Anybody ever been on a trip with Go Ahead Tours?

[raccoon]

I was just checking out their website, and their prices look good.

[CTyankee]

1. I took their Northern Italy trip. It was pretty good.

They have good prices and have some very interesting types of tours at differing levels of activity. The guide took care of me when my wallet was stolen and I was grateful, but he never shut up about how hard he worked to help me. He did do a lot and I thanked him profusely and tipped him well, but hey, that's his job, and I did have trip insurance. He just refused to admit to the possibility that I "lost" my wallet because it happened in Turin, where he happens to live. He said "This never happens in Turin." But of course it did.

If you are a seasoned traveler, stay away from the trips that go to the most popular spots. You'll be with less sophisticated people than yourself. For instance, I wouldn't consider their "Journey Through Spain" trip because it just seems to hit the popular cities. Not a bad thing but I wanted something more interesting.

If you want a good tour at good rates check out Smithsonian Travel Adventures. That is their value priced tour program. It's limited but I found "Crossing the Pyrenees," a trip to Barcelona and the Basque country, which is $2190 w/o air fare. I've gone on their Art Treasures of Italy tour and it was fine.

[raccoon]

2. Thanks for the heads up. I'll look into Smithsonian Travel Adventures. nt