Northern Europe Local culture Trips

It is very diverse and it enables you to get a wonderful experience in the history and culture of this beautiful country. The more we learned about its history to the present day the more we feel in love with the people and would definitely return again.

The itinerary was great. We saw lots of beautiful places and learned so much about culture and history of Croatia. Our tour guide, Nicole Tanner was one of the best tour director we have ever had. The only thing I would share is that nothing we read about this trip gave us a glimpse of how tough the walking and steps were. We did all the optional excursions, and most of them involved a walk up a very steep hill to a home or restaurant. Nicole made arrangements for a car to deliver us from where the bus could park to the destination. I was also quite disappointed that I had to opt out of the Plitvice Park waterfall walk. No where in the itinerary information (that I read) said it was not suitable for mobility impaired (vertigo). I have no problem walking--many days I walked 15,000-16,000 steps,-- but steps I have to do slowly, and narrow wooden walkways over water were not recommended for someone with vertigo. I loved this trip, but I think it should be promoted as a tougher experience for mobility impaired so wise choices can be made. I was thankful for Nicole's insight and advice about what was involved in some of the choices I had to make. Overall, it was a great experience. Hotels were in good locations where we could get out and have a nice walking experience. It would be nice to have the choice of a walk-in shower instead of a fancy soaking tub with no hand bars. I know that many people in our group had walk-in showers when we had a soaking tub that was not safe for me to use. It was a wonderful trip--interesting and varied itinerary, a great tour director (Nicole) and driver (Peter), a very diverse and fun travel group, some of the best local guides we have had, good food, and great times. I just share these concerns--not to complain, but to help you consider some things that make it tougher for some travelers.

I really liked going on the lobster boat in Plymouth harbor. Later, we got to eat a whole lobster for dinner and it was that much more special because of the experience.

Tour manager was excellent. Readily available at all times. Gave excellent updates and specific instructions when needed. Enjoyed and learned about lobstering on such a boat. Also liked the Whale Museum and the l Aloft Hotel in Providence. Window boxes and planters were beautiful throughout the Islands.

The tour was well organized. We enjoyed seeing all the different sights from the sheep herding dog to the castles. Our tour guide and driver were excellent, very informative and personable.

We had an AMAZING trip crossing three islands with our VERY knowledgeable tour director Andrew (also a resident of Hawaii) who was a big part of the tour's success for us. He added so much to the places we visited and we toured 3 islands with plenty to see and experience, plus time on our own. Highlights included the tour of a pineapple farming operation, a trip to the (active) volcano Kilauea, walking through a family-owned Kona coffee, snorkeling on a catamaran and Luau that will always be a standout highlight for this trip.