I just got back from this tour. I wanted to put a review up since i did not see one when i was looking. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone. I had a blast. This was my first Contiki and i did much research before going. I think it was paced very well for a whirlwind tour. The only complaint i can think of is that we didnt get enough time in some places. But thats the nature of this tour! being that it was my first time in Europe, it really gave me a great taste of Amsterdam, France, Monaco and Spain!

As far as the people, pretty much everyone got along. I went by myself, and had a blast getting to know everyone. I was also one of the oldest on the tour at 30. But again, i had no problems at all. The tour was about 60/40 Men to Women, which i understand is rare. It was about 90% Aussies. There were 2 from Canada and the rest from US.

As far as the destinations go, each destination was amazing. i had no idea what to expect from Lucerne or Chamonix. However, they were simply amazing!!!

THe optionals were all pretty good as well.

Sea Palace - i wouldnt recommend this one. Its like pretty much any chinese food i have had in the states. However, it is the beginning of the tour and its a good way to meet people. On ours, only like 10 of us went. So, i would say if everyone is going, do it. If not, dont. The Cruise is right after and everyone does that.

Canal Cruise - A MUST!!! So many great sights from this cruise. And we partied it up!! Open bar!

Group Photo - WHy not.

Nouvelle Eve Dinner - i didnt do this. But everyone that did said it was a good time. We decided to get dinner on our own instead.

Lake Lucerne Cruise - Another Must. Again, great photo opportunities. Also, the booze is cheap on board.

Cable Car - Another must do. Great views up there.

Monaco Restaurant - This restaurant was very good. One of the best dinners i had on tour.

Tablo De Carmen - Dinner and the Flamenco show. It was great. The dinner was good. But the show was amazing.

As for partying. Every single night there is the opportunity to party. Some people partied every night, while some were selective. No one was ostracized for doing either.

The bus rides weren't that bad either. We had a few long ones. However, they were good opportunities to sleep, check out the scenery or chat with your fellow tourmates.

Hotels - I was expecting much less, so i was pleasantly surprised. The Hotel in Charmonix was amazing. The jail in Lucerne was pretty interesting. The rooms were small for the most part. But other than sleeping your never in the room anyway.

Thats pretty much it. If anyone has any questions about this tour, feel free to ask! I didnt see many reviews of this tour, so i wanted to make sure i got one up once i did it!

hey,

man thats sounds kickass, thanks for the review definitly more excited now!

But im kinda nervous, because im only 18 going alone, i know u said age doesnt matter, but like if everyone is older, i may not fit in, or want to do the same things ya know...

And what can u say bout amsterdam im stolked for that, did u guys see the red light district and other stuff like that :P

Dont be worried at all. Everyone hung out with everyone and had a great time. We had some 18 year olds on ours and we had some old heads like myself. but it was all good. we all got along great. and trust me, there is always someone who wants to do what you do. TRUST ME!! there will probably be 50 other people on the trip.

Yes, i saw the red light district! :-) one of the optionals was actually a live sex show in the red light district. I didnt go only because i had to meet up with some friends. But most of the tour went.

Most important is to go on the first few optionals. thats the best way to start meeting people.

Hey!

I am so happy that you posted something about this tour! I am leaving on Thursday, and am very excited..and a little nervous! I have also never travelled on my own! I like you am old LOL...I am 33. I hope to get a good crowd with a decent mix of people where we can all get alont and I don't feel like the only old one there!

Happy you wrote about the excursions, as I was unsure if I wanted to do them all or not. All the ones that you said were amazing, have been the ones I have been considering. I am not too sure about the Nouvelle show either. Will have to see how it goes.

One question though? did you find it in general that Europe was bad for pick pockets? or just certain places? is it a big concern..or not really?

Thx!

yes. you really have to keep watch of your items. I live in NJ/NYC and i never feel like this walking around Manhattan. In Europe. its wild.

On this tour, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona are the three places you really have to watch out. Especially the latter two. Apparently they use some pretty intricate schemes! When you go into the Eiffel tower, they make you wear your backpack on the front of your body. Two people from our tour got pick-pocketted. So, yes. Be VERY careful with your stuff when you are in those places. I never had an issue, but i always kept my backpack locked when i wore it. and had a wallet that had a chain that connected to my belt. SO i was pretty good. I also had a belt that held my passport under my clothes. Though, i never really used that. I never really felt too concerned. but i was always aware of my surroundings. Better to be safe then sorry though.

