Hi All,
Seeking out a group tour 15-25 people, that you have had or know of folks who've had good experiences with. Besides 'Intrepid' ((:) ... it all depends on the actual group of people of course. But solid group tours know how to manage the mean girls and the gripers...and it all depends on the ground crew that actually run the tour. GeoX is a great example of how a US based company gets it right (hoping for a company less expensive however).
Western Europe is my general target, but also interested in Asia (Thailand, Southeast Asia) with fellow travelers who are courteous, friendly and accepting-if these tours exist.
All suggestions and experiences welcome! Thank you!
JP
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9144 posts
Look at Gate 1 Discovery tours for Asia.
Posted by
Freedonia
17001 posts
Oydsseys Unlimited shoud fit your bill. Small groups, professionally trained tour directors, nice hotels, etc.
For Europe, you could also look at a tour company owned by a guy named Rick Steves.
I've traveled with both companies. No mean girls. Few gripers.
Posted by
Minnesota
604 posts
Rick Steves Europe is my first choice for tours in Europe!
I have had good experiences in Asia with both Gate One Discovery tours and Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT).
Posted by
OP
SFO
124 posts
Thank you for these good ideas! Also we are hoping to go to Patagonia, but no clue on best tour groups. Besides my preferences above, for Patagonia we'd like a minimum of 2-3 weeks (extensions okay). Want a small group with local air transport handled, and high-end hotels-given the time it takes to get there! On the ground crew is really important for Patagonia IMHO.
JP
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9144 posts
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17612 posts
That is a nice-looking tour with an interesting and appropriate itinerary. Note two things: 2 of the nights are camping in campgrounds in the Torres del Paine area, not staying in hotels. Some of the campgrounds, at least the ones we passed while hiking there, have rather primitive sanitary facilities (outhouses that are not cleaned frequently and were quite frankly disgusting). Maybe G Tours have chosen commercial campgrounds in the same area that have better facilities and flush toilets. You might want to inquire about that before committing to a booking. Also, they only include dinners on the 2 camping nights. The other 11 nights you are on your own, so take that into account when planning for costs.
Posted by
Halifax, NS
363 posts
Explore are good: https://www.exploreworldwide.ca/holidays/argentina-chile-patagonia-walking
Exodus is also very good: https://www.exodustravels.com/trips/argentina-holidays/culture/patagonian-highlights/aaa
Posted by
130 posts
We really love Backroads.
Posted by
Minnesota
604 posts
Many of the companies already mentioned have tours in Patagonia - OAT, Odysseys Unlimited, Gate 1 (Discovery tours). Only you can decide if any of these are upscale enough for you, but their reputations are good. If you want really high-end, try Tauck - pricey but fabulous, from all accounts.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
21963 posts
RS tours? The OP said 35+, not 55+.
Posted by
OP
SFO
124 posts
Thank you so much! Actually, others for 55+ would be nice for my parents...they love to travel and find few active senior tours available! (: