Featuring new itineraries and special deals for travelers 18 to 35 years old, Contiki Holidays has released its new 2004-2005 South Pacific brochure. Travelers can take advantage of a free three-night stay in Sydney or two-night stay in Auckland on select South Pacific land and air packages, an average savings of more than $200 per person.

A sample itinerary valid for the free additional nights stay is the popular 14-day Beaches and Reefs tour that combines the famous sights of Sydney with a trip up the breathtaking Australian coast to the Great Barrier Reef. Travelers will visit some of the country�s most amazing beaches including Surfer�s Paradise, the Whitsundays, and Cairns. Prices start at $1070 per person, land only.

�We see that travelers continue to be fascinated by destinations like New Zealand and Australia through the Lord of the Rings films or reality shows such as Outback Jack,� said Frank Marini, president for Contiki Holidays. �It�s great to see Hollywood boosting interest in travel and influencing young travelers to meet people from all corners of the world, which is exactly the experience that Contiki delivers to its customers.�

For clients heading to New Zealand, the 14-day Grand Explorer covers both the northern and southern islands including Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland. Travelers will see the waterfalls at Whangarei, Maori concert, cruise Milford Sound and have the option to try activities including heli-jetting, tandem sky diving, or bungee jumping. Prices start at $1060 per person, land only.

The free additional stay is valid for packages that start or end in Sydney or Auckland and is subject to availability. For groups heading down under, Contiki offers special discounts to those who book and travel at the same time: four people save 5 percent per person (Funky Four), seven people save 7.5 percent per person (Super Seven), or ten people save 10 percent per person or the eleventh person travels free (Perfect Ten).

NEW FOR 2004-05

11-day Coast and Contiki Resort: Ideal for clients looking for a balanced mix of a guided tour and relaxing vacation, this tour combines a tropical stay at Contiki�s first resort on Great Keppel Island with the highlights of Australia�s east coast such as Fraser Island, Surfer�s Paradise, and Byron Bay. Resort stay includes brunches, dinners and some activities daily. Prices start at $1045 per person, land-only.

7-day Kimberley Explorer: For a taste of the outback, clients can truly discover Australia�s Northern Territory on this new itinerary featuring Edith Falls, Katherine, Broome, Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, and the Kimberley Ranges. Clients are required to bring a sleeping bag as accommodations are mostly on campsites, with most breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included. Prices start at $665 per person, land-only.

Tasmania 5-day Western Trekker and 4-day Eastern Trekker: In addition to Contiki�s 8-day Trek Tasmania tour, clients can now choose to discover a region of Australia�s only island state within a short amount of time. The Western Trekker includes a hike to Russell Falls, bushwalk through Cradle Mountain National Park, and wine tasting in the Tamar Valley. The shorter 4-day east coast itinerary travels to Australia�s second oldest capital, Hobart, and Port Arthur, once home to the infamous prisoners that first settled in Australia. Other stops include Richmond, Freycinet National Park and a Cadbury Factory tour. Prices start at $449 per person, land-only.

ABOUT CONTIKI All Contiki Europe escorted tours feature the following: accommodations; most breakfasts and about half of the dinners; transportation motorcoach and trains or ferries, where indicated; guided sightseeing; plus a young, professional tour manager and driver throughout. Solo travelers can be matched with same-sex roommates to avoid single supplement costs.

In business for more than 40 years, Contiki offers more than 100 escorted tours, resorts, and cruises specially designed for 18- to 35-year-olds throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. For more information and a free Contiki South Pacific brochure, consumers should log onto www.contiki.com, see their travel agent, or call toll-free at 1-800-CONTIKI.

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Media Contact: Kathrina Calbes +1 714-935-0808 x5165 kcalbes@contiki.com