But yea, your going to have a great time! get some sleep the night before! and get ready to walk!!!! Bring tylenol pm or a sleep aid. it will help you sleep and get over the jetlag. Bring cough drops in case you get the contiki cough. If your doctor will do so, maybe even get anti biotics just in case. bring some immodium or something to settle your stomach in case you eat something that doesnt agree with you. Bring something comfy for the bus. travel pillow is a nice touch too for the long rides.

let me know if you have any other questions!!

Hey!

Thank you so much for the info!! I keep hearing various things about pick pockets. I am going ot have a money belt for passport and extra cash etc..and i was going to keep some money in my purse as well as my camera. I got a back pack/purse and money belt from pacsafe so I hope that's good enough I of course will havea lock on my back pack when travelling with it. I don't want to be too paranoid...but not to lax either..you live in NY so that says alot coming from you..in regards to being careful

Would you suggest leaving stuff in the hotel room locked in your suitcase? or do any of the rooms have safes? The people who got pick pocketed on your tour, did they not take proper precautions? or are people there that good? I guess my biggest fear is losing either alot of money or my passport. Last thing I want to do is spend the day at the embassy! did you use any ATM's to pull out money? I don't want to travel with too much cash.

It sounds like you had a fabulous time though!!

I don't mean to bombard you with too many questions!!LOL...I do really appreciate any insight you can give though!

Thx!!!

i dont mind. before i did my tour i couldnt find any info on this one. so i wanted to give back so others wouldnt have that problem!

when you leave stuff in your room, have a lock on your suitcase! Some hotels dont have safes. Bring your passport with you at all times! make a copy of it before you leave and scan it. Send it to your friends and keep a copy in your suitcase.

The pickpockets are pretty good. But i dont they they were very aware either.

Yea i used atms to get money. Didnt have any issue at all. only had to hit ATM a few times. Just keep your big bills in your money belt and you will be fine. you really only need the money belt in paris and barcelona i would say. the more people your with the better as well.

Thank you so much you have been a great help! I was going to more or less do what you suggested. I just didn't know if it was safe to leave stuff in the hotel. I have mostly travelled to the caribbean and generally just left my stuff in a safe for the duration of the time. Mind you we were in one place the entire time.

Btw when you were in Nice, did you get to go the beach at all? I heard they are beautiful and would love to have the opportunity to check one out.

quote:

Originally posted by Doreen:
Thank you so much you have been a great help! I was going to more or less do what you suggested. I just didn't know if it was safe to leave stuff in the hotel. I have mostly travelled to the caribbean and generally just left my stuff in a safe for the duration of the time. Mind you we were in one place the entire time.

Btw when you were in Nice, did you get to go the beach at all? I heard they are beautiful and would love to have the opportunity to check one out.

Anytime!! yea, i travel alot in the US, and leave stuff in my room out in the open with no worries. i wouldnt do that out there. Its not that the hotels are dangerous or anything. just better to be safe than sorry.

Yea, we went to the beach in Nice both nights we were there. The first night we actually walked the beach for like 5 miles back to the hotel! was a crazy night. the second night was july 4th and we lit fireworks on the beach. Only thing is, the beach is all rocks. Very little sand. not the type of beach you would lay out on. but fun nevertheless. The beach is about 3/4 mile walk from the hotel. Worth it though. after you get back from monte carlo on the 2nd night, get a few bottles of wine and take them out there and relax! good times!

That sounds awesome!! I can't wait to see it!! and def some wine to go with it would be a great idea

You have made feel better about some stuff I really appreciate it!

im glad i could help! if you have any last minute questions just let me know!

Hey thanks!

It seems like I keep thinking of different questions..to pester you with..lol. I was actually wondering on average during the day what you would spend for like lunches and what not. Of course not including excursions and shopping, because of course that is personal discretion. I want to have an idea of what to expect. Do people generally just stop for like a sandwich, or were people going to sit down restaurants for all meals?

Thx!!

its pretty much up to you. Some people liked to eat quick. Some liked to sit down and have lunch. Me, i liked to sit down and enjoy the food. But its really up to you. However, I would say on the average day, we would grab a sandwich or something to that effect. Might run like 5-10 Euro depending on where you are.

on travel days, you will likely grab lunch at a rest stop. that will run you about the same price.

If your going to sit down and get a good meal, i would recommend doing so in Paris and Barcelona for sure! Chamonix had some good spots as well!

Thx again, this info has really been invaluable. I just wanted a general idea, I know things can change day to day and I am totally fine with that. It was more just for an average of what to expect..I think I will def want to go to some nicer places we well! How can you not your in Paris...

exactly!!

Oh, and make sure you go to the top of the arc de triumph. Ridiculous view of the city up there! Its ALOT of steps, but worth it.