We are looking at a 10-12 day tour that will take us through Germany, Switzerland and France. Have looked at Trafalgar, Globus and Insight. Do you have any comments on these companies or can you recommend other companies?

There are many companies. The ones you mention are reputable. So much depends on what you want to see, at what pace you want to see it, whether you want to stay in a centrally located nice hotel or an okay hotel that's NOT centrally located.

Here are some tips for choosing a tour: <BR> <BR>1. If it says "see" a particular site, that means you drive by it or view it from the bus. If it says "visit," that means you get off the bus. <BR> <BR>2. The price of the tour will be determined by the quality of the hotels. Try to select a tour where you are not changing hotels every night. The better tours have you in one place for two or three nights. it makes a big difference in your energy level. Plus, if you stay in one place for a while, you have the option of staying with the group or going off on your own. <BR> <BR>3. Don't try to see too much on one trip. You're much better off concentrating on one country. You could easily spend the entire 10-12 days in either Germany, Switzerland or France, and not even begin to see everything! <BR> <BR>4. Make sure your departure is "guaranteed." that means, it will not be cancelled if not enough people sign up. Cancelled tours have a way of ruining people's vacation plans. <BR> <BR>Most people agree that Tauck Tours are the best, but they are also pretty expensive. Maupintours get good reviews. Globus, Insight and Trafalghar are about the same, with Globus maybe having a slight edge. <BR> <BR>5. A good travel agent can help you sort it all out. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

Why not rent a car, stay as long as you want in each place, stay in less expensive b&b type hotels?

And a small group tour can be put together without a company. A number of people on this site know a good deal about doing this. <BR>

Sandy, we have done two Tauck Tours- now Tauck World Discovery, and although expensive, they are truly first class all the way. <BR> <BR>I agree on doing the research about the different companies - what is included and what is not, location of hotels, meals (Tauck gives you the choice of several restaurants most evenings)and particularly the "see" vs. "visit" vs. "tour", etc..

Perillo Tours run a good trip and ABC tours are good too--Both are based in New Jersey

Sandy-great answer to Sandy's question about tour companies. We're generally independent travelers, but this years trip will see us in Russia on a General Tours tour. Any comments about them?

Sandy- <BR>I don't know your age or how much you want to pay. Tauck gives a great tour. they offer a few that cover the areas you mention, though none that I know that cover all 2 on the same tour except for the "grand tour". I say age, because the clientele leans toward the 50 and older set. <BR>

I recently took a Globus tour through Ireland. While my fellow tour travelers were great, the tour guide was lacking. He was very informative about the local history, but wasn't overly warmm or friendly (atleast not until the last day when he wanted a tip). The hotels were fine and we had a new bus which was nice.

In 1998 we took a Globus tour through east Europe. The guide was knowledgeable but stand-offish. The hotels were very good but not always "in" the city visited. There was a big push the 2nd day of the tour to sign up for optionals. It was too early in the tour & felt pressured to make decisions. We signed up for 2-one was very good, the other wasn't. Our fellow passengers were very nice. Many of them shared our disappointment with the presentation of the optionals & some firt time visitors signed up for things they later regretted. We have taken an Insight tour & an Intrav tour-both were excellent in all aspects. The Insight to Scandinavia was the best.

I suggest Gate 1 Tours, they are great, they are at www.gate1travel.com, I book alot of clients, smaller groups great hotels and all entrance fees included.