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FLEXIBILITY Small groups mean we can change our daily schedule, taking advantage of weather conditions, local events and your particular interest. Each evening the group discusses the following days alternatives and there is scope for choice.
WELL-BALANCED SIGHTSEEING Days of variety with something for all. Seeing both the famous sights (when the crowds have left) and the not so familiar. Entrance fees, when with your guide, are included in the tour price. Please note, the detailed itineraries printed in these web pages should be read as guidelines to allow for flexibility.
LEISURELY PACED No 6AM morning calls, no rush to be at predetermined places, no fifteen-minute stops at places of interest, and definitely no 'commission' shopping stops. Please note, there are occasional and unavoidable longer drives on the longer tours when we're driving between major accommodation bases. Inevitably, when traveling in company, everyone will have different ideas of what is the ideal length of time to spend at specific sites.
'What is life but full of care if we have no time to stand and stare'.
ORGANISED INDEPENDENCE You'll not be 'herded' and there'll be time to explore on your own in major towns (with your guide's help, of course). On most tours there are opportunities for individuals to take alternative arrangements such as half day walks or make visits to family or friends.
COMFORTABLE MINI-COACH TRANSPORT Specially designed mini-coach vehicles can travel anywhere a car can, reaching places the larger coach finds impossible. Luggage is generally stored under-floor and you sit high above the cars and hedgerows, enjoying good all round views.
We'll occasionally use six-seater multiple-purpose vehicles (like an SUV) when the number of tour participants is five or below; the majority of the vehicle fleet used is 16 seat Sprinters. See more on the Mini-Coaches page.
THE SAME ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A NUMBER OF NIGHTS No constant packing and unpacking. Wherever possible we stay in a single accommodation for several nights and use this as a base for our daily explorations.
INTIMATE AND INTERESTING ACCOMMODATIONS Inns, farmhouses, castles and quaint B&Bs, each with its own particular charm. Our accommodations are chosen for their location, their architectural interest, the welcome and skills of their hosts and their intimate size. Meeting the locals is an important part of your touring experience!
All accommodations are of a high standard (the majority a three star, crown or similar rating) and all rooms are with private facilities. Rooms are normally doubles (1 double bed) or twin share (2 single beds in one room.) Limited single accommodation is available for sole occupancy. Groups may sometimes split between adjoining or adjacent properties in smaller villages but this doesn't happen very often. Visit our Accommodations page for a few photos and further details.
ENTERTAINING EVENINGS Optional theatres, visits to country pubs, chats and fun!
EDUCATED AND ENTERTAINING TOUR DIRECTORS Our guide/companions, both male and female, boast a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Authors, college professors, adventurers, photographers, ex-service officers, sailors and even one that was a member of the Royal Household! They are philosophers, diplomats, historians and entertainers but, above all else, they are dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
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