ewormuth

I am a 67 year old woman contemplating a tour in December: "Central Europe" from Cosmos http://www.tourradar.com/t/52103. Has anyone had recent experience with either Cosmos or this particular tour?

I have traveled quite a bit in the last few years, a Go-Ahead tour of the UK (which for a bus tour was great), and I have traveled independently in Italy and France (Paris was great, except for the terrorists in Nov. of 2015 ). I have enjoyed both types of travel, for different reasons. All my European travel has been from October - December, which I've enjoyed very much. A little rain, yes, but many fewer tourists than other times of the year.

What do you think? Since I haven't dealt with Cosmos, I'd appreciate any information you can give me.

Thanks.

bilboburgler

hi, most people here are independant tourists/travellers so do not use tours, however some may come along. Since your interest is specific to Cosmos you might try clicking on the triangle and asking the editors to change the title to something more Cosmos specific to draw in the crowd.

ewormuth

Thanks for the idea. I'll do that.

kja

IME (solo female traveler), it is easy to visit the places you are considering on one's own -- no tour needed, unless that's your preference.

lavandula

I did a Cosmos tour some 30 years ago - they were fine for me at the time. They are sort of a budget company or were so back then. They make their tours cheaper by inserting a lot of optional tours (day trips) which you pay for at the time, many of which you would probably want to do. By not paying in advance you lose sight of the cost of the tour in a way. They also make their trips cheaper by staying in hotels that are out in the 'burbs so night life is in some cases difficult. There was a mix of mega-hotels and smaller family-run hotels, and it may vary a little from trip to trip. I enjoyed the tour (much of Western Europe); it was quite good and I was inexperienced in travel so this was a good start in that it showed me what I might like to come back to on my own later on. Tours also find you travelling partners - you can mix and mingle easily, whereas as a solo traveller (I have done this too) it may be a little harder (unless in hostels). I think tours can also be helpful when you are unsure about conquering the language barrier, as the guides can do all that for you. There was also a mix of ages on Cosmos and everybody got on well. I think you have made a fine choice if you prefer tours. Of course things may have changed since then, but that's how it was in 1988!

Lavandula