Can anyone share if they have used both companies for touring. I am considering an Expat tour of Ireland next June as I do not like Rick Steves Ireland itinerary.
I understand Expat tour groups are larger (max 48) but do they push shopping or other types of things on travelers?
Thank you in advance!
I have not taken Expat Explore tours but I did look at the itinerary.
Are you talking about the 7 day tour? If so, it is very rushed. You will have no time to breathe. It also has more "touristy" stops.
It is a typical tourist tour. (I should know, I used to lead them.) Pack as much in as possible in the time allowed. And make sure they are the most touristy things.
We took the RS 8 day Ireland last year. I looked at the Expat itinerary and I'm not sure how they fit everything in; we felt 8 days was too short. They are basically fitting the itinerary in 5 days. Even if you just want an overview of the country, you are going to be spending a lot of time looking out the window of the bus to cover that much ground. If you don't like the RS itinerary, I am guessing you won't be interested in the Odyssey Unlimited itinerary either, but you might take a look at CIE tours.
I will second the recommendation of CIE. They have many different itineraries to choose from. I went on a 13 day tour in 2015 and loved it.
Have you taken any RS tours before? I have taken 14 of them including Ireland and I really enjoyed it especially learning about their history that I never learned here in the US. I especially like the fact the RS tours use busses that have seats for twice as many people as are on his tours so that everyone can have two seats if they wish. I hope you enjoy Ireland as much as I did.
