We have been to Europe three times, all on Rick Steve's Tours. While we have no real desire to travel there without being on a Rick Steve's tour, we would like to spend more time in Switzerland than is proved on for the GAS tour. I have looked at the Backroads Touring Company web site and they have small group tours, though they use a small van type bus, and appear to have good reviews about the web. Has anyone had any experience with this tour company. The Backroads Switzerland tour is a nine day tour and is titled; Mountains, Valleys, & Lakes of Switzerland.
A buddy of mine was a bicycle guide for Backroads for several years when we were in our 20s --
it sounded like they were great for camaraderie, connecting with small-scale local establishments,
but from my p.o.v. were biased towards natural appreciation over cultural enrichment.
(Meaning I want lots of museums and theatre, and with Backroads you get lots of hills and dales.)
Just my .02 !
No direct experience other than seeing them both locally and elsewhere, but my impression is the firm is quite good. Spendy!