European tours

[Vera]

To those who were on a European tour, can you please share your itinerary, places you've been to and comments on your tour experience.

I'm also interested to know if it is better to book a tour package from a travel agent or plan our own?

And, rates please.

[fabulosity]

Hi Vera! I've been to a cosmos tour  last year and I must say, it was worth every dollar I've spent! True. It's like whirlwind type of travelling and frankly, you'll only stay a couple of days in each city given the time constraint. However, it's ideal for folks who don't have all the time in the world like myself. I love the fact that I was able to see so much in so little time!

I went on a 13 day tour that covered London, Paris, Lucerne (Switzerland), Rome, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Verona, and Lugano. Advantages of joining the tour: No need to plan since everything is taken care of, all breakfasts and some dinners are inlcuded, some city sightseeing tours (guided) are included like in lucerne, paris, venice, and florence, transportation never a problem, etc.
drawbacks: hotels were 3 star at best, optional tours are pricy but necessary, such as the tours to the sistine chapel and mt. titlis , which I highly recommend, long coach rides but bearable since there are restroom/lunch breaks (autogrills are fun!) every couple of hours, again, not enough time for each city, although don't be discouraged since you'll be given free time to explore on your own, daily rigid routines which require getting up about 5 am (which I did not mind at all), etc. 

Bottom line: obviously, joining tours got its pros and cons. But for first timers and maybe for those who don't want the hassle of planning or have only limited vacation time, hands down, tours are the way to go. I'm positive.But then again, I don't have anything against independent travel, which I do sometimes, time permitting. It's your call.

This was the itinerary:

http://www.affordabletours.com/search/tours/17449/

Btw, I booked mine from affordable tours online but I believe you can have your trusted travel agent book this for you as well. All in all, I'd say I've spent a little under $10,000 for two but this is net (this covers everything, including an LV bag, murano glass, venetian mask, several other souvenirs, did not skimp on meals, and joined almost all the optional tours). But land package only costs $1700 (September rate), which is dirt cheap. Airfare can be arranged for you as well and I payed like less than $1000 per person roundtrip (open jaw:Chicago to London, Rome to Chicago)

Actually, I will be joining another European tour this coming Jan. 31 this time with Globus, which I'm pysched about! I'll do a trip report when I'm back. Hope this helps.

 

[Vera]

Hi fabulosity,

Thanks for the info, really helpful. Actually I don't mind "whirlwind tours" at all. However, I would like to spend around 5 days per city so can I do more. That can be done right?

We like going on tours as well since I don't like the hassle of getting lost and asking for directions.

I will check out that site that you posted. Thanks again!

Btw, I'll be coming from the Phils is we plan to travel before May. Otherwise, we'll come from San Francisco.

[aquacharly]

There are GPS for most European cities sold in the US -- both for walking and driving.

5 days per city is my preference too -- gives you enough time to soak in all the important sites, without rushing around and trying to cram everything.

When you hit a city -- see if you can join a walking tour.  The 1 in Florence, I highly recommend.  The guides give you a lot of info not readily available.  The 1 offered at the Coloseum in Rome is good too.  Even better is the 1 for the Vatican Museum.  The guides of accredited companies are able to walk though parallel passages/corridors  (where the rest of the crowds pass through) and get you to the most important exhibits so much faster.  They give you this 1-way radios so you can always hear the guide.

1 relaxing way to travel too, if you can spare the time -- is to travel via rail.  The sleeper trains are a good way to pass the night;  and comfortable likewise -- just get the private (2 persons to a room) accommodations.  It would be unsettling to have to share a room with strangers (4 to a room).   Now, if you purchase train tickets in Paris -- ask for discounts before you pay.  Even if you are a foreigner, you are entitled to certain discounts.  And well, France has a lot of discounts for practically everyone traveling by rail.   

Another thing, try not to go to Europe in July and August.  They all go on vacation en masse.  They will all be competing with tourists for accommodations and trip arrangements. 

If it is your 1st time,  take a tour. At least, for the 1st portion/leg of your trip.   Ask around for good feedback.  Perhaps at your country-exit -- you can spend more time on your own there.

IF you have friends or relatives in certain countries -- that would even be better.  They will be able to bring you around to less known but good restos, etc.

