of Cairns. Resort (B) Townsville city tour View Magnetic Island, an unspoilt national park, from Townsville Cross the Tully River, home to Australia's best white water rafting Days 12-13: Cairns With a lush tropical setting, Cairns has so much to offer – great restaurants, bars, markets, shopping, & of course, nightlife! It’s also the jumping off point for lots of activities like the Outer Barrier Reef cruise or whitewater rafting. Resort (B) Cairns city tour Day 14: Cairns See the Pamagirri dancers and learn about fascinating & ancient Aboriginal culture. Then it’s back to Cairns where the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park for a guided Aboriginal dreamtime walk. Experience native dancing, see spear throwing & learn how to throw a boomerang
14 Days Beaches & Reef 13 nights accomm 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches (sailing option) 5 dinners (island option) 6 dinners (sailing option)
Boomerang throwing, Cairns
All as per itinerary • 13 nights multi-share accommodation: 10 nights in resorts, 1 night in an eco-lodge, 1 night in a surf school village & 1 night in a country homestead Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht (see Days 8-10 Sailing Whitsundays option below) Basis: mainly quad, some triple. Twin/single share also available at additional cost. Yacht multi-share only More info at contiki.com/ ausaccommodation • 9 breakfasts (B) & 5 dinners (D) Sailing option: 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 6 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
Aussie lifesaver
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/beaches where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from.
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Code: BRSC/BRCS 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. BRSC: Start Sydney 7.00am and end Cairns 12.00 noon. BRCS: Start Cairns 12.00 noon and end Sydney 6.00pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Alternatively ask us about our single room and twin-share supplements. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
Semi-submersible cruise
Jetskiing, The Whitsundays
CAIRNS: Snorkel or dive on an outer Great Barrier Reef cruise - Great Barrier Reef scuba diving for beginners and certified divers FRASER ISLAND: Locally guided 4WD trip across the island & lunch THE WHITSUNDAYS: Day sailing trip to famous Whitehaven Beach & lunch (weather dependent) Go to contiki.com/beaches-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
42
11 Days
Northern Territory 11 Days Territory & Outback 10 nights accomm 9 breakfasts & 4 dinners
Territory & Outback
Kings Canyon
What’s included All as per itinerary • 10 nights multi-share accommodation: 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in a lodge & 1 night on an outback bush camp in a comfy Aussie ‘swag’ Basis: quad-share. Twin/single share also available at additional cost. Outback bush camp multi-share only More info at contiki.com/ ausaccommodation • 9 breakfasts (B) & 4 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major towns • Local taxes & service charges
Your choice You can start this tour in Darwin and travel it in reverse.
Only with Contiki For a full list of what’s exclusive to Contiki that we’ve included in this tour check out contiki.com/onlywithcontiki.
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
1 DARWIN 2 KAKADU N.P Litchfield N.P 1 KATHERINE Mataranka Daly Waters
NORTHERN TERRITORY 1 TENNANT CREEK Devils Marbles Wycliffe Well
Ti Tree Simpsons Gap
KINGS CANYON 1 Kata Tjuta
2
2 ALICE SPRINGS
ULURU
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/territory where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: TEAD/TEDA 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. TEAD: Start Alice Springs 8.00am and end Darwin 6.00pm. TEDA: Start Darwin 7.30am and end Alice Springs 12.00noon. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Alternatively ask us about our single room and twin-share supplements. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
Hot air ballooning
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Itinerary and included sightseeing
Gulf of Carpentaria
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Day 1: Alice Springs Meet up with your Contiki Crew & explore, ’The Alice’, famous for its remote location, its Aussie characters & Aboriginal art. Hotel (D) Alice Springs town tour Visit ANZAC Hill lookout See Alice Springs Telegraph Station Visit Alice Springs Desert Park Visit the important Aboriginal cultural site of Simpson’s Gap Visit West MacDonnell National Park Day 2: Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station Head to Kings Creek Station, a working camel station & tonight do as the real Aussie ‘bushies’ do & sleep under the stars in a comfy swag. Outback bush camp (B,D) Cross the Finke River - the oldest river in the world Enjoy a unique experience at an overnight bush camp on a cattle & camel station See the desert night sky & stars Day 3: Kings Creek Station to Uluru Walk through the spectacular Kings Canyon before heading to Yulara Resort & watching the sun set over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Lodge (B) Visit Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park Hike to the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole & the 'Lost City' See Mt. Connor, over 700 million years old Day 4: Uluru Wake to watch the sun rise over Uluru. Maybe walk around ’The Rock’, then visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where each rock represents a person, an animal or food from the Aboriginal Dreaming. Lodge (B) Entry to Uluru National Park (fee included) See Uluru up close at sunset & sunrise Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre Hike through Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Day 5: Uluru to Alice Springs Pit stop at a fascinating institution in outback travel, the traditional Australian Roadhouse, on the return trip to Alice Springs. Hotel (B) Day 6: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek Opt to see the sunrise over the MacDonnell Ranges by hot air balloon. Tonight’s stay is in Tennant Creek surrounded by million-acre cattle stations & Aboriginal communities. Hotel (D) Visit the small art gallery in Ti Tree to see Aboriginal art & didgeridoos Maybe sight a UFO in the town of Wycliffe Well Visit the Devil’s Marbles rock formation
ys a D 11 * 9 8 8 g from Stay in the ‘true blue’ Aussie outback town of Tennant Creek Day 7: Tennant Creek to Katherine Stop & ‘knock one back’ at the oldest pub in the Territory dip into the Mataranka Thermal Pools before we reach Katherine. Hotel (B) Visit Daly Waters - the famous outback pub Chill out & swim in the Mataranka thermal pools Visit Elsey - the historic ’We of the Never Never’ homestead Day 8: Katherine to Kakadu National Park Hike, walk, or opt for a boat trip to Katherine Gorge. Then it’s on to Kakadu National Park via Edith or Gunlom Falls. Hotel (B,D) Visit mighty Katherine Gorge & see the sheer rock walls & wildlife Entry to Kakadu National Park (fee included) Day 9: Kakadu National Park Be stunned by the ecological ‘jewel’ of Kakadu & its variety of landscapes, wildlife & arguably Australia's best Aboriginal rock art found at places like Nourlangie Rock. Hotel (B) Walk & see the Aboriginal rock art Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre Wildlife cruise to see crocodiles & native birds Day 10: Kakadu National Park to Darwin Wind your way to Darwin, a diverse place that combines East & West. Tonight maybe try your luck at the casino or go explore the city’s nightlife. Hotel (B) Visit Darwin Museum, home to the Cyclone Tracy display Day 11: Darwin to Litchfield National Park Delve into the Northern Territory’s best kept secret, Litchfield National Park & cool off in the pool below Florence Falls. Then it’s back to Darwin where its time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) See the unique, huge termite mounds See Litchfield’s rainforests & rock formations Enjoy a swim at Florence Falls
contiki.com/territory
KINGS CANYON: Outback station camel ride ULURU: Heli flight over Uluru & The Olgas ALICE SPRINGS: Desert Hot air balloon ride KATHERINE: Cruise on Katherine Gorge KAKADU NATIONAL PARK: Amazing scenic flight Go to contiki.com/territory-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
43 East Coast & Northern Territory
9 Days
9 Days Best of Oz 8 nights accomm 8 breakfasts & 2 dinners
Best of Oz
Harbour jet boat ride, Sydney
What’s included
Gulf of Carpentaria Coral Sea
ys * a D 9 9 9 3 1 g from
3 CAIRNS Great Barrier Reef
QUEENSLAND
2 ULURU SOUTH AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES Great Australian Bight
SYDNEY 3 VICTORIA
contiki.com/best-oz
Day 1: Sydney Check-in to the hotel, then head out to spend the afternoon exploring Sydney. This evening meet up with your Tour Manager & fellow Contiki travellers for dinner and a night on the town. Hotel (D) Days 2-3: Sydney Take in Sydney’s amazing icons on a guided sightseeing tour & harbour cruise. Then hit the streets & see this dazzling city for yourself - the beaches are at the city’s doorstep, the street cafés buzz & the nightlife rocks! You could venture out of Sydney for a fun day trip to the famous Hunter Valley vineyards or picturesque Blue Mountains. Hotel (B,B) City sightseeing tour to see the Sydney Opera House, historic Rocks area & Harbour Bridge Cruise on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world - Sydney Harbour Day: 4 Sydney to Uluru Board your included flight as we head to the mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock). Get a taste of the unique Yulara township, just a short drive from the National Park and amazing Uluru. Take a walk through the town & maybe explore the Visitors Centre to learn of the history & ancient geography of the area. Lodge (B) Flight from Sydney to Uluru Day: 5 Uluru Watch shadows & changing colours at play as the sun rises over Australia’s pin up icon, Uluru. Take a chance to walk around
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Tasman Sea
1 1 or more nightstops
Itinerary and included sightseeing
“The Rock”. Then visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where each rock represents a person, an animal or food from the Aboriginal Dreaming. Lodge (B) Entry to Uluru National Park (fee included) See Uluru up close at sunset & sunrise Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre Hike through Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Day: 6 Uluru to Cairns Maybe get up for another amazing sunrise before we board a flight to Cairns. With a lush tropical setting & home to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has so much to offer – great restaurants, bars, markets, shopping, & of course, nightlife! It’s also the jumping off point for lots of action activities. Resort (B) Flight from Cairns to Uluru Cairns orientation tour Days: 7-8 Cairns If you’re after some adventure, opt for some white water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River, or take the opportunity to visit the famous Great Barrier Reef aboard a highspeed catamaran. Why not scuba dive amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Or if you prefer, spend the days at leisure doing some shopping in town. In the evening we'll check out more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns' nightclubs! Resort (B) (B,D) Day: 9 Cairns Visit Tjapukai to learn about fascinating & ancient Aboriginal culture. Then it’s back to Cairns where the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) Visit Tjapukai & see Aboriginal dancing, spear throwing & learn to throw a boomerang
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
All as per itinerary • 8 nights multi-share accommodation: 6 nights in hotels, 2 nights in a lodge Basis: quad-share, some triple. Twin/single-share also available at additional cost More info at contiki.com/ ausaccommodation • 8 breakfasts (B) & 2 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach • Domestic flights from Sydney to Uluru & Uluru to Cairns • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
When to go and how much
Only with Contiki For a full list of what’s exclusive to Contiki that we’ve included in this tour check out contiki.com/onlywithcontiki.
