David McGuffin's Exploring Europe

Welcome from David
Introducing my tours and travel philosophy.

David's Tour Philosophy
What make my tours different from all the others?

Reviews from Tour Alumi
Straight-forward and unbiased reviews from people who have explored Europe with me.

TOUR ALUMNI COMMENTS

"I didn't know I could absorb so much history and information. There's simply no way we could have learned as much as we did without David, and his experts along the way (including the bus drivers). Fantastic!"- Geri, Jacksonville, Florida -- Italy, Switzerland and France 2011

"Our guide Jim was wonderful! He had a wonderful ability to "read" the group and in a short time knew so much about our interests as individuals (including the teens)... David did a wonderful job balancing touring with free time for us to explore London on our own."
- Cat, Green Cove Springs, Florida -- London and the Countryside 2011

"It was such a great experience. It was neat having a local's perspective. I travelled with People to People Student Ambassadors two years ago, but David's tour opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on the world/country as a local in a sense... My favorite destination was Toledo. The atmosphere was amazing and I wish we could have stayed there longer. It was good to be forced to speak Spanish because the locals knew very very limited English. The restaurant that I went to with my group had English menus but Spanish-speaking waiters. It was cool being able to interact with her by speaking Spanish even though there was miscommunication sometimes." -- Linnea, Orange Park, Florida -- Paris and Madrid Tour 2011

"David is so knowledgeable about these cities in Europe! He provided us with the most important information we needed." Karen, Green Cove Springs, Florida - Paris and Madrid Tour 2011

"For me there were fiver"wow" moments: having a picnic near the Eiffel tower; listening to mass in French at Sacré Coeur church in Mont Martre; seeing the Paris sights traveling in the new open motorized tricycle. In Spain, visiting the City Of Toledo and seeing where the world renown swords are made; in Madrid seeing the art in the Prado Museum." - Maria, Middleburg, Florida -- Paris and Madrid Tour 2011

"David has a passion for what he does, and he knows all about Europe." -- Memory, Orange Park, Florida -- Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic 2010

"David has a real passion for exploring Europe and wants to share it with as many people as he can. David is well organized, educated and hands on. He doesn't just read a book about Europe and tell you about it, he goes to the country, explores it himself and then organizes a tour based on his explorations." - Jenn, Jacksonville, Florida -- Switzerland and France 2011

"David's knoweldge of our European destinations proved very helpful for planning personal excursions. The daily printed guides helped to anticiapte our destination during the bus rides. Again, David's expereience and knowledge was the most instrumental element of David McGuffin's Exploring Europe."
- Odeen, Orange Park, Florida - several tours 2005-2009

See more comments and tour reviews by following this link.

David's current tour offerings

When it comes to showing people around my favorite places in Europe, no one can do it better. This is not to say that I know Europe better than anyone else, it's just that I know my tour destinations like a local. Taking a tour with Exploring Europe is a guaranteed success because we know the destinations, the hotels, the restaurants, and the things to see and experience. We won't waste your time sitting on a bus, wandering through tacky tourist's shops, or waiting around for something to happen. Instead you can expect a well thought-out and pre-planned tour experience designed to enhance and maximize your travel experience. When traveling with me, you'll experience Europe from an insider's perspective... not simply as a sightseer watching Europe pass through the window of a tour bus.

ITALY - FRANCE - SPAIN
March 16 - 24, 2012
$2625 - including air from Jacksonville, Florida

Enjoy a trek through three culturally diverse countries along the beautiful Mediterrean coast. Experience Volterra, my favorite Tuscan hilltown for a taste of Italian cuisine, rich history and authentic locals. In Nice, enjoy the lifestyles of the rich and famous in this chic and swanky Côte d' Azur town. The provincial towns of Arles and Carcassonne will round out your tour experience in France. Madrid and Barcelona are sure to present a varied look at culturally diverse Spain. All this, laced with fine food, great sights, and a comfortable bus are sure to provide an educational and entertaining tour experience.

A TASTE OF IRELAND
June 22 - 29, 2012
$2289 - including air from Jacksonville, Florida

I was challenged by a friend to design an affordable tour to one of my favorite destinations. Ireland came to mind because its close proximity to the USA and many links with our culture. More importantly, Ireland presents an amazing opportunity to experience the great outdoors, traditional music, fine food, great Guiness and a unique culture, all without the stress of learning a foreign language!

