I highly recommend the right contiki tour based on what you want to do and see. I went on a 5 week hotel based tour (no hostels) back in July 2001. Was amazing. You meet a tonne of people and at times certain contiki groups from other trips are in the same city or place as you are.
Why I liked it. When I went we started off in London then did a loop down to France, Spain, Italy, week in Mykonos Greece (midpoint) then Austria, Switzerland, Germany Netherlands and end in London. When you spend 2-3 days in each main city you get to see the most important tourist stuff with a tour guide, a bus and special tours organized by the company. It's pretty much hands free. The bus brings you right to your hotel and takes you where you need to go. Then you can always return to cities and places you liked and want to explore more.
Now to go about it on your own is more difficult. Finding your hotel or lodging can be difficult at times, not knowing the local language, being ripped off by taxis. Risking getting robbed etc.
Now to each their own, but having the ability to see so many cities without having to worry about transport, tours and lodging is a luxury. From that trip I know where I would not want to visit again and where I would like to stay longer.
Highly recommended!!!!
Why I liked it. When I went we started off in London then did a loop down to France, Spain, Italy, week in Mykonos Greece (midpoint) then Austria, Switzerland, Germany Netherlands and end in London. When you spend 2-3 days in each main city you get to see the most important tourist stuff with a tour guide, a bus and special tours organized by the company. It's pretty much hands free. The bus brings you right to your hotel and takes you where you need to go. Then you can always return to cities and places you liked and want to explore more.
Now to go about it on your own is more difficult. Finding your hotel or lodging can be difficult at times, not knowing the local language, being ripped off by taxis. Risking getting robbed etc.
Now to each their own, but having the ability to see so many cities without having to worry about transport, tours and lodging is a luxury. From that trip I know where I would not want to visit again and where I would like to stay longer.
Highly recommended!!!!