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/best-oz where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: CABOFOZ 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. Start Sydney 5.00pm and end Cairns 12.00noon. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Alternatively ask us about our single room and twin-share supplements. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Snorkelling, Great Barrier Reef
SYDNEY: Iconic Harbour Bridge climb - Thrilling harbour jet boat ride ULURU: Harley Davidson ride around Uluru - Champagne sunset drinks & nibbles CAIRNS: Snorkel or dive on an outer Great Barrier Reef cruise & lunch - White water raft the Tully River - Tandem skydive - Bungy jump with rainforest views Go to contiki.com/best-oz-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
44
This is New Zealand
8 amazing tours from
3 to 15 days
Say ‘Kia Ora’ to some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. NZ stuns travellers with its breathtaking mountain ranges, volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, pristine rainforests & miles of uncrowded coastline. Combine that with its status as ‘Adventure capital of the World’ & you’re in for one awesome trip!
Sailing the beau tiful Bay of Islands
Show Maori Cultural
Amazing places to stay On a sailing boat, cruising the breathtaking Milford Sound A cosy Queenstown lodge overlooking the lake & snow capped mountains A rainforest retreat in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village
Cool stuff to do Adrenaline pumping bungy jumps, canyon swinging & skydiving For more info about New Zealand visit contiki.com/newzealand
Swim with the dolphins & surf the sand dunes Take the triple challenge – jetboating, whitewater rafting & a heli ride Have a serious feast at a traditional Maori hangi
45
Our top NZ tours feature on p.46-47 Other top tours are: Other tours not featured in this brochure
From g905
Grand Adventurer 12/13 Days
SUN & STEAM Days 5 From e385 contiki.com/steam
Two weeks experiencing the absolute adrenaline rush & scenic spectacle that is New Zealand, including the North & South Islands. Depart weekly year round & operates in either direction.
AUCKLAND EXPLORER Days 3 From e129 contiki.com/auckland
contiki.com/grand-adventurer
SKI NEW ZEALAND Days 7 From e765 contiki.com/nzski
From g569
Scenic Southern 7/8 Days
Be awestruck by the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, home of extreme sports & adrenaline junkies. Departs every 2 weeks year round & operates in either direction. contiki.com/south
From g460
Northern Highlights 6/8 Days
Take in the caves, islands, hot springs & other must-sees of the North Island, with a taster of the South. Departs every 2 weeks year round & operates in either direction. contiki.com/north
From g215
Bay of Islands 3 Days
Undeniably pretty, this region ranks as one of New Zealand’s top natural playgrounds. Departs every 2 weeks year round. contiki.com/bay
le Mi ety ch Nin Bea
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops Grand Adventurer* Northern Highlights* Bay of Islands Scenic Southern* * Tour operates in either direction
2
BAY OF ISLANDS Parry Kauri Park
Auckland
WAITOMO CAVES 1
1 ROTORUA Huka Falls
TAUPO 1 NORTH ISLAND
Tasman Sea
Tongariro N.P
Cook Straight Picton
2 WELLINGTON
Arthur’s Pass
FRANZ JOSEF & FOX GLACIER 1 Haast Pass
MILFORD SOUND 1
1
Fox Glacier heli ride
CHRISTCHURCH
Lake Tekapo
1 LAKE OHAU 3 QUEENSTOWN
Te Anau
Ka iko ura
Co ast
SOUTH ISLAND Hokitika
Pacific Ocean
15 Days Grand Explorer
s y a 15 D 090* 1 g m o r f le Mi ety ch Nin Bea
Your choice: You can start this tour in Christchurch or Queenstown and travel it in reverse – if you do, you save up to g73.
2
BAY OF ISLANDS Parry Kauri Park
Auckland
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) For a full list of what’s exclusive to Contiki that we’ve included in this tour check out contiki.com/onlywithcontiki.
WAITOMO CAVES 1
1 ROTORUA Huka Falls
TAUPO 1 NORTH ISLAND
Tasman Sea
Tongariro N.P
Cook Straight Picton
2 WELLINGTON
Hokitika
Arthur’s Pass
FRANZ JOSEF & FOX GLACIER 1 Haast Pass
MILFORD SOUND 1
Ka iko ura
Co ast
SOUTH ISLAND
1 CHRISTCHURCH Lake Tekapo
1 LAKE OHAU 3 QUEENSTOWN
Pacific Ocean
Te Anau
contiki.com/grand-explorer
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
BAY OF ISLANDS: Day tour to ‘Ninety Mile Beach’ with off-roading & sand dune ‘surfing’ - Fishing trip WAITOMO: Black water rafting in a rubber ring through underground caves ROTORUA: Guided walk through the bush to spot Kiwis
47 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands Meet up with your Contiki Crew & head to the idyllic Northland region, with its laidback, endless-summer lifestyle. Later, chill out in the Bay of Islands, in seaside Paihia. Hotel (D) Venture across Auckland's Harbour Bridge & see the 'City of Sails' harbour made famous by the America's Cup See Auckland’s Sky Tower Free time in Parry Kauri Park, home to many ancient giant kauri trees Day 2: Bay of Islands Undeniably pretty, this region ranks as one of NZ’s top natural playgrounds – chill out on the beach, visit the Maori tribal lands, or try out some watersports – there are lots on offer. Hotel (B) Day 3: Bay of Islands to Waitomo Circle back to Auckland. After lunch, roll through the lush, green countryside to Waitomo, with it’s amazing limestone formations & a visit to the glittering Glowworm Grotto. Lodge (B,D) Enjoy a typical New Zealand country pub Pizza party Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua Catch a sniff of sulphur in the air as you enter Rotorua, NZ’s most dynamic thermal area & a cultural centre of the native Maori people. Soak in hot, bubbly pools or chow down at a traditional Maori hangi & concert. Hotel (B) Rotorua city tour Visit Agrodome Theme Park, a fun & interactive farm experience, with Kiwi farm animals & their world famous sheep show Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo Travel through the volcanic Wairakei area & find yourself in Taupo, nestled among spectacular natural wonders & offering some great back-to-nature & adventure activities. Resort (B) See raging Huka Falls View Lake Taupo - a vast, water-filled crater created from a volcanic blast & New Zealand’s largest lake Day 6: Taupo to Wellington Journey through World Heritage Listed
Tanogario National Park, to the vibrant capital & the coolest bar & club scene in NZ. Hotel (B) See the dramatic volcanic landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings' See the still active volcano - Mt Ruapehu Wellington city tour Visit Mt. Victoria for panoramic views Day 7: Wellington Check out ‘Windy Welly’s’ impressive harbour views, steep hills & red hot arts scene complete with hip bars, eclectic shopping, & thriving late night entertainment. Hotel (B) See even more of the sights made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings' Day 8: Wellington to Christchurch Hop from the North Island, via ferry, to a whole different world on the South Island. Travel down the stunning Kaikoura coastline, through the country’s largest wine region to charming English city of Christchurch. Hotel (B) Cruise Cook Strait & the scenic Marlborough & Queen Charlotte Sounds Visit a seal colony Day 9: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier Venture through the majestic Southern Alps & along the rugged West Coast to Hokitika & later on to Franz Josef. Hotel (B,D) Christchurch city tour Scenic drive through Arthur's Pass See traditional Maori greenstone carving Day 10: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown Explore the icy slopes of Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers. Then hit the road for the breathtaking Southern Lakes & Queenstown. Lodge (B,D) Drive through Westland National Park featuring glaciers & ancient rainforests Stunning drive through the Southern Alps; see Lake Hawea & the Crown Range Days 11-12: Queenstown You’ve got 2 free days to explore the ‘World’s Adventure Capital’ & its endless list of activities. Not to mention its atmospheric restaurants, rocking bars & a picture postcard lakeside setting that will blow your mind! Lodge (B)(B) Queenstown tour See The Remarkables & Coronet Peak mountain ranges
14 Days option for the Grand Explorer
ys * a D 14 025 g1 rom f
Stuck for time? We’ve got a shorter, 14 day version of the 15 day Grand Explorer tour that starts or ends in Queenstown, also including Milford Sound. grand-explorer
• Ask us about our single room and twin-share supplements.
• Code: ex Auckland: NDZA. Start 12.00 noon/End 2.00pm. 12.00 noon. • 14 day tour starts or ends at Queenstown airport.
Want to ‘carve up’ some of the great ski mountains around Queenstown? You can if you’re travelling in July or August! You can choose to ski or board for 2 full days - we can even organise ski equipment and lessons for you. Lodge. (B)(B)
Day 13: Queenstown to Milford Sound First up, a pit stop at the home of bungy Kawarau Bridge. Give this crazy thrill-sport a go! Take it easy travelling through stunning country-side to Milford Sound. Overnight cruise (B,D) Overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park Cruise past sheer rocky cliffs & forests clinging to the slopes See the inspiring 1692m high Mitre Peak Day 14: Milford Sound to Lake Ohau Pan for gold in the quaint, old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Later set out for the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau. Lodge (B,D) Soak up the historical ambience of Arrowtown with it’s original wooden & stone buildings Catch a glimpse of impressive Mt. Cook Day 15: Lake Ohau to Christchurch Opt in for an amazing scenic flight over Mt. Cook. Then cut through Mackenzie Country back to Christchurch where the tour ends & its time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
Kayaking, Bay of Islands
New Zealand
15 Days Grand Explorer 14 nights accomm 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners
What’s included All as per itinerary • 14 nights multi-share accommodation: 8 nights in hotels & resorts, 5 nights in lodges & 1 night onboard a cruise boat. Basis: mainly triple, some quad. Twin/single share also available at additional cost. Cruise boat quad share only More info at contiki.com/ nzaccommodation • 14 breakfasts (B) & 6 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/grand-explorer where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: NGZA/NGZC 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. NGZA: Start Auckland 12.00noon and end Christchurch 6.00pm. NGZC: Start Christchurch 8.00am and end Auckland 12.00noon. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on maximum quad-share. If you're travelling solo, we can share you with same sex roommates at no extra charge. Alternatively ask us about our single room and twin-share supplements. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
• For 14 day tour price - refer to contiki.com/
• Code: ex Queenstown: NDZC. Start 11.00am/End
Days 11-12: Ski Queenstown option
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Riverboarding
WELLINGTON: Day trip to major ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie locations FOX GLACIER: Guided glacier hike right onto the glacier itself (gear provided) QUEENSTOWN: Scenic tandem skydive - AJ Hackett bungy jump - Skyswing 400m above the town LAKE TEKAPO: Scenic flight past glaciers & Mt Cook, NZ’s highest peak Go to contiki.com/grand-explorer-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
48
This is Asia Get ready to find out why Asia is unique. From the temples of Thailand, to the untouched culture of Laos. From the beaches & amazing food of Vietnam to the rich history of Cambodia. Asia is an incredible cultural feast. Learn about the traditions of the Thai hill-tribes, ride an elephant in Laos & cruise spectacular Halong Bay. It’s non-stop action & culture at every turn.
