About me:Hippy poet turned European tour guide. 24/7 bubble of energy guaranteed!!
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Share your thoughts on the itinerary, guide, and overall organization of the adventure.
M
Fantastic trip! Gives you a taste of so many amazing countries.
D
The trip was amazing and definitely something I would recommend people do. The tour manager made the trip more enjoyable with her in depth knowledge on all the places we visited.
S
She is as good a guide as she is a wonderful human being. Rach is full of knowledge and fun facts and at the same time cares about her travelers more than she needs to. She is amazing to travel with a…She is as good a guide as she is a wonderful human being. Rach is full of knowledge and fun facts and at the same time cares about her travelers more than she needs to. She is amazing to travel with and I'd recommend her to anyone!
Z
When I first left on the trip I was expecting nothing, like I kind of actually thought that I was going to have a shitty time! But from the moment I met Rachel I Knew the next 37 days were going to be…When I first left on the trip I was expecting nothing, like I kind of actually thought that I was going to have a shitty time! But from the moment I met Rachel I Knew the next 37 days were going to be a blast!! She made everyone feel welcome and got everyone to interact with each other and within no time we were all family, thanks to Rachel! The information she gave us from country to country was very informative and she always made sure we got the most out of every place despite time restraints. It felt like she was more of a friend than a team manager!
H
What can i say from day one Rachel was awesome, you think after 37 days she would be exhausted and over it but she just got better and better over time. Contiki is amazing but Rachel made it spectacul…What can i say from day one Rachel was awesome, you think after 37 days she would be exhausted and over it but she just got better and better over time. Contiki is amazing but Rachel made it spectacular, will definitely do it again and Rachel would be my first and only choice as a guide. Thank you for making it the best experience of my life. Huss :)
G
T
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Rachel was the greatest trip manager to ever grace my life, her fun bubbly positive attitude made the trip one that I will never forget. Her knowledge on the trip was outstanding and she would never h…Rachel was the greatest trip manager to ever grace my life, her fun bubbly positive attitude made the trip one that I will never forget. Her knowledge on the trip was outstanding and she would never hesitate to go the extra mile for any one of her travellers. Contiki wouldn't have been as enjoyable as it was if I had a different TM! This was an incredible life changing trip and one that I will never forget. 6/5 stars
M
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
It was awesome. Better then expected and Rachel was amazing !
J
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
TRIP OF A LIFETIME! I did not expect to meet these amazing people and be friends with all of them. The accommodations were great and the sights were incredible. I am a better person thanks to this tou…TRIP OF A LIFETIME! I did not expect to meet these amazing people and be friends with all of them. The accommodations were great and the sights were incredible. I am a better person thanks to this tour.
N
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Thinking about this high energy tour I was all like "I don't really drink back home, I probably won't be doing all the optionals and I definitely will be skipping some of the activities" ....18 days l…Thinking about this high energy tour I was all like "I don't really drink back home, I probably won't be doing all the optionals and I definitely will be skipping some of the activities" ....18 days later, I have never partied so hard in my life, I scrapped the barrel to do do every single activity and I explored all day every day absolutely milking every optional!
I chose the European Whirl tour because I figured it was the easiest way to see Europe- safely! How could you go wrong. Transport, check. Safety, check. Accommodation, check. Meals, check. Strangers that turn into family, CHECK, CHECK! Even though the whirl doesn't allow you to spend as much time as you may like in each country, at least you'll know exactly where you want to go back!
I have and will keep promoting Contiki to my friends. Can't wait to book my next one!
R
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Traveling through Europe with a bunch of strangers was made so much easier by having an amazing tour manager. Rachel was a focused, positive and bright guide. The trip was high intensity, so none of u…Traveling through Europe with a bunch of strangers was made so much easier by having an amazing tour manager. Rachel was a focused, positive and bright guide. The trip was high intensity, so none of us were able to get much rest, however she always managed to have a giant smile and enthusiastic attitude, which made long bus rides much more enjoyable. She was always ready to sacrifice her own comfort for those on the trip. (Actually giving me her water bottle because I didn't have one of my own!) She was very knowledgable and welcoming. An incredibly kind and thoughtful person, truly couldn't have asked for a better tour manager.
