francesca

My mom is looking to take an organized tour of Andalucia (normally she would go by car, but she is on her own this time, and doesn't want to tour Spain by car herself). Can anyone recommend any high quality tour companies? She would be interested in one for relatively small groups, to stay in small, charming hotels with an accent on cultural visits. Any ideas of tours or sources for reviews on European touring companies? Thanks.

Rex

There have been a number of conversations about a "Fodorites' trip" to Spain sometime next year, and I would be very interested in trying to determine how many people it might attract. <BR> <BR>This might not be the answer you are seeking (or are you or you mom from France? I ask only because of the ".fr" domain of your e-mail address - - not that it matters). Even so, feel free to let me know (here, or by e-mail) if this is an idea that merits further consideration. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Lisa

Rex always has a "tour" ready to go. Have your mom look into Tauk Tours. They use high end hotels. The groups vary in size and can be as high as 48, but often are not. They have lot's of regional tours to offer.

Ed

Tauk would be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of "high quality tour companies". They've been around for years and are extremely well-regarded. Not inexpensive. Don't know that they cover Iberia, but it's likely they do. Maupin (Maupintours) would be another in roughly the same class. <BR> <BR>www.tauck.com <BR>www.maupintour.com <BR> <BR>twenj

Drswife

Abercrombie & Kent, and Travcoa are 2 very high end tour companies. <BR> <BR>&gt;^..^&lt;

xxx

Isn't it interesting. Dr. Ego sees a question about Spain. Totally ignores the question. Promotes own tour. <BR> <BR>This board isn't about answering travelers' questions. It's about meeting Dr. Ego's needs. <BR> <BR>

Meg

I second the recommendaiton on A&K. We took a tour with them to China last year and were very pleased. It is definitely not a budget company. The groups are limited to 24, I believe. There were only 14 in our group. Everything, and I mean everything, was taken care of for us. Our luggage was always picked up at our room and delivered to our next hotel room. We never had to stand in a line at an airport. A&K would send someone to the airport in advance to obtain our boarding passes. All meals were included. Hotels were all first class. Hope your mom has a great trip with whomever she chooses.

Ben

If you are really looking for high quality along with a higher than average price (as with most things in life you get what you pay for), you really should look at Tauck Tours. They do have several tours in Spain. They always stay at first class hotels, utilize great restaurants, etc. Well worth considerng. Their web site is www.tauck.com.

Kathy

We took the Rick Steeves Tour Company (of PBS television "Europe Through the Back Door" fame) tour of Spain and Portugal last April. They specialize in small groups (26 people) and cultural visits. Tour is all inclusive and lived up to its claims. Suggest you check out the Rick Steeves web site. Really recommend. Planning our next trip.

EvaChica

I'm going to Andalucia this summer with my mom with Tauck. My parents went through them to Hawaii and could NOT stop talking about how high quality it is. Pretty pricey, but I hear it's well worth it. Our trip flies into Barcelona, flies to Granada, drives around Andalucia, and takes the AVE to Madrid. We leave in early July - if you're still interested I'll give you my full review upon my return - then again, being my first time to Spain, I'll be excited about EVERYTHING! Good luck!

francesca

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. By "high end", I really meant an emphasis on cultural visits. smaller hotels, small groups--a more authentic experience, over all-- as opposed to luxury accomodations.

J. Goldberg

You might try Bales (balesworldwide.com) an English company I've traveled with to Southeast Asia twice. The groups are small and the tours are interesting. Cox & Kings (coxandkings.co.uk) also has some interesting tours in Europe (they are known for and I used them in India) through, I think NADFAS and wildflower tours to Andulusia in the spring.

Martha

I have had really good luck with a company called Adventures-Abroad. Small group tour co. Very culture oriented. They have a web site where you can find info you are interested in.

Ed

Francesca, you will find, as a general rule, that price, quality of accommodations, quality of the guiding and the included features (as opposed to "optional") correlate. SOmeone may have run across a budget operation that provides an in-depth touring experience, but that's not been my observation.

carol

The Tauck tour of Andalusia will provide everything you are looking for. A number of my friends have taken this particular tour and raved about every aspect of it, particularly the charm and great location of the accommodations.

Kavey

Francesca <BR> <BR>After your clarifation on what you mean by high end I would like to add Explore and Exodus for your consideration. <BR> <BR>Both specialise in small size group tours (where many travellers often happen to single) and concentrate on seeing the destinations from a more cultural or natural perspective. With the smaller sizes they can choose smaller and more out of the way hotels and itineraries and have a variety of tours from coach and boat to walking, hiking, cycling, camel back etc. <BR> <BR>Kavey

maureen

Your mom might want to contact R Crusoe, a high end tour compnay specializing in custom itineraries with an emphasis on whatever strikes your fancy. Hope she has a great time!

louise

I would highly recommend a Tauck tour. Have been on one that was to the Swiss Alps that was wonderful. Went with a more expensive company on a tour to France that was not run nearly as well, yet cost much more. I've never heard any complaints about Tauck.

Andy

Francesca- great high end tour groups are Aberkrombie and Kent, Travcoa and Tauck--all three use first class accommodations--

Cam

Hi--I would highly recommend BackRoads Touring, which you can find on the web at backroadstouring.co.uk. They are based in England but have tours all over Europe, including one in Spain. We just returned from a 2-week tour of Great Britain with BackRoads. They use small mini-vans (no more than 11 people on the tour--we had only 6!) that use mostly back roads to get around, and very knowledgeable tour guides. You stay in B&amp;Bs, converted farmhouses, etc. and get to explore small villages and places and people the Big Bus tours don't! Breakfasts, dinners and entry to major tourist attractions are included in the price so you aren't nickeled and dimed to death on the tour. There is flexibility, too--if the majority on the bus want to skip a particular attraction and do something else instead, the driver will comply (as long as it doesn't take him out of the are you're supposed to stay that night) I highly recommend Back Roads!