The European witchcraft Contiki tour offers participants a unique and immersive experience into the fascinating world of witchcraft throughout history. This tour takes travelers on a journey through various European countries, exploring the rich and diverse folklore, traditions, and practices associated with witchcraft. The tour begins in Germany, where participants visit the town of Trier, known for its deep historical ties to witchcraft. Here, travelers can explore sites such as the witch tower and the Trier Witch Trials Memorial, which provide insights into the dark history of witch hunts and persecution in Europe. Next, the tour takes participants to the picturesque town of Salem in Massachusetts, USA, where the infamous witch trials took place in the 17th century. Travelers have the opportunity to visit the Salem Witch Museum and learn about the hysteria and paranoia that led to the execution of numerous innocent people accused of witchcraft.
We know plans change, which is why we make sure those hard-earned funds are protected. Our Flexibility Promise means you can change your plans for any reason, or no reason at all, and rest assured your money is protected.
It s got to be said, being with the same group for a long period of time may cause some tension, but with such a big group, hopefully it s easily avoided. I truly believe there s no better way to party than endless Mojito s in a Paris night club, drinking Italian wine on a boat through Venice or taking shots of weird Fluro pink liquor in Amsterdam yes, that all did happen.
Travelers have the opportunity to visit the Salem Witch Museum and learn about the hysteria and paranoia that led to the execution of numerous innocent people accused of witchcraft. Continuing the journey, the tour moves to Scotland, a country with a rich history of witchcraft and supernatural beliefs. In Edinburgh, participants can visit the famous Edinburgh Castle, rumored to be haunted by spirits and witches.
Contiki – The good, the bad and the brutally honest
Contiki tours are such a popular way to travel for most young Australians, especially when venturing to Europe. I have now been on two separate Contiki tours, one in Europe in 2013 and one in Mexico in 2014. Whilst they are fun ways to get around, I think it’s good to know about every aspect of the tour to see if it’s right for you.
Whats a contiki tour?
For any non-Australians, Contiki is a New Zealand based company that runs organized travel tours all across the world. They have tours across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia and even parts of Africa. They are typically known as ‘party tours’ and have an age range of 18-35.
How they work
You can choose from a wide range of tours in different styles From slow paced camping to short festival trips, they have it all. Once you book and start your journey, you get your own tour manager as well as your own bus and driver to take you wherever you need. If a flights included, you’ll be met with a new bus and driver at the other end. Generally your tour will consist of a long bus day/flight between cities, then 1-3 nights before you leave.
Europe: There were some small included extras, but a lot are available for an extra cost. The tour manager explained that it is like this to keep the cost of the tour as low as possible and to ensure everyone only spends money on what they want to do. The trip up the Eiffel Tower was included because everyone wants to do that. But extras like the Moulin Rouge show or a tour through the Vatican City came at a cost.
Mexico: Most small tours were included here, including big trips such as entry to Chichen Itza and a boat party. That was a really good thing about the tour here, and there was still free time to see other sights. There were also optional extras such as snorkeling trips and swimming with Whale Sharks.
The good:
- If you’re a solo traveler, this is a guaranteed way to make friends
- The Contiki tour managers know their stuff, you’ll get a lot of history lessons along the way
- It fits a lot into a small amount of time. Great for someone with only a few weeks of vacation time. *In 24 days we saw 13 countries in Europe
- Party, party, party. Lots of fun.
- Local knowledge from the tour guides.
- They provide many optional extras, making it easy for you to organize
- It’s all organized for you, so no stress of planning whatsoever.
- Generally, the groups are like minded travelers just there for a good time like you!
- Breakfast is included and some dinners (giving you a chance to try what you want as well)
Perfect for:
– Solo travelers
– First time travelers
– People with minimal time
– Party animals
– People who aren’t too sure what they want to see
The bad:
- It can be very rushed, in some of the biggest cities in the world with so much to see, you may only get one full day there to see it all.
- eg. in Europe we would have two nights in most cities, but it takes a whole ‘bus day’ to get to there, meaning only one day to fit in so many activities.
- eg. in Mexico, I paid around $100 USD for a swim with the whale sharks. I found a similar tour for $80 USD a few days later.
The brutally honest
- It’s got to be said, being with the same group for a long period of time may cause some tension, but with such a big group, hopefully it’s easily avoided.
