Globus Tours
Aug 22nd, 2014, 09:12 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Globus Tours
I had posted some questions earlier regarding a trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. I have since found an interesting tour of these three places through a tour company called Globus. Someone had mentioned this company in my earlier Forum request. It is a 15 day tour and sounds like everything we are looking for. At this point, I would like to know if anyone has done the Globus Alpine Countries Tour. There are options for side trips and I am interested in knowing if anyone has done these as well. They are: Linderhof Castle out of Munich: Heurigen Dinner in Vienna: Isola Bella tour in Lake Maggiore: Gornegrat trip in Zermatt: Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne: Tremmelbach Falls in Interlaken? Any comments on the tour itself and any problems anyone encountered, would be appreciated.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 09:37 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you read the detailed itinerary carefully? Do you know where the hotels are located - near city center or way out? How many meals are included?
Globus is a low end tour company and the basic itinerary gives you little inside sightseeing. Most of your guided sightseeing is with optional tours. The rest is basically drive bys and short photo ops.
Can you handle early starts and lots of bus time?
Add up the base tour price, all the optionals you're interested in, and the meals you'll need to buy and get the total tour price (plus tips to guide(s) and driver).
Compare with a few other tour companies to determine best value for your money and interest.
I've taken 1 Globus tour and would never take another. The included meals were really bad, hotels far from anything to do in the evening, less than knowledgeable tour guide.
Some people do like this type of tour and only care that they see many locations rather than fewer locations in more depth. You'll need to decide on your travel style.
Globus is a low end tour company and the basic itinerary gives you little inside sightseeing. Most of your guided sightseeing is with optional tours. The rest is basically drive bys and short photo ops.
Can you handle early starts and lots of bus time?
Add up the base tour price, all the optionals you're interested in, and the meals you'll need to buy and get the total tour price (plus tips to guide(s) and driver).
Compare with a few other tour companies to determine best value for your money and interest.
I've taken 1 Globus tour and would never take another. The included meals were really bad, hotels far from anything to do in the evening, less than knowledgeable tour guide.
Some people do like this type of tour and only care that they see many locations rather than fewer locations in more depth. You'll need to decide on your travel style.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 10:04 AM
#3
which tour -- post a link.
But in general <u>many</u> of the sites will be 'see' -- meaning glimpse from the bus window without stopping, and not 'visit' - meaning getting off the coach and actually going inside.
But in general <u>many</u> of the sites will be 'see' -- meaning glimpse from the bus window without stopping, and not 'visit' - meaning getting off the coach and actually going inside.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 10:09 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aug 22nd, 2014, 11:09 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks bloody awful. Short stays, numerous "optional excursions" that mean "pay more money." At least there aren't a ton of trips to ___ factory to see how ___ is made (read: go buy stuff now!).
And Globus caters to oldies. What's your age?
And Globus caters to oldies. What's your age?
Aug 22nd, 2014, 01:59 PM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We took a Globus tour elsewhere in Europe many years ago as a family. We considered this tour for our upcoming Austria and Switzerland trip, but the dates did not overlap with the time we had off from work. We ended up planning our trip on our own with help from Fodors and Rick Steves.
As Adrienne said, the downsides are that you often have to pay for extras which end up being some of the most desirable side trips. They usually have arrangements with certain restaurants for meals, so there is little personal freedom if you'd rather eat somewhere else. The tour guides can be a little tired - meaning, no passion, little time for side chitchat or individual questions, and may even have a harder-to-understand accent. You often end up having to leave hotels early morning and feel like you're always on the go - no time to linger at a favorite spot. They are not subtle about requesting tips or steering you toward certain shops where there's a commission or special arrangement. Who is in the rest of the group can make or break everything.
On the positive... We don't all have infinite vacation time, and sometimes you just want to travel as much as possible and see as much as possible. It's not everyone's style, but it's not disrespectful and there's no harm in that. You will see and do a lot with all of the planning done for you. If there's a hiccup, it's on them to fix it. You may make good friends with someone else in the group. Globus has been around forever and does lots and lots of tours. It's not bad - it can just feel a bit tiring and like a tour out of a box. Just like a cruise, you can either make magical memories or have one bad experience ruin it all.