5 amazing tours from
4 to 28 days
Amazing places to stay On a traditional Chinese Junk boat. Wake up to beach views in Nha Trang. In a traditional guest house stay in the foothills of Sapa.
Hill tribe visit, Chiang Mai
Sampan ride, Mekong Delta
For more about Asia & Contiki: contiki.com/asia
Cool stuff to do Hold a serpent on a cruise stop on Tonle Sap lake. Ride and elephany through the Laotian rainforest. Snorkel & swim in the clear waters off the islands in Hoi An. Meet traditional hill-tribes in Thailand.
49
Our top Asia tours feature on p.50-53 Other top tours are: Big Indochina Adventure 25 Days
From g1955
From the bright lights of Bangkok to the tranquillity of the Vietnamese shores, the sobering history of Cambodia to the French colonial culture of Laos, there’s more adventure on this tour than you can shake a chopstick at. Departs monthly year round.
contiki.com/indochina-adventure
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam Highlights
Sapa Trekking
10 Days
4 Days From g610
From
Experience the real g285 Vietnam! Meet the hilltribes of this North Vietnamese region & stay in authentic stilt-houses with host families on this trekking adventure. * This tour is an extension only.
From the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang to the buzz of Ho Chi Minh city, with delicious food & stunning scenery, you’ll see why Vietnam has it all. Departs every 2 weeks year round.
contiki.com/sapa-trekking
contiki.com/vietnam-highlights
SAPA 1
11
11
VIETNAM
Burma PAKBENG 1
LUANG PRABANG 2
2 HANOI
Halong Bay
1
LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
1 HUE Da Nang
THAILAND
2 HOI AN
11 BANGKOK 1
SIEM REAP 2
CAMBODIA
1 PHNOM PENH
2 NHA TRANG
1 2 HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA 1 South China Sea
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops Big Indochina Adventure Vietnam Highlights Sapa Trekking Angkor Wat, Cambodia
14 Days Asian Adventure
s y a 14 D 009 1 g m o r f Plus
†
5 $18 f US o t n yme l pa a c o l
Visits: Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
PAKBENG 1
LUANG PRABANG 2
LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
THAILAND
11
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support and rehab centre • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains street kids • All private coach transport
Vietnam Burma
BANGKOK 1
SIEM REAP 2
CAMBODIA
1 PHNOM PENH
contiki.com/asian-adventure
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
South China Sea
CHIANG MAI: Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience
51 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, streetside BBQs, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel.
Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’ Hotel (B,D) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh Goodbye Laos & hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital city, once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. View first hand the reminders of the country’s dark history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight, take it easy & maybe enjoy some drinks at a floating bar on the river. Hotel (B)
Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha
Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum
Day 3: Chiang Mai Head for the hills with our local guide; visit Wat Phrathat temple & maybe even receive a Buddhist blessing! Surrounded by a moat & 300 temples, chill out & explore Chiang Mai. You could take an optional Thai cooking class tonight, chill by the pool or visit the famous Night Bazaar. Hotel. (B) Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Today we head towards Chiang Rai. In the afternoon, opt to visit unique hill tribe villages before heading back to Chang Rai to explore or check out a local night stop. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the mighty Mekong River. Drift through towering, jungle covered gorges, taking sneak peeks at local life in remote villages along the river banks. We arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guesthouse (B,L,D) See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xiang Thong monastery & perhaps take a walk up Mt Phu Si before perusing the night markets where local people sell their textiles & handicrafts. Hotel (B,L)
14 Days Asian Adventure 3 countries 13 nights accomm 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
Visit to COPE exhibition centre
Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Visit the incredible Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Later, cruise the klongs (canals) & see locals going about their day then dive into the downtown area’s plazas, or shops in Siam Square. Try Chinatown for some Asian delicacies before we board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight train. (B)
Guided klong (canal) tour
Asia
Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap, before taking a private boat cruise to see the unique floating villages found here. Chill out with a visit to the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Or, for a dose of culture, see an Aspara dance performance. Hotel (B)
Buddhist blessing
What’s included
Mae Sa waterfalls, Chiang Mai
All as per itinerary • 13 nights accommodation: 11 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse & 1 overnight train • 13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 2 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 2 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED
2
Tonle Sap lake cruise Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire from your local guide. Later, we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk & Ta Prohm temple, as seen in the movie Tomb Raider. After a long day of sights relax, play some pool, or venture down Pub Street to explore the nightlife. Hotel (B) Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Day 14: Ends Siem Reap Our tour ends this morning after breakfast so it’s time to say goodbye to your travel buddies and Tour Manager. (B)
Grand Palace, Bangkok
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/asian-adventure where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from.
Visit the Pak Ou Caves
Code: ASAD 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. † A local payment of US$185 is collected in cash on first day of tour (cost based on 2010-11 season pricing). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share in hotels & multi-share in guesthouse & train. Ask us about our single room supplements or if you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most upto-date prices.
Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & Mt Phu Si Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kouang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B)
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
*
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to riverside & action packed Vang Vieng, known for its dramatic limestone karsts (rock formations) & outdoor adventure activities. Later, check out the buzzing nightlife in this vibrant backpacker town. Hotel (B) Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike – there are a whole lot of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B)
Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand
Night markets
CHIANG RAI: Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages LUANG PRABANG: Kayaking trip down the Nam Ou River Go to contiki.com/asian-adventure-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
12 Days Vietnam Experience
s y a 12 D 25 7 g m o r f Plus
†
0 $16 f US o t n yme l pa a c o l
Visits: Vietnam
VIETNAM
HANOI 2
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a deaf-mute family • All private coach transport
Burma
Halong Bay
1
Laos LAOS
1 HUE Da Nang
Thailand THAILAND
2 HOI AN
Cambodia CAMBODIA
2 NHA TRANG
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
contiki.com/vietnam-experience
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
MEKONG DELTA 1 South China Sea
NHA TRANG: Relaxing cruise off Hon Mun Island with swim stops & snorkelling
53 Itinerary and included sightseeing
city, known for it’s colourful cloths and made to order tailors, then taste why Vietnamese food has such a good reputation with an optional cooking class! Hotel (B)
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is packed with pagodas, roadside shops, high-rises & reminders of the Vietnam war. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel. Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel.
Visit the city’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets & fish farms – giving a peek of everyday waterway life. Back on dry land, we’ll get on 2 wheels as we ride past rural communities. Tonight, perhaps see a musical performance before dinner at our local guesthouse. Guesthouse (B,L,D)
Day 7: Hoi An Maybe head to the untouched Cham Island on a speed boat cruise. With snorkelling, secluded beaches & delicious local food prepared at a beach-side restaurant, this is a great way to spend the day. Otherwise there’s galleries, antique shops in the old town or take a walk along the historic waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B)
Mekong Delta cruise
Day 8: Hoi An to Hue There are stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. Visit the colourful imperial Tu Duc tomb with its intricately decorated pavilions & the 7-storied Thien Mu Pagoda before we board a dragon boat & drift down the Perfume River before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D)
See local demonstrations
Cross the Hai Van Pass
Visit a local tea garden
Perfume River cruise
Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the Viet Cong’s legendary tunnels in Cu Chi. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand – you can even go down into the skinny tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B)
Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Tu Duc Mausoleum
Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential (or Reunification) Palace on our city tour. We also visit the War Remnants Museum for some history on the Vietnam War. Explore the city before catching a flight to Nha Trang, famous for its golden beaches & idyllic turquoise waters. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace
Day 9: Hue to Hanoi Start the morning with a cyclo tour before our flight to Hanoi. Full of French flair, Chinese culture & Vietnamese vitality – it’s an open-air museum. Walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards & take in the shuttered mansions, or relax with bia hoi (draught beer) & peoplewatch. Hotel (B)
Asia 12 Days Vietnam Experience 1 country 11 nights accomm 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners Bamboo boats, Nha Trang
What’s included
Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoi An
All as per itinerary • 11 nights accommodation: 9 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse & 1 overnight cruise • 11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) & 3 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 3 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
3
Cyclo ride Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass hidden coves, sheer cliffs & stunning beaches. We check out the Sung Sot Caves & stop for a swim in an idyllic lagoon before docking at the magical Dao Titop for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D)
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Visit the Sung Sot Caves
Visit to the War Remnants Museum
Boat cruise of grotto island
Day 5: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with a free day to enjoy the sun & sea. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on our optional cruise with swim stops, snorkelling & banquet lunch. Afterwards perhaps, indulge in a mineral mud bath & hot springs experience before getting a taste of Nha Trang by night! Hotel (B)
Entry to Dao Titop
Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this
View the Temple of Literature
Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake to more fantastic views from the junk before we return to Hanoi. Later you could try Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance before our optional farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant, where former street children are trained in hospitality skills. Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
Sapa Trekking Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. Refer to contiki.com/sapa trekking. Cu Chi tunnels, Vietnam
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/vietnam-experience where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: VIEP 2010/11. For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. † A local payment of US$160 is collected in cash on first day of tour (cost based on 2010-11 season pricing). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share in hotels & multi-share in guesthouse & train. Ask us about our single room supplements or if you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge. Price is based on 2010-11 season check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
* Beaches of Nha Trang
Flag Tower, Hue
HOI AN: Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class – Speedboat cruise to Cham Island with swimming, snorkelling & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former street children are trained in hospitality Go to contiki.com/vietnam-experience-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
54
America & Canada
21 amazing tours from
4 to 25 days
America Discover the country famous for hotdogs, Hendrix & Hollywood. Try your luck in Vegas, buckle up for a helicopter adventure through the Grand Canyon or go ‘gator spotting’ in New Orleans. America has an amazing line-up of things to do & see.
nal Park Yosemite Natio Hollywood Walk of Fame
Canada Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Canada, with its mix of cultures, from French speaking Quebec to the melting pot of Vancouver. Try ice walking, take a scenic flight over the rugged Rocky Mountains or saddle up for a rodeo show!
