We are planning our first trip abroad in September. We have brochures from Globus, Brendan, CIE, Trafalgar, Tauck. Is any tour group recommended as doing an exceptional job in organizing the tour and presenting Britain to the novice traveler? Any input would be appreciated.

I can only speak about Tauck, because they are the only tour company I have ever gone with anywhere, so I can't really make a comparison for you. But I can say you can be certain of a great trip if you choose Tauck. Their tours are all-inclusive, so anything that is worth seeing is included, not an optional extra that you have to decide whether or not you want to do, and then pay extra to do it. They give you an all-around high quality experience. I know the majority of the people on this forum are do-it-yourselfers as far as travel goes, but as the main caretaker/organizer/facilitator for my family, when I travel I love it when I can just show up and someone else does all the preparation and legwork for ME for a while. It's nice to know that you won't have to wonder if THIS is a good restaurant, or if THAT a better hotel - it's all done for you. And Tauck does a great job of that, and even throws in a few little surprises for you as well.<BR><BR><BR>

We went on our first trip to Europe last summer on a Globus tour. We both really enjoyed it. It was perfect for us and suited our needs wonderfully. We visited England, France, and Italy. It was an excellent value. <BR><BR>Even a year later, I don't have a single complaint!

I can second a vote for Globus. Our first trip to England & Scotland was with a Globus escorted tour in 1998. I thought everything was first rate, from the tour director and bus driver to the accomodations and meals. They did offer some "optional" activities which we picked and chosed from and thoroughly enjoyed those that we took advantage of. My only negative comment about the trip was by the end of 19 days, I never wanted to get on a bus again!

I've never done a tour, but I have a friend who is very particular..I'd go as far as to say fussy.. and she has done several tauck tours and raves about them. if I was going to do one , based on knowing her it would be a tauck. I do know they are more expensive than the others and do stay in 3 and 4 star or better hotels, so you probably do get your money's worth.

Nancy, we recently lived in Europe and used some of the same hotels that Tauck uses. They are expensive tours; however if your budget allows, we think they would be the best. Also, if you plan to visit Scotland, here's a suggestion on how we did it. We stayed in a wonderful B&B in Edinburgh then took a couple of day tours and then a five day tour all with Prestige Tours. They are also a high end local touring company. A big plus with them is the number of travelers they allow per trip: not over fifteen. Our five day tour only had twelve aboard and it was a large luxurious bus. Lots of individual attention and a slow pace. Their website shows mostly older couples, but we found that to be different. We are 30'ish and saw a mix. Also, we did a similar plan in London, staying locally then touring the countryside with Evans and Evans on day trips. This saves in on fundages. Good luck and happy travels!

Nancy:<BR>I have done a tour withe CIE. Everything was included. There were no optional tours so it was well planned. The hotels were great, tour guide and drivers were terrrific. Britain was part of the two week tour we took. Scotland, York, Stratford, and London were well presented for the novice and gave me a taste of what I would like to go back and visit again.

Hi Nancy, have done Tauck (1-Eng. & the West Country), Maupin(1) and CIE (3-incl. British Elegance). CIE wins hands down for best value and tour operators. Like the others said, if price isn't important Tauck has the best accom. which was just wonderful. The manor houses made our vacation w/ Tauck. The only thing about Tauck I didn't like is that our tour operator was American. I like to hear stories of British customs & culture which we heard lots of with CIE. Hope this helps, have a wonderful time! = )

Nancy, we did a four-week Globus tour last fall of Great Britain and Ireland and enjoyed it very much. Our tour director was a former history and geography teacher and was superb. We had a great group and did most of the optional tours because it was my intention to use the trip as an overview to see where I would be most interested in going back and seeing in depth. (The answer is most everywhere, but it did eliminate a few places.) <BR><BR>I did a trip report on it that you might find by doing a search for something like "Great Retirement Trip." We were well satisfied with all but one of the hotels, and the included meals were good.

Tauck is absolutely first class, great value and so well run even the rest stops are interesting. They tend to attract an older crowd depending on the particular tour. Globus is always much less expensive than Tauck and I'd say they dont misrepresent themselves and appear competent, but they're not Tauck. If money is no object Travcoa cant be beat. Tauck always gets high points for hotels and meals. Honestly, one way to ensure a virtually worry free trip is to go with Tauck.

I'm a travel agent and I have to say that my vote goes to Tauck, too. I have NEVER had a single complaint about a Tauck tour. Furthermore, I have found that if a client does one Tauck tour, they keep coming back and booking another . .. and another ...and another. You get the point.

For a small group (11 or less) and very affordable, looking into www.BackRoadsTouring.co.uk. I've traveled with them 3 times and would recommend them.

Maupintour is very good also. It is the same quality as Tauck but has smaller groups.

Ive done 2 tours of Ireland with Globus and think they are great....the others you mention are super too...doubt if you can go wrong with any of them