S
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
I had the best time of my life, the whole trip was amazing. Rachel was absolutely fantastic! She was more than just a tour manager, she was one of us. Her knowledge and tips on all the places we went …I had the best time of my life, the whole trip was amazing. Rachel was absolutely fantastic! She was more than just a tour manager, she was one of us. Her knowledge and tips on all the places we went were spot on. Transportation was great but the bus could have power.
R
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Rachel Calleja was amazing!!! She's so full of energy, knowledge, and excitement! Best 18 days of our lives and we couldn't have had a better leader through it all.
D
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
I had the absolute pleasure of having Rachel Calleja escort us through the wonders and insane awesomeness of the european whirl. No job was too big, no question too small. We got to see a side of thes…I had the absolute pleasure of having Rachel Calleja escort us through the wonders and insane awesomeness of the european whirl. No job was too big, no question too small. We got to see a side of these places that i honestly believe we would have never found without her. The energy she would bring is infectious.
H
European Contrasts Plus Corfu
Trip was exactly what I expected. I didn't have to worry about a thing - everything was all planned for me. We saw as much of Europe as we could in a limited amount of time and it was amazing.
T
European Escapade (26 Days)
Being a first time traveler you don't know what to expect but having Rachel as a Guide made it so much more memorable and really made it to be a of a lifetime with the best memories !
She's a bubbly,d…Being a first time traveler you don't know what to expect but having Rachel as a Guide made it so much more memorable and really made it to be a of a lifetime with the best memories !
She's a bubbly,down to earth chilled out person who loves what she does and wants to make ensure that your having the best time.
The accommodation was good and bus/bus driver were great.
Really is a value for money experience and I would highly recommend to anyone that's thinking about Travelling
T
European Escapade (26 Days)
If Rachel was any less of a badass, she'd still be more badass than anyone you've ever met. Go on tour with her and bask in her unending knowledge.
S
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Everything was unbelievable! Experience of a life time!!
L
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
European Whirl! Awesome trip, best tour manager ever! She put in so much work to make sure we had the best 18 days of our lives.
A
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Rachel was amazing! Contiki was a great expierance but Rachel made it even better. Best Trip manager out there! She made sure everyone had a great expierance with everything we did.
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Trip of A lifetime. Amazing trip guide. Just A few thoughts A out Rachel. Everything was taken Care of for us. Really catered to everyone. Very inclusive. Knowledgable. Really an exceptional individua…Trip of A lifetime. Amazing trip guide. Just A few thoughts A out Rachel. Everything was taken Care of for us. Really catered to everyone. Very inclusive. Knowledgable. Really an exceptional individual all around. I'm afraid To do another Contiki because there's No way The next tour guide Will be as awesome
M
European Escapade (26 Days)
The best trip ever! Truly the trip of a life time, everything and more than expected. Rachael our tour leader was incredible. So much knowledge, love for life and adventure, pure legend.
Contiki was …The best trip ever! Truly the trip of a life time, everything and more than expected. Rachael our tour leader was incredible. So much knowledge, love for life and adventure, pure legend.
Contiki was amazing. Everything well organized. Accommodation was good (hotel and hostels tour) except for the lack of cooling in the middle of a heat wave! Can't fault them
T
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
The trip was amazing, made even better by the best guide anyone could ask for - Rachel Calleja. She knew everything from the right place to get a good beer all the way to the little detailed facts of …The trip was amazing, made even better by the best guide anyone could ask for - Rachel Calleja. She knew everything from the right place to get a good beer all the way to the little detailed facts of every place we went. The accomodation was really good and the bus/bus driver were great. Martin Butler, was a extremely good driver and also a extremely nice bloke.
