misha2

Hello,

Would love ideas for a 7-9 night trip (not the UK , southern Spain or Paris) for a group of 9 from 18-78. The group has mixed interests from outdoor adventure, to history and culture. Most of the guided small group tours I've seen require packing and unpacking every day--something that may be exhausting. Anyone suggest a company? I'd like to keep the cost to about $2,000 a person. Is that doable even if we want to stay in "nicer" places where we have private bathrooms?

Thanks,

MmePerdu

It sounds as if the assumption is that you'll do a package tour. I'd be interested to know if there's been a poll of the participants. Do they want a prepackaged tour and where have they said they'd like to go?

Given the wide age range and the variety of interests, why not rent a villa and do day trips that address the many interests. You'll get more for your money by not all staying in hotels and you'll have the opportunity of eating in sometimes.

Also, presumably, the $2000 does not include airfare. Although if you rent a house, it might be possible.

msteacher

Have you considered a cruise? It is not how I travel so I can't actually recommend it, but given your group and desire to see a variety of places without repeatedly unpacking, it might fit your needs.

Iahawk

Florence?? You could rent a large apartment or villa on the outskirts and do some day trips. Lots of art, history, culture, and for outdoor stuff, I am sure there are some cycling options. Other option might be Como or Lake Garda - plenty to do there with outdoor adventures, wine, but less history. ALso, lots of galleries for art - just not the Uffizi or Accademia!

Sassafrass

If staying in one place and renting a villa (with possible shopping and cooking) or something like that does not appeal so much, then I would highly recommend a cruise. I have done three fairly long ones in the med area, Venice, Greek Islands, Dubrovnik, Turkey, Israel, Spain, across to France and Italy. In August, there are some really nice ones that would fit all your desires and be well within your budget (even with balcony cabins and excursions). If you have not done this before, being on the sea in the summer is lovely.

You would need to pick a ship that had things of interest and a comfort level for all ages, and an itinerary that offered lots to explore and sightseeing (with reasonably long port times) for those who wish.

If you have any interest in this, I can recommend ships to look at with interesting itineraries, and other websites to give you more info.

MmePerdu

With 2 suggestions for a cruise, I hesitate to say, but will, cruises aren't for everyone. With so large a group and varying interests, I'd be surprised if would be possible to find one that all would enjoy. I find both group tours and cruises, in general, torture, although a private tour for the group only could be the answer, if staying in 1 spot and venturing out from a fixed base doesn't appeal.

Sassafrass

Cruises certainly are not for everyone, and the OP may think it would be horrible for their group. It is just another option for traveling or vacationing with sightseeing.

The right cruise, however, actually can meet the individual needs and wide variety of interests in a large group. History buffs can tour Athens and Ephesus, or walk in the Greek Islands while others hike or sail or swim in the ocean. Some sit by the pool, and others shop or eat. Some ships have fabulous kid's programs and water parks on board. It is crucial to pick the right ship and right itinerary.

One issue I do have with cruises is not being in a place on land to enjoy long evening walks and local night life. It is a trade off, local night life or relaxing on the water, watching the sunset and looking at islands all alight. Some cruises do stay late in ports, and that is nice.

Another issue with "some" itineraries is stopping in ports that are not close to major places or sights of interest and require too much time in travel.

Those are things you have to know and assess.

OTOH, everybody in the group has privacy, can get up when they want, and it feels fine for everybody to go off and do things and get back together in the evenings for dinner, drinks, entertainment and sharing their day. It is, IME, much nicer than any kind of bus tour because travel is during the night while you are sleeping, and no change of hotels, no carting luggage around, no cooking or cleaning when you might rather be sightseeing. It can also be a cost effective way of travel.

littlejane

Paphos in Cyprus? Sun, sea, watersports, fantastic roman murals right on your doorstep, lovely scenic drives, plenty of complexes where you could rent 3 or 4 apartments in the same complex, great choices of sports, beach and also history/culture. nice relaxing seafront restaurants for the oldies and a bit of nightlife for the young ones.. Direct flights from many locations in UK.

Hmm... I see now you are looking for a company, rather than a destination, sorry - I'll post this anyway in case it's remotely useful

greg

I suspect there is not much options considering the size of the group, diversity of the age, traveling during the peak season, and the shortness of the planning time - less than 6 months.

Unlike a couple traveling shoulder/off season, booking this many people in one/close enough accommodations, during the peak season, acceptable to all, with only 6 months lead time would be one big headache. One way to minimize this is to severely limit the number of places to stay. This reduces the logistics issues in moving people around also.

