We are transitioning from independent travel to group travel so that we can get accommodations, transport and on site tours within a structure. We don’t like the 2hr midday lunch stops and group dinners with a prescribed menu or buffet. Is there any company or way to make this happen? 😊
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
18300 posts
Have you looked at Rick Steve's "My Way" tours? While they don't provide tours of attractions, those are not all that difficult to obtain on your own. They take care of the accommodations, pre-scheduled group transport from location-to-location, all breakfasts, and a tour manager for advice along the way. Otherwise, you're on your own to sightsee and dine according to your own pace, tastes and interests.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2652 posts
Yes, the My Way tours will be great for you. You have the freedom to eat when/where you like, but will also have a Rick Steves guidebook as well as a live guide to suggest sightseeing choices. If you haven't read a Rick Steves guidebook, do check one out of your local library for an area you're interested in, read it like a novel, and you will see that you'll have no trouble deciding on your own tours. Spoken as someone who traveled independently for 20 years before trying a tour of any kind.
Posted by
145 posts
You can also pick any organized tour from any operator that covers where you want to go and what you want to see. If and when group dinners are included, then you decide whether you want to join (understanding that you have paid for it whether or not you partake) or arrange something else on your own. You may need to work with the guide or tour operator to confirm time you will be done with group sightseeing and can make independent dinner plans especially if reservations are needed (even casual restaurants you’ll want to check their opening hours because some sightseeing days can go late). Of course days where you have the afternoon free are often dinner on your own or more easy to arrange independent plans even if group reconvenes for dinner is included. All of these factors should be considered for lunches on your own but if lunch break is in middle of sightseeing day, transport day, or combination of both, then lunch truly on your own becomes more difficult to swing. With that said, mid tour day lunches are often “on your own “ albeit in a limited setting ( museum, upgraded rest stop, etc) and you can sit by yourself rather than the group if you choose. If there’s optional tour days or even included days that don’t interest you or you have seen previously, then you can opt out to do your own thing (assuming it’s not a travel day. Again you’re paying for this day’s experiences whether you partake or not).