I personally would take another Globus tour if all the stars lined up in that direction. Just go with the flow and you'll be fine. Enjoy!
As Adrienne said, the downsides are that you often have to pay for extras which end up being some of the most desirable side trips. They usually have arrangements with certain restaurants for meals, so there is little personal freedom if you'd rather eat somewhere else. The tour guides can be a little tired - meaning, no passion, little time for side chitchat or individual questions, and may even have a harder-to-understand accent. You often end up having to leave hotels early morning and feel like you're always on the go - no time to linger at a favorite spot. They are not subtle about requesting tips or steering you toward certain shops where there's a commission or special arrangement. Who is in the rest of the group can make or break everything.
On the positive... We don't all have infinite vacation time, and sometimes you just want to travel as much as possible and see as much as possible. It's not everyone's style, but it's not disrespectful and there's no harm in that. You will see and do a lot with all of the planning done for you. If there's a hiccup, it's on them to fix it. You may make good friends with someone else in the group. Globus has been around forever and does lots and lots of tours. It's not bad - it can just feel a bit tiring and like a tour out of a box. Just like a cruise, you can either make magical memories or have one bad experience ruin it all.
I personally would take another Globus tour if all the stars lined up in that direction. Just go with the flow and you'll be fine. Enjoy!
Aug 22nd, 2014, 02:12 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<BigRuss - they're in their 70s.>>
Not stated in the post.
That said, if there are mobility issues the tour may work.
But there has to be some tour company somewhere that actually tours areas at a decent pace with multiple days in a given setting instead of a forced march like this one, no?
Not stated in the post.
That said, if there are mobility issues the tour may work.
But there has to be some tour company somewhere that actually tours areas at a decent pace with multiple days in a given setting instead of a forced march like this one, no?
Aug 22nd, 2014, 02:49 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tour company that "actually tours areas at a decent pace with multiple days in a given setting instead of a forced march like this one" exits. They are high end tours like Tauck or specialty tours like Rick Steves. The former requires more fund while the latter requires more stamina.
Many people are ok seeing the glimpse of many things cheaply without having to do any planning, Additionally, for many people, a trip is just a context, not necessarily a goal. When I talk to these folks, they don't remember hardly anything from the trip, but they sure talk about having a good time with friends. The tour company mentioned by the OP fills this kind of market segment.
Many people are ok seeing the glimpse of many things cheaply without having to do any planning, Additionally, for many people, a trip is just a context, not necessarily a goal. When I talk to these folks, they don't remember hardly anything from the trip, but they sure talk about having a good time with friends. The tour company mentioned by the OP fills this kind of market segment.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 02:58 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That is the tour I am talking about. I don't consider myself an "oldie",Big Russ, but we are 73 and 70. We don't require wheel chairs or canes as yet, so think we can make it to all the sights without help. Since we both hiked to Delicate Arch out in Utah last summer and have done Angel's Landing as well, I would say we are in good physical shape. I just need a break from planning everything, so was looking for a a TOUR. Do you have any suggestions for us as to what TOUR you think would be better than Globus? I am most open to good suggestions as we want to see as much as possible.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 03:28 PM
#13
"we want to see as much as possible"
Define "see" in this context. Do you mean "see" as in "it was outside the bus window", or "see" as in "we spent an hour touring the cathedral and half an hour sipping coffee on the main square", or something in between.
It sounds like you are more than fit enough to handle a Rick Steves tour. If the prices are too high, look at his new "My Way" tours, which just include hotels and transport.
Define "see" in this context. Do you mean "see" as in "it was outside the bus window", or "see" as in "we spent an hour touring the cathedral and half an hour sipping coffee on the main square", or something in between.
It sounds like you are more than fit enough to handle a Rick Steves tour. If the prices are too high, look at his new "My Way" tours, which just include hotels and transport.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 03:51 PM
#14
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Many universities offer excellent tours. I don't know of any specific tours that meet your requirements, but I would suggest doing some more research. I'm sure you can do much better than Globus which I would put at the bottom of any list.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 03:54 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I voiced the same comment, above, as thursdaysd about your travel style. It's difficult to know what to suggest unless you can answer that question.
