I've already recommended this tour to several friends - 18 days in Northern Europe sounds like a long time to be on a bus, but the time passes quickly and I saw *so* much. It was great to stop briefly in towns on the way to our destination because we got to see more. My guide Aileen and driver Sylvian were the best - I never worried about anything because we were safe and we always had a preview of what was coming up next. I wasn't planning to do the optional excursions but I'm glad for the ones I did choose because they enhanced my experience and learning about where we were. My only issue is that we were never anywhere long enough to get clothes washed, so hand washing clothes as you go is a must. I enjoyed the tour, my fellow travelers, and we covered a lot of ground - I'd consider doing the tour again because it was fun and memorable.
I took a 13 day eastern Europe trip in August and what a wonderful trip it was. Tour leader Brandon was good and l was appreciative of the time in Venice as he got us in early before the crowds and he made sure to take us down all the canal lane ways explaining and pointing out points of interest, something that would have been a challenged if left to do it ourselves, His History knowledge was also much appreciated. Our bus driver was brilliant, very safe and professional at all times. The trip was exceptional value, the hotels were of a good standard, possibly one could be changed. Hotels were always close to transport as most were a little out of the main areas or cities. One small point would be that a little more information could have been given concerning good eating places and directions for our free days and when dinners weren't included and also locations of supermarkets and launderettes. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and l would most definitely book with expat again and would highly recommend to family and friends.
Our Tour guide Diamaide was exceptional. He was always 100% professional, went above and beyond to ensure we were safe, informed of local history and culture and having a really positive experience at the same time. He led a tight ship, we new our responsibilities, we knew what his were and it became a family atmosphere for the entire trip. We looked out for one another and Diamaide looked after us all. It was my first trip to Europe and we are so grateful we him guiding us. Mwhaa xxx