Amazing places to stay Wake up in a lodge near the rim of the Grand Canyon Stay in a chalet with amazing views overlooking the Rocky Mountains A contemporary-style hotel in downtown LA with a rooftop garden
Cool stuff to do Party all night on the ‘Strip’ & try your luck in the casinos of Vegas Take on the rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure in Jasper For more info about America & Canada visit contiki.com/america
See cowboys strut their stuff on a trip to a Rodeo show in Cody Get out on 4 wheels on a 4WD drive adventure across the Sedona back country
Our top America & Canada tours feature on p.56-63 Other top tours are:
Other tours not featured in this brochure LA EXPLORER Days 4 contiki.com/la
NEW YORK NEW YEAR Days 4 From e565 contiki.com/new-york
25 Days From the romance of Eastern Canada to the rodeos of the American West, get the best of 20 states & 2 Canadian provinces in a 25 day cross country tour. Departs monthly during summer.
SAN FRANCISCO NEW YEAR Days 4 From e495 contiki.com/san-francisco LAS VEGAS NEW YEAR Days 4 From e555 contiki.com/las-vegas
contiki.com/grand-northern
WESTERN HIGHLIGHTS Days 8 From e759 contiki.com/western
From g1995
Grand Southern 26 Days
Wrap yourself up in some Southern Hospitality on a 26 day cross country tour across the Wild West, Deep South & Eastern Seaboard of the USA. Departs weekly year round & operates in either direction. contiki.com/grand-southern
SOUTHERN ADVENTURE Days 13 From e1329 contiki.com/southern-adventure NORTH BY NORTH EAST Days 13 From e1255 contiki.com/north-east NORTHERN ESCAPE Days 13 From e1395 contiki.com/escape
From g1379
Eastern Discovery 14 Days
GRAND CANADIAN (plus Stampede) Days 18 From e2135 contiki.com/grand-canadian
From the bright city lights of some of America’s most famous cities to the sun-drenched coastal towns of Florida – the East Coast has it all. Departs every 2 weeks year round & operates in either direction.
WINTER CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS Days 8 From e865 contiki.com/winter-california-highlights WINTER LA TO THE BAY Days 10 From e965 contiki.com/winter-la-to-bay
contiki.com/eastern-discovery
WINTER WILD WESTERN Days 14 From e1239 contiki.com/winter-wild-western
From g759
California Highlights 8 Days
Soak up the sun, sightsee in San Fran & raise the stakes in Vegas on this 8 day tour of the gems of California. Departs weekly year round. contiki.com/california
Or break up your trip with our Hawaiian stopovers. contiki.com/hawaii After some snow? During winter, 3 of our tours include time in the snow playground of Lake Tahoe. Visit contiki.com/ski-tahoe
QUEBEC CITY 2 Washington
QUEBEC MONTREAL 2 Montana
Oregon
Vermont New Hampshire Minnesota
Jackson Hole
WYOMING
Michigan MADISON 1 Milwaukee
1 SIOUX FALLS Iowa
ILLINOIS
NEVADA
UTAH
Yosemite National Park
2 CALIFORNIA
BASS LAKE
LAS VEGAS 2
Route 66
Mojave Desert
Indiana
COLORADO CORTEZ 1
KANAB 2
Monument Valley
2 GRAND CANYON
Los Angeles
ARIZONA
Rhode Island New York Philadelphia
NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA Annapolis 1 3 CLEVELAND WASHINGTON DC OHIO MARYLAND DELAWARE W.Virginia VIRGINIA
Kansas Missouri
Durango
Kentucky
1 RALEIGH N.CAROLINA
Sante Fe
TENNESSEE Oklahoma
1 ALBUQUERQUE 1
AMARILLO
ARKANSAS
2
MEMPHIS S.CAROLINA
Little Rock Charleston
NEW MEXICO
GEORGIA
MISSISSIPPI ALABAMA
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops Grand Northern Grand Southern* Eastern Discovery* California Highlights * Tour operates in either direction
MASS NEW YORK Connecticut Newport
Niagara Falls
Bryce Canyon Nat’l Park
Zion Nat’l Park
Santa Barbara
1 CARPINTERIA
CHICAGO 2
Nebraska
1 SALT LAKE CITY
2 BOSTON
TORONTO 3
Wisconsin
MT. RUSHMORE 2 Badlands National Park
SAN FRANCISCO 3
Maine
North Dakota
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 2 1 CODY SOUTH DAKOTA
Idaho
From e225
NEW YORK EXPLORER Days 4 From e459 contiki.com/new-york-explorer
From g2265
Grand Northern
55
2 DALLAS TEXAS
1 SAVANNAH
LOUISIANA 1 1 ST. AUGUSTINE TALLAHASSEE 1 2 NEW ORLEANS ORLANDO 2 1 COCOA BEACH Florida FLORIDA 2 MIAMI The Everglades
13 Days Best of USA
s y a 13 D 5* 7 9 1 g 3 States California Nevada New York contiki.com/best-of-usa Quebec Montana
North Dakota Ontario
Oregon Minnesota Wisconsin
Idaho
NEW YORK
South Dakota Michigan
Wyoming
NEW YORK 4 Pennsylvania
Iowa Nebraska
NEVADA 2
Illinios
SAN FRANCISCO
Ohio
Maryland
Indiana
Utah Colorado
W.Virginia Kansas
CALIFORNIA
Missouri
LAS VEGAS 3
Virginia
Kentucky N.Carolina Tennessee
3 LOS ANGELES
Oklahoma Arizona
S.Carolina
Arkansas Georgia
New Mexico
Alabama
Texas Mississippi
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
LOS ANGELES: Visit Universal Studios - ‘Homes of movie stars’ tour Visit Disneyland - LA hop-on-hop-off city tour SAN FRANSISCO: Sunset catamaran sailing cruise
57 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Los Angeles Meet up with your Contiki Crew & cruise down star-studded Hollywood Boulevard & the Sunset Strip. Get into the vibrant energy of Venice Beachs’ boardwalk, shop till you drop or just chill amongst the sunny beach community of Santa Monica. Hotel (D) See Mann's Chinese Theater & the “Walk of Fame” Drive along famous Sunset Strip Visit Santa Monica & Venice Beach See Rodeo Drive & Melrose Avenue Day 2: Los Angeles In the morning, get an insider’s look at LA on a walking tour of downtown. The rest of the day is all yours to explore – look for deals in the garment district, check out the new ‘LA Live’ entertainment venue, or see how the rich & famous live on an optional celebrity home tour. Hotel (B) Walking tour of downtown Los Angles Day 3: More of Los Angeles Today you can choose to check out the area’s world-famous theme parks. Explore the magical world of Disneyland - “The Happiest Place on Earth” or get behind the scenes of the movie world at Universal Studios. Hotel (B) Day 4: Los Angeles to San Francisco Next stop: San Fran - the city of roller coaster streets, countless cultures & the world-famous bridge. See it all on a city sightseeing tour. Hotel (D) Transfers & flight to San Francisco See North Beach, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Haight Ashbury, the famous row houses on Alamo Square, Alcatraz & the city's iconic cable cars Visit Fisherman's Wharf Cross the Golden Gate Bridge Day 5: San Francisco It’s all about the 'good life' in this beautiful, cosmopolitan city. Ride historic cable cars, feel the hippie vibe in Haight-Ashbury, tour notorious Alcatraz Island, or walk through Golden Gate Park. Hotel (B) Day 6: San Francisco to Las Vegas Leave your heart in San Francisco & fly to the bright lights & bling of Las Vegas. Cruising the world famous ‘Strip’ is an unforgettable sight & sound experience. Hotel (D) Transfers & flight to Las Vegas Evening Illumination tour of the famous 'Strip'
Visit Fremont Street & some of the world's largest hotels & casinos Enjoy the non-stop nightlife Days 7-8: Las Vegas Hang out for a couple days in ‘Sin City’, full of glitz & glamour. Act like a high roller in one of the countless casinos, do some high-end bargain shopping in the factory outlets, catch a spectacular show & hit the party hot spots. Hotel (B) Day 9: Las Vegas to New York Leave the party in the desert & fly to largerthan-life New York City. Hotel Transfers & flight to New York Day 10: Hello Big Apple! Sightsee lots of the city’s icons. Cruise out to Lady Liberty then spend time discovering for the rest of the day. After dinner, hit the streets for the electric atmosphere of Times Square & a big night out in the city that never sleeps. Hotel (D) See Wall Street, the NYSE, Harlem's Apollo Theatre, & Museum Row, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art & Guggenheim Museum See the famous neighbourhoods like Soho, Greenwich Village & TriBeCa Visit Ground Zero, Battery Park & Central Park See St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center & Tiffany's Day 11: New York, New York This morning cruise through Central Park on an optional bike tour. In the afternoon, shop up a storm on trendy Fifth Avenue, explore some more of the cool & vibrant neighborhoods, people watch from a street side café or hop on an optional ‘Sex & the City’ tour. Later, catch a Broadway show & grab a bite to eat at a city diner. Hotel (B) Day 12: More of Manhattan There's still more! Ride “The Beast” on an optional Hudson River jet boat tour, enjoy The Met gallery, or cross the historic Brooklyn Bridge. This afternoon get a bird’s eye view of it all on a fantastic optional helicopter flight. After a farewell dinner, it’s straight to the top of the Empire State Building for an unforgettable view of the city. Hotel (B,D) Rise up 102 floors by elevator, to the Observation Tower of the Empire State Building Day 13: Depart New York This morning the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.