L
The trip was sick, loved meeting new people and becoming good friends!! The trip was more then what I expected. Would easyly recommend it!! Rachel was a really cool guide as she was chill and down to …The trip was sick, loved meeting new people and becoming good friends!! The trip was more then what I expected. Would easyly recommend it!! Rachel was a really cool guide as she was chill and down to have fun with us! Like the little history 101 lesson before we'd go in a new city. The bus was good just wish the wifi was more affordable!! Some of the places we stayed were a little hurtin like Venice! Overall great experience.
N
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Had the best time ever on my tour! Met so many amazing people and Rachel was so good and professional and helped us with anything we needed! She did an amazing job showing all the different places we …Had the best time ever on my tour! Met so many amazing people and Rachel was so good and professional and helped us with anything we needed! She did an amazing job showing all the different places we went to.
K
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Contiki was truly an expirence of a life time. Not only are you going to such incredibly beautiful countries, you get to do it with these wonderful people. You want to check out the gelato place (that…Contiki was truly an expirence of a life time. Not only are you going to such incredibly beautiful countries, you get to do it with these wonderful people. You want to check out the gelato place (that was expertly recommended to you by your trip manager), there's someone to go with you. The places you see and expirence are bucket list items (Eiffle tower, Colosseum) mixed with unique niche spots that most would never see (a chateau in France). It's kinda the ultimate way to see Europe.
C
Rach was amazing! She made everyone feel welcomed and included. She has an awesome library of information in her head and makes each destination interesting and fun. Super well rounded, organised and …Rach was amazing! She made everyone feel welcomed and included. She has an awesome library of information in her head and makes each destination interesting and fun. Super well rounded, organised and amazing tour guide!
G
Trip definitely exceeded expectations! Rach was an awesome trip guide had a lot of knowledge of the places we visited/ shared heaps of history with us and was all round great fun :)
K
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Rachel is the perfect mix for people who want to feel like they are in good hands and safe, while still being able to go off on their own and adventure. I was only ever met with enthusiasm and impress…Rachel is the perfect mix for people who want to feel like they are in good hands and safe, while still being able to go off on their own and adventure. I was only ever met with enthusiasm and impressive knowledge of the places we went from Rachel . She was like a walking dictionary with an infectious personality. She knew every tip and trick and somehow managed to make everyone feel special and important even with the high number of people on our tour. How she manages to make a personal connection with everyone she meets is beyond me, but it made you proud to be a part of her tour, and even more thankful that you lucked out with the best guide.
T
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
I went on European Whirl and was so lucky to have had Rachel as the trip manager; she went above and beyond to make sure we all had an amazing time! She's extremely knowledgable, friendly, and always …I went on European Whirl and was so lucky to have had Rachel as the trip manager; she went above and beyond to make sure we all had an amazing time! She's extremely knowledgable, friendly, and always ready to have fun! Nothing but positive things to say about her!
K
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
I did the European Experience with Rachel as our guide in 2015 and to say she made it the time of my life thus far doesn't seem to give it justice. She was always the last person out at night and the …I did the European Experience with Rachel as our guide in 2015 and to say she made it the time of my life thus far doesn't seem to give it justice. She was always the last person out at night and the first person up in the morning while keeping up with the whole group while we let lose by some magic. It's thanks to her that I was able to get over my anxiety round travelling for the first time, forget about the disaster zone back home and just have fun.
You can tell she loves what she does off the bat which made the trip all the more enjoyable while making sure we where all safe (even when I might have disappeared in Venice and didn't show up back at camp until near midnight and the bus was leaving first thing). So 11/10 across the board and highly recommend having Rachel as a guide to anyone without a second thought.
