Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
The locations that appealed to me most were the Switzerland and Italy locations. I am someone who needs to do things with other people in order to be happy, so it was really nice to be able to find a person with whom i could explore the location of the day with during our assigned free time. I do wish occasionally to stay in some cities a little longer, either by free time or staying more days, but i understand the need for the current schedule. The schedule was a lot less hectic than i had initially imagined for my first tour bus type travel excursion and was pleasantly surprised at the overall trip, so i would definitely do it, though at this time i dont know where. I would be interested in touring again with some of the same guides, but i realize that is not a likely possibility.
I had a 20 day trip, so i had multiple guides throughout my tour. I had started with Lionel, then went to Linus, Angela, Incarne?, Abdel, and finally Mariano, on my last day. Although, not always enjoyable every moment, i did appreciate the greatly varrying styles of each guide. However, while they were all good in their own way, Incarne and Angela were my favorites due to their styles and interaction with the travelers, in terms of getting to know the travelers and their interests.
One thing i should improve upon for myself is to look at the provided information more carefully to determine what exactly is or is not provided. At the time i booked the trip i had not had a free moment to review all the information provided in the traveler information, so i would definitely take the time to research everything
Uncover a region where history and medieval castles meet rocky coastlines and mountainous terrain. Get a glimpse into the generations of culture and tradition throughout the Balkans and Transylvania. Experience the incredible Gothic architecture, legends and castles of Dracula, lush enchanting forests and fairy tale-like villages as you journey through Transylvania. Hit the beautiful Adriatic coastlines of Dubrovnik and Montenegro, the charming old towns and moving stories of Bosnia, the endearing quirkiness and colourful facades of capital cities Tirana and Skopje. With a mix of Greek, Slavic and Ottoman influences, the Balkans and Transylvania is nothing short of character! Discover the hidden gems for yourself as you journey through on this 17-day adventure.
Naxos is the biggest and the greenest island in the Cyclades. It has high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional villages perched high on mountain tops, where the inhabitants still wear their traditional dress and live off the fruits of the land. Naxos is also home to beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with the Cycladic architecture.
It was a wonderful experience. The hotels are way above my expectations. Just one little thing not too important is that there is drop off fee at Faro airport. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.
Excellent choice of hotels, hire car was spacious and new. Friendly staff replied to my (many) questions in a friendly and helpful manner. Granada and Seville are truly amazing places to visit and so is Cordoba but 2 days in the both the former locations and 1 day in Cordoba was the perfect combination with a beach 1/2 day at Torremolinos at the start and the end to relax. Will use you guys again !
The "Contrasts of Europe" tour invites you to traverse the continent from Lisbon to Amsterdam over 24 days, all at a comfortable, senior-friendly tempo. This guided city sightseeing tour includes everything you need for a worry-free experience: accommodations, transport, and meals. Ideal for those who appreciate the art of slow travel, this trip’s unique selling point is its extensive cross-European route—offering a vivid contrast of cultures, architecture, and landscapes from Portugal to Holland. Enjoy the company of fellow travelers and the reassurance of a group setting as you discover Europe’s many facets.
These are full days packed with lots of information, the bus and all the people in it become family. You don’t have to be fit but there is a lot of walking. They help to get you into places where you’d otherwise have to queue up for hours. Amazing scenery
Paros is one of Greece’s most popular islands. Just a few hours away by ferry from Athens’ port of Piraeus, it is easy to get to and perfect even for a quick escape. Its beautiful beaches and vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife have turned it into a magnet for holiday-makers. But if you’re looking to go beyond the well-trodden alleys of Parikia and Naoussa, the two main towns, and the more crowded organized beaches, Paros is still full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In the summer the picturesque Christos Square in Marpissa is filled with the sounds of the toumbaki (drum) and tsambouna (bagpipe). Locals dance the traditional balos as onlookers clap to the beat. In the village of Lefkes, kids toss wooden balls as they play an ancient Greek game similar to bowls and which survives in only very few places.
Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!
I thoroughly enjoyed my journey from Madrid, through Portugal, and into Morocco, including the desert extension. The group leaders were fantastic, and the itinerary was thoughtfully organized. The local guides were outstanding, and the accommodations were comfortable, adding to the overall experience.
Hop on an unforgettable journey through the lands of myths and legends that still continue to resonate today! Discover the timeless wonders and stories of Dracula as you explore Transylvania inside out, a most fascinating part of Romania. Starting off at the Romanian capital, Bucharest, soak in the unique culture reflected in the countless monuments of this magical city. Ride through the mystical forests, mountains and mists to reach the Dracula's Castle. Travel back in time through gorgeous samples of gothic and baroque architecture from various eras of Romanian history. Uncover the hidden beauty of Bulgaria while discovering Plovdiv and Sofia.