America 13 Days Best of USA 12 nights accomm 6 breakfasts & 5 dinners
What’s included All as per itinerary • 12 nights twin-share hotel accommodation (more on pages 54-55) • 6 breakfasts (B) & 5 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Flights to San Francisco, Las Vagas & New York • Transfers between cities • Metro pass for the 5 days in New York • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
NYC helicopter tour
When to go and how much
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/best-of-usa where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: TUSA 2009/11 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (single room options are also available on request). For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 8:30am & ends approx. 11:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
San Francisco
Las Vegas showgirls
LAS VEGAS: See a fun Las Vegas variety show - Helicopter flight to Grand Canyon with lunch & champagne NEW YORK: ‘Sex and the City’ tour - Coach tour of famous TV & movie sites - Helicopter tour of NYC & the harbour - Helicopter tour of New York’s big sights - Bike tour with a local guide through Central Park - High-speed harbour jet-boat tour Go to contiki.com/best-of-usa-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
14 Days Wild Western plus Ski Tahoe
Idaho
s y a 14 D 239* 1 g m o fr
Wyoming
SAN FRANCISCO 3 Monterey
NEVADA Utah
Yosemite National Park
Colorado
2 BASS LAKE CALIFORNIA
LAS VEGAS
Santa Barbara
3 States California Arizona Nevada
1 CARPINTERIA
Route 66
2 GRAND CANYON
Mojave Desert
Los Angeles
ARIZONA 2
Sedona
SAN DIEGO
New Mexico Sonoran Desert
contiki.com/wild-west
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
2
1 PHOENIX
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
SAN DIEGO: Day trip to Sea World - Explore the world’s largest zoo by tram Harbour cruise of San Diego Bay PHOENIX: Hot air balloon ride over Sonoran Desert & champagne breakfast SEDONA: 4WD through timeless canyons & back country
59 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Los Angeles to San Diego Meet up with your Contiki Crew & head south to San Diego. Tap into the 'California Dream' on a tour through the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Tonight, party at a hip downtown club, chill out at a cool beach bar, or sip cocktails at a chic rooftop lounge. Hotel (D) Drive through the O.C. (Orange County) & along the scenic Pacific Coast See downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island & Old Town San Diego Panoramic view of the city’s skyline from Coronado Bridge Day 2: San Diego Wander around & discover all this city has to offer. With 70 miles of beaches, a world famous zoo, sailors, surfers, shopping, culture, & a gentle Mediterranean climate, this place is a USA paradise. Hotel (B) Visit Mission Beach (weather dependent) Day 3: San Diego to Phoenix Leave the beach behind & head toward Phoenix, a metropolitan desert oasis. The sprawling city heats it up as a retail mecca, a melting pot of fun & funky dining & hip nightlife! Hotel (B) Scenic drive through Cleveland National Forest, Anza Borrego Desert & Sonoran Desert Day 4: Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Travel from the 'Valley of the Sun' to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, stopping along the way in Sedona, a quirky town nestled in 'red-rock country'. Cabin (B,D) Drive the scenic route past brilliantly coloured sandstone cliffs & rugged peaks Shop for Native American jewelry Drive through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon Stay in Grand Canyon National Park Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park Hike, walk, or maybe take an optional helicopter flight for an up close experience with this phenomenal natural wonder. Cabin Hike along the Canyon's South Rim Watch a spectacular sunset & capture incredible photos with a visit to a panoramic viewpoint Day 6: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas Get your kicks on Route 66 on the way to the bright lights & bling of Las Vegas. Hotel (B,D) Stop for photos & souvenirs on Route 66 Evening tour of the famous Vegas 'Strip' Visit Fremont Street Day 7: Las Vegas It’s all glitz & glamour as you hang out on the ‘Strip’, relax by the pool, or hit up Sin City’s flashiest party hot spots. Hotel Experience some of the world's largest hotels & casinos Non-stop nightlife Day 8: Las Vegas to Bass Lake Say goodbye to the party in the desert & hello to outdoor adventures awaiting you in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Quad-share Chalet (D) Drive past Joshua trees - the famous symbol of the Mojave Desert
Days 8-11: Skiing at Lake Tahoe
America
If you’re travelling between December & March, this tour packs in 3 fun-filled days of snow sports action at Lake Tahoe (instead of Yosemite). See contiki.com/winter-wild-west for more. Tour code (WWIN). Hotel (D)(D)(B)(B)
14 Days Wild Western 13 nights accomm 8 breakfasts & 7 dinners
Day 9: Yosemite National Park Enjoy the natural beauty of Yosemite – mountains, rock formations, meadows, waterfalls & wildflowers. Hike or bike around the valley floor to soak it all up (weather dependent). Quad-share Chalet (B,D) Relax in the stunning mountain paradise of Bass Lake - swim, soak up some sun & enjoy watersports (seasonal) See Yosemite’s famous rock formations, El Capitan & Half Dome See incredible Yosemite & Bridalveil Falls Day 10: Bass Lake to San Francisco Head down out of the mountains & into one of America's most colourful & character-filled cities. Fall under the city's spell & catch awesome bay views as you cross the Oakland Bay & Golden Gate bridges. Hotel (B) Cross the Golden Gate Bridge See North Beach, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Haight Ashbury, the famous row houses on Alamo Square, & the city's iconic cable cars Visit Fisherman's Wharf Days 11-12: San Francisco There's so much to do in this beautiful & cosmopolitan city for 2 full days. Ride the historic cable cars, shop till you drop in Union Square, feel the hippie vibe in HaightAshbury, tour notorious Alcatraz Island, or stroll through Golden Gate Park. Hotel (B,D) Day 13: San Francisco to Carpinteria via Santa Barbara Stop for lunch in the serene coastal community of Monterey, known for its worldclass aquarium. Then journey on south through wine country to Santa Barbara & the lush, sun-drenched American Riviera. Hotel (D) Visit famous Cannery Row Day 14: Carpinteria to Los Angeles Kick back on the beach & hit the shops in Santa Barbara. After lunch, motor down the spectacular California coastline to star-studded Hollywood. Then your US adventure wraps up & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) Visit famous Stearns Wharf, California's oldest working wharf See the Kodak Theater home to the star-studded Oscar Awards See the famous Hollywood sign, Mann's Chinese Theatre & Hollywood's Walk of Fame
Jumbo Nachos!
What’s included
San Francisco
All as per itinerary • 13 nights accommodation: 9 nights in twin-share hotels, 2 nights in a twin-share cabin, 2 nights in a quad-share chalet (more on pages 54-55) • 8 breakfasts (B) & 7 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
Grand Canyon
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/wild-west where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: WWAW/WWIN 2009/11 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (single room options are also available on request). For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 7:00am & ends approx. 5:00pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share. (4 share in Bass Lake with no twin or single available). Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Mix+Match Combine this trip with another tour and double your fun! You'll also save with our multi tour discount. See page 7. The Wild Western tour will easily Mix+Match with: • Southern Adventure (start LA, more at contiki.com/southern-adventure) • Grand Southern (start LA, more at contiki.com/grand-southern) Alternatively, fly to Vancouver and connect with the Canada & The Rockies tour detailed on pages 62-63. Use low-cost airline Alaska Airlines to connect these tours.
