What makes my tours different from others?
Hi, I'm David McGuffin. Before signing up for one of my tours I encourage you to do some shopping around. A tour to Europe is going to cost you several thousands of dollars and I think you should see how we do things a little differently than most other tour companies. Once you make some comparisons I think you'll agree we've got a pretty good thing going here. If my tour philosophies fit your travel style I personally pledge to give you an amazing travel experience. Here's how we do things a little differently:
1. I personally plan all my tours.
These really are my tours. I plan them, I lead a lot of them and I enjoy visiting each destination time and time again. Many of the hotel and restaurant owners are my personal friends and welcome my groups year after year. Our bus companies and drivers have been working with us from the first day we operated tours in Europe. The year 2011 marks my 34th year of traveling to Europe and eleven years of organizing my own tours. I know my European tour destinations like the back of my hand and have a passion for sharing them with my travel partners!
2. Thrifty use of your time makes for a stress-free tour experience.
You'll do, see and experience a lot on our tours. But, we do realize you are on vacation and need some freedom and relaxation. Our tours are structured to give short travel days, mostly two night hotel stays and your own free-time in towns. After a day of sightseeing with your guide there's always opportunities to break away from the group to do a little more exploring on your own.
3. Thrifty thoughts to stretch your tour budget.
We don't offer the cheapest tours to Europe, but I pledge to offer an amazing and stress-free tour experience that is easy on your pocketbook. We do this by taking care of all the planning, hotels, meals, travel and sightseeing for you. The price you pay is all-inclusive, meaning you won't be "nickeled and dimed" with annoying optional excursions, tips, dining and other unexpected expenses. In the end, you get what you pay for. My goal is to offer an amazing travel experience at thrifty prices.
4. Tasteful Travels...We take food seriously.
Eating well is a priority on our tours and we've included breakfast and many of your lunches or dinners (see specific tour itineraries for details). I've spent years poking around Europe's nooks and crannies in search of fine food and a true bon vivant spirit. You are sure to experience some outstanding restaurants that serve up simply amazing fresh and local dishes in a modest and straightforward atmosphere. You can count on eating well!
5. Tour Guides with a passion for teaching and travel.
I still lead many of my tours, but when I can't, I choose guides who are my personal friends and who share my passion for European travel. We all enjoy visiting with people, showing them the sights, pointing them in the right direction and teaching them to be an educated and informed traveler. Most importantly, my guides and I are passionate about what we do and want to make your tour the best travel experience you've ever had. Your sightseeing will come to life and take on new meaning when coupled with our informative brochures, informal lectures and insights from local guides. We mean it when we say, "we'd love to show you around!"
6. Small Groups promote Thrifty and Tasteful Travels.
There is more to the word "tasteful" than its connection to food. Think about it...many tour organizers put fifty people on a fifty passenger bus and sightsee through Europe. These folks travel in an "Americanized bubble" and only get out occasionally to experience the real Europe. Even then they travel around in large packs and are herded from one sight or shopping experience to another by their kickback hungry drivers and guides. When buying gifts, souvenirs, meals, and even snacks these group members often pay inflated "jacked-up" tourist prices. Yes, they see Europe, but only from a very slanted and tasteless perspective.
Our tour groups consist of 9 - 26 people allowing us to visit, see, and experience things that the big groups don't even know exist. Often we can "fly under the tour group radar" and not even be recognized as group. We provide a tasteful travel experience by ensuring that you are treated as individuals seeking to learn about the culture, history and character of the locale. This is a thrifty deal for you because you'll actually save money when purchasing souvenirs, meals, and even a coffee or ice cream because you'll be dealing with the local merchants, paying local prices and getting quality products. In short it's the only way I'll run a tour...thrifty and tasteful all around.
7. A relaxed yet active travel style.
Our tours are for active people who can get by without too much pampering in the way of four-star hotels and personal baggage service. We do a lot of walking everyday to visit and experience the sights. If you can't walk too much, ours tours may not be for you. On the other hand on many occasions you can make a choice as to how much or little walking you do. Often a cab, train or bus may be an alternative to walking. At each destination your guide can suggest alternatives should the need arise, just know it will be at your own expense and you might miss out on some tour elements.
We do a lot of relaxing too. I am a big fan is sitting for an hour or so in a cozy cafe soaking up the sights, sounds and ambiance of the locale. Our evening meals are a wonderful time to relax, share travel experiences and have fun visiting with everyone.
8. Tasteful and hand selected hotels.
Our hotels are clean, safe, have private baths and are centrally located to the sights and/or city centers. Often our hotels are family-run establishments which represent the local “flavor” of the area. Many of the hotels host our tour groups year after year and have developed a close relationship with us. You can rest assured I have personally selected all our hotels for their quality, cleanliness, comfort and location.
9. Thrifty and Tasteful Price Guarantee
We pledge to honor the advertised price of your tour. We'll never add on optional tour excursions or come back and ask for more money to fund the tour. Even if our tour costs change or there is a jump in the exchange rate your cost will remain the same. Once you pay your deposit the advertised price is guaranteed unconditionally.
10. Peace of mind should something not go according to plan.
I want you to feel confident about traveling with us so I have come up with some plans to offer peace of mind when booking a tour. Your tour deposits are 100% refundable up until January 5 of your travel year, or for two weeks after we receive your deposit (whichever is later). We offer free medical, baggage and tour interruption insurance for everyone. Additionally, we've partnered with a major insurance provider to offer affordable comprehensive tour cancellation insurance should you desire it. Finally, if your plans change, you can switch to any of our current year tours which have seats available. See specific tour conditions for full details.
