TYPES of TOURS |
DELUXE & LUXURY TOURS |
| The Deluxe tours offer the discerning traveler the opportunity to partake of an escorted tour that is not your usual tour. All tours begin with a small group size, typically 18 to 20 travelers, but never more than 24 people. The smaller groups enable them to secure superior accommodations that are off-limits to large groups - from the most fashionable city hotels to the most intimate country estates. It also enables the tour managers to share insights and provide each traveler with the personal service they deserve. These tour operators usually includes three meals per day. Add to that a number of cocktail parties, gala social events and the freedom of ordering room service. When you combine the expertly planned itineraries with luxury hotels, all-inclusive dining, experience tour managers and limited amount of guests, you will experience the ultimate tour package. |
FIRST CLASS TOURS |
| The First Class tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes more meals in the tour cost. The host hotels for the First Class tours will have more features and be more similar to U.S. style lodging. These tours still allow for free time to explore on your own but allow the semi-adventurous traveler to see a great deal of Europe. In many of the cities your regular tour guide will be joined by a local guide who will bring the specialized knowledge that only a local can have. Quite often the First Class tours include two night stays at many locations to allow for maximum time in the location. While Globus offers perhaps the widest variety of tours, Trafalgar and Insight offer popular tours with different dates and stops. Hotel accommodations are always first class. The buses feature less passengers than the budget tours, to provide more comfort for the traveler. Washroom facilities are located on the busses. First Class tours include more meals, normally providing buffet breakfast daily and three course dinners on selected nights. Optional excursions are available on these tours as listed in the individual itineraries. A comprehensive list of these tours are provided with your tour documents. Travel bags are given as part of package. Examples of First Class Tour Companies are Globus, Trafalgar and Insight. A typical First Class tour costs $100 - $175 per person per day plus airfare, depending on the itinerary and time of year. |
BUDGET TOURS |
| The Budget Tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have a good basic introduction to travel in Europe but who also wishes to have an option of selecting some of the sights to see while traveling. A Budget Tour will include basic sight seeing, some meals and hotels which are Tourist or Superior Tourist class, with rooms that offer private baths. Please note that hotels in Europe are normally smaller than U.S. hotels. Hotel locations will not always be in the center of the major cities you will be seeing. Buses normally carry over 55 passengers on sold out tours. Budget tours appeal to all age ranges and are a great way for single travelers who are willing to share a room to not have to pay a single supplement. These tours allow you to see the real Europe for a down to earth price. The itineraries are similar to, but do not come in the extensive variety that the first class tours come in. A list of optional tours are included with your documents so that you will know what is offered and the cost in advance to traveling. Examples of Budget Tour Companies are Cosmos, Trafalgar Cost Savers, Insight High Value and Rick Steves Tours. A typical Budget Tour is $50 to $95 per day per person plus airfare, depending on the itinerary and time of year. |
YOUNG ADULT TRAVEL |
| These tours are designed for young adults ages 18 - 35. These tours are an alternative to the Eurail/Youth Hostel travel and feature many unique stops and activities. They appeal to the younger travelers who enjoy less scheduling and more relaxed touring, partying or rigorous activities. Young Adult Tours give piece of mind not possible with a youth hostel style trip. These tours stay in special villages and hotels as well as modest inns and pensions. Most of the rooms are twin rooms but occasionally there will be four to a room. These tours feature all breakfasts and about half of the dinners. Optional excursions, similar to those available on the other tours (like folklore dinners and lake cruises), are available as well as a few options of interest to young adults like white water rafting. Examples of Young Adult Tour Companies are Contiki Tours and Trafalgar. These tours typically cost $60 - $80 per day plus airfare. |
SPECIALITY TOURS |
| These tours appeal to travelers with special interests.There are Specialty Tours designed for a wide variety of activities such as walking and hiking, motorcycling, biking, kayaking, bird watching and safaris. If you have a hobby or special interest, there is a tour company out there waiting for you. The cost of these tours varies from luxury to budget prices. |