Hello, I was thinking about taking the tour this upcoming summer and was wondering if anybody had any details in regards to flights into Italy. Does Contiki arrange the flight or do we have to book them ourselves? If so, any suggestions on different flight routes or is the direct flights the best option?
Thanks

looking forward to meeting all who go . . .
ciao tutti

I booked the airfare with Contiki first then when home that night and did my own search. I found aifare for $300 cheaper (direct non-stop). The Contki flight had a layover (3 hrs) in Germany and was more expensive.
Your best bet is to do your own research..
Kim
Aug 12th 2007 trip

Hi Kim-

I am also going on that trip, the August 11th Italian Espresso. Where in NJ are ya? I'm on Long Island.

And Eurotraveller- I didn't even bother booking the airfare through Contiki b/c we did research and found it was cheaper to do it on our own, but we did use a travel agent. I am flying delta, but Alitalia is cheaper and us supposed to be good as well.

Hey Everyone,
I'm NOT going on your trip but i've travelled with Contiki and would like to offer some advice:
If you plan on taking a credit card to Europe, you may want to call your credit card company to let them know you'll be travelling so they don't think the card has been stolen and cut you off.

Another thing I recommend is carrying your cash in a money belt, I find it safer.

Plan on spending $100-$150 USD per day. You'll have to buy lunches daily, souveneirs, some dinners and going out at night. You should try exchanging money before you leave. You'll have to chance to do so on the tour, but easier to get that part out of the way and have one less thing to worry about.


When you pack, throw some clothing into your carry-on to lighten the weight of the suitcase and in case your luggage gets lost. Leave room for souveneirs & carry with you an extra copy of your pasport and hotel address list.

In terms of weight of luggage, it's the airlines that are more strict than Contiki. Each airline has their own weight threshold & will only be too glad to charge you extra for going over. You can find out the limit/rules by going on the airline's website.


Feel free to ask me anything else.

Brian (from New York)
brij75@yahoo.com

Southern Ireland '97
Grand Explorer '00
Rainbow Nation '01 (no longer offered by Contiki)
Beaches & Reefs '02-'03