If you really are set on taking a tour, check out the Rick Steves tours. I think they would fit better with what you want to get out your trip, and they are kept at a smaller group. I did a Globus tour 40 years ago and unless they have changed, it is a lot of scurrying about, being dropped off in shopping districts with little information about where you are, and having to have your bag outside your room by 6:30 am. Frankly, the only way you can do it at a leisurely pace, is to do it on your own.
Get a couple of good guidebooks, narrow down your objectives and do it on your own. I think you will be much happier with the results. You'd probably want to book back to back and tours versus one that does both.Even so, for sure, these forums are overwhelmingly those who favor independent travel.There are times when an escorted tour may make sense, but at a huge premium. When you subtract the hotels, admission fees, then divide by the number of days, the cost is several times over the cost of whatever the itinerary is on your own. You pay a for that guide (and some are more informative, pleasant, etc., than others.)Independent travel does involve a lot of research and planning - for many that's almost as much fun as actually going.With escorted tours, you're confined to a strict schedule, hotels may not be the nicest or well located, included food may not be as good as what you would find on your own (beware of hotel buffets everywhere).
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And, also beware of 'optionals' not included in the itinerary and also usually much pricier than doing the very same excursions on your own.If economy is not a priority, you don't mind packing and being on the bus early (and getting up even earlier if you want breakfast ahead of heading out), traveling around in a herd, and you can't be bothered with research and planning.an escorted tour may suit you. Globus is a decent tour operator and has enjoyed a good reputation for many years.
It will not be a small group but they manage the tour well. They get repeat customers year after year. Globus is considered a step up from Cosmos Tours which are cheaper and usually more fast paced. Also Globus' hotels will be more central than those used by Cosmos. I fully understand that for some people independent travel is the way to go but as a former travel agent I sold many Globus Tours and got first hand feedback upon their return. Most came back and started planning for their Globus Tour. I have not been in the business for about 10 years but assume that they are still reliable.
Another tour company name that comes to mind is Colette Tours. One caution.there are many departures and you need to check to make sure the one you are booking has a 'guaranteed' departure as they will not operate it with fewer than xx number of passengers. You will also be purchasing an air ticket and this can get messy if they do not operate your departure date and want to move you to a different one.
Actually it may be helpful to speak to an agent in your area to see what tours they recommend. While I don't necessarily recommend agents for individual travel with just air and hotels they can be helpful in booking tours. There are tours that offer a slower pace and more free time which sounds like what you want. As I read your inquiry you did not ask about independent vs. Tour so I'm not sure why some replies above are all about that but hopefully you will find a good tour match to meet your needs. I just noted that you are from Australia but my advice holds. Maybe others from your area know of companies that I do not here in USA.
Edited: 6 years ago. I a sure that doing it on your own is better in that you see exactly what you want to and at your leisure.
If my wife and I had the time and money, we would try this type of vacation but it would require several trips from the US to to accomplish.So, yes we do the escorted coach tours. Yes, It is very fast paced and lots of riding but we see so much and so many cities and counties. They drive and we relax. Pluses and minuses to each. We did a 15 days CIE tour of UK (, and ) three years ago and it was amazing. We now doing a 21 day Globus in Europe at the end of the summer.
Contents.Timeline The Globus family of brands traces its history to 1928, when Antonio Mantegazza started using a to transport commercial goods across in Switzerland.Over time, Mantegazza acquired motorcoaches to transport tourists around the Lake Lugano area in southern Switzerland. Boasting a fleet of 12 coaches, operating local excursions for European tourists in Switzerland, Mantegazza called his new venture Globus Viaggi.By 1950 the company operated 33 coaches with overnight excursions to Rome, the. Gradually, the overnight excursions became regularly scheduled tours and grew longer to cover more ground.