I would like to go to Scandinavia on an escorted tour. Does anyone have experience with any of these tour companies: Collette, Trafalgar, Grand Circle and Globus? Or are there any others that you recommend?

My only experience was with Rick Steves. It was enjoyable and efficient enabling us to see a lot is our time there. It does involve lots of walking, staying in smaller hotels sometimes without elevators and you must carry your own bags. You are urged to do your own research and tour guide is not upset if you choose to do something else any day.

http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours06/...rl/code/SCA06/

I took a Brenden tour of Europe in 1999. Brenden is part of Globus..I honestly don't know the difference because once we landed in London, everything was Globus. They were very efficient, I have no complaints. Our tour was a little more relaxed than some..we had two or three nights every place but Florence. I have heard good things..and sometimes complaints..about all those companies. My brother and sister-in-law have traveled to Europe every year for the past 6 years, sometimes on their own, but it seems that when they DO use a tour is has always been Brenden or Globus. You have to examine the literature VERY carefully to make SURE you know what IS and IS NOT included and what is offered as EXTRAS. I know with Brenden/Globus, everything was very clearly spelled out IF you read everything. The fewer optional side trips you book, the more free time you have. Check to see how many nights you stay in various cities. You can also get a city map to see where your hotels are booked and sometimes you can even find the hotels on line to check them out. I was happy with the hotels we had except for London..but it was clean and we certainly werent in the room very long..the other hotels were really nice. If you want some time alone check out the transportation in the city you are in...for example, we were in Hammersmith in London BUT we were on the Piccadilly line, so very easy to get on the tube and get into the more central areas of the city. Having said that, when I went back to London, I was NOT interested in staying in Hammersmith, I wanted to be closer in. The one thing about tour companies is, you can see a lot in a short amount of time. No waiting in line most places, no getting lost and wandering around aimlessly which actually can be a lot of fun if you have the time. I'm heading for Copenhagen and Stockholm right after Christmas..will have New Years in Copenhagen and am going on my own, but not really. My neice is in Copenhagen for school this year and she has also been to Stockholm so SHE will be my tour guide and all I have to do is take her shopping at H & M..hmmm, maybe the tour would be cheaper now that I think about it. Anyway, I have nothing bad to say about tours, Globus has a good reputation, they are a mid price range, usually have nice accommodations although as stated, not always central. I know you can find one to suit your style and budget. There are some travel talk sites where tours are discussed. I think Frommers has one...and there are others. You might get a better variety of opinions on one of those boards. Have a great trip.

Barbara in CT - thanks for the info. I think I need a little more luxury than Rick Steves.

Crefloors - thanks for all your advice. I checked out Globus and the tour looks good but they stay at 10 different hotels in 15 days! That's a lot of packing and unpacking. I'm trying to find a tour that stays in just a few cities for a few days each. Something not quite as fast-paced. I hope you enjoy your trip this winter. I'm hoping to go during the summer when it's a little warmer there!

Gail..I'm sure you'll hit something. Some of the tours really do cover a lot of territory and that's not MY style either. Why don't you Google Tour companies, Europe and see what comes up. I know there are a lot of companies out htere other than the ones you have mentioned and also see if you can find any travel talk tour boards. You'll find just the right thing I'm sure.

I've heard good reviews about Anderson Scandinavian Tours www.toursweden.com. I think alot of the people who go on their tours are of Scandinavian heritage. I have one of their brochures, some of their tours look very interesting. Personally,I think I would try to do it on my own rather than an escorted tour.