Oh yes, for Paris -- take time to check prior to finalizing reservations if the hotel  you are considering has airconditioning.  Do not assume.  If you hit Paris in June -- they get heatwaves then.

IF you should decide on a DIY tour .. as we have been doing lately ... andar kung kelan type umandar....  Stay when you are enjoying the place .. be sure you bring your laptop along. It will help you in searching for your next hotel, and enable you to compare prices and locations.   Net cafes are not that common in Europe -- and not all hotels  have business centers.  So your best bet is to lug your laptop with you.

[leela1025]

iba pa ba yung plane fares from the tour cost? or is this included?

[mama squeak!]

^You can have the whole package i.e airfares/tours/hotac. Or you can also opt for the land arrangement where the tour operator will just give you the hotac and tour arrangement. Bahala ka na sa air fare mo.

[aquacharly]

If you will opt for a tour package -- get the whole thing.  And then, for the days na "free" -- meaning you are on your own --  get extra tour packages there. 

Like if you get a tour package for Paris -- the hotel, transfers and AM & PM tours will be included.  So, you can take a boat cruise on the Siene as your extra, or day trips to Versailles or Rheims for champagne, and the original Notre Dame.  The other museums like D'Orsay and L'Orangerie will not be included (just the Louvre) -- so you can add that again to your "extra tours".

Be on the lookout too for the famous shows/periodic events in each city. 
Like if in Spain -- you just might hit a city where a bullfight is going on.
In Barcelona, be sure to catch a flamenco show (the authentic show is sooo different from what we see here).

Madami, madaming options -- you will not be able to get at all of them unless you stay for at least 2 weeks in each city.  So be sure to do some research on the net, so you list down your priorities.

[tecky]

Sis Vera, contact tradewings tours,if you want to go on a tour package.
They will take care of everything.
Just email them & they'll send you the Itinerary.

Btw, here are the rates,they sent me via email.

FOR EUROPEAN TOUR:*
AFFORDABLE EUROPE ( MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2009 ) ----------------------------$2,788.00*
 A TASTE OF EUROPE ( APRIL 25 - MAY 08, 2009 ) -----------------------------$3,088.00*
EUROPEAN KALEIDOSCOPE ( MAY 06 - MAY 21, 2009 ) -------------------------$3,488.00*
SCANDINAVIA WITH RUSSIA ( MAY 08 - 21, 2009 ) ----------------$3,888.00*
TASTE OF THE EAST ( MAY 10 - 25, 2009 ) ------------------------$3,388.00


^ sis aquacharly, tnx for the tips!
We plan to take the Scandinavia w/ Russia (hopefully)
we havent been to any of the 5 countries included in the package (denmark,sweden,norway,finland & russia)
If you have any suggestions or tips,I will really appreciate it

[aquacharly]

TECKY -- ikaw mag kwento and give tips after your trip.  I have never been to those countries you mentioned.   

Went to Prague though. It is really beautiful.  Beautiful history you can touch and look at.    

In Europe,  sa sangkaterbang churches doon -- be sure to pack in a pashmina or big scarf to use to cover your tube tops or shorts/short skirts.  Not all churches have those disposable ponchos.  Most of them will insist you are decently dressed to gain entry.

Also, the cobblestones are hell on the ankles.  So avoid flipflops, rubber shoes or any flat shoes with good ankle support or surround will be perfect.  But in Paris in spring -- hay naku .. as they say:  California and European girls go everywhere in flipflops.

Please make kwento when you get back.    

[tecky]

^yes sis AQUACHARLY, Godswill matuloy kami & I'll share our experiences here

[papemelroti]

i prefer to diy because half the fun of travelling is the planning part. my parents like doing tours so i book them with trafalgar. trafalgars okay daw but they wished they could stay in 1 place more.

i might be going to my first european tour with trafalgar din for eastern europe (inspired by sis fabulosity's post in dream destinations) but this depends if my plans to study in beijing pushes through. im kind of torn right now

[Vera]

Sis Vera, contact tradewings tours,if you want to go on a tour package.
They will take care of everything.
Just email them & they'll send you the Itinerary.

Btw, here are the rates,they sent me via email.

