Ultimate Italy | 2026
Ultimate Italy | 2026
Ultimate Italy | 2026
22 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Palermo
Visiting: Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Pompeii, Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Valley of the Temples, Cefalu, Palermo
Tour Overview
We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we'll head back to Rome. But we're not done yet - not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew at 4pm, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinner we'll head on an orientation tour of the city ticking off all the sights in Rome.
Day 2: Rome To Florence Via Siena
Location: Rome, Siena, Florence
Accommodation Name: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine, we're headed to another historical heavyweight today... But not before stopping off at Siena for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces and the historic city centre has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. We'll soak up all of that historic beauty and grab a bite before heading onto Florence... Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so we won't waste any time trying the local delicacies with an included feast. Then we'll turn in for the night, dreaming of the Florentine adventures that await us tomorrow.
Day 3: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today we'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, we'll discover Renaissance Florence on foot, swooning at Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, and Piazza della Signoria. We'll also see the Duomo, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats. Later, we’ll get together for a Tuscan Risotto Evening indulging in Chianti wine from the nearby vineyards. Learn how to make risotto whilst our hosts have cooked up a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties. Save some room for ‘dolce’ i.e a mystery homemade dessert!
Day 4: Florence To Cinque Terre Via Pisa And Lucca
Location: Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre
Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. Another stopover will let us check out lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for wines at the local vineyards outside of Lucca. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again. We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be criminal. Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...
Day 5: Cinque Terre
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the ‘five lands’ and is made up of 5 stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, and whichever way you choose to get around will be sure to make you fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel coloured buildings.
Day 6: Cinque Terre To Milan Via Como
Location: Cinque Terre, Como, Milan
Accommodation Name: BB Sesto San Giovanni (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. But not before experiencing the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with its attractive villages and gorgeous gardens. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and we'll have the option to get out on the water and take a cruise to beautiful Bellagio. Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveller. We have a free night to check out the local nightlife, and eat some of the local delicacies. As always, your Trip Manager will have the top tips on where to go and where to avoid...
Day 7: Milan To Venice Via Verona
Location: Milan, Verona, Venice
Accommodation Name: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. We'll check out Juliet's balcony, part of a gorgeous 13th century house then it's onto another very romantic city... Welcome to Treviso! Nothing like a free evening to spend the Italian way...Tonight you'll have the option to walk around this idyllic version of Venice (before taking on the real thing tomorrow!). Grab some local food on the way. And maybe even treat yourself to some tiramisu (because this little town is where it was born!). Seriously, it doesn't get more authentic than this.
Day 8: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got this entire day to explore Venice. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and crossing the canal en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you. Later, maybe opt to cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano and enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal.
Day 9: Venice To Rome Via Bologna
Location: Venice, Bologna, Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome to explore the city in more depth. But not before making a quick stop in Bologna. Home of prosciutto, mortadella, bolognese sauce and many more tasty Italian delights, Bologna is known far and wide as La Grassa (the Fat One). Come hungry, but make sure you’re not too full to explore the Unesco-listed porticoes either. We'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to discover the finest food Rome has to offer. Washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.
Day 10: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring, an included dinner tonight will refuel us after a day of sightseeing. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.
Day 11: Rome To Naples
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Naples
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Welcome to Naples, the rough and ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.
Day 12: Naples To Amalfi Coast Via Capri
Location: Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Next up is Capri, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes. Its easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let us check out plenty of swim stops to beat the heat. We'll settle on the Amalfi Coast after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.
Day 13: Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)
Location: Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi Coast
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. There are plenty of optionals today to keep us entertained, including a visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop and have been care takers of an age old tradition ever since. Here we learn how these huge, sunshine coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We'll visit one of Amalfi's spectacular jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.
Day 14: Amalfi Coast To Rome
Location: Amalfi Coast, Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum? Back in Rome, we better put on your centurion helmets because we're going on a guided tour around all the Roman ruins, and even the mighty Colosseum. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.
Day 15: Rome To Catania
Location: Rome, Catania
Accommodation Name: Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Can you taste the difference in Sicilian cuisine? It has to be up there...
Day 16: Catania To Taormina
Location: Catania, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic centre with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.
Day 17: Taormina
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.
Day 18: Taormina To Syracuse Via Noto
Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?). Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered! And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.
Day 19: Syracuse To Cefalù Via Valley Of The Temples
Location: Syracuse, Valley of the Temples, Cefalu
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without a tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.
Day 20: Cefalù
Location: Cefalu
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.
Day 21: Cefalù To Palermo
Location: Cefalu, Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic centre, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.
Day 22: End Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.
What's Included
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Meals
21 Breakfasts and 6 Dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Locally guided walking tours in Florence and the Vatican.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels such as Hotel Archimede, BB Centro, Hotel Le Grazie, BB Sesto San Giovanni, Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese, Grand Hotel Salerno, Hotel Villa Del Bosco, Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities including a flight to Sicily.
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Cinque Terre Rail Pass
Unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket.
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Orientation Tour
Orientation tour of Rome on the first day.
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Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner at Al Fresco in Palermo.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a gondola ride in Venice, a cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano, a guided walking tour of Pompeii, a Capri cruise, a visit to a lemon farm on the Amalfi Coast, a cooking class in Taormina, and a tour of Mt Etna.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights to and from Italy
International flights to and from Italy are not included.
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Entry Fees
Entry fees to museums and other attractions are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of private coaches, boats, and even a flight to Sicily, ensuring you experience the best of Italy's diverse landscapes and cities with ease.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a variety of accommodations including Hotel Archimede in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, Hotel Le Grazie in Cinque Terre, and many more, ensuring a restful night after each day's adventures.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 21 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
- Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
- Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
- Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
Included Experience
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Rome: Â Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.
- Siena: This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo.
- Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
- Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen!
- Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories.
- Verona: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Vatican: See this religious state and home to the Pope, IRL. Take a guided tour around Renaissance masterpieces and see the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
- Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
- Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun.
- Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings.
- Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
- Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
- Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
- Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
- Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
- Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a mix of private coaches, boats, and even a flight to Sicily, ensuring you experience the best of Italy's diverse landscapes and cities with ease.
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What types of accommodations are provided during the tour?
You will stay in comfort at a variety of accommodations including Hotel Archimede in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, Hotel Le Grazie in Cinque Terre, and many more, ensuring a restful night after each day's adventures.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 21 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
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What guided tours are included in the itinerary?
The tour includes locally guided walking tours in Florence and the Vatican.
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Is there a rail pass included for Cinque Terre?
Yes, an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket is included in the tour.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a gondola ride in Venice, a cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano, a guided walking tour of Pompeii, a Capri cruise, a visit to a lemon farm on the Amalfi Coast, a cooking class in Taormina, and a tour of Mt Etna.
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Are entry fees to museums and other attractions included?
No, entry fees to museums and other attractions are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Rome, Italy, and ends in Palermo, Italy.
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What time is the pick-up on the first day of the tour?
The pick-up time on the first day in Rome is at 4pm.
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Is there a farewell dinner included in the tour?
Yes, there is a farewell dinner at Al Fresco in Palermo.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions