Cheap European Travel: Part II – Enjoying Your Stay

Going on a group tour of Europe is one of the cheapest ways to see major destinations in a condensed amount of time. Many of these tours are frequented by Spring Breakers and college students, so if you intend on taking a family, choose wisely. For younger crowds, Contiki Tours cannot be beat. However, families should consider Intrepid Travel, winner of the Best Tour Operator Award in the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2006.

Family Friendly

Intrepid Tours hosts much smaller groups, which means you will feel like you are travelling with friends and family by the end. The tours allow for more independent excursions than many tour lines to accommodate the desire of most families to set off on their own. In fact, one of their small group tours is geared toward young families. The best part about travelling Europe is there is as much for adults to do as there is for children. Without the stress of deciding where to go, figuring out how to get there, and wondering which destinations are safe for families, parents can fully relax and leave the stress to the tour guides. Safety is a primary concern for all families. Tour guides have scouted the areas prior to sending you. In large cities in Europe, one wrong turn can put you in the wrong area, and the provision of your tour guides allows this concern to be lifted.

Intrepid Tour Options

Swiss Family Adventure

§         Length: 8 days

§         Route: Geneva to Morgins

§         Attractions: While enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps, visit small villages of chalets and dairy farms, stop at a goat farm and enjoy a challenging Alpine ropes and ladders course. When you head to Montreaux, you can tour the Chateau de Chillon for a history of knights and princesses sure to enchant and young child. Paddle boating through Lake Geneva is family fun among one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine cities. Educational activities include learning how Swiss cheese is made and visiting a local chocolate factory. Finally, there is a day trip to see glaciers.

Swiss Family Adventure

§         Length: 8 days

§         Route: Prague, Czech Republic to Budapest, Hungary

§         Attractions: In this culturally rich area of eastern Europe, you will enjoy architecture like no other place on Earth. A highlight for most guests is a walk  across Praque’s famous Karlsbruck, Charles Bridge, which includes statures of the Saints from nearly 400 years ago. The Prague castle is a magnificent site for the entire family; even children who do not understand the historical significance will be in awe of its beauty and detail. A puppet show with Czech marionettes is a family favorite. You will have the opportunity to go for a bike ride through a rural town of Cesky Krumlov, founded in the 13^th century. River rafting near Vienna offers more breathtaking landscapes and family fun. The Prater Amusement Park in Vienna is more commercial, but a visit to the palace of the Hapsburgs brings the whole family right back to the rich culture of Hungary and Austria.

Tags: All-inclusive, cheap european travel, cheap family travel, european travel tours