FOR EUROPEAN TOUR:*
AFFORDABLE EUROPE ( MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2009 ) ----------------------------$2,788.00*
 A TASTE OF EUROPE ( APRIL 25 - MAY 08, 2009 ) -----------------------------$3,088.00*
EUROPEAN KALEIDOSCOPE ( MAY 06 - MAY 21, 2009 ) -------------------------$3,488.00*
SCANDINAVIA WITH RUSSIA ( MAY 08 - 21, 2009 ) ----------------$3,888.00*
TASTE OF THE EAST ( MAY 10 - 25, 2009 ) ------------------------$3,388.00


^ sis aquacharly, tnx for the tips!
We plan to take the Scandinavia w/ Russia (hopefully)
we havent been to any of the 5 countries included in the package (denmark,sweden,norway,finland & russia)
If you have any suggestions or tips,I will really appreciate it

Wow tecky, thanks! Looks v. affordable. Do these include air fare tickets already? And, from Manila right? Have you tried any of these? Malamig pa yata sa Russia.

[aquacharly]

i prefer to diy because half the fun of travelling is the planning part. my parents like doing tours so i book them with trafalgar. trafalgars okay daw but they wished they could stay in 1 place more.

i might be going to my first european tour with trafalgar din for eastern europe (inspired by sis fabulosity's post in dream destinations) but this depends if my plans to study in beijing pushes through. im kind of torn right now

   Just curious, PAPEMELROTI -- for your 1st Euro tour -- you are targeting Eastern Euro?  You are not interested in the European Union and thereabouts? -- places like Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Rome + London, etc?

[maribeth]

^tama ka sis.

Sis, PAPEMELROTI, why don't you try Western and Central Europe instead? The cities in these part of Europe will surely give you the european experience.

Best time to visit is April, May and June. This is the spring time. Di masyadong mainit, di masyadong malamig (not considering the unpredictable weather conditions now

For the churches, not all churches are that strict with what you are wearing. Except of course in the Vatican. Pero be prepared that to some churches, you need to pay for an entrance fee.

In Scandinavia, well, they are more expensive than any other european country. And most scandinavians speaks english, so no language barrier. For Russian, I can't say anything. Haven't been there yet but from what I have heard, their airport is the same as the phils. Medyo chaotic. Pero maganda daw talaga din doon. Want to go there too but my husband is not very enthousiastic.

[tecky]

Wow tecky, thanks! Looks v. affordable. Do these include air fare tickets already? And, from Manila right? Have you tried any of these? Malamig pa yata sa Russia.

yes Sis Vera, very affordable yung rates nila ano? Airfare tickets,hotel accomodations, breakfast & dinner included.

We tried the affordable Europe last 2007.
We went to France (Paris),
Netherlands (Amsterdam),
Germany (cologne ),
Switzerland (mt. titlis),
Belgium( brussels),
Austria (insbruck),
Italy (Venice & Rome).
Vatican City (St. peters)

8countries for 14 days.Yes,the schedule is very hectic but its worth it.
Travelling on a group tour package is fun

 

^tnx for the inputs on Scandinavia sis Maribeth.
 


 

[vhanya]

hi, whre did you get your visa? =) sa travel agency na or you applied on your own?

[papemelroti]

  Just curious, PAPEMELROTI -- for your 1st Euro tour -- you are targeting Eastern Euro?  You are not interested in the European Union and thereabouts? -- places like Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Rome + London, etc?

hehe ive been to western europe twice now( but i havent been to spain). but DIY ako or
i meet with my friends over there.  but wala akong kakilala sa eastern europe and
my older sis is telling me its not as tourist friendly so better to take a tour.

my problem with tours kasi is i want my own personalized itinerary. and tours are so hectic i end up
getting stressed hahaha

[tecky]

^^we applied on our own

[mama squeak!]

^^I like to DIY my trips too. You're right, half the fun is the planning part. I also I don't like the time constraint imposed by package tours. 

Although I must admit in our case a DIY is cheaper because we get free and/or discounted air tickets. We sometimes, actually most of the time, we also get discounts at hotels too.

 

[Gladz31842]

Buti may thread na nito...what a coincidence, my 2-yr old daughter just said last night: "I want to go to Europe!"

wala lang nai-share lang...

keep the tips coming mga sis!

Thanks TS for opening this thread.