Guided tour of Ireland & Scotland
Nov 8th, 2004, 07:58 AM
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Guided tour of Ireland & Scotland
Planning 14 day tour in May 2005, age 70 Grandpa, 69 Grandma and 16 year old Grandson, considering Globus Celtic Tour. Anyone been on Ireland tour with Globus? Any suggestions?
Nov 8th, 2004, 09:41 AM
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might I ask how hale and hearty Gram/Gramp are? if you are healthy and can get around easily I would DEFINITELY recommend doing your trip independently. Not because, like many Fodorites, I hate all guided tours -- but because tours geared towards older folk would be dreary deadly for your grandson, and tours geared to budget/younger travelers would probably be a disappointment to you.
It is very easy to get around Scotland and Ireland on your own, you would save money doing it independently -- and if you simply can't bear thinking of driving, you can hire private drivers/guides (tho' that really isn't necessary)
It is very easy to get around Scotland and Ireland on your own, you would save money doing it independently -- and if you simply can't bear thinking of driving, you can hire private drivers/guides (tho' that really isn't necessary)
Nov 8th, 2004, 10:04 AM
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My parents just came back from a 9-day trip to Ireland with Cosmos, which is the same company as Globus, but slightly down-scaled.
They (age 69 & 61) truly enjoyed it. Note that my parents often travel by themselves (last year to Berlin, then Vienna/Prague), but they find driving in a foreign country more a burden than an advantage.
Also consider that gas is not cheap in Europe. Right now, it's about US$5 a US Gallon. And cost of living in Ireland is not cheap, and Scotland is even higher. If they had gone by themselves, they probably would have stayed mostly at B&B. But with the tour, it's 3*-hotels. (4* with Globus).
So, going by themselves definitely will give them more freedom, but it's not going to be cheaper than a tour.
They (age 69 & 61) truly enjoyed it. Note that my parents often travel by themselves (last year to Berlin, then Vienna/Prague), but they find driving in a foreign country more a burden than an advantage.
Also consider that gas is not cheap in Europe. Right now, it's about US$5 a US Gallon. And cost of living in Ireland is not cheap, and Scotland is even higher. If they had gone by themselves, they probably would have stayed mostly at B&B. But with the tour, it's 3*-hotels. (4* with Globus).
So, going by themselves definitely will give them more freedom, but it's not going to be cheaper than a tour.
Nov 8th, 2004, 10:32 AM
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My husband and I just booked a tour of Ireland from CIE Tours. Someone on this site referred us to them. Why did we choose a tour company? Because for our first time there we want to see and hear everything; if we go again, then we'll do the trip independently. We are 57 and 58 and I have no problem with the escorted tour setup. It's a smart move on our part. Hope your family enjoys Ireland. We are going in May also.
Nov 8th, 2004, 01:16 PM
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Sidepockets, I recall seeing a website that provides free analysis of your tour requirements and then recommends a tour based on your needs. I believe it was for Ireland so do a Google search and input something like "find Ireland Tour" or "find Scotland tour". I am sure you will come up with the info you need.
Nov 11th, 2004, 09:04 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions. After checking different avenues we have decided to take the Celtic Highlights tour with Globus. Wife can't do much walking. Grandson enjoyed gided tour in Australia & New Zealand. Has anyone taken Celtic Highlights tour?
