Everything you need to know about escorted tour holidays

Escorted tours, also referred to as package, group or guided tour holidays, are group travel experiences arranged by a specialist company, usually with everything included. They are a fantastic way to explore a destination under the leadership of an expert, whether that’s a tour manager, local who knows the place inside-out, or someone with special expertise. Everything is planned from the start, including departure dates, excursions, transport and accommodation, so you don’t need to lift a finger – or get bogged down in the details. It’s a real time-saver.

Everything marked out in the agenda (like specific meals, travel, excursions and entertainment) is included, so many people argue that escorted tours are good value for money – especially as many reputable operators are able to secure group discounts which can bring the costs down. Freedom days, i.e. days one has to oneself, are usually factored into itineraries, so whether you’re travelling solo or with others, you can take some time out to spend as you choose. The sizes of groups will differ depending on the tour.

Types of tours vary, from the escorted kind to the tailor-made and self-guided. As above, escorted tours are packaged-up group holidays, while tailor-made itineraries – like this enchanting Italian Lakes holiday – are private, bespoke trips arranged exclusively for you by a tour operator. They tend to be more expensive. Self-guided tours, on the other hand, consist of a route which is then used to inform an individual’s holiday plans – think road trips across the States. They are usually independent. Depending on the budget, some of the travel and accommodation may be booked by an operator, but sometimes you’ll use the route as guidance for your own bookings.

Tours also vary depending on different interests. For example, foodie tours around Bologna and Modena might involve a cooking lesson and visits to a local Parmesan factory and Balsamic vineyard, while garden tours like Secrets of the English Country Garden with Sarah Raven are popular for their celebrity talks and access to private grounds.Tours that delve into the history of an area can be enchanting experiences. Often you can join acclaimed historians as they take you through sites of interest – such as this one at Sandringham – as well as trips that take you to the heart of a holiday destination, like this six-day tour of Andalucía. Then there are adventure tours, such as rail journeys and mountain hiking. A real range.

Depending on the type of tour, company, size and destination, the possibilities of what to expect are endless. But at the heart of each holiday is the promise of thoughtful excursions, destination-led experiences, and everything being taken care of. A tour manager usually looks after all of the arrangements on the ground, from travel logistics to excursion bookings and the finalising of agendas. Sometimes they travel with you, other times they meet you there, as is the case with this Isles of Scilly holiday. Their job is to make sure everything goes smoothly, as well as being on hand in case anything goes wrong.

You’ll be travelling as part of a group. Some groups may be smaller than you’d expect – like this tour in Italy which only takes eight guests – and you’ll be offered the same experiences and places to stay. It’s fun to remember you’re all there because of a common interest.

The first thing to consider is whether you’ll be ok in a group. If you thrive in the company of others, and you enjoy sharing unique experiences, the answer sounds like a resounding yes. Being part of a group, especially if you’re a solo traveller, can enrich your experience – especially with smaller tours (feel free to ask about group size at the time of enquiry).

The other thing to think about with group tour holidays is whether you’re happy to follow an itinerary. Most tours have a degree of flexibility, and will always have some downtime built in, but ultimately the idea is to get a snapshot of a destination, enjoying VIP activities along the way and squeezing in more than you would if you planned your own holiday.

It’s perfect for those who don’t want the faff of arranging the minutiae of a holiday, preferring the luxury of everything being taken care of the minute they reach their destination – with the added benefit of unique cultural experiences that would be hard to pull off on your own planned trip, plus local insight and expertise on the ground.

Your first ever escorted tour may be a little daunting, but it’s easier to throw yourself into the game if you know you don’t have to be responsible for any of the arrangements – other than turning up and having a good time. Approach the holiday with an open mind and a willingness to engage. Plus a good book, in case you need to escape for some downtime.

Be clear on what exactly is included. Our tours highlight what travel, meals and excursions are included each day, so you know when to book that fancy restaurant your friend told you about in Marrakech, or that free walking tour you read about in Madrid.

Whether you’re looking to get your history fix with a luxury river cruise and five-star stay in Cambodia and Vietnam, or traverse the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express, take a look at our amazing tours.

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