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The European Experience

Full sightseeing program

French corner shop as seen on European tours How much to include? Why pay for what you don't want to see? How to provide for those who want to see everything and also for those who want to have a leisurely time?

Our experience over 30 years of tour guiding is that everyone's taste is different. Those sights and experiences which are quintessential to the European adventure and which have proven universally popular with tour groups over the years are included and pre-paid on the Great Trains of Europe Tours. There is an orientation/sightseeing tour included on arrival in each new city. On some tours, clearly explained and costed optional excursions are offered. We'll need to know your choices before departure.

Don’t forget we can also tailor Individual Tour Itineraries especially for you!

Meals:

Nothing on a group tour causes more angst than the question of meals: for some, meals are merely pitstops for re-fuelling before dashing out again to do some more exploring; for others dinner is not only the evening's entertainment, but the highlight of the day, as they linger over several courses, matching each with an appropriate local wine.

We know that we cannot please everyone so, on the Great Trains of Europe Tour we include in the tour cost the first evening meal in each new city or village, at an authentic local restaurant (sometimes in our hotel) providing the cuisine of the region we are visiting. In the final city of any tour, the included dinner is not on the night of arrival, but on the last night, and is our Farewell Dinner. On the other nights your Tour Leader either recommends restaurants at different price levels or accompanies the group to dinner. The view at Assisi a popular European tour destinationAs indicated above, full buffet breakfasts are included on all tours.

When sightseeing programs extend across lunchtime, there is plenty of time allowed for lunch. If a train journey runs across lunchtime there is restaurant car or a buffet service on the train.

Who Travels On The Great Trains Of Europe Tours?

While all are welcome, the tour member profile is usually in the 50+ age bracket, but with a sprinkling of younger singles and couples.

There is some walking involved, but basic mobility and fitness are sufficient. There are many tour members on their first trip to Europe, but some are up to their fifteenth or twentieth overseas trip. What do they have in common? They have an interest in history and art but don’t want in-depth lectures from professors; they love food and wine but don't take too kindly to ‘pompous git’ experts; they enjoy new experiences and have a sense of humour.

Some folks are now onto their eighth Great Trains Tour with us. Thank you for your loyalty and votes of confidence. Repeat tour members find it useful to have the convenience of luggage handling, group transit between cities, like-minded travelling companions and discount group rates in hotels, but may prefer to be left to pursue their own interests in each new city, rather than join the organised group visits. This is perfectly acceptable. Freedom to do your own thing, or a full sightseeing and activity program: on the Great Trains of Europe Tours, the choice is yours.

About European tours by train

Great Trains of Europe Tours:
ABN: 75 325 010 987
Registered Travel Agent Licence #3217475
IATA/TIDS #96 83611 0
Travel Compensation Fund Member #9497
A member of the Concorde Independent Agents Network
Gay Friendly tours.