Has anyone done an escorted vacation tour?

[bekkiz]

We took a Trafalger tour of Greece in 2003, which included a land portion and cruise portion.

The land portion was fabulous. We had a great guide, we saw lots of really cool stuff and all the hotels were more than adequate. The cruise portion left a lot to be desired, but I don't blame Trafalger, it was not really thier fault.

I think that if it's your first time to a particular country, if you're a newish traveller, or worried about navigating in a new place, an organized trip is a great idea. The transportion between cities is sometimes a hassle, and it's really nice not to worry about it!

Some downsides: Pretty strict departure times in the mornings, lots of packing and repacking because you only stay the night, dealing with other people for extended periods. Still, there's lots of places where I would totally do a guided tour again.

Also, look into the Rick Steves trips in Europe. I love his books, and a lot of the itineraries look really interesting.

 

[bicker]

We went with Globus to Egypt in 2001 and they were fantastic. We're considering going with them to Peru next year.

 

[gracie1]

Thank you all so much for your input.

As for the meals that are included.....do they pick the food you will be served? That was one of my concerns, that they serve one entree and it's something that you may not like (like snails or something )

I know a lot of people prefer to eat cultural foods, but I am a picky eater and don't eat seafood at all. So I am worried that they choose what you will eat and may not like that.

 

[southernbohemian]

On the one I went on it was a limited menu - but you usually had a choice of 2 or 3 entrees. I ended up eating a lot of chicken because that was back in the Mad Cow days and the other choice was salmon, which I don't like.

 

[gracie1]

On the one I went on it was a limited menu - but you usually had a choice of 2 or 3 entrees. I ended up eating a lot of chicken because that was back in the Mad Cow days and the other choice was salmon, which I don't like.

Thanks! I can deal with chicken (and steak). I am just not into trying cultural foods (unless I go to italy!)