Testimonials
We have several years of travel history, and our customers have great things to say about us on social media. Several of their comments and stories are shared here.
FAQs and Local Travel Tips
Q: How do you base your tour pricing?
A: We are in business to provide valuable travel services and as with any business, we have to make a profit to continue to provide services to our customers, so we don't do anything 'at cost'. You'll pay a reasonable price for our services, and when you compare our total tour prices to our competitors, you'll find we are the best value for your travel dollar.
Q: How do you keep your prices so affordable?
A: We base our prices on dual occupancy, and flights that depart the USA from the closest airport to your location, with the return flight utilizing the same city as your arrival to minimize cost and we pass those savings to you through our total tour package price. Any multi-city booked flight arrangements or separate flight and hotel bookings will cost extra. We use an excellent travel agent for some tours, and we find the best prices by bundling flights and hotels at our destinations using other travel services. Tour prices include air and hotel costs using these services, and departures from standard tour itineraries will incur additional charges based on the difference from a 'bundled' airfare and hotel, and the actual separate booking prices should you desire to have your flights and hotels booked separately, or if you book your own flights with a specific airline, or if we book your flights in that manner, or customize your tour experience. Bundled flight and hotel packages are the standard we use to base our rates and provide the least expensive cost for our customers, when compared to other booking methods.
Q: What if I depart from standard tour itineraries, or book my own flights?
A: Some tours can be customized for side trips, or bucket list items, and you are welcome to book your own flights, but you will incur additional charges and booking fees, over and above the stated tour prices, so plan carefully, and contact us with any questions.
Q: What if I only want to do a partial tour, instead of the full itinerary for a tour?
A: We meet all tour travelers upon arrival at our tour destinations and accompany them to the departing airport upon tour completion. You have the option to do a partial tour, but pricing will be determined from our standard rates and your arrival and departure from the tour may not be fully accompanied.
Q: Is a passport required for travel?
A: Yes, a passport is required for all overseas travel and certain motorcoach tours that travel outside the host country. Tour itineraries will alert you when your passport is necessary for daily activities. Generally, your passport should have six months before expiration for travel to any foreign country.
Q: Do I have to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to travel to Europe?
A: This varies by tour location, but generally, the answer is Yes. Currently, you must have completed the full series of vaccinations within the last 270 days, but this is subject to change in the coming months, since carrying a COVID vaccination card is not currently enforced in several European countries.
Q: Are masks required to be worn?
A: At some tour locations, the answer is Yes. As of June 12, 2022, no masks are required in airports, or on all airplanes, but depending on the current COVID-19 status in Europe, N-95 (full face protection) masks may be required when on any enclosed train platforms, and for entry to restaurants and some indoor facilities.
Q: What should I do about local currency?
A: Some may opt to get European currency before USA departure, but a viable option is to use a credit or debit card in local city ATMs, or at a local bank as needed, and get the prevailing bank rate, which usually has very small fees involved. Capital One and several other banks have credit cards with no international exchange fees. Avoid using the money exchange kiosks at the airport.
Q: Will my phone work in Europe?
A: Yes. You may opt to get an international data/phone plan while traveling in Europe, to reduce the fees and charges to your phone. Typically, an international dialing plan can be put in place for less than $10 per month, but per-minute charges can be pretty expensive. Local Hotel Wifi is the best option for Internet access. Several providers offer free international service, including texts, although the network is often 2G and 3G, so it can be very slow, and some phone apps may not work quickly or properly.
Q: What are the rules for group travel?
A: Bus transportation for motorcoach tours leaves from downtown locations, normally near the Main Train or Bus Station, at 8:00 AM. Private train tours normally leave at 7:15. Tour buses and trains are very schedule oriented regarding departure times, so we need to be at the departure point 20 minutes early, with tickets/vouchers in hand. The rule for group travel is, if you’re late for departure for train or bus travel, you’ll get left behind, and miss the daily tour. This is an unfortunate fact beyond my control, so please be on time.
Q: How do we find out about the next day's activities?
A: We will discuss the following day’s departure time from the hotel as our last point of business each day, so please pay attention and be on time the following morning, so the group’s activities are not adversely impacted.
Q: Are meals and drinks included in the tour price, and where will we eat each day?
A: Daily meals and drinks are not included in the tour price, but the farewell dinner on our last day on tour is included in the tour price. You have the choice to select a breakfast option with your hotel room, but please be aware that tour hotels charge about 15 Euros (approximately $17) each for breakfast daily, so for a couple on a 10-day tour, that option costs about $400-$450 over and above the listed tour cost. We select local shops and bakeries near our tour and travel departure points for morning meals, which have an average cost of less than 5 Euro (approximately $6) apiece. Lunch is generally on your own each day. We visit a different restaurant each evening while on tour for a sit-down dinner and try to feature a different area brewery with our evening meals. Each restaurant requires a reservation for dinner and the average dinner meal costs about 12-14 Euros (generally less than $15) per person, although there are some smaller meals (soups and salads) for slightly less money. Bread bowls on the dinner table are not complimentary in Europe - you are charged for each item consumed at the conclusion of the meal. If any travelers have food restrictions of any type (i.e. vegetarian, or food allergies), please ensure that restriction is listed in the message notes, when booking a tour. Several restaurants serve food and beer in large quantities. Beer is often served in 1-liter servings, especially at festivals like the Oktoberfest.
Q: How much walking do we do on tours?
A: Our tours sometimes require walking distances of up to one mile (or more) at a time, at a leisurely to moderate pace. Many walkways and streets at our tour destinations in Europe are of cobblestone construction and walking on these uneven surfaces can be much more challenging than walking on your average USA sidewalk. This is not the time to bring a new pair of shoes or boots and try to break them in while on tour. We will do a lot of walking at times, so bring comfortable footwear. If you have a portable cane with a fold-down seat, you can use it when we take short breaks.
Q: Is tipping required when dining in Europe?
A: When in a sit-down dining environment, the tip may be included in the price of the meal, so tipping may not be required, but if service is exceptional, tipping is certainly an option. When paying your bill in cash it is customary, however, to round up the amount to the nearest even Euro to make it easier for the server to make change. If the restaurant takes credit cards, it is your choice to round to the nearest even Euro or sign for the billed amount. If you have questions about tipping, ask your tour guide prior to the end of the meal.
Q: Are there accommodations for disabilities while on tour?
A: In the USA we have the American Disabilities Act (ADA). In Europe, there is no European Disabilities Act, per se, and some facilities have accessible ramps for their facilities, but many do not, so if you need regular accessibility accommodations you may not be able to fully participate in all motorcoach or tour activities.
Q: How do we travel each day while on tour?
A: We use local transportation systems to save you a lot of money each day. Many European cities have well-developed transit systems that include S-Bahn (think surface train), U-Bahn (think underground subway), Streetcars, and Buses. Our daily group transit tickets include travel on all city systems with no additional charges for transfers between trains, streetcars, or buses, but the tickets do not include local taxis or ride-sharing services.