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WELCOME TO SMALL GROUP BACK-ROADS TOURING

Take Me Straight To The Tours

Elsie from England is pleased to offer a wonderful series of SMALL GROUP TOURS that travel through the less-traveled back roads of Britain and Europe, which enables the traveler to really get to know the countries visited. 

Here is what we really like about these tours and what we think YOU will like as well:

SMALL GROUPS: We  take no more than 11 passengers per tour.

INTERESTING ITINERARIES:  You’ll go behind the tourist façade, meeting locals and avoiding the tourist traps. In order to do this, our tours will involve some walking, and are reasonably active.

FLEXIBILITY: Small groups mean we can change our daily schedule, taking advantage of weather conditions, local events and your particular interests. Each evening the group discusses the following day’s alternatives and there is scope for choice.

WELL BALANCED SIGHTSEEING: Days of variety with something for all. Seeing both the famous sights (when the crowds have left) and the not so familiar. Entrance fees, when with your guide, all included in the tour price.

LEISURELY PACED: No six a.m. morning calls, no rush to be at predetermined places, no fifteen minute stops at places of interest and definitely no “commission” shopping stops. Please note that there will be occasional and unavoidable longer drives on the longer tours when driving between major accommodation bases. Inevitably, when traveling in company, everyone will have different ideas of what is the ideal length of time to spend at specific sites. “What is life but full of care if we have no time to stand and stare”.

ORGANIZED INDEPENDENCE: You’ll not be herded and there will be time to explore on your own in major towns (with our help, of course). On most tours there are opportunities for individuals to make alternative arrangements such as half day walks or make visits to family and friends.

COMFORTABLE MINI-COACH TRANSPORTATION: Our specially designed Renaults can travel anywhere a car can, reaching places that larger coaches find impossible. Luggage is generally stored under-floor and you sit high above the cars and hedgerows, enjoying good all-round views. We’ll occasionally use six-seater multi-purpose vehicles where the number of tour participants is five or below.

THE SAME ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A NUMBER OF NIGHTS: No constant packing and unpacking. Whenever possible we stay in a single accommodation and use this as a base for our daily explorations. Your first and last night’s accommodation is included at the city where your tour arrives/departs (except on 4-day tours).

INTIMATE AND INTERESTING ACCOMMODATIONS: Inns, farmhouses, castles and quaint B&B’s, each with its own particular charms. Accommodations are chosen for their location, architectural and historical interest, the welcome and skills of their hosts and their intimate size. All accommodations are of a high standard (the majority are three-star or similar rating) and all rooms are with private facilities unless age or architecture does not permit such. Where there is sharing of facilities, it is never with more than one other room. Rooms are normally twin share. Limited single accommodations are available. Groups are sometimes split between adjoining or adjacent properties in smaller villages.

ENTERTAINING EVENINGS: Optional theatres, visits to country pubs, lectures, and fun!

EDUCATED AND ENTERTAINING TOUR DIRECTORS: Our companion/guides, both male and female, boast a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Authors, college professors, adventurers, photographers, ex-service officers, and even a member of the Royal Household! They are philosophers, diplomats, historians and entertainers, but above all, they are dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment. 

WONDERFUL FOOD: The very best of local cuisine, sampling regional favourites whenever possible. We dine at restaurants, pubs and at our accommodations. We even find a spot for the occasional picnic! Traditional English, Irish and continental breakfasts (as appropriate), and three-course evening meals are included in your tour price except where listed on individual itineraries.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: You’ll see that we have scores of departure dates so there is sure to be one that suits your time frame. Unlike most other tour operators, once we’ve accepted your booking, and you’ve paid your deposit, we promise that we will not cancel your tour. If you’ve invested your dreams with us, we’ll try to make them a reality. On the rare occasion when there might only be one or two persons booked on a tour, we’ll advise you on this and give you the opportunity of canceling the land tour without cost or transferring to another tour where there may be more participants. 

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: Many tour companies advertise a low initial price to attract you. Once you’re on the tour, you find your purse or wallet is constantly open as you pay for additional options and extras. Our tours are designed to be as inclusive as possible.

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