A friend is planning his first trip to Europe and does not want an escorted tour or to travel independently either. There is a company called Untour that offers apartments with escorts. No, not that type of escorts.

Has anyone had experience with them?

Thank you

if you put untours into the search about you get lots of hits.

It's a great company to deal with.

We did our first apartment rental with them and it was a great intro, no hassle, no problems. I think that they pick great properties with wonderful landlords.

Yes, I have had first hand experience with Untours and can wholeheartedly recommend them. Since 2002 we have travelled with them four times-all for two week periods. Once on a Castle stay in Germany, twice to Switzerland, (Heartland and later Ticino), and most recent in 2008 to Venice.
The "escort" is actually a local staff person who is fluent in English and lives in the area where you are going. They will meet and greet you at the airport, assist you with getting your rental car, train or boat passes, or whatever type of transportation you will use for your stay, and sometimes escort you to your apartment, or at least see that you get on the right train in your jet lagged fog. During your stay they will host an orientation and an optional event such as a local performance or meal. They are always available by phone if you have problems or questions.
I think the Untours motto "Independent Travel with Support" just about sums up their role.
I would love to answer any more questions you may have about them. We are hoping to take an Untour to Austria or Holland in the near future.

Thank you

Another recommendation for Untours. I've used them for Greece and Italy. I've been very pleased both times. They are great.

I have used Untours for stays in Venice and Paris. As others have said, it is a wonderful company to deal with and the prices are reasonable, since they include local transportation, either a rental car or public transportation. The local contact person has a wealth of information and you have the opportunity to socialize with other Untours travelers, if you choose.

While there is obviously alot of good will towards Untours (and I always enjoy looking at their brochures) IMO their prices are no bargain and with a little research / homework you can find an apartment on your own. Of course with the Untour there has been more of a screening process and there is a more accesible human connection once you land, plus a group event. So maybe that would be best for your friend if he is new to international travel.

We have never used Untours although some friends did and liked it. my only problem has been that their "inventory" of accommodations was limited and often required a longer stay than we wanted. Perhaps they have improved in that respect since I last looked.

Thank you.

My friends are bit intimidated by countries where they do speak the language. They are American but he speaks fluent German.

In this particular instance he seems willing to spend the money to have a smooth trip. And he afraid of flying so they cross the Atlantic by ship.

I have used Untours on 3 occasions, dating back 20 years (Lungern, Switzerland, and Bacharach and St. Goar, Germany--when all trips were 3 WEEKS).
They are perfect intros for those fearing to be completely on their own. They serve as a nice safety net or bridge to independent travel.
But after learning of their methods (ie: finding great "local" apartments in cozy neighborhoods with 'hands-off' support available), I decided to recreate the concept myself. For my last 4 trips, I have booked Ferienwohnungen in various towns, directly with the landlord, in areas not served by Untours.
I thank them immensely for introducing me to the concept and for helping me to foster MY individual travel!

I've been on four Untours and can wholeheartedly recommend the company. I went to both Switzerland (Reuti) and to Pfarrwerfen, Austria, each time with a group of friends most of whom hadn't been in Europe before, and I went to Sintra, Portugal and Vietnam as well. (Those last two are not available any longer.)

Yes, I probably could have gone more cheaply on my own, but I like their services and the great mix of support and independence; it was easier than trying to do the cat-herding that's involved with five or six other people traveling with you. Their profits go toward active philanthropy, by the way, so it's quite worthwhile all the way around.

Lovely company to deal with!

Thank you. Sounds encouraging.