Become more than a tourist for less money than you think

    The big difference in my trips  is that you get full time, personal assistance from A Friend In Europe (that's me). I personally return your calls and emails before the trip, and I'll be there when you get off the plane, and I will be showing you around the city for the duration of your trip. That's what friends do, and that's what I do. I don't know of any other tour company that achieves this level of continuity, accountability and integrity.

Transportation

Air

    The included air  is round trip from New York or Newark on a major carrier (not a charter), tax not included (it never is in the states, but usually it is included in Europe). Other cities are available as an add on. Personally, I like the flexibility to go to New York and stay a few days before or after the trip, and I urge you to consider it. Give me a call  and I would be happy to offer you some suggestions on how to facilitate a very rewarding stop over in the Big Apple.

Ground transportation

    After you land in whatever city we start our tour in and make your way through customs, I will be there with a sign with your name on it to greet you. You are important! We will then take a taxi, train, bus or whatever makes sense to your hotel, all included in the price. Remember, I am riding with you, so no worries!

Local transportation

    All of the great cities of Europe have extensive public transportation that's used by the masses everyday, and we are going to use it too. I supply a packet of 10 tickets or a pass for this, and hands on training on how to use the system. You will be zipping around town like a local in no time, looking so natural that people might ask you for directions!

Hotel

    I will have already alerted your hotel about your arrival before I meet you so there won't be any last minute hiccups. Your room will be either two twins or a double bed, whichever you prefer (some places even have triples). It will have its own bathroom and shower and /or tub with towels and soap, cable tv (with some english stations), phone, etc. My tours are all about getting comfortable, so move in, unpack and put your stuff away - it will feel great not to have to worry about packing and "where to next"? The hotel will provide breakfast of some sort, and depending on the facility, it will vary from coffee, tea and pastries left at the end of the hall to a buffet in the breakfast room.

    European Hotels 101 - They are different than their American counterparts. In the states, the lower in price you go, the smaller and more austere the room is. In Europe, the lower you go, the rooms are more they are like your crazy aunts spare bedroom. By that, I mean the sheets, bedspread, wallpaper and towels will probably NOT match and the bed won't be a brand new Posturepedic and the furniture isn't Pottery Barn. And its going to be smaller, but with more character, than the rooms back at the Amarillo Holiday Inn. They might have steam heat and they probably don't have room service (just go out and buy something and bring it back). I will say that these rooms have been inspected and are therefore recommended by the largest tour operators in the world and meet a cleanliness and service standard that is set by them and agreed upon by me. They are different than what we are used to in the states, but that's not a bad thing. They always represent a good value, and are safe and clean, and some might feel like you've seen them in a foreign film!

    As you go up towards the higher end, European hotels can provide sublime sleeping. I've stayed at some of the most famous places on the planet like the Westin Excelsior in Rome, The Palace in Madrid, and The Imperial in Vienna, and they were great. I love those super tightly woven sheets you get in fancy places. But I only stay in an upscale environment when I get a real special deal. And even when I do use those places, I don't use the separate tub, 24 hour room service, overnight dry cleaning, 3 phones, etc. and it feels a little wasteful. I do use the stationery and take the postcards, though...

Dining

    Food, and where to eat it, can chew up a lot of your vacation time and money if you let it. Oh, sure, the Europeans have their take out and fast food just like the states, but at just about any sit-down place, they order more courses and linger longer than speedy Americans. However, sometimes it is nice to follow their lead and slow down in order to savor the experience, and experiencing new things is why you went on vacation to begin with.

    On that subject, who hasn't dreamt about sitting down in a romantic Paris cafe and ordering "French" onion soup, salad Nicoise and, what the heck, a crème caramel for dessert, while washing it down with a glass of well chosen local red or white wine? Or how perfectly British is fish and chips with a pint of ale in a 200 year old London pub before heading out to the theatre? Well, we are going to make that happen.

     After the jet lag wears off and you get used to local time, usually about noon on the second day, We meet for a special lunch consisting of "typical" dishes of the area, included in the price. During that time we will sample, discuss and de-mystify some of the many ways to keep fed in the big city. Foreign food will become fun fast.

Sightseeing

    This is a big deal  and my favorite part. The sights we will be seeing represent Europe's contribution to western civilization, a daunting statement indeed. The web pages outlining the London and Paris itineraries will give you the list of what I consider must see, "core" sights that all of my tours incorporate, and their will be plenty of time for you to make discoveries on your own. All core sights admissions are included!