Advantages of choosing our Tours

SMALL GROUPS - An average of fewer than 11 persons per tour.

INTERESTING ITINERARIES - Behind the tourist facade, meeting 'locals', avoiding the tourist traps. Please note our tours are designed for the reasonably active and involve some walking (especially on Continental tours). Some itineraries may not suit those with mobility problems. Please consult us directly if in any doubt.

FLEXIBILITY - Small groups mean we can change our daily schedule, taking advantage of weather conditions, local events and your particular interest. Each evening the group discusses the following day's alternatives and there is scope for choice.

WELL-BALANCED SIGHTSEEING - Days of variety with something for all. Seeing both the famous sights (when the crowds have left) and the not so familiar. Entrance fees, when with your guide, are included in the tour price. Please note, the detailed itineraries printed in these web pages should be read as guidelines.

LEISURELY PACED - No six a.m. morning calls, no rush to be at predetermined places, no fifteen-minute stops at places of interest, and definitely no 'commission' shopping stops. Please note, there are occasional and unavoidable longer drives on the longer tours when we're driving between major accommodation bases. Inevitably, when travelling in company everyone will have different ideas of what is the ideal length of time to spend at specific sites.

'What is life but full of care if we have no time to stand and stare'.

ORGANISED INDEPENDENCE - You'll not be 'herded' and there'll be time to explore on your own in major towns (with our help, of course). On most tours there are opportunities for individuals to take alternative arrangements such as half day walks or make visits to family or friends.

COMFORTABLE MINI-COACH TRANSPORT - Our specially designed Renaults can travel anywhere a car can, reaching places the larger coach finds impossible. Luggage is generally stored under-floor and you sit high above the cars and hedgerows, enjoying good all round views.

We'll occasionally use six-seater multiple-purpose vehicles where the number of tour participants is five or below.

THE SAME ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A NUMBER OF NIGHTS - No constant packing and unpacking. Wherever possible we stay in a single accommodation and use this as a base for our daily explorations. Your first and last night's accommodation is included in tour price at the city where your tour arrives/departs (except on 4-day tours).

INTIMATE AND INTERESTING ACCOMMODATIONS - Inns, farmhouses, castles and quaint B&Bs, each with its own particular charm. Our accommodation is chosen for their location, their architectural interest, the welcome and skills of their hosts and their intimate size.

All accommodations are of a high standard (the majority a three star, crown or similar rating) and all rooms are with private facilities unless age or architecture does not permit such. Where there is sharing of facilities, it is never with more than one other room. Rooms are normally twin share. Limited single accommodation is available. Groups are sometimes split between adjoining or adjacent properties in smaller villages.

ENTERTAINING EVENINGS - Optional theatres, visits to country pubs, lectures and fun!

EDUCATED AND ENTERTAINING TOUR DIRECTORS - Our companion/guides, both male and female, boast a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Authors, college professors, adventurers, photographers, ex-service officers, sailors and even a member of the Royal Household! They are philosophers, diplomats, historians and entertainers but, above all else, they are dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

WONDERFUL FOOD - The very best of local cuisine, sampling regional favourites whenever possible. We dine at restaurants, pubs and at accommodations. We even find a spot for the occasional picnic! Traditional English, Irish and continental breakfasts (as appropriate), and three-course evening meal are included in your tour price except where listed on individual itineraries.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES - You'll see that we have scores of departure dates so there is sure to be one that suits your time frame. Unlike most other tour operators, once we've accepted your booking, and you've paid your deposit, we promise that we'll not cancel your tour. If you've invested your dreams in us, we'll try to make them a reality. On the rare occasions when there are only one or two persons booked on to a tour, we'll advise you on this and give you the opportunity of cancelling the land tour without cost or transferring on to another tour where there may be more tour participants.

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET - Many tour companies advertise a low initial price to attract you. Once you're on the tour, you find your purse or wallet is constantly open as you pay for additional options and extras. Our tours are designed to be as inclusive as possible. See Tour Inclusions.