That's a pretty balanced overview on the savvy backpacker site - except that Contiki have gone back to tents for the camping tours. Brian Thacker who wrote that 'no sex on the bus' book was my tour guide eons ago when I did one of these tours, ended up staying on to travel some more, met my Italian husband...memories!

I took a look at some of the Amazon reviews for that book. this one was in full agreement with the book:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R18SFVE...55&store=books

We have done a few bus tours. My biggest "caution" when people ask me what I think is two-fold:

the actual itinerary and the accommodations location

I have no issues with being on "somebody else's timetable" because you know that timetable when you sign up.

The absolute worst for us was the sometimes total lack of consideration for tour members by some participants. Getting to the bus late; demanding this and that, whining, etc.

Thanks for all the information and well wishes everyone! I really appreciate it :)