Contiki says, Europe winter touring benefits 18 to 35’s and agents

Contiki is dedicated to 18 to 35 year old travellers and has been for over 40 years, continually evolving its product and programs to appeal to the ever changing market. The company’s latest program to launch is its 06/07 Europe Winter Tours boasting 39 pages of great winter product and holiday ideas to Europe for travel between October 2006 and March 2007.

Tammy Marshall, managing director, Contiki Holidays said, “At Contiki we spend a lot of time and resource researching, listening to feedback, coming up with great ideas for the youth market and keeping our fingers on the pulse of what is hot. Our 06/07 Europe Winter Tours offer so many attractive benefits to travellers which in turn can be used advantageously by agents.

“Travel, for those who can be broadly categorised as Generation X and Generation Y, is about visiting a destination, but it’s also more than that – it’s about the experiences; seeing, trying, smelling, feeling, touching, learning and understanding as well as meeting other like minded travellers – and Europe in winter can satisfy those travel desires.

“Winter is a whole different experience to summer in Europe – it’s totally magical – and agents can use this to actively sell to the youth market. But the benefits to travellers don’t stop there and this is where agents can utilise key selling points to offer relevant holiday ideas and close sales.

“Our 06/07 Europe Winter Tours presents savings of up to $640 off summer prices, airfares are much cheaper and Contiki offers a range of further savings including early payment discounts, group tour discounts and more, so consultants can offer their clients substantial discounts. Of course, less money spent getting to Europe means more money in travellers pockets to spend while they are there, which is always a plus!

“Fewer crowds during the winter means less time waiting in queues and more time mingling with the locals, rugging up and enjoying mulled wine by open fires, wandering museums or whatever other experiences appeal. Ultimately, it means more time to tailor the experience exactly as they wish, which from our experience tells us research is really important to our clients.

“While the price and savings in winter are a major drawcard for travellers to visit Europe in winter the unique experience is also crucial, whether it’s a white Christmas, Euro style NYE, skiing and snowboarding, enjoying the winter comfort food of each region or getting into the great cultural events, festivals and carnivals which come alive during the winter months.

“Finally, to top it all off our 06/07 Europe Winter Tours fit in perfectly with uni and Christmas holidays.

“As the leading 18 to 35 holiday provider we know what the market wants and our 06/07 Europe Winter Tours present a variety of itineraries, plus, we have introduced regional touring to our winter program for the first time. Our Independent Getaway holidays are the perfect option for travellers who have limited time and want to concentrate on specific cities, or are looking for an add-on option after visiting family and friends over the holiday season. The Multi-country tours are great value for those who want to see as much as possible. Regional tours get really in-depth in just one or two countries, so they’re perfect for repeat travellers and the Ski Hopfgarten packages are perfect for travellers who love the adrenalin rush the European slopes offer.”

This year Contiki has new tours available for travel in Europe’s winter including:

11-day Berlin to Budapest independent getaway from $1419

This 11-day independent trip visits Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest and highlights include the flexibility and freedom of independent travel with all the benefits of group travel, the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie Museum as well as time to hang out in the stylish cafes, the sites of Prague and the local nightlife, the opportunity to see a Mozart and Strauss concert and Fisherman’s Bastion, fabulous museums and more in Budapest.

19-day European Inspiration multi-country tour from $2555

This 19 day itinerary visits Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris. Highlights include a visit to a fishing and cheese village and clog maker’s house in Amsterdam, seeing the remains of the Berlin Wall in Berlin, Hradcany Castle and Charles Bridge in Prague, visiting a traditional beer hall in Munich, the sights of Venice and Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a scenic alpine drive near Lucerne, the Chablis and Burgundy vineyards, a tour of Illuminations in Paris and a visit to a French Perfumery.

7-day Italian Espresso regional itinerary from $919

This seven day region itinerary visits Venice, Florence and Rome and highlights include a walking tour of Rome to see the sights, Vatican City, Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square and Murano glass-blowing and Burano lace-making demonstrations in Venice, walking tour with a local guide in Florence and more.

12-day Spanish Spree regional itinerary from $1535

This twelve day regional itinerary visits Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Ibiza and Barcelona. Highlights include a tour of the Royal Palace with a local guide in Madrid, seeing the Alcazar Fortress and Gothic Cathedral in Toledo, the Torre del Oro, Alcazar and Plaza de Espana in Seville, the rock of Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, Ibiza’s beaches, Gaudi’s Art Nouveau Cathedral in Barcelona and more.

Contiki’s hottest ever winter offer – save up to $350 on Europe tours!

Contiki’s packing a punch this winter with the hottest winter deals ever! This airfare deal is so hot that Contiki had to cool it down by pairing it with their great value European winter tours!

This deal will save up to $350 off your Contiki winter tour when you book your trip and airfare with Contiki, flying Qantas or British Airways plus take advantage of Contiki’s great Early Payment discounts.

Contiki’s special winter airfares with Qantas and British Airways start from $1865 ex Melbourne, $1884 ex Sydney, $1968 ex Adelaide, $1970 ex Brisbane and $2012 ex Perth including airfare taxes and are available to London or one of many fantastic European gateway cities.

This deal is available in conjunction with any Contiki winter tour from its new Europe Winter 06-07 brochure of 8 days or more.

Why not book this hot deal with a 24-day Winter Wanderer itinerary?
Save up to $350 on this tour which is now priced from $3455 (land only). The Winter Wanderer is a return trip from London: Highlights include: Paris highlights like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, Lyon, sightseeing in Barcelona, a visit to a French perfumery in the French Riviera, the famous Monte Carlo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a walking tour of Florence, the famous Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, Treve Fountain and Piazza Navona in Rome, Vatican City, Venetian glass blowing and St Mark’s Square in Venice, the palaces of the Hapsburg Empire and the Opera House in Vienna, a visit a genuine Bavarian beer hall in Munich, a breathtaking cable car ride up Mt Pilatus in Lucerne, the remains of the Berlin Wall and the famous Reichstag and an excursion to the cheese makers village of Edam, a visit to a clog-maker’s house and bike ride past the windmills in Amsterdam. Trip includes all accommodation, stylish coach transport, great sightseeing and most meals all at the one low tour cost.

But hurry – you have to book and pay in full by 31 August 2006.

Conditions apply, all prices are per person, twin share. Contiki’s winter deal is valid when purchased in conjunction with a Contiki tour of 8 days or more, for travel 4 October 2006 to 31 March 2007 (blackout periods apply).

Contiki’s winter Europe holidays are valid for travel from October 2006 until the end of March 2007.

All Contiki tours include transport, accommodation, most meals and sightseeing as well as the benefit of experienced tour managers who can answer any questions your clients might have while they’re travelling. Prices are all per person, twin share, land only.

Contiki’s success comes from its commitment to providing excellent value holidays for travellers between 18 and 35. Contiki’s 06/07 Europe Winter brochure is on agency shelves now. For more information log onto www.contiki.com/winter