Karl, why left-load your question like that? What's wrong with it in the first place? It's perfectly legit and particularly well focused in saying you weren't asking about the general issue of tour vs. indep., just about these companies specifically (something posters seem to ignore anyway). No need to cringe in front of the group and put your wife, your relationship, and yourself in the line of fire. As you've discovered, people respond to that kind of distraction instead of your actual question. <BR> <BR>And by the way, 99+% of Fodorites do _not_ necessarily think tours are sacrilege. But they do note that generally, smaller and more expensive works much better than larger and cheaper.

Nothing but good to say about Tauck - did the Canadian Rockies Helicopter trip that was our best trip ever - Tauck is definitely first class and as I recall, everything was included. We are going to Italy in October and the first week is with Tauck and the second is on our own - thought we would get oriented and then when we felt better, venture forth on our own with a car for Tuscany and trains for the rest. IMHO, the best of both worlds. Enjoy Scotland and your wife!!

Karl, <BR>Glad to see you are finally getting appropriate answers to your question. <BR>I think Larry's plan (the post before mine) is a good one, and depending on how long you are traveling for, maybe something for you and your wife to think about. <BR>Short tour, then a bit of independent travel. <BR>

First of all I would like to thank all who have responded. Second, I would like to say I am thick skinned and no response would bother or offend me. <BR> <BR>My original message was intended quite tounge-in-cheek. My wife and myself discuss everything. She got many good laughs from some of the postings. Al, she thinks you are quite a hoot. I think my wife and I and you and your wife would get along famously. <BR> <BR>I have asked the same question straight forward and have gotten almost no response. I decided a different approach may be in order. Sorry if I offended anyone, however I have gotten the responses I wanted. Thanks to all!!

Hi Karl <BR> <BR>Another of the 0.0001% of Fodorites who dont think tours are all bad. <BR> <BR>My very first trips were a couple of cheap beach packages when i was 4 or 5, but as soon as my parents could afford they wanted to see more. <BR> <BR>So I have taken more organised tours than you can shake a stick at. <BR> <BR>There really is a difference between the best and the worst... <BR> <BR>The best have been with people like Tauck and Kuoni, the worse with cheaper outfits. Even the cheap ones have something good, they get you to where you want to be, and your luggage too. <BR> <BR>Here is my advice on finding the right tour. <BR> <BR>First of all plan the trip as though you werent taking a tour. What are your main sights/ sites? What do you really want to see and do? How much time would you like to spend in each place? Would you prefer spending two night minimum stays or are you happy moving every day? <BR> <BR>Once you know these details you can find the tour which fits the best. <BR> <BR>Also, many tours include meals. If they are tours such as Tauck, then the food is A1. If they are with, say Cosmos, then yuk yuk yuk. <BR> <BR>So if food is important part of the trip to you you should either choose a company with a good reputation for its board arrangements or one which tends to be mainly BB. <BR> <BR>PS Naughty ploy, but I can see your reasons!!! <BR> <BR>PPS I also though Al's quote was a Churchill one... great quote huh?

Best Astor/Churchill line I know was supposed to have been said in the House of Commons, where Churchill was rarely sober : <BR>Lady Astor: <BR>You sir are drunk! <BR>Churchill: <BR>You madam are as ugly as sin. <BR>I however shall be sober in the morning...

Don't go Cosmos. Their hotels are too far out of the city center, therefore, you miss a lot of good night time opportunities. However, they are comparatively cheap.

You'll have a blast. I called touring Scotland/England my PUB AND CASTLE TOUR. Only advice I can give you is to watch the "extras", and make sure they stay in the city center, except for the country hotels obviously. The extras can add up to $500 to the cost of the tour, and they don't usually give you the itenerary detailing these "extras" until you've paid up! Check out Insight, they include alot of things that are extra on Trafalgar. Have a great time!

Karl, <BR>A short, direct answer to your question: My wife and I, as well as friends, like Globus Tours. We have traveled independently and with Globus (once). Both have their pluses. We are traveling to Spain this April and we have chosen Globus again. Best of luck.

Karl, Good Question! <BR> <BR>My 80 year old father-in-law and his wife are going to Ireland this spring. He should not drive a car in Florida let alone Ireland, and the tour idea works best. This thread has given me lots of companies to start researching. Thanks!

<BR> <BR> <BR>upupupupupupupupupupupupup

Did someone say that Bismarck made Queen Victoria fart? What? He made her faint? Oh, sorry, misunderstood.