How does it compare to other tours?

[jpmom]

Never done an ABD -- considering it ---- but really need to do our research!

It seems really, really expensive. We love to travel and have never been to Europe with our boys. (only on our own)

We like to go off the beaten path, and mix touring with non-conventional things... (like finding that little neighborhood cafe and meeting the locals)

Is this for us?

 

[lastminutemom]

Nm

 

[mapsd]

We struggled with the same decision before we booked our Viva Italia tour with our 14 & 11 y.o.'s (July 9,2012 departure).

Do the the math and it is definitely cheaper to do it on your own, but start considering what you'd pay to skip lines, not get lost, never schlep your bags from town to town, & to have a translator handy is worth. Even the wasted time arranging transportation and debating over where/what to eat has value.

We usually love going it alone as well, so to satisfy that urge, we're flying in early and are going to visit Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, etc on our own & base out of Sorrento, where lodging is more affordable. (Our kids really wanted to see Pompeii). We're also going to layover in London for 3 days on the way home!

ABD also has quite a bit of free time built in.

After doing a lot of homework, we decided it was worth it and pulled the trigger. We're just collectively cutting costs now to help justify the pricetag by eating out less/reducing expenses.

Good luck on your decision

 

[ennuiphobe]

We've done K&L and Q4TW with ABD (and Costa Rica w/ Tauck Bridges). While we enjoyed K&L, I'd have to say it was our least favorite trip. You're definitely in the 'tourist bubble' on that trip, and while some free time is available, for us it was not enough (in fact our favorite parts on that trip were the times on our own before and after the ABD part).

It sounds you're comfortable traveling in Europe on you own, so I think the main advantage to ABD is that your boys would have other kids to hang out with. If that's not a concern, I think you might better enjoy planning your own trip, where you can set the schedule and activities that best fit your interests.