Road Scholar offers in-depth tours that combine sightseeing with lectures. They have various tours in Germany and Switzerland.
http://www.roadscholar.org/
Collette is a well-regarded tour company. Here's a tour on Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria.
http://www.gocollette.com/tours/euro...er-switzerland
Road Scholar offers in-depth tours that combine sightseeing with lectures. They have various tours in Germany and Switzerland.
http://www.roadscholar.org/
Collette is a well-regarded tour company. Here's a tour on Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria.
http://www.gocollette.com/tours/euro...er-switzerland
Aug 22nd, 2014, 04:48 PM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tours all have certain disadvantages. The less expensive ones more and the most expensive ones (have a look at Tauck less - hotels are usually more central and meals may be somewhat better).
But the essence is:
Early starts and long days on the bus:
Bags packed and outside your door at 7 am
Breakfast at 7 am - if you wait the good stuff will be gone - and you have to have fannies in the seat on the bus by 8 am
Lots of long drives so you will have time to nap
As far as sights:
View is see from a distance - usually out of the moving bus window
Stop means a 5-minute photo op out front - but you don;t go inside - or leave the immediate vicinity of the bus
Visit - is the only thing that gets you inside and often you will get an abbreviated one hour visit versus 3 or 4 hours people might spend on their own
Whenever you stop plan on long waits for toilets - especially for women (tour groups are usually more female) - so you do that first and have you companion order your meal or snack - or you will be rushing and racing for the bus
They usually say the bus has a toilet but in fact they don;t want you to use it - will forbid it except in a dire emergency - because of all the extra work involved. And then no one will want to sit near it for the rest of the trip.
Hotels are often chain places out by the highway so your "free time" is usually illlusory
Food is usually americanized versions of local food that is poor in quality ad may even be in short supply (if it's a buffet get there early - a couple big eaters can mean those that come a little later have not much left except vegetables and bread
As mentioned - in expensive tours hotels will usually (but check) be closer to the town to see something on your own. And food is usually not so poor - but friends of my mom still organize most of their own meals - even on Tauck tours - since they just want something better/more local - and cab to and fro restaurants at their own expense. But they are quite elderly and do them to avoid dealing with luggage and handling a lot of logistical details - and they know what they;re giving up and are willing to pay extra to get more of what they want.
So - you need to review all this - and the itinerary in detail - and get specific costs of the extra tours - and then figure out what meets your needs.
But the essence is:
Early starts and long days on the bus:
Bags packed and outside your door at 7 am
Breakfast at 7 am - if you wait the good stuff will be gone - and you have to have fannies in the seat on the bus by 8 am
Lots of long drives so you will have time to nap
As far as sights:
View is see from a distance - usually out of the moving bus window
Stop means a 5-minute photo op out front - but you don;t go inside - or leave the immediate vicinity of the bus
Visit - is the only thing that gets you inside and often you will get an abbreviated one hour visit versus 3 or 4 hours people might spend on their own
Whenever you stop plan on long waits for toilets - especially for women (tour groups are usually more female) - so you do that first and have you companion order your meal or snack - or you will be rushing and racing for the bus
They usually say the bus has a toilet but in fact they don;t want you to use it - will forbid it except in a dire emergency - because of all the extra work involved. And then no one will want to sit near it for the rest of the trip.
Hotels are often chain places out by the highway so your "free time" is usually illlusory
Food is usually americanized versions of local food that is poor in quality ad may even be in short supply (if it's a buffet get there early - a couple big eaters can mean those that come a little later have not much left except vegetables and bread
As mentioned - in expensive tours hotels will usually (but check) be closer to the town to see something on your own. And food is usually not so poor - but friends of my mom still organize most of their own meals - even on Tauck tours - since they just want something better/more local - and cab to and fro restaurants at their own expense. But they are quite elderly and do them to avoid dealing with luggage and handling a lot of logistical details - and they know what they;re giving up and are willing to pay extra to get more of what they want.