K
European Escapade (26 Days)
Rachel was an amazing tour guide. Not only did she ensure that every single person was having the time of their life, but she also made sure that there was never a dull moment. Besides the fact that w…Rachel was an amazing tour guide. Not only did she ensure that every single person was having the time of their life, but she also made sure that there was never a dull moment. Besides the fact that we seemed to have hit every obstacle possible on our trip, she kept up our spirits, kept us on our toes and gave us an experience we will never forget. She is kind, caring and just an all around beautiful soul. Trust me, this trip with her as a guide will lead to one of the best adventures of your life. #slightlinclineonlife
R
Rach was easily one of the best people I have met and made the whole experience so much easier. Her knowledge was extensive and passion for every country we visited was infectious, couldnt have asked …Rach was easily one of the best people I have met and made the whole experience so much easier. Her knowledge was extensive and passion for every country we visited was infectious, couldnt have asked for a better tour manager or friend
D
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
My experience was unforgettable - I would do it again in a heartbeat.
B
European Escapade (26 Days)
Rachel was such an amazing tour guide! She new so much information about every place that we visited and always made each day fun!! Having such an amazing tour guide definitely helped to make the Cont…Rachel was such an amazing tour guide! She new so much information about every place that we visited and always made each day fun!! Having such an amazing tour guide definitely helped to make the Contiki so much better! The trip was way better then expected, and I had such an amazing time!
K
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Amazing tour! I started the tour with expectations of a fun time, and finished the tour having the time of my life. Rachel was a great tour manager. Always organized, having fun, smiling, and encourag…Amazing tour! I started the tour with expectations of a fun time, and finished the tour having the time of my life. Rachel was a great tour manager. Always organized, having fun, smiling, and encouraging others to try new things. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a tour manager.
K
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Absolutely perfect! Wouldn't change anything about the Contiki I went on. Rachel was more than amazing and exceeded my expectations :)))
J
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
"Was this trip what you expected it to be?" Honestly, it was way better than I expected. I didn't think I'd get to make such good friends and have so many stories to tell my friends when I came home. …"Was this trip what you expected it to be?" Honestly, it was way better than I expected. I didn't think I'd get to make such good friends and have so many stories to tell my friends when I came home. The accommodations provided were livable. Most of the food was pretty good, I think about the potatoes we had at the Chateau in the Wine Region a lot.. Haha. Rachel was an absolute pleasure to be around and was beyond knowledgable. Knew when it was time to have fun and when it was time to take charge. She's a vision! Also our driver David was crazy good at driving too.
T
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
my trip was not what i expected it was better. i think this is because of Rachel and all the hidden gems so told us about also her willingness to help and go above and beyond to make sure we were all …my trip was not what i expected it was better. i think this is because of Rachel and all the hidden gems so told us about also her willingness to help and go above and beyond to make sure we were all having a good time
P
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
No amount of words could ever fully describe the epic-ness and legendary-ness of the experience I had on Contiki European Whirl. Lets just say it was less of a whirlwind and more of a tornado that hit…No amount of words could ever fully describe the epic-ness and legendary-ness of the experience I had on Contiki European Whirl. Lets just say it was less of a whirlwind and more of a tornado that hit down on Amsterdam. It was wild and ferocious and sucked up everything in its path. Sorry Europe. My Eurotrip would of not been the same if it wasn't for our guide Rachel, who was not only our history, society and culture, language, geography and "where is the closest pharmacy" teacher but also a friend. A friend that will make you 2 minute noodles when all shops are closed in Switzerland! A friend who had reached out to all of us and brought together the Whirl family, which is something money can never buy.
Whirl-out!
