Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Group Size

Itinerary

Extras you don't normally get

Airfare
I believe in leaving specialty items to the experts ... so booking the air is handled by our expert. Our well qualified, caring and detail-oriented travel agent searches out the best airfare and carrier, making all the arrangements, even for those in other parts of the country. In the advent of strikes, etc. she is there to help us. You can't do better! Coming from another area? You can usually be matched up with us en route. We find the advantages of traveling with the group to be worth while, especially with pick-ups and returns to the airport.

Group size
About 15 to 20, sometimes smaller - generally no more than 26 persons. For Morocco and Tunisia, only 8 to 12 travelers. Enough to be interesting but few enough not to be a mob. In the Seattle area there will be a meeting or two plus a pot-luck dinner to get acquainted before the trip which helps make the group more cohesive. Strong friendships are very often formed during our trips.

Guides
We prefer to use superb local guides who love their cities and know the current situation, thus giving you the most enthusiastic and in-depth information. Often they join us for meals and free time. They work well with the American escort who keeps things running smoothly. In Turkey and Spain we do use knowledgeable and enthusiastic country guides throughout the trip - both are THE BEST. They generously share their expertise from morning to night. Our guides regard you as their friends, not just another groups for business purposes.

Hotels
Our criteria for choosing hotels is: central location, cleanliness, atmosphere, value for dollar. They range from 3 to 5 star, all with bathrooms. Rates are given for two to a room, some singles available.

Itinerary
Ours are planned with both structured and free time. You can participate or be independent - your choice! We give coach talks as an intoduction to an area before arrival plus plenty of maps and idfferent hand-outs and we carry a small "library." We try to include the top attractions along the way AND you can add your input before the tour in case there is something important to you. How many other tour groups offer you that opportunity? You will not be "hit up" for optional tours and visits. We DON'T want you seeing the countryside through a bus window, living out of a suitcase as you whiz from place to place. Tours like that are advertised at an appealing price and you are zipped down the roadway with stops for group meals, leaving at ungodly hours and arriving too late and too tired to relax and get into the spirit of the location. Not our style! Independence is encouraged! I don't want you to be a sheep, following blindly, yet there is a lot of hand holding if needed. Daily intineraries are suggested and each tour is designed to show you the most in a an easy way without being a "if this is Tuesday it must be Belgium" experience. The individual city tours are perfect for the person who wants extra free time or to be completely independent, but with the "back-up" of the group.

Price
Wise travelers shop around before making their tour selection and understand completely what is included before they buy. Each of our tours has a separate sheet listing what is included such as transportation, accommodations, admissions, driver and guides tips and a basic insurance package. There are no surprises. We frequently get compliments from our travelers about the "bargain" they received.

Special events
These are what we call "serendipity" adventures. We love to surprise you with extras: an impromptu visit to a local home, having special dinners with a family in Turkey or Morocco or a famous personage, stopping to dig potatoes or harvest cotton in the fields with the locals. Perhaps we visit an artist or tradesman who will give a demo on their craft. We sometimes turn left instead of right and take the back roads instead of the main ones. We try for those spontaneous moments and call out often, "Stop the bus, Marc!"

Transportation
We travel in comfortable European style coach (there is no American comparison) on most tours. Luxurious, with reclining seats, hot and cold drink service, PA system and a rest room for emergencies. Our skilled drivers navigate us through difficult traffic, complicated cities, over twisting roads and narrow lanes - they become our friends, looking out for our safety and comfort, as well as sharing their knowledge. For the Swiss trip, we travel by train and the English walking tour can be coach for van depending on the size of the group.

Extras you don't normally get
Before the trip: There is an information meeting at my home in Seattle. The basics of general travel and how to survive are covered -- money needed, money belts, clothing, packing, banking, photography, local transportation, etc. Sometimes an extra class is offered focusing on cities and countries to be visited. We also get together for a pre-trip pot-luck dinner to get better acquainted and cover last minute details. Thos who live out of the area are given this extra information.
During the trip: We pass out daily route maps, city maps and brochures to help you decide how to spend your free time. We give information about things we are seeing, organize pre-dinner get-togethers and steer the group into extra events that might happen along the way.
When you return: There is another social evening potluck with sharing of slides, pictures and memories. Often the group will meet several times just to keep in touch. Because many are from the same area, friendships which began on the trip are continued for many years.
Attend one of our information meetings in Seattle! We would be happy to supply you with names of former travelers who will give you an honest evaluation of their tour with us. I doubt you will find this much service with any other group! Call us at 1-800-775-3861.