More L.A. Combine this tour with an L.A. Explorer package, giving you more time to see LA and Disney’s theme parks refer to contiki.com/la. Golden Gate Park
GRAND CANYON: IMAX movie of the Grand Canyon’s history - Helicopter flight over the Canyon LAS VEGAS: See a fun Las Vegas variety show SAN FRANSISCO: Walking tour of Chinatown & dinner - Sunset catamaran sailing cruise - Wine country tour & tasting - Guided bike adventure across the Golden Gate Bridge - Visit to California Academy of Sciences LOS ANGELES: Hollywood ‘Behind-the-s cenes tour’ - ‘Homes of movie stars’ tour plus optionals for Ski Tahoe: 1 or 2 day ski pass - Snowmobile ride Go to contiki.com/wild-west-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
10 Days L.A. to The Bay plus Ski Tahoe
Idaho
s y a 10 D 35* 9 g m o fr
Wyoming
NEVADA San Francisco
Utah
Yosemite National Park
Colorado
2 BASS LAKE CALIFORNIA
2
Route 66
2 GRAND CANYON
Mojave Desert
3 States California Arizona Nevada
Los Angeles
ARIZONA 2
Sedona
SAN DIEGO
New Mexico Sonoran Desert
contiki.com/la-bay
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
LAS VEGAS
1 PHOENIX
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
SAN DIEGO: Day trip to Sea World - Explore the world’s largest zoo by tram Harbour cruise of San Diego Bay
61 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Los Angeles to San Diego Meet up with your Contiki Crew & head south to San Diego. Tap into the 'California Dream' on a tour through the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Tonight, party at a hip downtown club, chill out at a cool beach bar, or sip cocktails at a chic rooftop lounge. Hotel (D) Drive through the O.C. (Orange County) & along the scenic Pacific Coast See downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island & Old Town San Diego Panoramic view of the city’s skyline from Coronado Bridge Day 2: San Diego Wander around & discover all this city has to offer. With 70 miles of beaches, a world famous zoo, sailors, surfers, shopping, culture, & a gentle Mediterranean climate, this place is a USA paradise. Hotel (B) Visit Mission Beach (weather dependent) Day 3: San Diego to Phoenix Leave the beach behind & head toward Phoenix, a metropolitan desert oasis. The sprawling city heats it up as a retail mecca,a melting pot of fun & funky dining & hip nightlife! Hotel (B) Scenic drive through Cleveland National Forest, Anza Borrego Desert & Sonoran Desert Day 4: Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Travel from the 'Valley of the Sun' to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, stopping along the way in Sedona, a quirky town nestled in 'red-rock country'. Cabin (B,D) Drive the scenic route past brilliantly coloured sandstone cliffs & rugged peaks Shop for Native American jewelry Drive through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon Stay in Grand Canyon National Park Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park Hike, walk, or maybe take an optional helicopter flight for an up close experience with this phenomenal natural wonder. Cabin Hike along the Canyon's South Rim Watch a spectacular sunset & capture incredible photos with a visit to a panoramic viewpoint Day 6: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas Get your kicks on Route 66 on the way to the bright lights & bling of Las Vegas. Hotel (B,D) Stop for photos & souvenirs on Route 66 Evening tour of the famous Vegas 'Strip' Visit Fremont Street Day 7: Las Vegas It’s all glitz & glamour as you hang out on the ‘Strip’, relax by the pool, or hit up Sin City’s flashiest party hot spots. Hotel Experience some of the world's largest hotels & casinos Non-stop nightlife
Day 8: Las Vegas to Bass Lake Say goodbye to the party in the desert & hello to outdoor adventures awaiting you in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Quad-share Chalet (D) Drive past Joshua trees - the famous symbol of the Mojave Desert
America 10 Days L.A. to The Bay 9 nights accomm 6 breakfasts & 5 dinners
Days 8-11: Skiing at Lake Tahoe If you’re travelling between December & March, this tour packs in 3 fun-filled days of snow sports action at Lake Tahoe (instead of Yosemite). See contiki.com/ winter-la-bay for more. (WWLA). Hotel (D)(D)(B)(B)
What’s included
Day 9: Yosemite National Park Enjoy the natural beauty of Yosemite – mountains, rock formations, meadows, waterfalls & wildflowers. Hike or bike around the valley floor to soak it all up (weather dependent). Quad-share Chalet (B,D) Relax in the stunning mountain paradise of Bass Lake - swim, soak up some sun & enjoy watersports (seasonal) See Yosemite’s famous rock formations, El Capitan & Half Dome See incredible Yosemite & Bridalveil Falls Day 10: Bass Lake to San Francisco Head down out of the mountains & into one of America’s most colourful & character-filled cities. Fall under the city’s spell & catch awesome bay views before your US adventure wraps up & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) Cross Oakland Bay & Golden Gate bridges See North Beach, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Haight Ashbury, the famous row houses on Alamo Square, & the city’s iconic cable cars Visit Fisherman's Wharf
Yosemite National Park
Las Vegas
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/labay where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: WWAF/WWLA 2009/11 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (single room options are also available on request). For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 7:00am & ends approx. 5:00pm. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share. (4 share in Bass Lake with no twin or single available). Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
All as per itinerary • 9 nights accommodation: 5 nights in twin-share hotels, 2 nights in a twin-share cabin, 2 nights in a quad-share chalet (more on pages 54-55) • 6 breakfasts (B) & 5 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Mix+Match Combine this trip with another tour and double your fun! You'll also save with our multi tour discount. See page 7. Excludes Mexican Fiesta & Yucatan Explorer
Fly to Vancouver and connect with the Canada & The Rockies tour, more at contiki.com/canada-rockies. Alternatively, fly to Mexico City and connect with the Mexico Grande, Mexican Fiesta or Yucatan Explorer more at contiki.com/mexico-grande, contiki.com/mexican-fiesta and contiki.com/yucatan-explorer. Use low-cost airline Alaska Airlines to connect these tours.
More L.A. Combine this tour with an L.A. Explorer package, giving you more time to see LA and Disney’s theme parks refer to contiki.com/la. Mann’s Chinese Theatre
PHOENIX: Hot air balloon ride over Sonoran Desert & champagne breakfast SEDONA: 4WD through timeless canyons & back country GRAND CANYON: IMAX movie of the Grand Canyon’s history - Helicopter flight over the Canyon LAS VEGAS: See a fun Las Vegas variety show plus optionals for Ski Tahoe: 1 or 2 day ski pass - Snowmobile ride Go to contiki.com/la-bay-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
10 Days Canada & The Rockies plus Calgary Stampede
s y a 10 D 145* 1 g m o fr
BRITISH COLUMBIA
ALBERTA Mt. Robson
2 JASPER KAMLOOPS
Columbia Icefield Lake Louise
1
WHISTLER 2
1 VERNON
2 BANFF 2 CALGARY (Stampede only)
VANCOUVER 1
2 Canadian Provinces: British Columbia Alberta
Washington Montana
contiki.com/canada-rockies
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Oregon
WHISTLER: Canoe trip on Atla Lake & River of Golden Dreams - Zip-line adventure - Chair-lift ride up Whistler’s heights JASPER: Whitewater rafting adventure (seasonal) - Maligne Lake cruise & commentary (seasonal)
63 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler Meet up with your Contiki Crew & see the sights in this cosmopolitan city. Later, wind along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hotel (D) See Gastown, Chinatown & Lion's Gate Bridge Visit the Totem Poles of Canada's First Nations People in Stanley Park See Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains Day 2: Whistler North America’s top alpine resort is your playground for high-energy outdoor activities, like zip-lining. There’s also an incredible gondola ride, canoeing, plus more! Hotel (B) Enjoy the shopping & activities in & around the quaint village Hike one of Whistler’s many trails Day 3: Whistler to Kamloops Photo ops of Canada’s awesome mountain & lake scenery are everywhere on the way to Kamloops. Hotel (D) Scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range See Seton Lake reservoir & picturesque Lillooet, Duffy & Kamloops Lakes Day 4: Kamloops to Jasper Stop in the heart of the Rockies at spectacular Mt. Robson on your way to Jasper. Adventure seekers have the chance to opt in for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip. Hotel (B) Scenic drive along the Yellowhead Highway into the Rocky Mountains View Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies (weather dependent) Stay in Jasper National Park Day 5: Jasper You might catch a glimpse of the impressive wildlife in & around Maligne Canyon & Lake. Chill out on a scenic boat tour or relax & explore the quaint alpine village. Hotel (D) Visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest & longest limestone canyon in the Rockies
Visit Maligne Lake - the largest in the Canadian Rockies (seasonal) Day 6: Jasper to Banff Journey along one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Columbia Icefields Parkway, & see some of the 200 glaciers in the area. Then roll right onto the Athabasca Glacier’s icy slopes in a custom designed “Ice Explorer.” Quad-share Chalet (D) Walk to Athabasca Falls See the vivid blue colour of Peyto Lake (seasonal), the Saskatchewan River Valley & Weeping Wall Visit Lake Louise & the enchanting Lake Louise Château See the majestic Banff Springs Hotel Day 7: Banff Choose your own adventure in the mountains around Banff. There’s so much offered like a flight over the Rocky Mountains, horseback riding, hiking, shopping, & after hours, a healthy nightlife scene! Quad-share Chalet (B) Day 8: Banff to Vernon Today’s travels take you through 3 national parks in a single day with a stop at Roger's Pass on one of the world's great mountain roads. Then journey through the Okanagan Valley, Canada’s wine country. Hotel (B,D) Drive through Yoho, Glacier & Mt. Revelstoke National Parks See the incredible Spiral Train Tunnels & Kicking Horse Valley Drive through Kelowna, the largest city in the Interior See Lake Okanagan & its large floating bridge Day 9: Vernon to Vancouver Feel the hip, young vibe of Vancouver while exploring its waterfront shops & cafes. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise around the harbour, & head out for a night on the town! Hotel Day 10: Depart Vancouver Your Canadian adventure ends this morning & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.
Canada 10 Days Canada & The Rockies 9 nights accomm 4 breakfasts & 5 dinners Athabasca Glacier
What’s included All as per itinerary • 9 nights accommodation: 7 nights in twin-share hotels & 2 nights in a quad-share chalet (more on pages 54-55) • 4 breakfasts (B) & 5 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
Calgary Stampede A special tour departure Get ready to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl at the world-famous Calgary Stampede! The spirit of this amazing festival takes over the city for 10 days in July. Men & women in tall boots & hats - ride bulls in rodeo, wrestle steers, race chuckwagons, & generally have an outrageous time. There’s non stop competitions, parades, dancing, music & concerts! We’ve got a couple of special Canadian tour departures to tie into this event, with 2 nights in Calgary during the Stampede, making this tour 12 days long. Refer to contiki.com/calgarystampede (code CRST).
Peyto Lake
When to go and how much To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/canada-rockies where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from. Code: CRCR/CRST 2009/11 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (single room options are also available on request). For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 10:30am & ends approx. 11:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share. (4 share in Banff with no twin or single available). Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
* contiki.com/calgarystampede
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
Mix+Match Combine this trip with another tour and double your fun! You'll also save with our multi tour discount. See page 7. Excludes Western Highlights & California Highlights
Fly to Los Angeles and connect with the Wild Western, Western Highlights, California Highlights or LA to The Bay tour, refer to contiki.com/wild-west, contiki.com/western, contiki.com/california or contiki.com/la-bay. Use low-cost airline Alaska Airlines to connect these tours.
BANFF: Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain - Helicopter ride over the famous Rockies - Horseride & ‘cookout’ dinner VANCOUVER: Sunset dinner cruise - Skyride tram up Grouse Mountain with activities at the summit like guided eco-walks, ride the chairlift, see grizzly bears & more plus optional for Calgary Stampede CALGARY: Entry into the Stampede Fairgrounds, rodeo & chuckwagon races Go to contiki.com/canada-rockies-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
64 Mexico
13 Days Mexico Grande 4 states 12 nights hotels 12 breakfasts & 6 dinners
13 Days Mexico Grande
Acapulco
Featuring Yucatan
When to go and how much
4 states Michoacan, Guerrero, Yucatan, Quintana Roo
What’s included All as per itinerary • 12 nights twin-share hotel accommodation (more on pages 54-55) • 12 breakfasts (B) & 6 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach • Flights from Mexico City to Merida • Local taxes & service charges
f
MERIDA
1
Code: MEXC 2009/11 If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex roommate at no extra charge (single room options are also available on request). For travel insurance see page 66. Tour starts 7:00am & ends approx. 11:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/departurepoints and contiki.com/staylonger. Price quoted per person and is based on twin-share. Price is based on 2010-11 season - check contiki.com for the most up-to-date prices.
*
QUINTANA ROO
MORELIA MEXICO CITY
2
2 GUERRERO 1 TAXCO
2
ACAPULCO
Itinerary and included sightseeing
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
3 Playa del Carmen
IXTAPA
Cancun
CANCUN
1 YUCATAN
MICHOACAN
Save Money! If you pay 6 or 12 months in advance. See page 7 for details.
