Mediterranean Group Tours

The itinerary allowed for a comprehensive look at a variety of sites across the three countries, not just the capital cities. In the cities, the balance between time spent with the group (city walking tour with local guide) and free time to pursue your own interests was just right. The forward arranging of group meals for the evenings in the bigger places by the tour leader was appreciated as a way of sampling local cuisine - you could opt out if you wanted. The hotels were all of a good or excellent quality, often totally refurbished within an older building, and centrally located. The coaches used were very comfortable for a group of 15, though the tinted glass on the Riga-Vilnius coach made for so-so photography of the outside and made the interior a bit dark. For early morning flights from Vilnius on the last day (taxi to airport at 3:20am) it was 'no breakfast!', even though stated on itinerary, not even a mini box thing (as provided on a previous Explore trip. with similar early departure.. on "Silk Road" in Tashkent). The tour leader Margarita was excellent - knowledgeable, enthusiastic, personable - 10/10!

Erin Nedelisky is the ultimate tour director, knowledgable, kind, fun and always going above and beyond the highest expecations of travelers. She is a class act. The tour itinerary was thorough and well timed. Beyond the scheduled destinations and lodging, Erin always selected wonderful restaurants with beautiful views, delicious food and attentive service. She knows the proprietors and they know and like her. She frequently treated us with local specialties. Several of the guests traveling with our tour had very specific needs and wants. Erin always accomodated them with a smile and made related additions/errands seemless. If we could have Erin as our director for every destination, we would choose Insight Vacations over every other provider. She is that good. Driver Alexis was safe, skilled, friendly and welcoming. Especially in very challenging, tight locations, he calmly navigated in a way that amazed us all, I was never nervous for a minute. Local guide highlights: Sotiria in ancient Olympia, Jannis, the archeologist in museum was knowledgable and his enthusiasm was infectious. We went to Delos and our guide there was a younger female archeologist, very energetic, and engaging. We could have stayed there longer. The catarmaran excursion was a highlight. 22 of the 28 in our group went and we all had a wonderful time. Erin always gave us great choices for our free time, with something for everyone. My favorite lodging was in Mykonos - so much charm, interiors in very good taste, well located with a caring staff and welcoing proprietor. I liked the convenience of Santorini lodging to Fira. It's nice to have an easy walk to a town. The olive oil farm was also a highlight. Staying in Athens in the Acropolis location was great since we could walk to the museum in only a few minutes. This museum is , not to be missed. While the tour was excellent, having Erin as the tour director was the stand out. We have taken other very nice tours and expeditions, but she is beyond compare.

We got to see a lot of Greece and learn so much history and culture of the country. Erin Nedelisky was an excellent tour guide on our journey through Greece.

An excellent short trip visiting some of the highlights of amazing Slovenia. A busy week starting with cosmopolitan Ljubljana with its castle, dragons, graffiti and green spaces, then off to 3 nights in Bohunj via beautiful Lake Bled. Alpine lakes, mountain mist, countless steps to a waterfall through beech forest, walking in the rain up a gorge, and cable car to the top of Mt Vogel...lots of steps and kms. Then something totally different, with a visit to coastal Izola and a day trip to the Adriatic gem called Piran...finished off with a visit to a castle in a cave and the huge Skocjan cave system, both unique places. Throughout the tour we were incredibly well looked after by the tireless Claire who made sure that we took away great memories of the European treasure which is sLOVEnia! I'll be back...

While this is a busy 15-day tour, you will see an amazing amount of each country. The tour not only hits the more well-known sights, it also incudes off the beaten path sites and adventures. We highly recommend the Best of Spain and Portugal.

First and foremost, the Guide and narration was superior. The information shared was interesting and supported sometimes with slide shows. Hotels were good and food was good. My only constructive criticism is that, due to allowing for two nights in each hotel which was nice, we didn't really "see" The Isle of Skye, Of the whole large island with charming villages and lots of coast line, we only got a peep and a horrible lunch, if you want to call it that. Please be sure to indicate that the potty stop on the Isle of Skye is just that. All the other locations visited had enough time to soak in the area. I absolutely loved the Sheep Farm. Wonderful!!!