So - you need to review all this - and the itinerary in detail - and get specific costs of the extra tours - and then figure out what meets your needs.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 05:06 PM
#17
>>Do you have any suggestions for us as to what TOUR you think would be better than Globus? I am most open to good suggestions as we want to see as much as possible.<<
Do you want to pay top dollar? There are lots of slower pace/smaller group/better hotel/more sites included tours . . . but they cost MUCH more than Globus.
To see a LOT on a slower/smaller group tour you'd need to take a much longer trip.
You really can't 'see' a lot in a short time unless you really do mean just see from the outside. So what do you want out of your trip?
see a bunch of stuff on the fly, or see fewer places but actually "see" them.
Do you want to pay top dollar? There are lots of slower pace/smaller group/better hotel/more sites included tours . . . but they cost MUCH more than Globus.
To see a LOT on a slower/smaller group tour you'd need to take a much longer trip.
You really can't 'see' a lot in a short time unless you really do mean just see from the outside. So what do you want out of your trip?
see a bunch of stuff on the fly, or see fewer places but actually "see" them.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 05:34 PM
#18
nytraveler's list of horrors is probably accurate for Globus, Trafalgar etc. It is NOT true for Rick Steves' tours. (I've been on five, bet nyt hasn't been on any). Nor is it true for Intrepid, but their tours may be roughing it bit more than you want, and I'm not sure they even cover much of Europe.
Aug 22nd, 2014, 06:03 PM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We took the Globus Alpine countries tour in May of 2006 and enjoyed it very much. We usually go on our own but have taken two Globus tours and had great experiences both times. The other was the Thames to the Tiber tour in April 1996 which was our 1st. trip to Europe. If you are going to take a tour, the Alpine Countries is a good one to take. Let the experts drive in the Alps. The most memorable excursion we took was from Zermatt to various stager up the Klien Matterhorn. At the top we were emerging from the cave carved into the glacier when we got caught in a white out blizzard. Quite a shock for a couple of New Orleanians. When we got to the next level down the skies were starting to clear. The views were spectacular. We had a good view of the Matterhorn, the next mountain over. On the other side of the overlook, we were looking down at the snow covered Alps and the city of Zermatt off in the distance. When we are asked what the most spectacular scenery was that we have seen during our travels, we point to our venture up the Klien Matterhorn.
Aug 23rd, 2014, 07:55 AM
#20
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Agree I don;t know Rick Steeves tours. It might be worthwhile doing a detailed rad of one of them - and get opinions from several sources. But I think you will find them not in the same price range as Globus - and I beleive you are responsible for your ownluggage. Also look carefully at the hotels and their amenities.
I have exprience with only 2 tours. One was American Express (much higher priced than Globus) to Scand and Russia when that was the only way to go to Russia - and what I have described was true of that tour. One evening was 30 minutes "late" to dinner - since I am not used to dining at 6 pm - and found that most of the choices on the buffet were gone. When I wet to find the tour guide she told me to make do with herring (ick!) and vegetables. The problem was that the hotel was not in a town - but the countryside - and there was literally no place else with food withing 30 minutes. So I tried to order separately directly from the hotel and it turned out they had only 2 tour groups there - no private guests - and no other food.
My other experience was a free "package" including London, Amsterdam and Paris in 16 days - and this was true of the 4 days when we were stuck on a bus with the group (in London and Paris we bagged anything from the tour and did what we wanted on our own).
I have exprience with only 2 tours. One was American Express (much higher priced than Globus) to Scand and Russia when that was the only way to go to Russia - and what I have described was true of that tour. One evening was 30 minutes "late" to dinner - since I am not used to dining at 6 pm - and found that most of the choices on the buffet were gone. When I wet to find the tour guide she told me to make do with herring (ick!) and vegetables. The problem was that the hotel was not in a town - but the countryside - and there was literally no place else with food withing 30 minutes. So I tried to order separately directly from the hotel and it turned out they had only 2 tour groups there - no private guests - and no other food.
My other experience was a free "package" including London, Amsterdam and Paris in 16 days - and this was true of the 4 days when we were stuck on a bus with the group (in London and Paris we bagged anything from the tour and did what we wanted on our own).