SCOTLAND and IRELAND
June 30 - July 13, 2012
$3999 including air from JFK

This itinerary is sure to offer the excitement found in the cosmopolitian cities of Dublin, Galway, Glasgow and Edinburgh and contrast that with small villages and scenic countrysides. Sprinkled along the way you'll find a hearty portion of traditional music, pre-historic sites, countless mountain vistas and seaside charm.

SCOTLAND and IRELAND with a "Bon Vivant" Spirit
July 2- 12, 2012
$2539 + airfare

The Bon Vivant Tour Experience: The French use this term to describe one who enjoys the finer things in life, especially fine food and drink. This tour embraces that philosophy, offering opportunities to experience fine wine, great ales, stellar stouts, and fortified spirits. The wine glass symbol denotes tasting and fine dining experiences throughout the tour. These are included in the cost of your tour.

Beginning in Scotland, you will spend ten exciting days exploring the Celtic connections of these two countries. You'll visit Glasgow for a look at modern-day Scotland and Edinburgh for the medieval and Georgian times. In between, experience the lush medows, mountains and lochs of the Highlands.

Then, take a short flight over to Ireland where we will dance right into Dublin and all its history. Then, make a trip around the southern part of the Ireland visiting ancient monastic settlements, "forty shades of green" mountains and valleys, several charming seaport towns, and for sure, a pub or two!

AUSTRIA-GERMANY-PARIS-SWITZERLAND-BURGUNDY
July 17 - 27, 2012
$4099 including airfare from JFK

This tour begins with a quick look at Munich's famed city center and a two night stay in Salzburg. A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Reutte rounds out the third day of the tour. We will play hopscotch on the Rhine River visiting Freiburg and Colmar. Then, head to Switzerland for my favorite alpine village experience in the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley. After two nights in Switzerland, we board the "Golden Pass" train for an excursion through the Alps to Montreaux. Later, travel to the heart of Burgundian wine country and set up for a night in Beaune, France. Finally, you will have three days to explore Paris, the City of Light.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS of GERMANY and AUSTRIA
December 15 - 23, 2012
Price - $2049 + airfare
Price - $3289 with airfare

Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) pop up in many Austrian and German town during the Christmas season. Traditionally, these little wooden stalls are placed in town squares and infused with Christmas spirit and cheer. None can compare to the beauty, variety and seasonal ambience of those in Nuremberg, Salzburg, and Munich. Here you’ll find everything from unique European Christmas decorations, beautiful handcrafted arts and endless opportunities to feast on sumptuous food. All this, combined with chilly weather, Christmas carolers, millions of lights, and festive decorations is assured to supercharge the traditional European tour experience.

THE BEST OF IRELAND and the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND
Galway - Dingle - Kilkenny - Dublin

June 1 - 11, 2012

Price $3466 - Airfare included from your hometown airport

Enjoy three days at the International Quilt Festival of Ireland, located in Galway. Enjoy a tour around the Emerald Isle in typical Exploring Europe style. Experience traditional music, gourmet dining, amazing destinations, and comfy family-owned hotels and B&B's. This, laced together with friendly and knowledgable guides and driverswill help make Ireland come to life!

LONDON - BATH - SCOTLAND - IRELAND

June 7 - 22, 2012

Price $3689 + airfare

Beginning in London, enjoy three full days to explore the sights and experience this capital city. Then, head to the English countryside for a look at Stonehenge and the city of Bath. After a quick flight to Edinburgh, head straight away to the Highlands and enjoy an overnight stay in Oban, a charming fishing village. Edinburgh, with its grand Georgian architecture and quaint medieval streets is sure to provide sights and entertainment for two days.

Then, enjoy a quick flight across the Irish Sea to Dublin, where you will have two days to experience the city. Bbegin a loop around the south end of the island visiting Kilkenny, Dingle, and finally, Doolin, on the rugged west coast.

This tour is sure to present an amazing opportunity to experience the great outdoors, traditional music, fine food, great pubs, and a unique culture... all without the stress of learning a foreign language!