To see prices for this tour, head to contiki.com/mexico-grande where you’ll also find plenty of tour departure dates to choose from.
ys a D 13 365* g1 rom
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
Day 1: Mexico City to Morelia Meet up with your Contiki Crew & leave Mexico’s capital behind. Arrive in Morelia with its fascinating colonial architecture & picturesque streets. Try some seriously delicious local food, then it’s out for a night on the town. Hotel (D) Walking tour of Morelia Visit a local candy market Watch the spectacular illumination of Mexico’s most beautiful cathedral Day 2: Morelia to Ixtapa via Zihuatanejo Head out west to the sunny Mexican Riviera & be amazed at its’ long stretches of white sand beaches, then kick back in the resort town of Ixtapa. Hotel (B) Visit Playa La Ropa & Zihuatanejo Day 3: Ixtapa Have fun walking along the shore in the ‘Hotel Zone’ or discover an authentic ambience in a nearby beach village. The waters are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking & fishing. Hotel (B,D) Day 4: Ixtapa to Acapulco The bright lights & non-stop energy of Acapulco Bay are calling! Watch the worldrenowned & death-defying cliff divers & when the sun sets, experience the nightlife of Mexico’s ultimate party town. Hotel (B) See the famous cliff divers by night
Day 5: Acapulco Get into the local scene by exploring a traditional open air market. Otherwise, relax in the sun on the beach, sample mouthwatering seafood, or watch the sunset on an optional party cruise. Hotel (B) Day 6: Acapulco to Taxco Wind into the Sierra Madre Mountains & find the quaint stucco buildings of Taxco nestled in the hills. Known for its fine silver handiwork, check out artisan shops for the perfect souvenir gift. Hotel (B,D) Watch a silver demonstration Day 7: Taxco to Mexico City Return to Mexico City & visit the unique floating gardens & markets of Xochimilco. Then it’s off through “The City of Palaces” where you’ll see a multitude of ancient ruins & interesting colonial-influenced, yet modern architecture. Hotel (B) Float through the canals of Xochimilco on a trajineras Guided tour of Centro Historico, including the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral & Templo Mayor Visit Coyoacán, birthplace of Frida Kahlo Day 8: Mexico City Start the day with an excursion to remarkable ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterward, the day is yours to jump into the city’s high energy through its sidewalk cafes, bazaars, boutiques & museums. Hotel (B,D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Day 9: Mexico City to Merida Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white-stone city of Merida. Enjoy a tour of the city's gorgeous colonial buildings, palaces & haciendas before having a mouthwatering, typical Yucatecan meal. Hotel (B,D) Day 10: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza Take a captivating journey through Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza – a spectacular ancient ceremonial centre. This afternoon we arrive in the modern mega-resort city of Cancun with its endless shopping, nightlife & many outdoor activities. Hotel (B) Guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza Swim in a cenote Day 11: Cancun & Playa del Carmen Day trip to beach playground of Playa del Carmen. Fill your day with everything from snorkelling the azure waters, hanging out in open-air cafes or even taking a ferry across to the Island of Cozumel. Hotel (B) Day 12: Cancun Soak up all the Cancun action you want today - swim through a jungle lagoon, learn to scuba dive, or take a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres. And for your last night, party in great bars & dance clubs ’til the sun comes up. Hotel (B,D) Day 13: Depart Cancun This morning the tour ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
contiki.com/mexico-grande
IXTAPA: Snorkelling & kayaking - Shoreline horseback riding - Wave runner ride - Sunset quad biking ACALPULCO: Sunset cruise with live music High-speed jetboat adventure MERIDA: Horse & carriage ride through the historic centre CANCUN: Guided jungle bike ride & zip-line adventure - Eco park visit with wildlife & water activities – Tropical water snorkelling
Go to contiki.com/mexico-grande-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do (at an additional cost).
65
This is Mexico
3 amazing tours
From the beach playgrounds of Acapulco & Cancun, the jungles of the Yucatan, historic hotspots Chichen Itza & Morelia to the thriving Mexico City – there’s something for everyone here. Adventure activities & watersports, cultural sites to amazing food & unbelievable nightlife – Mexico has it all.
from
6 to 13 days
Amazing places to stay Beachside with views of Isla Mujeres Bay in Cancun A hotel in the humming downtown area of Mexico City
Cool stuff to do Go horseback on a ride along the beach & plantations Take an Acapulco sunset cruise with live music Party in the legendary nightlife hotspot of Cancun
Our top Mexico tour features on p.64 Other top tours are: Yucatan Explorer
From g715
6 Days Check out Mexico City, the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza & the legendary beaches and nightlife of Cancun. Departs every 2 weeks except during hurricane season. contiki.com/yucatan-explorer
Mexican Fiesta
From g735
9 Days
Horseback ride in Ixtapa
Get a little of everything on this 9 day tour of Mexico. Capital life in Mexico City, colonial architecture in Morelia & glitzy beaches on the Mexican Riviera. Departs every 2 weeks except during hurricane season. contiki.com/mexican-fiesta
MERIDA
CANCUN
3
1 YUCATAN Playa del Carmen
QUINTANA ROO
MORELIA
1 MICHOACAN
MEXICO CITY
2 GUERRERO 1 IXTAPA
2 1
TAXCO
2
See famous cliff divers in Acapulco
ACAPULCO
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops Mexican Fiesta Yucatan Explorer
Got a question? Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know. What’s included? • Coach, train, air transfers, and ferry transport as specified. • Accommodation, breakfast and evening meals as detailed on pages 14-15 and under ‘What’s included’ on tour pages. • Sightseeing as detailed on pages 8-9 and in the itineraries on tour pages. Unless specified, entrance fees are not included. • Experienced crew as detailed on pages 12-13 and on tour pages.
What’s not included? • Personal expense money. • Visas, personal insurance, medical fees. • Sightseeing, visits and entrance fees other than those specified on tour pages. • Optional excursions and activities such as white water rafting, gondola rides, etc. • Lunches (unless specified under “All this included”) and some dinners.
Will I get more information? Upon receipt of final payment and approximately 21 days before departure, you’ll receive a copy of Contiki’s ‘Travellers Guide’ – an information book about your holiday. You’ll also receive a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary including full details and costs of all optional excursions available on your tour. Your FREE Contiki document wallet and luggage tag* will be sent to you with your travel documents. The wallet is a safe place for your tickets and passports, something you’ll want to keep and use again. * Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki document wallet.
How much money do I need? You should be able to use debit and credit cards for most items. You’ll need to allow enough money to cover lunches, some dinners, souvenirs, shopping, drinks, optional excursions and activities, entrance fees to attractions and evening entertainment. It is advisable to start your tour with some cash in local currencies such as Euro, Swiss Franc, Great British Pounds, Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, US Dollar, & Canadian Dollar.
Explore more optional activities When do I choose? Optionals are arranged and paid for on tour. By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends, you’ll get great value as we get you great rates and your Tour Manager can offer personal advice. Some activities are seasonal and weather dependent as well. How do I pay? You pay on tour in cash (Euro, Swiss Franc, Great British Pounds, Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, US Dollar, & Canadian Dollar).
Am I expected to tip on tour? Every country in the world has different tipping policies, within service industries, tipping is common practice. Tipping is totally discretionary and only given if you feel the service has met or exceeded your expectations. Your Tour Manager will assist you with any questions about this while you’re on the road. The same idea applies to your Contiki Crew - if you think they have done a good job then they would be grateful for your recognition by way of a tip, however this is not mandatory – it’s completely up to you.
Brochure authenticity We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given and literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care and is published in good faith. Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some excursions due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc., especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternatives will be arranged.
What should I pack? Comfortable, casual clothing for day wear and ‘smart/casual’ for dining and those special evenings on the town. Remember that early or later in the season you will need warmer clothing as well as a raincoat/anorak. Note that casinos do not allow jeans or denim clothes. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. For further details, please refer to your ‘Travellers Guide’ information book.
How much luggage can I bring? Baggage is restricted to a maximum size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs), plus one small hand/day bag
For more detailed information online head to contiki.com/contikipedia
that can go on to the coach with you. No external metal frame backpacks please, their bulky shape makes coach packing difficult. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. On Concept and Camping Tours in Europe you’ll need a sleeping bag and towel, which can be purchases from Contiki in London if necessary. On tours which include Flotilla Sailing a small bag suitable for the extremely limited luggage space is required. Your regular luggage will be stored during this time. Baggage is carried at owner’s risk and baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Remember, if your tour includes a flight you are also subject to airline baggage restrictions.
What are the age restrictions in bars & casinos? Laws in the United States dealing with purchasing alcohol, entering nightclubs & bars, and gambling in casinos differ from many other countries around the world. In the United States, you must be 21 years of age to purchase alcohol, enter nightclubs & bars, and gamble in casinos. Acceptable forms of identification to prove age include a valid passport or United States driver’s license. Laws in Canada differ from the United States, with 18 being the legal age in Alberta and Quebec and 19 being the legal age in British Columbia and Ontario for the above activities.
Contiki Asia We’ve got plenty more important information on Contiki Asia. Head to contiki.com/asia to find out more.
Do I need vaccinations? Check with your travel agent prior to departure, if you will require any vaccinations for the countries you’ll be visiting. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route, such as antihistamines, antibiotics.
Departure points For more detailed information online head to contiki.com/departurepoints. Tours usually depart at 7.00am but check your itinerary for specific details. Please check at the reception desk of your departure hotel for details of when and where to meet with your group. Refer to your Contiki ‘Travellers Guide’ information book for details of pre-departure gettogethers and tour departure times.