A
Contiki was one of the best experiences of my life! I never would have expected to make such good friends with 53 strangers in just 10 days. It was super fast paced and not a single moment was wasted.…Contiki was one of the best experiences of my life! I never would have expected to make such good friends with 53 strangers in just 10 days. It was super fast paced and not a single moment was wasted. Our tour guide Rachel went above and beyond to show us the best places and make sure we had a great time. She used so much of her own time to show us places she had found in her travels which gave you more than just the typical tourist experience. There are enough people on your tour that if you didnt like anyone you didnt have to be with them 24/7 but it was still a small enough group that you felt like a family by the end. The places you see in such a short amount of time is amazing. The people you meet are amazing (for the most part) and overall I cant think of a better way to spend my time and money than on contiki with my contiki fam ❤️
J
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Best thing I have done with my life to date! Went on the European Whirl tour (Summer) with Rachel. The places we went whilst on tour were great! All the things you get to do as a part of the tour are …Best thing I have done with my life to date! Went on the European Whirl tour (Summer) with Rachel. The places we went whilst on tour were great! All the things you get to do as a part of the tour are awesome but i recommend doing all the extra Me time options. Rachel is the best tour manager that you could ask for! She is super happy all the time and really knows her stuff! Rachel will give you some great tips on where you could go in your free time and she knows the best hidden gems in the places we visited. I would recommend this tour to anyone that wants to check out Europe ticking the main things off the bucket list and if you are luck enough to get Rachel you will get to tick off things you never would have known about too. Great Tour! Great Guide!
P
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Best tour guide ever. And she's now a friend for life as well:)
M
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Had the chance to see some of the most amazing places in the world with some of the best people I'll ever meet. Rachel was freaking awesome! An absolute wealth of knowledge always making sure you have…Had the chance to see some of the most amazing places in the world with some of the best people I'll ever meet. Rachel was freaking awesome! An absolute wealth of knowledge always making sure you have the best trip possible.
V
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Best fun I've ever had - thanks Rachel !
C
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
I've always wanted to go to Europe and decided the first time I'll go I'll check out a Contiki trip. I chose to do a Contiki Whirl. It was a great way to see most of the countries, Rachel our Contiki …I've always wanted to go to Europe and decided the first time I'll go I'll check out a Contiki trip. I chose to do a Contiki Whirl. It was a great way to see most of the countries, Rachel our Contiki Guide was very helpful, knowledgable and accommodating. She always made sure we were getting the best out of our trip. Highly recommend using Contiki if you want to either travel solo, want nearly everything organised for you and if you want to see as many countries as possible in a semi short timeframe. If you get Rachel as your guide you'll have an amazing experience.
G
Contiki was a great experience, I'd defiantly do another tour! Our tour guide Rachel just went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and everybody was having a fanatic time. She's one …Contiki was a great experience, I'd defiantly do another tour! Our tour guide Rachel just went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and everybody was having a fanatic time. She's one of the most informative and creative people I have ever met. She sure has alot of hidden talents. If it wasn't for her and our extremely patient and skilled bus driver Mike the trip wouldn't have been as amazing as it was!!
G
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
An incredible experience, surrounded by amazing people whom I became good friends with. Our tour manager Rachel was amazing! So informative yet so much fun, immersing herself into our group, making an…An incredible experience, surrounded by amazing people whom I became good friends with. Our tour manager Rachel was amazing! So informative yet so much fun, immersing herself into our group, making an effort to get to know each and everyone of us. Can't wait for my next adventure!
R
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Had an amazing time. Met 48 of the most amazing people and became a little contiki family. All this with the best Europe has to offer as a backdrop. Made even more amazing by the wonderful Rach who ma…Had an amazing time. Met 48 of the most amazing people and became a little contiki family. All this with the best Europe has to offer as a backdrop. Made even more amazing by the wonderful Rach who made sure we knew about not only the history, but the local culture and most amazing insider spots to visit. Then as the sun went down she made sure we all partied to our full potential. Could not recommend this trip/manager combo enough!
M
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Best experience of my life! Rachel was an amazing tour leading, super friendly, and very knowledgable! Would go on a tour again with her in a heartbeat!
