I'm looking for suggestions/recomendations for a tour company that offers "solo" adventures. Definitely NOT singles trips. I'm 36 y/o mom, fairly active, but I've never been on a vacation by myself, and I'm feeling like I need a little exploration on my own. I'm also not looking to break the bank, but I prefer the comfort of the 4 and 5 star hotels. I'd love for it to be pretty structured since I'll be alone, not entirely a "museum trip", love the outdoors and off the beaten track sruff. Whatcha got?? Or what else would you need you need to help?

You should research the following site in order to get an idea of the different parts and what they have in order to match with your interests.
Then contact them with the specifics:

http://www.germany-tourism.de/

They will be more than happy to establish connections to tour operators/DMC's or local/regional tourist offices (winelands, mountains, sea resorts etc etc etc)

Happy planning!

SV

You might try a small group escorted tour such as OAT. It's not typically a solo traveler only company but you would not feel out of place on your own. This company usually attracts folks older than yourself but very active travelers. If you search OAT on this forum you will find some recommendations or mentions of their tours.

http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general....aspx?oid=8494

Are you looking for a company that will put together a trip just for you (known as FIT), or a tour company that does group tours that doesn't charge a single supplement? And if the former, why not just plan your own trip? Lots of help available here.

I've traveled solo a copule of times with Gate 1. Most tours are not terribly expensive and they do use 4* hotels. There is a single supplement but for my tours (Israel and Turkey) I thought it was quite reasonable.

I'm not sure how to do 4 or 5* hotels without breaking the bank - unless your definition is different than mine. (I generally do 5* for business travel and 4*, but at the best price we can get for vacations - and it's not cheap.)

"Adventure" tours generally do not stay at this type of hotel. Tauck is a very reputable for upscale tours. You could also look at some of the tours associated with the Smithsonian, National Geographic Society or American Museum of Natural History. Usually in-depth, interesting and upscale.

You might try www.gapadventures.com if you want an active trip such as sailing the Greek Isles, hiking in Tuscany, etc.

I've traveled with GAP Adventures and I did enjoy my tour, although some hotels weren't even 1*. However they have a few "comfort" tours which use nicer hotels, so that might suit your needs.