Security Contiki has been running tours for young people since 1962. It is a matter of law that tour operators must fully protect their clients’ funds under regulations
specified by the European Community Package Travel Directive. We confirm that Contiki is fully complying with the law; therefore your monies are fully protected. Contiki is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (Contiki Holidays Ltd. ABTA No. Y1792). ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ ph 020 3117 0500 or www.abta.com. Contiki Holidays also holds a current ATOL Licence No. 10144 for clients who purchase a tour in conjunction with a flight from Contiki Holidays Ltd. Please note that only bookings from countries subject to the EC Package Travel Directive will receive financial protection from ABTA & CAA
Travel insurance You must take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before you travel. You may not be accepted on a Contiki holiday unless you have arranged satisfactory insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies against us arising from your participation in the holiday. For insurance details, please speak to your Travel Agent at the time of making your booking.
Photography credits Elephant ride - courtesy of Amanda Lewis pg 6, Snorkelling - courtesy of Quicksilver Connections pg 9, Sydney Harbour Bridge - courtesy of BridgeClimb Sydney, OTTO Holdings (Aust.) Pty Limited pg 10 & 36, Hill Tribe - courtesy of Elise Ackers pg 10, Trubesee Alpine Lodge Mt Titlis courtesy © Titlis Rotair & EngelbergTitlis pg 14, Heli-glacier trip - courtesy of Fox/Franz Josef Heliservices pg 45, Palace - courtesy of Jose R. MunizAragunde pg 48, Hmong Woman Courtesy of Paris Wells pg 48, Hills near Sapa - courtesy of Matt Stein pg 49, Temple - courtesy of Kim Bowman pg 50, Elephant - courtesy of Meghan Saunders pg 52, Helicopter courtesy of Liberty Helicopters pg 57, Showgirls - courtesy of Las Vegas News bureau/LVCVA pg 57, Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse River courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism pg 62, Brewster Ice Explorer Columbia Icefield - courtesy of Brewster Inc pg 63, Showriders - courtesy of Calgary Stampede pg 63
67
Booking conditions
Got a question? & conditions
Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below. The following Booking Conditions, have to the extent possible, been based on the UK interpretation of the European Community Package Travel Directive. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is made between you and Contiki Holidays Limited (Registered in Guernsey No. 50681 (Contiki)) only upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to you or your travel agent 2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION Contiki are a member of ABTA and hold ATOL Number 10144 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which provide for your protection in the event of our insolvency. Only bookings from countries subject to the EC Package Travel Directive will receive financial protection from ABTA & CAA When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package and/ or flights from Contiki Holidays Limited you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us (or via our authorized agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 10144. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk . Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking 3. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates as at 6th October, 2009. No surcharge in respect of costs or currency fluctuations will be made within 30 days of the commencement of the land content of any holiday or once payment of the deposit of your land tour has been received. The price of your travel arrangements can be varied due to changes in transportation costs such as fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline cost changes which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator or organiser. Also government action such as changes in taxes or any other government imposed changes and currency changes in relation to an exchange rate variation. In the case of any small variation, an amount equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges, will be absorbed or retained. For larger variations this 2% will still be absorbed for increases but not retained from refunds. In either case there will be an administration charge of g2.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you may cancel your travel arrangements and receive a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, on the terms set out in respect of major changes in clause 3.3 below, to accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements from us if we are able to do so. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. 4.IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 4.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. 4.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative. Where cancellation is necessary, a minimum period of 45 days notice will be given by us unless the circumstances leading to the cancellation were beyond our reasonable control. 4.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee. 4.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking. 4.5 Contiki is not responsible for the cost of any other travel arrangements affected due to cancellation or the rescheduling of any holiday. 5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (January 2010) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it. 5.2 Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing tours and transportation to give you good value for money. 5.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations. 6. LIABILITY 6.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. Any money paid to a travel agent where land arrangements and a flight are booked together is held by the travel agent on behalf of Contiki at all times. 6.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies.
6.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/or fees payable under your selected holiday. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your holiday shall be deemed to be an authorisation for disbursement thereof as aforesaid. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of g100, per person per tour, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure from your home country, must be submitted to Contiki within 7 days in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first instalment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. 1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of g100 per person, per tour, which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 1.3 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled. 2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday price must be paid by no later than 45 days before the scheduled holiday departure date from your home country which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki.When making multitour bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days before scheduled departure date of the first departing tour. 2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki. 2.3 Tickets and other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. 2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure from your home country, the full cost of the holiday will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point. 2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods. 3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to Contiki. 3.2 Your deposit is non-refundable upon cancellation by you. 3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE More than 45 days notice: Deposit is forfeited 45-22 days 25% 21-8 days: 30% 7-1 days: 50% Day of departure: 100% Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company. 3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your tour or resort booking, such as pre and post accommodation and transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the tour departure incur a 100% cancellation fee. In the USA, Canada, Australia & N. Zealand cancellation within 45 days of the first nights accommodation incurs cancellation charges equal to one nights' accommodation. 3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent. 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to alternate departure date you may do so subject to availability and provided the new holiday date is also in this brochure. 4.2 A fee of g25 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed, unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of resort booking within 45 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value, in which case a g25 per person amendment fee will be charged. 5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take. 5.2 Contiki’s holidays are specifically planned for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki holiday are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket. If you have a question regarding the age groups, you are welcome to discuss this with a Contiki staff member. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style. 5.3 Contiki must be advised of any medical conditions or physical disability requiring special attention before you book your holiday. You will need to discuss your requirements at the time of booking in order to make your own decision as to the suitability of the holiday taking into account your individual medical conditions or physical disability. Contiki will try to help you with your requirements but cannot guarantee to do so, either on our own or our suppliers’ (such as hotels, restaurants and excursions) behalf. Many of our holidays involve getting on and off coaches, plus other modes of transportation and various physical activities. Some holidays may not be suitable for you if you rely on a wheelchair or have certain other disabilities. Should your disability require you to have special assistance, it is a condition of Contiki accepting your booking that you provide evidence satisfactory to us that an able-bodied person will accompany you and is able to provide any special needs or services that you may require. Contiki will not be responsible for the failure of this person to
provide these services. Many of the countries we visit have virtually no special facilities for handicapped persons. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday. 5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative and the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday. Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travellers and any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behaviour by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel/Contiki Village staff and/or a Contiki Tour Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident. 5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. 5.8 You agree that our Contiki Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on holiday and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films. 5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Representative during the course of the holiday and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. If you do not write within 42 days, your rights under this contract may be affected. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing. 5.10.1 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to Guernsey law, unless we agree otherwise in writing. 5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity and enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected. 5.10.3 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/client costs. 6. INSURANCE Contiki very strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before joining a Contiki holiday. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday. 7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the tour. 8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE: Airfares to and from your holiday destination (unless you have booked a tour and fly package), airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions. 9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions. GENERAL 1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki. 1.2 Your contract is with us as the tour operating company. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you. 1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services.
International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrolment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. 1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for handicapped clients (see also 4.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions). 1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser. 1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. 2. ARBITRATION Disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may be referred to arbitration, if the customer so wishes, under a special scheme arranged by the Association of British Travel Agents, and administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta.com). The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims, which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within nine months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA code does not require such agreement. 3. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from January 2010 to March 2012 4. OPERATING COMPANIES The Australia programmes advertised in this brochure are operated by Contiki Holidays Australia Pty Limited. The New Zealand programmes advertised in this brochure are operated by Contiki Holidays New Zealand Limited, The America programmes advertised in this brochure are operated by Contiki US Holdings Inc. The Europe programmes are operated by Contiki Holidays Limited, Piquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY11AF with the exception of the Great Britain and Southern Ireland tours which are operated by Contiki Travel (UK) Limited.The principle operator of the Croatian Island Cruising product is Katarina Lines. Their terms and condtions apply (available on request). IMPORTANT NOTICE: ABTA statement: Contiki Holidays Limited & Contiki Travel (UK) are members of ABTA under the following membership numbers Contiki Travel (UK) Limited V0438/20305 and Contiki Holidays Limited Y1792. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0500 www.abta.com DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.) Where the data might be passed on for marketing purposes, you have the right to opt out of future marketing. You also have a right of access to data held which can be obtained by writing to Contiki Holidays Limited. FURTHER ADVICE For further advice please visit www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call the ABTA Information Line Tel: 020 3117 0500 (calls are charged at local rate)
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How to book
Australia & New Zealand
Visit: Click: Email: Call:
Europe Winter
America & Canada
Europe Summer
your local travel agent contiki.com contiki.geneva@bookttcuk.com +41 22 929 9216
• At the time of booking you must pay a non refundable deposit of g100 per person per tour within 7 days. • Once your deposit has been received, Contiki will send either you or your travel agent confirmation of the details of the booking.
• Contiki will then send you or your travel agent travel vouchers and detailed information about your holiday. The documentation will be sent approximately 21 days prior to your departure.
IMPORTANT By paying the g100 deposit per person per
• You must pay the balance of your holiday no less than 45 days before the departure date or at the time of booking if less than 45 days before departure.
tour to your travel agent, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Booking Conditions as set out on page 67, which make up the contract between you and Contiki.
Trade Reservations & sales: Tel: +41 22 929 9216 Fax: +41 22 929 9210
Email: contiki.geneva@bookttcuk.com Internet: contiki.com
Special interest groups
If you’re looking for something completely different our Special Interest Groups Departments in Europe, America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand have been helping those with specific group travel requirements for years! School and university trips, choirs, wine tours, Grand Prix, ski tours - you name it we’ve done it!
From supplying competitive quotations to helping you plan the best itinerary right down to the last detail, our worldwide team of experts is able to arrange a custom designed holiday or incentive trip to suit your requirements. Contact your local travel agent or Contiki - you’ll be surprised how we can make it happen.
Group bookings
If you’re planning to organise a group to Europe, America, Asia, Australia or New Zealand, why not take a close look at the wide variety of tours detailed in any of our Contiki brochures. It is more than likely that one (or more!) of the itineraries will fit in perfectly
with your requirements. As long as everyone on your group is 18 – 35, any date can be reserved exclusively for your group at special, reduced rates – perhaps even a free trip for yourself!! Contact Contiki or your local travel agent for more information.
A Proud Member of
ABTA No.Y1792 Contiki Holidays is a division of the familyowned The Leading Travel Companies, and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.
Contiki is represented in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey. © Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the UK. Please don’t throw this brochure away, we encourage you to either pass it on to a friend or place it in a paper recycling bin.