Contiki FAQ - postage

Q: How hard is it to post back stuff to Australia from New york?

A: It is not that hard, all you need to do is go to a post office, get a box and post it. You just need to wait in line and have all the details correct. Depending on the weight of the packages will determine the cost of the postage. Overall if you have everything correct and know what you are doing, it is very easy.

Q: How hard is it to post back stuff to Australia from London?

A: This is very easy, head to the post office, there are ones everywhere, line up get a box. You need to fill out a customs form, so make sure you ask for one. When ready to send, put it on the counter and pay and leave. It is not cheap to do so, but it is easy.

Q: How hard is it to post back stuff to Australia from Amsterdam?

A: Like London, it is easy, but you would only do so if you were not going back to to London in the near future, as prices are roughly the same and all postage goes through London anyway. It is good if you are short on time or space in your luggage.

Contiki FAQ General Canada

Q: How does contiki explore the thousand islands in Canada?

A: This is done as an optional that nearly everyone does. It is done on the road from Montreal to Toronto. You do it early in the morning. The coach arrives at the point, the tour manager gets your tickets and you head onto the ship. The ship heads into the river and you are informed about the history of the area and the interesting islands. The whole thing takes about 90 minutes. It is a good chance for some good pictures.

Contiki FAQ Greek island cruise

Q: Is buying the drinks package on a Greek island cruise worth it?

A: If you would like to purchase this package, which gives free alcoholic drinks all the time, you first need to know how long the cruise is for, where it is going, how many stops and how much time you will have to drink. On board, if you are doing a contiki there is usually a contiki happy hour. Also there are buy 1 get one free periods, cheaper drink periods etc. So in the end it many be cheaper to buy drinks as you want them, rather then the package.

Q: On a contiki cruise in Greece, should i do a shore tour that has not been mentioned by contiki?

A: On a cruise ship there are many shore tours to do when you make port. Contiki offers ones, still through the ship that may appeal to the group. You can go off and do other tours or wander around by yourself but if you choose to do another tour, it will be filled with people from the cruise ship, not the contiki group.

Q: What is the the Ephesus tour at Kusadsi like?

A: In this case this is part of a shore excursion offered on a cruise ship. It is also offered by contiki. You meet up with the group on the ship, head with the guide the bus and head 30 minutes or so away to the site. Here the guide walks you through the main parts of the ruined city, seeing the baths, temples, areas, houses. The guide also goes through the history of the place. At the end of the tour, you head back to port via a carpet shop. The tour is good, a must do.

Q: What is it like on a Greek cruise ship with Contiki?

A: The ship is just like any cruise ship – bars, restaurants, activities, that sort of thing. However with contiki there are a few more activities that you do as a group as well as some cocktail nights. If you are doing a shore excursion, then you will do it with your contiki group, or other contiki groups. Your tour manager will inform you on what is happening.

Q: When doing a Greek cruise contiki, what happens when the cruise gets back to Athens?

A: Your cruise ship arrives in the port. Your tour manager will help organize bags and the meet you on the docks. You will then head to the bus to take you into Athens Proper. Once in Athens you can do a walking tour, drop your bags at a luggage storage center or head to the start hotel. Either way the tour is over.

Q: What happens at the Crete stop on a cruise with contiki?

A: Crete is usually done in the morning. Some tour managers say that it is not worth getting off the boat and to have a sleep in. However one of the optionals is the Palace at knossos. Go and do this optional, it may take the whole time you are in port, but it is worth it. If you don't want to see ruins, at least go and explore the town.

Q: What happens on a contiki that includes a Greek island cruise but starts in Mykonos, not in Athens?

A: You are doing a cruise but starting the cruise in Mykonos, but have started the tour in Athens. Anyway, on departure day in Mykonos, you wake up late, check out of the hotel by 11am, just leave bags and such in the hotel for a few hours. There is more free time to do what you want. After a certain point, you get your bags and meet up and are driven to the port to catch the cruise ship. You get on find rooms, then meet up for the safety demo, from here you have the whole ship to yourself because the rest of the cruise passengers are out exploring Mykonos.

Contiki FAQ England questions

Q: Is Stonehenge worth seeing?

A: The answer is Yes. You can group it with a number of sights and call it a day. Contiki takes you there on some of the tours of great Britain. It is interesting to see, even if you can't touch it. Is it touristy – yes, but it is historic and worth seeing.

Q: What are English trains like and when is the best time to book one?

A: English trains are very good and are a perfect way of travel ling around the country. You should book your train ticket up to 10 weeks in advance otherwise you will pay more for a ticket. The trains are very comfortable.

Q: What is English pub food like?

A: English pub food is actually quiet nice, there is the usual – burgers, fish and chips, pies, various salads and sandwiches as well as curries. When in London, head to a pub and have dinner with a pint.

Q: In England, what is the best way to get around to the other cities?

A: Catch the train if you have booked tickets fare enough in advance. There are also various bus companies that you can take cheaply.

Q: On the English channel ferries, what currencies are used?

A: Both pounds and euros are used on the ferry.

Q: Do you need a visa to visit the UK.

A: Most countries do not, but it is the usual – 3 - 6 months or so. Check to make sure exactly for your own country.

Q: In York, can you walk on the city walls?

A: Yes you can and it is free. It is also a great way to see the city and look down on it. There are also a number of ways to get on the walls.

Q: What is the best way to get to York?

A: The best way is by train, as the train station is next to the old town and walls. It is also a quick journey from either London or Edinburgh.

Q: In York, are there many ghost tours?

York is a haunted city, there are many ghost tours available, going at different times of night. All are good and you should try out as many as possible if you have time. Prices and length also vary.

Q: In the UK, is the voltage any different to what is used in Australia in terms of power adapters?

A: The UK has the same voltage as Australia, but a slightly different plug, this means that you do need an adapter.