Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
This was a great trip to explore each city. Personally, this felt a bit more independent type travel (exploring the city by yourself or if you made a friend with them) vs other Contikis (more time with the group). Hotels were great and fantastic locations (centrally located near metros and the main train station). Fantastic free time add ons as well.
Another spectacular trip with Explore. I highly recommend this company. As a solo female traveller they have never let me down. Explore is 100 % reliable.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Perfectly organised. Loved the early morning departures to ensure no crowds at sights!
Both guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining, they both went out of their way to accommodate all.
Meals were excellent, loved the variety of buffet meals!
Cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin, Camping, Resort
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairo, Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, A
Cairo, Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Hurghada
A trip like this depends on many factors especially the guide and travel companions. In this case we were so fortunate to have Fabio Giorlando as our exceptional guide. Our travel companions were terrific! The itinerary was varied and interesting. The family run businesses we visited warmly welcomed us and shared their stories and food/wine experiences.
The food and restaurant choices were enjoyable. It was very nice that Fabio arranged reservations at restaurants for the meals not covered by the tour making it easy for us to decide whether to eat there or elsewhere (we always ate there and the food and venue were always good.)
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This tour was a perfect balance of amazing food, historical sites, and sightseeing, and time to do things on your own. We had such a dynamic and charismatic group leader that made the whole experience that much better. Wide range of activities, which made interesting aspects to the food tour theme… it was a magnificent trip!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
My personal preference would have been for more time in Pompeii (half a day is barely time to scratch the surface) and to skip the stop in Naples, but if you're more interested in modern cities than archaeology, you'd probably disagree. This tour is a well-balanced mix, with something for everyone. Our tour leader was absolutely amazing - it was more like going on holiday with a friend than a paid guide!
City sightseeingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We have just finished up the Greece tour. The Greece islands have been absolutely breath taking and something that photos just can’t describe without seeing in person! We had an amazing tour guides, who had great knowledge of the islands, their history’s and all the best photo spot that we wouldn’t have found without them! Would highly recommend this tour!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Santorini, Delphi, Meteo
Athens, Santorini, Delphi, Meteora, Nafplion, Acropolis, Olympia