- They take you to the extremely cliche touristy spots, meaning you don’t get much of a ‘local feel’ and the more tourist driven, the more expensive it is.
- You could probably do it cheaper. I paid around $3000 for the Mexican Contiki (13 days) and about $3500 for the European Winter one (24 days). That’s around $150 a day in Europe and $230 a day in Mexico, not including food and some tours. If you really do your research, stay in cheap hostels, and find cheap public transport you could probably find a way to do it cheaper (especially in Mexico) and more personalized for your perfect holiday.
Round Up
All in all, I had an absolute blast on both my tours. If you want to have a memorable trip and have the money, then go for it! Now that I’m heading back to Europe for a second time, I’m going to try a more backpacker approach to travel, but I will forever thank Contiki for making my first trip so memorable.
Top Deck is an Australian tour company very similar to Contiki and there are a lot more tour companies out there. My post on some European tour companies is a quick guide if you’re heading to Europe.
Tours are great for stumped travelers, or first timers. If you have a long vacation time and don’t know where to start, try a tour so you can see where you like and go back, get some advice for other places or travel with the new friends you’ve made.
Thanks for reading and as always,
Contiki is for young people who want to see everything and go everywhere without the stress, hassle or surprise expenses that travelling can often incur. Not to mention the added benefit of discounted shows and entry fees that you get on a Contiki. Well worth every penny!
The tour also takes travelers to the Orkney Islands, known for their mysterious ancient ruins, such as the Ring of Brodgar, often associated with witchcraft and pagan rituals. The next stop is Romania, where participants can delve into the legends and folklore surrounding vampires and witchcraft. The tour includes a visit to Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula's Castle, which is associated with the infamous vampire character created by Bram Stoker. Additionally, travelers have the opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, commonly associated with the Dracula legend. The final destination on the tour is Italy, where participants can visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Rome. Here, travelers can explore artifacts and exhibits related to witchcraft, including ancient tools, documents, and artworks associated with magical practices. Throughout the tour, participants have the chance to engage with local experts, historians, and practitioners of witchcraft, who provide valuable insights into the history, beliefs, and practices associated with witchcraft in Europe. This immersive experience allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of witchcraft in European society. The European witchcraft Contiki tour offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers interested in the captivating world of witchcraft. Through visits to historical sites, museums, and engaging with local experts, participants can explore the fascinating history, traditions, and beliefs associated with witchcraft in Europe..
Reviews for "Unmasking the Secrets of European Witchcraft: A Contiki Journey"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - I was really excited for this European witchcraft contiki, but it turned out to be a complete disappointment. The itinerary was poorly planned and we spent most of our time wandering around aimlessly. The tour guide lacked knowledge and enthusiasm about the subject matter, which was a major letdown. Additionally, the accommodations were subpar and the food options were limited. I would not recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and educational experience on European witchcraft.
2. Michael - 1 star - This tour was a total waste of money. The advertised focus on European witchcraft was barely touched upon, and instead, we were taken to overcrowded tourist spots that had no relevance to the topic. The tour guide seemed uninterested and unprepared, often providing inaccurate information. Furthermore, the group size was too large, making it difficult to ask questions or engage in meaningful discussions. I would advise anyone interested in witchcraft to seek out alternative tours or resources to truly explore the subject.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone with a genuine interest in European witchcraft, I was extremely disappointed with this contiki. The tour guide seemed disinterested in the topic and provided minimal insight or historical context. We spent more time on general sightseeing than actually delving into the witchcraft aspect. The accommodations were mediocre at best and the overall organization of the tour was lacking. I would recommend prospective participants to find alternative options that prioritize the educational aspect and provide a deeper understanding of European witchcraft.
4. Chris - 1 star - This tour was a complete letdown. The promised focus on European witchcraft turned out to be a mere marketing gimmick. The tour guide lacked knowledge and passion for the subject, often resorting to vague and general statements. The schedule was poorly organized, with little time dedicated to actually exploring witchcraft-related sites. The group size was much larger than expected, making it difficult to follow the guide's explanations. I would not recommend this tour to anyone interested in a serious exploration of European witchcraft.
Casting Spells and Riding Brooms: Unforgettable Experiences on a Contiki Witchcraft Tour