Top Tour Operators
Eastern Trekker
If you’re looking to explore Eastern Europe, there’s no one better. In a game where everyone’s trying to be original, these guys are taking you horse back riding over the Transylvanian plains, on walking tours of Sarajevo and out to enjoy a Croatian sunset. Most of the packages are 6day/7 nights for a reasonable £279-£329. These also include day trips so you’re never stuck in one place. And the best part is these guys are local independent tour operators so you’re feeding into the economy you’re out to explore. (www.easterntrekker.com)
Busabout Adventures
Flexible, independent travel is the name of their game. With pass ranging from 14 days to 6 months, you can cover as much or as little of Europe as you like. Busabout also offers shorter trips; say if you want to go hopping around the Greek Islands for a spell. With luxury air-conditioned coaches, tons of leg room and a seat back entertainment system, you’re travelling in style without the hassles of public transportation. And you’ll get to meet people just like you, those who don’t want to be told what to look at. Prices start at £225 for a 6-stop Flexitrip Pass. (www.busabout.com)
The Shamrocker
Clearly you’ll be wanting to visit Ireland if you’re looking into the Shamrocker. And here you’ll be mesmerized by the Emerald Isle for 3-8 days, and you won’t be breaking the bank with the All Ireland Rocker ringing up at a mere £239. Here you’ll taste for yourself why the Guinness really is better at home. And you’ll hear the craic, legends and myths of a land once ruled by giants and warriors. Bonus, these guys never cancel a tour, if you book it, you’re on your way, there is no minimum group size. (www.shamrockertours.com)
Haggis Adventures
The Scottish cousin to the Shamrocker tours, the Haggis bunch pride themselves on knowing the meaning of independent and budget when it comes to travel. There here to show you the best possible Scottish adventure, while leaving the details completely up to you. Travel for 1-8 days and get out of the cities and into the Highlands. Small groups, knowledgeable local guides, no hidden fees, it’s the way it should be. (www.haggisadventures.com)
Contiki
The ultimate party tour, geared to 18-35 year olds. These guys have an absolute smorgasbord of packages to choose from. At the one end there’s the 3-day resort package in Mykos, Greece for £105. Going to the other extreme you’ll find the Ultimate European, a 46-day trip costing you £1,999 and of course, everything in between. On a bus you’ll get between 25-50 people per trip, but there’s no guarantee what kind of age range mixture you’ll get. The trip manager tends and itinerary laid out for you exactly what cities you’ll see and what excursions you’ll take part in. Free-time is included, but this is a very hand-held kind of tour. (www.contiki.com)
