Weight Limits and Size - Europe

Last Updated: Feb. 08, 2010

Tags: luggage, tours, travel and tour advice, what to pack, europe

More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe

Contiki Tours in Europe have a luggage restriction of 1×20 kilogram (44lbs) bag and 1 x carry on (roughly 5 kilograms/12lb) bag. This weight restriction is for legal requirements within the European Union as well as for your comfort and safety. The size restriction of you main luggage is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) is also observed.

Bags are not measured however you bags will be weighed on tours departing from London and this weight limit is strictly enforced.

Please ensure your luggage is of the correct size and weight before departure as these rules cannot be bent or broken.

If you are travelling on a Concept/Budget or Camping tour, you sleeping bag is separate and is not included in these restrictions (ie you sleeping bag is not measured or weighted and can be separate from your luggage).

Excess Baggage

If your luggage weighs more than this you have the option of storing your excess luggage the day or evening before the tour departs. The Contiki Basement offers luggage storage as does the Royal National Hotel for people staying there (both at a cost).

Please note: If you are not returning to London should take note of this as you will not be able to carry excess luggage onto the coach when you leave London.

Add a Comment Comments (61)

  1. So it seems like we allhave the same question about how strict the luggage size is…hoping to get an answer so I can figure out whether a backpack or suitcase would be best :s

  2. Hey guys,
    I am just wondering can i take a suitcase on the tour with the above measurements or does it have to be a backpack??
    I think taking a backpack would be to difficult? im a suitcase kinda girl. lol.
    What are your thoughts??

    AussieangelAussieangel posted 11 days ago Flag as Inappropriate
  3. I recently bought a bag and it turned out to be about 4cm to deep would this be a problem? or would it be fine as long as its still under 20kg?

    Default_avatarExplorer Matt posted on Jan. 01, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  4. Hi,
    The suitcase I have is 79×62 x 30. Is this far too big??

    Thanks!

    Default_avatarExplorer1156309 posted on Nov. 09, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  5. Hi my bag is 68×36x 30. Is this ok..

    CelesteCeleste posted on Nov. 04, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  6. Are bags only weighed from London? What about other tours that don’t go to London?

    AdamAdam posted on Oct. 11, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  7. my main luggage measures 61cm x 41cm x 29cm. Only one measurement is over the other two are under the size restriction. Would this suitcase still be ok to take?

    KatieKatie posted on Oct. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  8. I am looking at luggage and the one i have considered is 66cmX32cmX33cm
    would this be suitable or should i look at getting a different one?

    akcalnanakcalnan posted on Oct. 03, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  9. hey i went out and spent 400 on a really good back pack and i got my contiki documents yesterday and read through as i wasnt aware of the baggage limitations, my pack is slightly over by a few centremetres, will this be alrite or should i go back and excange it for a more suitable bag ?

    Explorer1118515Explorer1118515 posted on Aug. 24, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  10. Hey Matt,

    i wud be taking the London Explorer and Euro Highlights tour my main luggage is 74cm in height wud tht be a problem?I will make sure it weighs less than 20kg i looked all around but cudnt get the specifications contiki has given.Please advice i leave on Aug 21st for London.

    Default_avatarExplorer1136642 posted on Aug. 16, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  11. I’ve heard that its not really strict on the actual size- more so the weight of the luggage you bring..

    Tabitha17Tabitha17 posted on Aug. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  12. Hi, I read in the Contiki Brochure that external metal frame backpacks are not allowed, I have one of those hardcase wheelie suitcases, does anyone know if that will be ok???
    Also its measurements are 70×53x30 as apposed to the 73×50x25 required, any thoughts? The 27/08 Conitiki Concept tour is in three weeks so I’ll need to get different luggage if this wont suit….Thanks

    Default_avatarRigga posted on Aug. 04, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  13. Im in the same boat mines 76×50x25 im not sure if i need to buy a new one in the time i have left b4 leaving? does someone know if they are that strict on 3cms

    Default_avatar**Jess** posted on Jul. 26, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  14. How is the luggage size requirement 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) measured? If a bag is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) but has wheels that make it 1.5cm (.5”) longer is that still acceptable?

    Default_avatarwrldtrvler posted on Jun. 12, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  15. my bag is 32”x15”x15”... poop!

    KiksKiks posted on May. 17, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  16. I read that we are not allowed to bring backpacks with external frames. Is this true?? How strict is contiki on that. I have a small 35L 22×13x11 pack but it has a metal x shape along the back. THANKS ;)

    MandyMandy posted on May. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  17. I work in a handbag and luggage store and contiki really needs to look at it’s luggage size. Suitcases are regularly just a bit bigger or extremely smaller than the listed requirements. No brand that we stock has suitcases even close to those measurements, they are either way smaller or just a bit bigger. I don’t know what to do, do i take a too small suitcase or risk the extra few cms?

    Default_avatartrishaseren posted on Apr. 20, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  18. I know that these are the restrictions for Europe, but do the same weight/size limitations apply to Egypt? :)
    I’m going in May on the Egypt and the Nile tour and then I’m going to London for 5 days, so I’m concerned I’m going to overpack! :( Help!

    MakeupByAngieMakeupByAngie posted on Mar. 25, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  19. Hi, like most of the other people on here concerned about the size of my suitcase. Basically just wanted to know how strict u are with size, mine is 76×48x25 so really only a tiny bit higher than the preferred size, no wider(and no heavier than 20kg)think it’d be ok??

    Mel83Mel83 posted on Mar. 23, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  20. The bag i have is 76×54x34 is this too big??

    Default_avatarExplorer1105208 posted on Mar. 18, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
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