First, our guide Richard was excellent. Although from Cambridge, England, he knew his French history and told many delightful stories. He offered travel suggestions for Paris newcomers as well as presenting a brief history of the Tower. Although it is impossible to predict the size of the crowds, the day we visited the Tower was not really that busy. The price of the Skip the Line wasn't necessary that day. We had been to the Tower during previous trips, and I would say this tour would be best for first time visitors.

We loved the cruise. On the negative side, we were not exactly sure where the cruise departed but were at the river promenade early enough to locate it. Our voucher had to be exchanged for tickets at the ticket office prior to boarding. Also it was difficult to hear the narration during the cruise. We had our own map of Cologne with us which was helpful. On the plus side, the river is lovely, and the cruise gave us a better idea of distances between landmarks. For the cost, the cruise is well-worth the time.

Absolutely fantastic! A long trip but worth every minute! Our RailTour guide, Norman, was extremely helpful. The coastal drive is absolutely gorgeous. The Carrick rope bridge proved to be easier to navigate than we expected. We walked to the Giant Causeway from the visitors' center, and again this is not difficult. We had a lunch stop at the Bushmill Distillery which was a buffet. Since it was October, it was not crowded, and we were served immediately. Upon returning to Belfast, we dropped off several people at their hotels, and the bus tour guide gave a running commentary on the places we were seeing. We had a late arrival in Dublin, but Norman helped us hail a taxi. We highly recommend this tour.

Our tour guide Colin made the day! He was funny, informative, and truly a performer with his Irish stories and songs. We traveled in a van which made the tour more personal. After viewing the Rock of Cashel, we returned to our van to find out that it would not start! Colin called his supervisor, and we walked into the village to have coffee. Although unplanned, it was a great break. On our way again, we passed through lovely Irish countryside to Cork. After kissing the Blarney Stone, we headed to the Blarney Woolen Mills and then into the city of Cork. Cork's main area is easy to navigate. Because of the van breakdown, we arrived back in Dublin later than expected, but we thoroughly enjoyed the day trip, Our fellow travelers were interesting people, Colin was great, and kissing the Blarney Stone should be on everybody's bucket list.

This is a nice way to visit the highlights of Dublin. For example, if you don't plan to visit Phoenix Park, you can ride around the park as the commentary points out the highlights. Dublin is a walkable city, but having the bus available when you want it is a good backup. Be aware, however, that there is more than one Hop-On, Hop-Off bus line. With this pass, you cannot ride any green bus. We were not aware that there is more than one operator provding this service. The pick up points are easily found, and the bus always seemed to be be quite prompt.

This was a fantastic trip in parts. First, our train to Galway was late so everything ran behind schedule. The plane to the Aran Islands was absolutely beautiful. You are transported by van to the small airport. Here you view a safety video and are weighed. The purpose of this is so they know where to seat passengers in the plane. The whole ride took about 15 minutes. The Aran Islands are indescribably beautiful-that part of the trip is a five star. You have ample time for a snack and to look at/purchase jewelry, woolen items, etc. that are made on the islands. Because of our late train, we ran behind schedule and had NO time at all in Galway-that was the minus part. However, the trains cannot be controlled, but it is something to keep in mind.

We had our hotel conciergie call a day ahead to find out our departure time. The driver arrived exactly on schedule, and we arrived at the airport exactly at the time we would have chosen.

The bakery was just a few blocks from our hotel.It was very small, and the baker himself spoke no English so another man translated his information as well as for the questions from the group. The presentation was well worth the time and cost. We learned how bread is baked and ended up with a delicious baquette and croissant. It's a fun and fairly short behind-the-scenes to enjoy in Paris..

The Seine River cruise was the same as all the cruises but very crowded with several large tour groups. Switching Montparnasse with the Eiffel Tower is not a good idea. This tour should simply be cancelled until elevator service is available at the Eiffel Tower (although it appeared that many people were using the elevators). I heard one disgruntled woman call the substitution "rubbish." Driving in the bus to the Montparnasse Tower and then back to the Eiffel Tower to start the Illuminations Tour wasted a great deal of time. The Illuminations Tour was very beautiful. That part is worth the time.

The transfer went smoothly. We were picked up shortly after arrival at CDG. I have been to Paris ten times, and our shuttle driver was probably the best I have encountered as far as driving in the busy morning traffic..

We were picked up promptly at our hotel. However, the next couple to be picked up apparently was confused about the time, and we ended up being among the last seated at Moulin Rouge. Our seats were probably the worst in the house. The champagne was a fairly good quality, and the show is the same as when we saw it about six years ago--very much the same as a Las Vegas show. When we entered, a woman asked if we had cameras in our purses. I said yes so it was confiscated until the end of the show, which I did not like (expensive camera); I certainly wasn't planning on taking photos, but when I am in Paris I take my camera with me. The dress code has becaome quite lax. We saw people with tennis shoes, t-shirts, etc. and some with nice casual clothes (which is what I would recommend). We were quite disappointed with our late arrival.

This is a wonderful half-day trip to get away from the bustle of the city. The bus and guide were top quality. The gardens are absolutely stunning. Anyone who goes here should also visit the Orangerie Museum at the Tuileries