We recently returned from a tour through parts of Switzerland, Austria and Germany and while I really enjoyed the tour I do have some observations.
1) the tour brochure seems to have counted the evening we flew to Europe and the day when we landed as a tour night and a tour day. The actual tour of going places and seeing things did not start until the day after we got there.
2) the tour mentions a number of meals included. The hotels provide free breakfast but they are included in the number of meals provided.
3) the tour has some optional tours (extra cost). If you decided not to take the optional tours then it's free time and you will need to find things to do on your own.
4) the tour did not include tips. You are expected to tip the tour manager, bus driver and any local tour guides. I believe some tour companies include tips in the tour package price.
5) the air fare available from Collette was more expensive than what I could purchase directly from American (and better flights).
The net it you need to carefully read the tour brochure when comparing one tour to another (different tour companies).
Other things to keep in mind.
1) pack 5 days extra medicine. If you get COVID-19 they quarantine you in hotel room for 5 days then fly home. It happened to one person on the tour.
2) In many places they charge for the bathrooms. Have a supply of 1 EU coins (or other local currency coins). Some are taking credit cards now. But not all.
A favorite picture, 7000 feet up on Mt Pilatus in Switzerland.
1) the tour brochure seems to have counted the evening we flew to Europe and the day when we landed as a tour night and a tour day. The actual tour of going places and seeing things did not start until the day after we got there.
2) the tour mentions a number of meals included. The hotels provide free breakfast but they are included in the number of meals provided.
3) the tour has some optional tours (extra cost). If you decided not to take the optional tours then it's free time and you will need to find things to do on your own.
4) the tour did not include tips. You are expected to tip the tour manager, bus driver and any local tour guides. I believe some tour companies include tips in the tour package price.
5) the air fare available from Collette was more expensive than what I could purchase directly from American (and better flights).
The net it you need to carefully read the tour brochure when comparing one tour to another (different tour companies).
Other things to keep in mind.
1) pack 5 days extra medicine. If you get COVID-19 they quarantine you in hotel room for 5 days then fly home. It happened to one person on the tour.
2) In many places they charge for the bathrooms. Have a supply of 1 EU coins (or other local currency coins). Some are taking credit cards now. But not all.
A favorite picture, 7000 feet up on Mt Pilatus in Switzerland.
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