While I don't do cruise for Europe, from practicality point for group this size, it is one of the easiest option. I have a friend who organizes multi-generational trips for her family bigger than this. She starts planning more than one year ahead and she only organizes cruises. She says anything else would be a planning nightmare. Even with a cruise, she still has to secure apartments at departing and ending cities.

mama_mia

If you do this on your own, the challenges you may face are 1) moving 9 people around if you choose a site out in the countryside (would need large van or 2 cars); 2) hot and humid weather in some destinations (Florence, Rome); and the ability to find a variety of activities.

So I will throw out Germany as a suggestion, specifically Munich. It may be somewhat more pleasant weather-wise. Transportation by train is excellent and not necessarily expensive (e.g., Bayern tickets). There are numerous day trips possible: Salzburg and Nuremberg for culture and history; Garmisch Partenkirchen for hiking, etc.

At the end of the day, everyone meets at a biergarten to relax and cool off.

Just a suggestion.

MmePerdu

Have you looked at the UK company, HF Holidays? http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/uk

Known for their walking tours, they also do a variety of others, modestly priced and the ones I've considered use 1 base for accommodation for the days or week of the guided touring. Like these:
http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/europe

Their website is quite comprehensive, with a number of options. You might like to have a look.

MmePerdu

This is the homepage: http://www.hfholidays.co.uk

tuscanlifeedit

We've done very large house rentals with groups of around ten; once in the French countryside and once in London (I know you said not in the UK).

Cars were the only complication and otherwise it was a very nice way to do things with a large group.

MmePerdu

I still think a house rental of some sort would be the best solution for such a group. Cars are a small complication when compared to moving around. It occupies so much time and energy for everyone, a cannot imagine it, even on a tour that moves all the time. Two cars, even 3, are easily acquired to accommodate different interests and one need not cook just because there's a kitchen, if it doesn't appeal. It is very handy to have, though, for simple breakfasts and snacks.

But I wonder if all this is beside the point, as misha seems not be to be engaged here with the discussion.

sandralist

So misha starts a thread on Feb 16, 15 at 10:35pm about a trip that is six months away, and by Feb 17, 15 at 8:11pm she's written off with an insult because somebody who has posted the majority of posts in 24 hours isn't getting paid attention to.


Another vote for Munich, or Vienna, which offers something for ages and great public transporation, the chance to travel together as a group or split up. Munich is particularly great for groups eating causally all together, outdoors. Try taking a look at Airbnb for accommodations.

MmePerdu

Insult?

Sassafrass

Misha2,

I hope you are enjoying some of the suggestions and advice. I think some of us, myself included, are always anxious to learn the OP's reaction and thoughts.

The suggestion of Vienna or Munich areas are good if you can find a place that suits you because there are many interesting things in those areas with decent public transportation. There are beautiful lakes in the area, great scenery and palaces to visit and explore, and concerts in the evening.

There are actually so many places that could work. Belgium, near Bruges has interesting buildings, good food, great day trips to other cities, even a beach - all by short, easy train rides, so no cars needed.

Provence, unless too hot, The Alsace/Strasbourg area, Bavaria, The Netherlands, Northern Spain near San Sebastian- all places that could work, though definitely would need cars in some areas and perhaps fewer lodging options for nine.

grandmere

Our family of 10 (3 generations, ages 4-79) spent two weeks in a tiny village in the Languedoc area of France, near Sommieres, last summer. We rented a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom restored 18th century vineyard house; we used it as a base and did day trips almost every day. The place was a little quirky, but it had plenty of room for all of us, and the 4 grandchildren really enjoyed the pool after a day of sight-seeing. We had 3 small cars, but most of the time we went out in just two of them. It was a wonderful vacation, and I heartily recommend this way of traveling with a large family group.

misha2

Thanks for all the replies. We've had terrible weather and no internet. I'm excited to read all the suggestions.

misha2

First of all, as always, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for all the excellent suggestions. So, happy that we have internet again and I can explore. I think that I might now eliminate bus tours, even private ones, from consideration. The right cruise with this group could actually offer some great options, as could renting a villa and taking day trips. Sassafras, I would love some of the itinerary options you suggest. Greg, did your friend mention any particular favorite trips her family took?

Grandmere, what type of day trips did you take? MmePerdue, lahawk, littlejane,tuscan life edit, mama mia I'd love links to any particular villas, apartments or areas you suggest. Ms.teacher thanks for your input too! Hope I haven't left out anyone. The heat and humidity might be an issue. So much to consider, so little time!