Contiki is launching its "industry-first" Run Club travel option. Designed for fitness enthusiasts and social adventurers, the two new itineraries allow young travelers to explore Europe’s iconic destinations while connecting with like-minded runners. From a jog around Lake Lucerne to local parks in Amsterdam and Florence and the vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, each route offers a blend of fitness, exploration and cultural immersion.
This offering taps into the booming trend of fitness as a social connector. According to running app Strava’s recently released "2024 Year in Sport: Trend Report," global participation in running clubs surged by 59 percent in 2024. The report highlights that 58 percent of respondents noted they made new friends through group workouts. Gen Z, in particular, is driving this trend, with nearly one in five having gone on a date with someone they met through exercise, and they are four times more likely to seek social connections through fitness than in traditional settings like bars.
For 2025, Contiki’s Run Club will offer two flagship itineraries: "European Highlights" and "European Whirl Plus." These trips combine Contiki’s signature elements with a variety of runs through Europe’s most stunning routes, taking in iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum along the way.
The "European Highlights" itinerary will give travelers a chance to experience Europe in just two weeks with a mix of morning runs, including vineyard trails in the Beaujolais wine region, coastal paths along the French Riviera and park jogs in Amsterdam. Travelers will enjoy recovery activities like wine tasting at a private château, exploring Monaco’s glamour and indulging in Tuscan cuisine. Unique highlights include cycling through the quaint Dutch town of Edam and visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The trip runs from August 25 to September 7.
"European Whirl Plus" is a 19-day journey through Europe. Travelers will enjoy daily runs mixed with cultural exploration, including scenic jogs through Berlin’s Tiergarten, Prague’s Vltava riverside and the alpine trails of the Austrian Tyrol. Travelers will discover historical landmarks like the Berlin Wall, the Dresden Opera House and ancient Roman ruins while indulging in activities such as a gondola ride in Venice and wine tasting in Lucerne. The trip runs from September 7 to September 25, 2025.
For more information, visit www.contiki.com.
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