We are thinking of going to either an Italian Tour or London/Paris tour in June. We usually do not take tours but my husband and I both need a rest from planning and driving. <BR> <BR>We are not really looking for a budget tour, but something worth the money. Can anyone suggest which tour companies to look into. Want well located, airconditioned hotels, friendly service and guides, nice amount of free time. We have looked into Trafalgar and Globus. Globus doesn't seem to have a great reputation. <BR> <BR>Thanks for any help you can offer.

Globus has a lousy reputation. I took a Trafalgar tour and enjoyed it but resented the many expensive "optional" excursions they added and which, of course, no-one wanted to miss. I've heard wonderful things about Tauck tours (I think they're about $1,000 more per person than Trafalgar or Globus--but worth every penny).

I have heard great things about Tauck Tours, which are expensive, but apparently well worth it. <BR>Also, we took a Perillo Tour to Hawaii two summers ago and it was fabulous. Perillo specializes in Italy, so I would think those tours must be good. I've read their brochure, and they offer lots of options, itinerary wise, and also you have the option of taking tours with all meals included or not. I think they also have a trip by train, if you prefer that to buses.

Tauck Tours are superb in every way. We have taken five of them and cannot imagine how they could be much better.. The guides are always fantastic, hotels are always tops and many meals are included, ordering anything off the menu. While the tours are expensive, and airfare is not included, we still leave each tour feeling we could not have done the things offered for much less on our own.

I agree Tauck is the best. We are trying Perillo this summer. We have used <BR>Insight twice for Europe and were very pleased. They are a bit better than Trafalgar. I wouldn't even consider Globus.Feel free to email any questions <BR>about Insight. Have fun. <BR>Kathy <BR>