Mediterranean Art architecture Trips

Having taken more than half a dozen motorcoach tours with various companies with my family as well as alone, I am well-acquainted with guides, accommodations, coaches, and the extra touches that make a tour interesting, comfortable and meaningful to travelers. First and foremost, Carol Kendrick, of Insight Vacations, is absolutely stellar. I would even say she is the best guide/hostess/caretaker of the many I have experienced. Much of this is due to the extra little touches of "above and beyond" she undertook for her fellow travelers. We found snack bars on our bus seats on a day when we would have more time on our own, or colorful bandanas which she had pre-laundered when she expected that the canyon wind and dust might be bothersome. It was apparent that her research and knowledge of the area were extensive and she had illustrations, maps and directions which were helpfully projected on the bus monitors. She was well-organized and detail-oriented. She was attuned to our needs without being overbearing. She was attentive without being intrusive. In short, Carol Kendrick is a gifted guide, teacher, and ultimately friend, who established parameters and expectations of behaviors and information that allowed our group members to return home with fond memories and new friendships.

the itinerary was good, the route took in the important sights. We saw a lot of the vast highlands which I think most people want to see. The stop at the sheep farm with a demonstration was a great fun. The Orkney tour was well done great guide with local information. I have recommended your company to friends already. Ellen and Arthur were a joy to be with and very pleasant and just fun. I know it is hard to give more time at some of the stops but with aging people and those with canes it would be worth adding a bit more time. Just a suggestion, add a day onto the trip and end in Edinburgh, this would allow a stop at Stirling Castle which is easy for people to tour not as big a hill to climb. Haste ye back we luv you dearly

Rux was a superb tour guide, so knowledgeable, entertaining, enthusiastic and caring. She really looked after us and went the extra mile to cater for everyone. She made the tour and is an excellent ambassador for Explore.

our tour manger michaela was fantastic, always enthusiastic and engaged and available. she went over and beyond.my favoirte experience was t aking a water taxi from venice airport and winding up on thegrand canal, st. marks sq., burrano, our hotel in the wine region, the duno in florence and the walking tour through rome which ends on the street to the vatican

A fast paced tour, with plenty of walking. Our leader Andreas was excellent, always going out of his way to book extra activities for group if needed during free time and giving suggestions. He was passionate about Portugal, enthusiastic, extremely well organised and looked after all needs in the group brilliantly.

This tour is definitely for walkers. It can be fast-paced and hectic but staying at nearly all hotels for 2 nights each was excellent to recharge. Our group age was on the older side, but we were a fit bunch. Hotel locations were accessible to Old Towns and historical sights. Location allowed us to walk to museums and attend an Opera. Accommodation varied from modern and comfortable to small and Soviet style, in keeping with that town's history. The bus was too small for our group of 13. We all understood the gravity of the fuel situation, but given that tall people needed a seat to themselves and sat sideways due to lack of legroom, or those at the back sat on seats over the wheels that were back breakers, a slightly larger bus would have been preferred-especially making it easier for our amazing driver to pack luggage like a jigsaw! The guide was funny, knowledgeable, and organised. I would be happy to tour with him as a guide again. Group dinners were organised to save time but became our major expense, being Euros, and did not have to happen so often. Overall, it was an amazing, fun trip.