J
The European Horizon tour was indeed very special. From the first day I felt like I made a little family away from home. Everyone in the group were lovely and warm hearted. The tour itself is one I…The European Horizon tour was indeed very special. From the first day I felt like I made a little family away from home. Everyone in the group were lovely and warm hearted. The tour itself is one I would definitely recommend. From exploring the night life in Amsterdam, to paragliding in the Austrian mountains and finishing off by trying the french cuisine in Paris, you would never get bored. The accomodation at each stop was great and couldn't complain about the conditions. All of the contiki families at each stop were great and very friendly. Our tour guide for this trip was Rachel, who you couldn't ask for anyone better. She was kind and energetic and always had a smile on her face. She would always take a bit of her time checking up on everyone and making sure that we were getting the best experience possible. Her knowledge about Europe was great as she recounted in great detail all of the rich history about all of our countries and cities that we visited. I would definitely recommend going on the European Horizon, and if you get Rachel as you tour guide - added bonus.
D
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Phenominal. Rachel was my tour manager for a European Experience tour back in 2015; she was absolutely fantastic all around. From the captivating and informational speeches to showing us all the perfe…Phenominal. Rachel was my tour manager for a European Experience tour back in 2015; she was absolutely fantastic all around. From the captivating and informational speeches to showing us all the perfect spot for an amazing night out - the enthusiasim and energy never stops! Truly an asset for Contiki and someone that a lot of the TMs could learn from. I can't imagine any travellers within her tour groups having an experience less than sensational, definitely an easy decision for me, 5 stars.
A
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Absolutely awesome experience with European Whirl. Made even better by Rach going above and beyond regularly
J
100% the best guide anyone could ever want!
N
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
The European Whirl was everything I expected and MORE! But that's only thanks to the amazing guidance of Rachel. She was always there to accomodate my needs whether it be about the history, directions…The European Whirl was everything I expected and MORE! But that's only thanks to the amazing guidance of Rachel. She was always there to accomodate my needs whether it be about the history, directions or even neat little sights to check out in every country. Her knowledge was mindboggling.. Like an walking encyclopaedia with a huge smile and welcoming nature. On that, never was there a moment she wasn't more excited to show us the sights than we were.. She would bounce around and lift the mood of the coach making us so excited for every new stop. One awesome side note is that she accommodated for everyone's needs. Whether they ate, drank or explored their way through Europe, she would make sure everyone made the most of their trip. Without her, my trip would never have been so amazing and I hope I find myself under her guidance/leadship once more in the future! #contikirachel
S
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Had a great time with the best tour guide, great organisation and saw so much in such a short space of time. 10/10 would do again!
M
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
My experience was amazingly mind blowing! I became not best friends but family with the people on board. The destinations were like something from a move and of course our guide. Rachel, was full of k…My experience was amazingly mind blowing! I became not best friends but family with the people on board. The destinations were like something from a move and of course our guide. Rachel, was full of knowledge and even more full of love and laughter. She brought people together from all walks of the world and made us all feel included and accepted. I unexpectedly met the love of my life on my contiki and for once happy with where i am in life. When i think of my experience i get all warm and fuzzy. Highly recommended contiki but more importantly, highly recommend doing it with Rachel.
C
European Escapade (26 Days)
She'll do I guess
E
Rachel was the most amazing tour guide and made our trip around Europe one we will never forget! Our Contiki trip was packed with amazing activities and was coordinated so well, which wouldn't have ha…Rachel was the most amazing tour guide and made our trip around Europe one we will never forget! Our Contiki trip was packed with amazing activities and was coordinated so well, which wouldn't have happened without our fantastic guide! Thanks Rach :)
D
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
My contiki trip was so much better then I expected it to be! I saw so many things and went to so many places! All my family and friends were amazed at how much I was doing! Rachel was an amazing tour …My contiki trip was so much better then I expected it to be! I saw so many things and went to so many places! All my family and friends were amazed at how much I was doing! Rachel was an amazing tour guide who was full of knowledge on each place we went. Our contiki group became so close on our trip there are some life time friendships and I have made some memories that I will never forget.
T
European Inspiration (Start London, Classic, 19 Days)
Rach was amazeballs