Hi. I know 15 days is a bit short to explore few of our favorite places to visit, We had a thought actually of travelling independently but since its our first time to be in Europe we dont want to waste our time (looking for hotels, or cue at the ticket booth). Hence, we decided to go for package tours. Please let us know your advices which is the best option for us: (open each link pls) Option A: http://alrostamanitravel.ae/templates/rhuk_milkyway/images/special/COSMO_EUROPE_-_NRI_2012.pdf Option B:http://www.altayer-travel.com/SwitzerlandItalyFrance.html Option C: http://alrostamanitravel.ae/templates/rhuk_milkyway/images/special/EXCLUSIVE_EUROPE_-_NRI_2012.pdf Experts, your comments & suggestions are very much welcome.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1318 posts
The Rick Steves tours are highly recommended. Click on the Tour tab at the top of the page. I'm a bit confused. You say "our favorite places to visit" then say it's your first time in Europe?
Posted by
San Diego, CA
638 posts
My Comment; Interesting how you would come to a businesses website/message board and ask about other tour companies specific tours and your best option with each specific tour, but not consider the tours of the company on whose website you ask this. My suggestion: Consider Rick Steves tours, you'll possibly get an answer on what you're looking for.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Honestly, all of these trips sound like too much. 7 countries in 13 days and 9 countries in 15 days is crazy to me, even on a tour that takes care of everything. You're moving so much that you can't get even a taste of any of the places you visit. You still have time to plan your own trip. If you do proper research on hotels and buying tickets in advance, you won't be wasting your time. I'd stick to one or two countries for 2 weeks - Italy and Switzerland, France and Switzerland, or Switzerland and Germany. But if you don't want to do any work and you want the convenience of a tour, then that's a different story.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Pauline, I'm not familiar with the tours you mentioned, so can't comment. As this is your first time in Europe, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have a look at Rick Steves Tours! While the other tours may initially seem less expensive, when all is considered the RS tours are extremely good value. Some other tours have some "hidden" costs which aren't apparent until the end, such as gratuities for the Guide and Driver. I've taken five RS tours and will hopefully be booking my sixth this year. I can't imagine travelling with any other firm. You might consider the 14-Day Best of Europe tour, as that will give you a good exposure to several different countries. If you have a "larger budget", the 21-Day tour would be even better. You could also add some time before or after your tour to visit locations not covered on the tour. That's the method I usually use. One of the nice things about the RS tours, is that the Guides "teach" tour members how to travel independently, so you'd be much more comfortable travelling on your own after that. Good luck with your decision!
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
10 Euro says you will be touring with Fräulein Wunder & Shakill.