ABD London/Paris questions...

[Desnik]

We are really considering doing this tour and I just have a couple of questions I hope someone here can answer.

1) If booking airfare through ABD do they always use the same airlines? Do we get a choice of which airline we can use?

2) The food they offer when the tour eats together, is it food a picky eater would like? Are there options for kids?

3) If you add a day through them at the beginning of your trip, with they still provide airport transfer?

4) I see that at the Louvre they take the kids on a separate tour. What if my kids want to see the Mona Lisa and not go with the rest of the kids? Also, how is it at other times when they take the kids on their own adventure and your kid would rather stay with you?

5) I also see a bike ride tour in France, what if the kids can't ride a bike.(I know it may be strange but my kids don't ride bikes)

6) What time of year is the best weather wise to go on this tour?

That's it for now. I'm sure I'll have some more questions as my research continues. Thanks for any help!

 

[KLondon]

Hello and welcome! Here are some answers for you (we did this tour in July 2007 - family of 4 with kids 14 and 11 at the time):

1) If booking airfare through ABD do they always use the same airlines? Do we get a choice of which airline we can use?
===> We booked our own flights, but I believe ABD will try various airlines and give you options to select.

2) The food they offer when the tour eats together, is it food a picky eater would like? Are there options for kids?
===> The food choices are great for everyone - including picky eaters. And, yes, there are always options for kids. No worries here.

3) If you add a day through them at the beginning of your trip, with they still provide airport transfer?
Yes, you still get transfers when you book the extra day through ABD.

4) I see that at the Louvre they take the kids on a separate tour. What if my kids want to see the Mona Lisa and not go with the rest of the kids? Also, how is it at other times when they take the kids on their own adventure and your kid would rather stay with you?
===> It's not mandatory that kids take the kids tour if they don't want to. The whole point is that everyone gets to enjoy themselves. At the Louvre (for example), the kids tour is led by ABD guides and they see all the same stuff as the adults. It's just presented in a more kid-friendly way.

5) I also see a bike ride tour in France, what if the kids can't ride a bike.(I know it may be strange but my kids don't ride bikes)
===> Again, not a problem. The bike tour is optional and it's self-guided anyways. If you'd rather not bike through the gardens of Versailles, it's a lovely place to stroll on foot.

6) What time of year is the best weather wise to go on this tour?
===> Summer is generally the best weather in London/Paris. Anytime after mid-May is fine. We went in early July and the weather was gorgeous!

I'd encourage to read my trip report about this tour. Just follow this link below. If you have more questions, just post them here and someone will always answer!

 

[InstImpres]

Just to add two thoughts....

ABD uses published air (aka what you can find yourself on Travelocity). I usually search out the best rate and schedule to tell them. They can present other options in case I miss something but they will buy what I want. The advantage is they keep track of flight changes and if they change or cancel the tour, they are responsible.

When the group separates, you can also go with your child on the JA part if you prefer.

Good luck

 

[Desnik]

Thanks to both of you!!!
I thought of another question, hope you don't mind! How far in advance do you have to book?


KLondon
I'm off to read your trip report now!

 

[InstImpres]

Right now, for this trip they only go through 2008. The sooner you book the better as some dates fill and the early booking discounts are limited. Do keep in mind, the cancellation penalties are very different than WDW. It is a very small window from booking.

 

[Desnik]

When will the 2009 dates come out?

 

[InstImpres]

When will the 2009 dates come out?

We have been told August for dates and itineraries. If it follows suit to this year, we did not get rates right away with the dates and itineraries