UK and Britain Local culture Trips

The trip was excellent. I’ve not travelled with such a large group before so found that tricky at times but our leader Margareta managed the different elements in our Group expertly. Always ensuring everyone was included and informed of what we were doing.

Beautiful country wherever we went. Good thing is you are never in the coach for more than a couple of hours at most. Tour director Nicole was fantastic. Very accommodating and knowledgeable. Plenty of leg room on coach, which was kept very clean. Tomy is a very skilled driver.

Enjoyed all the little gems and great experience of this trip. On this experience all the participants were of equal levels of activity and everyone got along famously. Greg our tour operator was very informative and easy to listen to. I liked the itinerary and length of stay in locations. The driver was awesome, navigating the tight and winding roads is amazing!!

This tour is a way to learn about Croatia and see the outstanding sights in the country as opposed to a cruise that only provided a snap shot of some ports.

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.