Contiki Announces Industry-First European 'Run Club' Trips

Contiki is revolutionizing active tourism by launching its industry-first Run Club travel style.

Designed for fitness enthusiasts and social adventurers, the two new itineraries allow young travellers to explore Europe’s most iconic destinations while connecting with like-minded runners. From a scenic jog around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Lucerne to local parks in Amsterdam and Florence and the picturesque vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, each route offers a unique blend of fitness, exploration, and cultural immersion.

This innovative offering taps into the booming trend of fitness as a social connector. According to the leading running app, Strava’s recently released 2024 Year in Sport: Trend Report, global participation in running clubs surged by 59%in 2024. The report highlights that58% of respondents noted they made new friends through group workouts. Gen Z, in particular, is driving this trend, with nearly 1 in 5 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.

“Run Clubs represent more than a fitness trend for our 18-35 audience– they’re a way to connect, explore, and build community in an increasingly fragmented, online world,” says Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong. “The appetite for active trips with Contiki is increasing as bookings on our active itineraries surged 105% from 2023 to 2024. Whether along the Mediterranean coastline in France or through Austria’s breathtaking Alps - group runs always emerged as trip highlights.”

For 2025, Contiki’s Run Club features two flagship itineraries: European Highlights and European Whirl Plus. These trips combine Contiki’s signature elements – cultural hotspots, expert guides, and lifelong friendships – 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.

European Highlights: Travellers can experience the best of 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’s verdant landscapes. Travellers 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 iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The trip runs from August 25 to September 7, 2025.

European Whirl Plus: On a 19-day comprehensive journey through Europe, travellers 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. Travellers 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.

With limited spots available for these highly anticipated trips, Contiki is challenging travellers to lace up their running shoes and truly “Run the World.”