Tour company recommendations for my 70 year old parents
Aug 26th, 2013, 02:18 PM
#41
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thursdaysd, there was no need to be so sniffy about it. I was merely questioning your view that European river cruises have the same limitations that ocean cruises do. And where does the snarky remark about "feeding you pablum" come in? Whoa. We travel independently too (and we've lived in four different countries in Europe for 15 years and counting), but we have European friends living here who've done Christmas market river cruises and have enjoyed the experience very much. They had as much time in the towns as the people who went on comparable Christmas market coach tours.
Aug 4th, 2014, 12:41 PM
#44
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Thought I would re-post now that my parents have taken their tour. After lots of research, they decided on a Rick Steve's "my way" tour of Italy and absolutely loved it. The "my way" tours include hotels and transportation between locations, but sightseeing and meals are on your own. They thought that was a perfect combination. They didn't have to worry about logistics, and they were free to do what they wanted each day and for meals. They were happy with the itinerary and the hotel locations. They had a very knowledgeable and friendly "escort" who was able to answer questions and give suggestions. For two 70 year olds who do not speak Italian, and who did not want to worry about logistics, it really worked out well for them. They both said they would do another Rick Steve's tour in a heartbeat. It has been really fun to hear them talk about all they got to see and do - it really was the trip of a lifetime for them.
Aug 4th, 2014, 01:51 PM
#48
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I really appreciate the update; glad they had fun.
I sometimes think about the time ahead when independent travel won't be so easy for us, and I'm happy to read that someone went on a tour and had a great time.
I sometimes think about the time ahead when independent travel won't be so easy for us, and I'm happy to read that someone went on a tour and had a great time.
Aug 4th, 2014, 02:09 PM
#50
Talking about "untours", I've never used this outfit, would be interested in hearing from someone who has: http://www.untours.com
Aug 4th, 2014, 03:15 PM
#52
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Love this thread -- we too are tour-wary, but are liking the looks and itinerary of Road Scholars 2-week tour starting in Bordeaux and departing from Toulouse. Their hotel locations are good, 2-4 night stays not 1-nighters, headsets for every passenger (which cuts down on annoying questions, chatter on the bus -- ditto for flying w/ my Bose noise cancelling!). We are very active seniors too but not inclined to self-drive this route; the barge/river cruises essentially go nowhere, perhaps it's restrictions on the rivers? Driving between cities is easy, it's driving and parking in the cities that gets to be not fun. We have only taken one GCT cruise of Amalfi & Tuscany 12 years ago and were pleased; only taken one Celebrity cruise of Baltic which was great and a practical way to see 8 countries on this and that side of the sea. Given the positive feedback above, think Road Scholar next September will be our choice! Thanks all, and glad your parents loved their RS tours-- he does what he does well, no surprises or illusions.
Aug 5th, 2014, 08:43 AM
#53
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Thursdaysd:
My husband and I have used Untours several times and would highly recommend the company. Untours is a company that has been around a long time. You spend at least a week in an apartment in one location; you can combine two or three locations in one trip. Transfers and local transportation (car rental or public transportation, depending on the location) are included in the price, as well as transportation to the next city/country if you are continuing for another week. Untours has a local rep who greets you when you arrive and orients you to your apartment and neighborhood. Travelers arriving for the same week are invited to an orientation session with the local rep on the next day and also to another,optional event, such as a dinner or a concert, sometime during the week. These local guides are extremely helpful. The apartments vary in size, location and amenities. They are generally comfortable, but not luxurious. The nice thing about Untours is that the company donates its profits to a foundation that supports anti-poverty efforts throughout the world.
My husband and I have used Untours several times and would highly recommend the company. Untours is a company that has been around a long time. You spend at least a week in an apartment in one location; you can combine two or three locations in one trip. Transfers and local transportation (car rental or public transportation, depending on the location) are included in the price, as well as transportation to the next city/country if you are continuing for another week. Untours has a local rep who greets you when you arrive and orients you to your apartment and neighborhood. Travelers arriving for the same week are invited to an orientation session with the local rep on the next day and also to another,optional event, such as a dinner or a concert, sometime during the week. These local guides are extremely helpful. The apartments vary in size, location and amenities. They are generally comfortable, but not luxurious. The nice thing about Untours is that the company donates its profits to a foundation that supports anti-poverty efforts throughout the world.
Aug 5th, 2014, 09:20 AM
#54
I have never done an organized tour myself. But Road Scholar or Rick Steves are two I would have them look at.
National Geographic has some amazing tour options (I subscribe to their travel magazine so receive info on these) that are not cheap (from moderate to really expensive) but look incredible.
National Geographic has some amazing tour options (I subscribe to their travel magazine so receive info on these) that are not cheap (from moderate to really expensive) but look incredible.
